Transforming Grey Concrete into Green Space. Professional advice on glue, tape, and surface treatment
Concrete patios, balconies, and driveways offer durability and low maintenance—but their cold, grey aesthetic can leave outdoor spaces feeling lifeless. Laying artificial lawn on concrete is the perfect way to transform these hardscape areas into lush, green, inviting spaces, without the hassle of natural grass or extensive landscaping. Whether you’re upgrading a balcony grass area, a backyard patio, or a commercial concrete surface, this hard surface installation requires targeted techniques—especially for surface prep, adhesive selection, and drainage. Unlike installing turf on soil, patio turf installation on concrete hinges on proper surface treatment and the right fixing methods to ensure a secure, long-lasting finish. This guide breaks down the key steps to lay artificial turf on concrete, addresses unique challenges like drainage, and highlights why Turflory’s short plush lawns are the ideal choice for concrete surface installations, with professional tips for glue artificial grass to concrete and permanent fixing turf.
Unique advantages and challenges of concrete surface installation
Installing artificial turf on concrete comes with distinct advantages that make it a popular choice for both residential and commercial hardscapes, but it also presents unique challenges that set it apart from soil-based installation. Understanding these pros and cons is the first step to a successful project, whether you’re creating a cozy balcony grass nook or a large commercial green space with commercial turf.
1. No excavation or base layer needed: Concrete provides a stable, level base, eliminating the need for digging, compacting aggregate, or laying drainage grids—saving time, money, and labor.
2. Unmatched stability: A concrete surface prevents turf shifting, bunching, or unevenness, even with heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for high-use areas like patios and commercial plazas.
3. Low maintenance: Combined with artificial turf’s zero-mow, zero-water benefits, a concrete base creates an outdoor space that requires almost no upkeep—perfect for busy homeowners and commercial operators.
4. Versatility: Concrete surfaces are found in every outdoor space, from small residential balconies to large commercial courtyards, and artificial turf can be cut to fit any shape or size for a seamless finish.
1. Surface adhesion: Concrete is a non-porous, smooth surface, so glue artificial grass to concrete requires high-quality, specialized adhesives—generic turf tape or glue will fail over time, leading to lifting or peeling.
2. Drainage issues: Unlike soil, concrete does not absorb water, so drainage on concrete is a top priority to prevent standing water, mold, and mildew under the turf.
3. Surface imperfections: Cracks, unevenness, or debris on concrete will show through the turf, ruining the aesthetic and causing premature wear.
4. Heat retention: Concrete absorbs and retains heat, which can transfer to the turf—choosing the right turf type (like short plush lawns) minimizes this issue and boosts comfort.
By addressing these challenges with targeted prep and installation techniques, you can turn any concrete hardscape into a soft, green space that’s both beautiful and functional.
Surface preparation: Cleaning and crack repair
Surface preparation is the most important step in patio turf installation on concrete—a poorly prepared surface will lead to failed adhesion and a subpar finish, no matter how good your adhesive is. The goal is to create a clean, smooth, dry, and level surface that allows the turf to lay flat and the adhesive to bond permanently. Follow these professional steps for concrete surface prep, suitable for both residential residential turf and commercial projects:
1. Thoroughly clean the concrete: Remove all dirt, dust, leaves, grease, and mildew using a pressure washer (set to 1500–2000 PSI) for the best results. For stubborn grease or mildew, use a concrete cleaner or a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, then rinse and allow the surface to dry completely (24–48 hours). Moisture is the enemy of adhesive bonding—never install turf on damp concrete.
2. Repair cracks and holes: Fill any cracks (larger than ¼ inch) and small holes with a concrete patching compound. Smooth the patch with a trowel to create a level surface, and allow it to cure for the time recommended by the manufacturer (typically 24–72 hours). For large cracks or uneven concrete, use a self-leveling concrete compound to create a perfectly flat surface.
3. Smooth rough edges: Sand down any sharp or rough edges on the concrete (e.g., around patio borders or balcony railings) to prevent the turf from tearing or fraying over time.
4. Remove any protrusions: Unscrew or remove any nails, bolts, or furniture legs that stick out from the concrete—these will create bumps in the turf and damage the backing.
Once the concrete is clean, smooth, dry, and level, it’s ready for turf installation. Skipping any of these steps will result in a bumpy turf surface, poor adhesion, and a shorter lifespan for your installation.
