Artificial grass over pavers

longwalks1

We’ve got an old patio area, approx 8m long by 6m wide. Currently laid old concrete type pavers that have been down at least 20 years.  Is there any way we can lay artificial grass over the top of it?

I know normally you’d lift pavers, break it up, level it and then sand before laying the grass, is there any way to avoid the need to lifting the pavers?

I was told you could potentially drill through the pavers to allow for drainage and lay a thick underlay type material first, then the artificial grass on top of that

Your thoughts? 

ic

My parents have laid artificial grass over a paved area.  They made no special preparation, other than giving the area a good brush down first.  It's been down for couple of years, and has worked well.

tacpot12

Artificial turf is pretty tolerant. If you drill enough holes in the pavers, rain water will drain through ok. If you don't drill enough holes, you might find water ponding under the turf, but I think you would be able to fix this by just drilling more holes. You will be able to drill through both the turf and pavers with a masonry drill bit.

If you don't fit any underlay, the surface will be very hard - it won't feel like turf, and the pattern of the pavers will eventually show through to the turf. I've not heard of any underlay available for this purpose, but I would imagine that any thick/spongy geofabric would work. 

I think you would also be able to lift and re-lay the turf if you get any unexpected problems. 

It you aren't too fused about the edge detail, I think you could fix the turf to the pavers using these Easydrive Pan Concrete Screws 6 x 40mm 100 Pack | Masonry Screws | Screwfix.com    You might need more of these than you would need stakes if you were able to fit stakes. 

fizzgog

I'd put sand under it ... will reduce it flattening and be good drainage.

George_Michael

fizzgog said:

I'd put sand under it ... will reduce it flattening and be good drainage.

If you mean putting sand between the artificial grass and the pavers?
That will only be a good idea if the OP follows the advice already given and ensures that there are drain holes in the pavers.
If not, the sand will simply get waterlogged and hold on to any water and could lead to ripples or dips showing through the grass.

Jeepers_Creepers

bb, do you plan to sit on it, or is it just for looks?

If the latter, then I personally cannot see any issue with you laying it straight on to the pavers - it should drain just as well as the pavers themselves currently do - however good that is :-)  

longwalks1

Hi all, thanks for your replies.  this was the kind of stuff I was thinking for under the grass:

https://www.flooringdirect.co.uk/accessories-c8/artificial-grass-accessories-c51/shockpad-pro-x-artificial-grass-underlay-p862/s3443?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=evergrass-shockpad-pro-x-underlay-shockpad-pro-x-1-roll&utm_campaign=product+listing+ads&cid=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAiAjp6BBhAIEiwAkO9WujbsJ5Y0P2AxV-kvB-3nNDumX68uBj--LMJRl5umvBu3LJJjv76x9xoC1s0QAvD_BwE

It will be mainly for looking nice year round, and obviously waling over to get to the lower patio/seating area.  no kids to play on it, and wont need to lay sunloungers on it or anything, purely for aesthetics.

I was told if i drill drainage holes through the pavers, fill them with shingle to stop the grass sinking into the hole (unsure of the diameter hole needed, i was thinking 10mm? something like that)

beduth

Just drill some drain holes and roll the artificial turf over it. 8 or  10 mm holes will be fine. Have you seen the thickness of the rubber backing on artificial grass? It won’t sink into the holes. We have done it in two different houses, best thing we ever did. 

jondseymour

I think that you can but it depends on the type that you buy. There is a section on this page: https://www.thegrassfactory.co.uk/how-to-install That talks about glueing it to hard surfaces...