How to install artificial grass over decorative rocks and pavers for a storage area?

calvinwhtai

Hi all,

I have an area as shown in the photo which has pavers and decorative rocks. I would like to put a storage here so thinking about make the entire area covered by artificial grass and a storage on top at the area at top left corner. So that it looks nicer and also can have additional storage.

May I ask what's the best way to do it?

Here what I am thinking:

1. The decorative rocks are not stable. So thinking about mix with road base stones before putting the artificial grass on it.
2. For the pavers (not the one at top left corners. Can I just make the road base stones at the same level and then cover it by artificial glass also?
3. For the muddy area at top left corers, it was originally a big watertank which plumber helped me to remove. It's quite a big hole and what's the best way to do it?

Note that I don't use this area often, it will just be a storage area, so it doesn't need to be too nice.

Regards,

Calvin

JacobZ

Hi @calvinwhtai,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

You might like to start by checking out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/lawn/how-to-lay-synthetic-turf , which covers the installation process in detail.

You’ll notice that much of the work is around base preparation, as this is the most important part of achieving a stable, long-lasting result. For synthetic turf, the usual recommendation is to install a compacted base that is around 100mm thick.

While road base, which is essentially a mix of crushed rock and crusher dust, can certainly be used, I would not suggest mixing it with the existing decorative stones. The stones currently there appear to be smooth white decorative stones, which are designed for appearance rather than compaction. Because they are smooth and rounded, they don’t interlock well and can continue to move regardless of compaction. Angular materials such as crushed rock, gravel or road base compact much more effectively because the edges lock together and hold their position.

For the most stable result, I’d recommend removing the decorative stones and pavers first, then bringing in around 100mm of road base. Compact it in two 50mm layers rather than all at once, as this will give you a much firmer base.

For the muddy area where the water tank was removed, fill it with road base in layers and compact each layer thoroughly. This will help prevent the area from sinking later, especially if you plan to place storage over that corner.

It would also be worth installing some drainage in the form of agi pipe before laying the synthetic turf. Addressing any drainage issues now is far easier than trying to rectify them later, and it will help prevent water pooling, soft spots and potential settlement beneath the turf and storage unit over time. It would be best to have a plumber assist with this step as the agi pipe will need to discharge somewhere and a stormwater outlet is the best option for this.

Once your base has been prepared and any drainage installed, follow the installation steps in How To Lay Synthetic Turf.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please let me know and I can assist further.

Jacob