Fixing method: full adhesive bonding vs. only peripheral bonding
When it comes to fixing turf on concrete, there are two primary methods: full adhesive bonding (gluing the entire turf backing to the concrete) and peripheral bonding (only gluing the edges of the turf, with tape for seams). The right choice depends on the size of the area, the amount of foot traffic it will receive, and whether it’s a residential or commercial space. Both methods require high-quality turf adhesive and seam tape—never use generic tape or glue for concrete installations.
Peripheral Bonding (Edge-Only Gluing)
Ideal for small, low-traffic areas like balcony grass or small patios (under 20 square meters), peripheral bonding involves gluing only the outer edges of the turf to the concrete and using seam tape for any joins between turf rolls. This method is faster and uses less adhesive, and it allows for easy removal if you ever want to change the space. For peripheral bonding:
• Apply a continuous bead of turf adhesive along the concrete perimeter (2–3 inches from the edge).
• Lay the turf flat on the concrete, press the edges firmly into the adhesive, and weigh them down with sandbags or paving stones for 24 hours to cure.
• Use double-sided turf seam tape to join any turf rolls, pressing the seams firmly to create a seamless finish.
Full Adhesive Bonding (Whole Surface Gluing)
Recommended for large, high-traffic areas like commercial plazas, restaurant patios, or large residential backyards, full adhesive bonding involves gluing the entire turf backing to the concrete for maximum stability and durability. This method prevents the turf from shifting or lifting, even with constant foot traffic, and is the gold standard for commercial concrete surface installations. For full adhesive bonding:
• Roll out the turf and let it acclimate for 24 hours (to eliminate wrinkles from shipping).
• Lift the turf and apply turf adhesive to the concrete in a zig-zag pattern (using a notched trowel for even coverage), working in small 2x2 meter sections to prevent the adhesive from drying out.
• Lay the turf back down on the adhesive and use a carpet roller (or a heavy roller) to press the turf firmly into the concrete, removing any air bubbles and ensuring full contact with the adhesive.
• Weigh down the entire surface with sandbags for 24–48 hours to allow the adhesive to cure completely.
Choose the appropriate artificial turf adhesive
The success of both bonding methods hinges on choosing the right turf adhesive—not all adhesives are suitable for concrete or artificial turf backing. Look for these key features when selecting an adhesive for glue artificial grass to concrete:
• Solvent-free, water-based polyurethane: This type of adhesive bonds permanently to non-porous concrete and synthetic turf backing, is weather-resistant (UV, rain, and extreme temperatures), and is safe for outdoor use.
• High grab strength: Ensures the turf stays bonded even with heavy foot traffic and wind.
• Flexible cure: Concrete and turf expand and contract with temperature changes— a flexible adhesive prevents cracking or peeling from this movement.
• Compatible with your turf: Check the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure it works with your turf’s backing material (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene).
Avoid cheap, solvent-based adhesives—they can damage the turf backing, release harmful fumes, and fail quickly in outdoor conditions. Investing in a high-quality turf adhesive is a small cost that ensures your concrete turf installation lasts for years.
Handling of drainage issues (crucial)
Drainage on concrete is the most critical challenge of laying artificial turf on hard surfaces—and the most commonly overlooked step. Concrete is non-porous, so water (rain, cleaning water, or spills) cannot seep into the ground, and without proper drainage, it will pool under the turf, leading to mold, mildew, unpleasant odors, and even turf backing damage. For a long-lasting, hygienic installation, you must incorporate drainage into your concrete turf project, whether it’s a small balcony grass area or a large commercial hardscape. Here are the professional drainage solutions recommended for concrete surfaces, all compatible with Turflory’s turf solutions:
1. Utilize existing concrete drainage features: Most concrete patios, balconies, and driveways have built-in drainage slopes (1–2% slope) or floor drains. Ensure these drains are unclogged and clear of debris before installing the turf, and cut the turf to fit around drains (leaving a ¼-inch gap for water flow). For slopes, install the turf in the direction of the slope to guide water toward drains or the concrete edge.
2. Add drainage holes to the turf: If your concrete surface has no built-in drains, cut small drainage holes (½-inch diameter) in the turf backing at 1–2 foot intervals, especially in low-lying areas where water might pool. This allows water to drain off the concrete surface (e.g., over a balcony railing or patio edge).
