By Gavin Hall
Updated: 5th February 2026
First Published: 4th October 2013
Installing artificial grass correctly is essential if you want a lawn that looks natural, drains properly and lasts for many years.
At Perfect Grass Ltd, we specialise in professional artificial lawn installation across Sidcup, Orpington, Kent and South East London. With over 20 years’ hands-on experience, owner and head installer Gavin Hall has developed a proven installation method that combines proper drainage assessment, a Type 1 MOT sub-base, a granite dust laying course, and modern infill-free reyclable artificial grass products that are better for the environment and easier to recycle.
This page explains a typical artificial grass lawn installation where an existing natural grass lawn is being replaced. It provides a clear overview of each stage, with links to more detailed guides where appropriate.
A Typical Artificial Grass Lawn Installation (Replacing Natural Turf)
Most domestic artificial lawn installations involve removing an existing real grass lawn and constructing a new base from the ground up.
However, the installation process can differ depending on the surface the artificial grass is being laid onto. If your lawn is being installed over
The preparation stages differ slightly.
🔗 View our full artificial grass installation guides:
This guide focuses on the most common scenario: installing artificial grass on soil after removing a natural lawn.
Our Proven Artificial Grass Installation Process
Every artificial lawn installation follows the same core principles, but the exact depths, materials and drainage solutions are tailored to suit your garden, soil conditions and how the lawn will be used.
Step 1
Step 1: Drainage Assessment & Lawn Removal
Before any excavation begins, we carry out a full assessment of the existing lawn and drainage.
Drainage is one of the most important factors in installing artificial grass properly. At this stage we assess:
- Soil type (clay, chalk, sandy or mixed)
- Existing water run-off
- Areas prone to pooling or standing water
- Natural falls and garden levels
If additional drainage is required, this is addressed before the groundworks are installed. This may include:
- Installing land drains
- Creating soakaways
- Adjusting levels and falls to direct water away from buildings
Once drainage has been properly planned, the existing natural lawn is removed. The area is excavated to the correct depth to allow for the sub-base, laying course and finished artificial grass height.
🔗 Read more: How to install the groundworks for an artificial grass lawn
Steps 2
Step 2: Weed Suppression & Base Protection
After excavation, a high-quality weed membrane (Mypex) is installed across the entire area.
We always install the weed membrane at this stage of the process, as it prevents weeds from growing up through the base while still allowing water to drain freely. The membrane is cut accurately, overlapped correctly and securely pinned to prevent movement during installation.
The only exception is when we are installing artificial grass on a slope.
On sloped areas, the weed membrane is fitted after the aggregates are installed, as placing it earlier can allow the Type 1 MOT or granite dust to slide during compaction. Installing the membrane later ensures the base remains stable while still providing effective weed suppression beneath the finished artificial lawn.
This attention to detail helps ensure your artificial lawn remains stable, well-drained and low-maintenance, even on challenging ground conditions.
Step 3
Step 3: Edging, Retainers & Perimeter Fixings
Strong, well-installed edging is what gives an artificial lawn its crisp, professional finish.
Depending on the garden layout, we install:
- Timber edging
- Concrete fillets
- Existing hard edges such as patios, paths or sleepers
These retainers are set just below the finished grass height and act as secure fixing points for the artificial grass once laid. Proper edging prevents edge lift and ensures the lawn stays tight and neat over time.
Step 4
Step 4: Installing the Sub-Base (Type 1 MOT & Granite Dust Method)
A properly constructed sub-base is the foundation of every successful artificial lawn installation.
At Perfect Grass Ltd, we use a two-layer sub-base system for maximum strength, drainage and durability.
Layer 1: Type 1 MOT Sub-Base
The first layer consists of Type 1 MOT hardcore, installed directly onto the prepared ground.
This layer:
Provides structural strength
Prevents movement and sinking
Is essential for heavy-use areas and poor soil conditions
The Type 1 MOT is laid in layers and mechanically compacted to create a firm, load-bearing foundation.
Typical depths:
Domestic gardens: 50–75mm
High-traffic or problem areas: up to 100mm
Layer 2: Granite Dust Laying Course
Once the Type 1 MOT is fully compacted, a granite dust layer is installed on top.
This finer material allows us to:
Achieve a smooth, perfectly level surface
Fine-tune falls and drainage
Create the ideal laying course for artificial grass
The granite dust is compacted and hand-finished to millimetre precision, ensuring the artificial grass sits flat and natural once fitted.
This Type 1 MOT and granite dust method is a key part of our professional artificial lawn installation process and is one of the reasons our lawns remain stable and visually perfect for years.
🔗 Read more: How to install the groundworks for an artificial grass lawn
Step 5
Step 5: Laying & Fitting the Artificial Grass
Once the base is complete, the artificial grass is carefully rolled out and positioned.
This stage includes:
- Cutting the grass to shape
- Aligning the pile direction correctly
- Joining seams using professional joining tape and adhesive
- Securing the grass to the perimeter fixings
Careful fitting ensures joins are virtually invisible and the finished lawn looks natural from every angle.
🔗 Read more: How to fit your artificial grass lawn
Step 6
Step 6: Final Brushing & Infill-Free Finish
With our latest artificial grass products, no sand or rubber infill is required due to the strong recovery of the fibres when trodden on.
Once the grass is fully fitted, the final stage is power brushing the fibres to lift the pile and create an even, natural appearance across the lawn.
Installing artificial grass without infill offers several important benefits:
- Better for the environment
- Easier to recycle at end of life
- Cleaner gardens with no loose sand
- Lower maintenance with no infill top-ups
This infill-free system works in conjunction with our Type 1 MOT and granite dust base, providing stability and drainage without relying on additional materials.
🔗 Learn more:
Artificial grass & the environment