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How to lay synthetic turf

A person unrolling synthetic turf in a garden courtyard

Overview

Laying synthetic turf is an easy project that can make your garden look great. We'll show you how to roll it out, then cut, secure and join the synthetic turf together. There's also a good tip to help protect your synthetic turf and make it look more realistic.

Steps

1Measure up your space

Measure the size of the area to make sure you buy the right amount of synthetic turf. It's also important that the ground that you want to lay the turf on is smooth and flat. Laying turf is a two person job, so ask someone to help you with this project. 

An outdoor area covered in levelled fine gravel

2Roll out and trim the turf

Starting at the edge of the area, roll out the turf until you reach the end. Use the utility knife to cut the turf slightly longer than it needs to be, you can trim it to size later. Make sure the turf is smooth and hard-up against the edges of the garden. Then cut it to size with your utility knife.
A person unrolling synthetic turf in a garden courtyard

3Peg the turf down

Starting at the edge of the turf, hammer the pegs into the ground and make sure that turf isn't caught under the pegs. Space the pegs evenly along the edge, between 200-300mm apart. When hammering in the pegs at the ends of the turf don't go beyond halfway. You need to be able to fold the turf back to do your join.
A person pegging turf down using a hammer

4Roll out the second length

After pegging in the first length of turf, roll out the second. Use the utility knife to cut the turf longer than it needs to be, you will trim it to size later. 

Two people unrolling a length of synthetic turf in a garden courtyard

5Cut around an obstruction

To cut around an obstruction, such as a tree, measure the overlap and mark that distance out on the turf. Cut the turf that distance then pull it around the tree and butt the two sides together. Then cut around the tree border. If you don't have a border to use as a cutting guideline, use a straight edge and the knife.

Synthetic turf laid next to a tree with a brick border

6Join the synthetic turf together with adhesive strip

Roll out the adhesive joining tape on top of the turf and cut it to size. Fold back the edges of both pieces of turf where they need to be joined. Peel the backing paper off the adhesive tape. Put half of the tape under the edge of the first length of turf you laid. Move down the length of the turf and press it down so it sticks to the adhesive tape. Move the second length of turf next to the first and move down the turf, sticking it down. Make sure the blades of grass are running in the same direction. Cut the turf to size at the ends. Use the hammer and pegs to secure the turf around the edges. 

A person inserting adhesive tape under synthetic turf

7Protect the turf and make it look more realistic

Continue laying, cutting, joining and pegging the turf until you have the area covered. Pour white sand onto the turf and use a broom or the back of a rake to evenly spread it. This will help protect the turf from UV rays. You need 10-15 kilograms of sand for every square metre. After you have a base of white sand on the turf, evenly throw the green sand on top. This will make the turf look more realistic.
A person pouring white sand onto synthetic turf
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.