3. Use a porous underlayment: For an extra drainage boost, lay a thin, porous rubber underlayment between the concrete and the turf. The underlayment creates a small air gap that allows water to flow freely to drains or edges, and it also adds a layer of cushioning for extra comfort underfoot—perfect for patios and play areas.
4. Avoid over-sealing the concrete: If you sealed the concrete for cleaning, use a breathable sealer that allows minimal moisture vapor to escape—non-breathable sealers can trap moisture under the turf.
For commercial projects or areas with heavy rainfall, combine these solutions (e.g., unclogged drains + drainage holes + porous underlayment) for maximum water flow. Proper drainage not only protects the turf and concrete but also keeps your green space fresh and hygienic year-round.
Turflory is recommended for short plush lawns on hard surfaces
While any high-quality artificial turf can be installed on concrete, Turflory’s short plush lawns are the ultimate choice for hard surface installations—and for good reason. Short plush turf (pile height 10–25mm) is engineered to address the unique challenges of concrete surface installations, from heat retention to drainage, while delivering a realistic, lush green look that transforms grey concrete into a vibrant outdoor space. Turflory offers a range of short plush lawns for both residential turf and commercial turf hardscapes, with features that make them perfect for concrete patios, balconies, and plazas:
1. Low heat retention: Short plush turf has less surface area than long-pile turf, which means it absorbs far less heat from the sun—critical for concrete surfaces that retain heat. This keeps the turf cool to the touch, even on hot summer days, making it comfortable for bare feet and outdoor activities.
2. Excellent drainage: Turflory’s short plush lawns feature a perforated, high-flow backing with extra-large drainage holes that work perfectly with concrete drainage solutions. Water flows through the turf quickly, preventing pooling and ensuring drainage on concrete is never an issue.
3. Smooth, flat lay: Short plush turf has a dense, compact pile that lays perfectly flat on concrete—no bumps, bunching, or unevenness, even on smooth hardscapes. This creates a seamless, professional finish that mimics a well-manicured natural lawn.
4. Durability for hardscapes: Turflory’s short plush turf is made with high-quality, UV-stabilized polyethylene fibers that resist wear, fading, and fraying—ideal for high-traffic concrete areas. The dense construction also prevents the turf from stretching or tearing, even with constant use.
5. Lightweight and easy to install: Short plush turf is lighter than long-pile turf, making it easier to handle, cut, and glue to concrete—perfect for both DIY patio turf installation and professional commercial projects. It also cuts cleanly, allowing for precise fits around drains, balcony railings, and custom hardscape shapes.
6. Realistic aesthetic: Turflory’s short plush lawns feature a multi-tone green fiber blend with subtle beige flecks, mimicking the natural look of a short, manicured lawn. This realistic design elevates any concrete hardscape, from a small balcony grass nook to a large commercial plaza, without the "plastic" look of cheap short-pile turf.
Beyond these hardscape-specific features, Turflory’s short plush lawns are low maintenance, pet-friendly, and eco-friendly—eliminating water waste, pesticides, and fertilizers while delivering year-round greenery. They also work with all concrete fixing methods (peripheral and full bonding) and all turf adhesive types, making installation seamless and straightforward.
Laying artificial lawn on concrete is a transformative way to turn cold, grey hardscape areas into lush, green outdoor spaces—and with the right techniques, it’s a project that can be done by DIY homeowners or professional installers alike. The key steps to success are: thorough surface prep (cleaning and crack repair), choosing the right fixing method (peripheral or full bonding) and turf adhesive to glue artificial grass to concrete, and prioritizing drainage on concrete to prevent mold and mildew. For the best results on any concrete surface—whether a residential balcony grass area, a patio, or a commercial plaza—Turflory’s short plush lawns are the ideal choice, offering durability, heat resistance, excellent drainage, and a realistic aesthetic that’s perfect for hard surface installations.
With Turflory’s high-quality short plush turf and the professional tips in this guide, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance green space on concrete that lasts for years—no excavation, no natural grass upkeep, just endless greenery and comfort. Whether you’re upgrading a small residential balcony or a large commercial concrete area, artificial turf on concrete is the perfect blend of beauty, functionality, and convenience.
