How to Install Artificial Grass Strips Between Pavers Step-by-Step

First, plan out exactly where and how you’ll install the artificial grass. Measure out the total area to ensure you have enough turf to cover everything. You’ll be laying turf over the whole area and cutting out the area over the pavers, so you’ll end up with leftover scraps the size of your pavers. Take note of any features you’ll need to work around or anywhere you may need to use your scraps to fill in odd spaces.

The subbase is a vital part of any backyard with artificial grass because it helps with drainage. The problem is that it’s difficult to compact if you’re installing it between pavers. You can try using a hand tamp (providing it’s small enough to fit in the margins). If it isn’t strong enough, use a brick.

Start by laying the subbase between pavers at a general depth of 2 to 4 inches. Make sure there’s enough that the artificial turf will lay flush against your pavers. Next, compact the subbase. If you’re using a brick, place the brick over the subbase material and hit it with a hammer.

Roll your artificial turf over the area. Let it rest for about four hours in the sun. This will help the grass settle, and you should be able to see the outline of your pavers peeking out from underneath. If not, walk between the pavers until you get a clear outline.

At the end of this step, each piece of turf should align with fibers facing in the same direction. Allow a little overlap at the seams (you’ll cut it down later). If there are any flat areas, gently rake your grass until the blades are upwards.

If you’re installing your grass over soil, nail it into the subbase between your pavers so it can’t move as you work (don’t worry, as you’ll remove the nails later). If you’re installing grass over concrete without a subbase, use your own weight to hold the turf in place. It’s crucial that your turf does not shift.

Remember that outline we talked about above? Use this as your guide. Hold your box cutter at a 45-degree angle and cut around your pavers. Ideally, you’ll have a gap of around an eighth of an inch between your pavers and the artificial grass. Any less, and the grass will bunch up along the paver. Any more, and the grass will look ill-fitted. Cut slowly and in small increments to ensure precision.

A hidden seam is the difference between an installation that looks professional and one that looks homemade. For this step, join any seams in your artificial grass. Use your box cutter to trim the excess edges, making sure they line up perfectly without visible gaps. Secure the seam with joining tape. Remove the nails that were holding the turf in place.

Infill—typically sand, rubber, or cork—helps keep your grass blades perky and aids in drainage. Slowly and carefully add a layer of infill between your pavers. Generally, you’ll need at least one to two pounds of infill per square foot. After this step, rake or brush your grass to make sure the fibers are upright.