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How to install artificial grass over paved area?

I have pavers in the backyard of my house, as shown in the attached picture. I am planning to install artificial grass in this area and would like your advice on the best method to proceed for a long term perspective.

Could you please recommend whether I should:

Remove the pavers and prepare a soft ground base (soil and compacted crushed rock/sand), or
Install artificial grass directly on the hard surface (over the pavers with an underlay for drainage and cushioning)?

Reason

1 Have some relaxation area to sit down in evening and night

2 Play area for kids age 4-10 yrs

Note

Only installing the back side of the house . (Approx area to isnatll is approx 12 m x 2.3 m)

Not installing on the right side where gas water heater is installed (Planning to install patio that side in future)

Additionally, I would appreciate a step-by-step guide on the best installation approach based on your recommendation.

Looking forward to your guidance.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @shaqqi

For a long-term and comfortable artificial grass installation, especially since you want a relaxation area and a safe play space for kids, it’s best to remove the pavers and prepare a proper base with compacted crushed rock and sand. This ensures better drainage, a softer surface, and long-term durability compared to laying the turf directly over the pavers. Removing the pavers allows water to drain more effectively, prevents puddles or mould, and provides a more comfortable surface for sitting and playing. It also ensures the artificial grass remains even and stable without the risk of pavers shifting over time.

To install the artificial grass properly, start by removing the pavers and clearing the area of debris, then excavate about 75–100mm to make space for the base. Spread around 50–75mm of crushed rock (road base), compact it firmly using a plate compactor, and then add a 20–30mm layer of fine sand or crusher dust, screeding it evenly before compacting again. Laying a geotextile weed barrier will help prevent weeds from growing through the artificial turf.

Once the base is prepared, roll out the artificial grass, ensuring the fibres face the preferred direction, then trim it to fit. Secure the edges with U-pins and use adhesive with joining tape for any seams. Spreading kiln-dried sand over the turf and brushing it in will help keep the grass upright and natural-looking.

Here are the products you'll need for a durable and comfortable artificial grass installation:

Crushed Rock Base: Dingo 20kg Road Base – for creating a stable and well-draining foundation.
Crusher Dust or Fine Sand: Dingo 20kg Washed Sand – for levelling and smoothing the base before laying the turf.
Weed Mat: Matpro 1m x 10m Weed Control Fabric – prevents weeds from growing through the artificial grass.
Artificial Grass: Tuscan Path 20mm-40mm Pile Artificial Grass – available in different thicknesses depending on preference.
Turf Joining Tape & Adhesive: Sika Artificial Grass Adhesive 600ml and Matpro 10m Turf Joining Tape – for securing seams between turf rolls.
U-Pins or Turf Pegs: Whites Turf Pegs 150mm – used to secure the edges of the artificial grass to the ground.
Kiln-Dried Sand Infill: Dingo 20kg Dried Sand – helps keep the artificial grass blades upright and enhances durability.
Stiff Bristle Broom or Power Broom: Sabco Stiff Bristle Outdoor Broom – for brushing the grass fibres into place after installation.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: Tuff Turf Installation

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Jason

Hi @shaqqi,

Thanks for sharing the photo of your backyard so members can see what you are working with.

As it's a very large area, I would recommend you first create a plan to create different zones in your backyard. For example, you might like to keep some of the paving for an outdoor entertainment area with barbecue and outdoor furniture, but remove it for a play area with artificial lawn. It would also be good to consider some planting to create greenery.

Experienced Bunnings Workshop member Adam Woodhams shows you How to plan a garden makeover and How to give your garden a makeover in his popular two-part series. It would be a great place to start.

You should also get inspiration from our Top 10 most popular garden makeovers and our collection of Ideas to revamp your side yard.

Let me also tag some helpful members for their thoughts: @Dave-1, @Codey, @marliemakesit, @Jimi.

Hope that helps.

Jason

Dave-1

Morning @shaqqi

I would also suggest to remove the pavers, mainly to get rid of a hard surface and also for better drainage overall.

Having never laid artificial grass I would be following the install steps @EricL has outlined as close as possible.

Some things to note.

- Artifical grass can get HOT and I mean burny hot, also falls on to it can create grazes more easily then a grass surface.

- Shade some of the area, break up the space with potplants or raised garden beds with trees maybe?

- Artifical grass can reflect the heat more then a natural material (bark chips, mulch)

- Maybe break up the reflected heat from the fence with some of the privacy styled screens that Bunnings have.

The way I am thinking is to gain back temperture drops that mayincrease with the artifical grass being laid.

Dave

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