Thinking about installing artificial turf yourself? Unreal Lawns makes it simple with expert advice, quality materials, and step-by-step support tailored for New Zealand conditions. Whether you’re tackling a backyard makeover or upgrading a small courtyard, we’re here to help you get it right—without the guesswork.
DIY Artificial Grass Installation in New Zealand
Your lawn. Your project. Your way.
The Real Cost of DIY vs. Professional
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Turf Supply Only: $40 – $70 + GST per m² (Varies by pile height, density, and Cool Turf tech)
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Base Prep & Materials: $30 – $50 + GST per m² (GAP20 aggregate, GAP7 fines, geotextile fabric, timber edging, adhesive, and infill sand)
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Tool & Equipment Hire: $250 – $450 per day (Plate compactor, soil skip bin, turf cutter)
Comparing options? Read our full guide on DIY vs Professional Artificial Grass: NZ Installation & Cost Breakdown
to see where a professional installation saves you time and heavy labor.
Why some NZ homeowners are choosing DIY artificial turf installs
DIY artificial grass is a great option if you’re handy, enjoy weekend projects, and want to save on installation costs. With the right prep and guidance, you can achieve a professional-looking lawn that stays green and low-maintenance all year long.
We provide expert advice and product recommendations to match your site conditions, plus support on base prep, drainage, and installation—so you can move forward with confidence.
What makes Unreal Lawns perfect for DIYers
Built for NZ Conditions
Durable, UV-stabilised turf designed to thrive in local climates
Great Range of Turf Options
Choose the right style, height, and density for your space and needs
Expert Product Matching
We help you select turf that balances looks, performance, and price
Simple Installation Support
Clear steps, helpful tips, and local know-how
Low-maintenance Once Laid
No mowing, watering, or patchy spots
Ongoing Customer Support
Advice before, during, and after your install
How to install your artificial grass: A step-by-step guide
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Step 1: Excavation & Site Preparation – Excavate 100mm of topsoil or clay to create space for your aggregate base. Renting a skip bin or mini-digger makes soil disposal much faster.
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Step 2: Timber Edging & Sub-Base Geotextile Layer – Install treated timber edging around the perimeter to anchor your turf. Lay commercial-grade geotextile fabric over the subsoil to prevent clay/dirt from mixing into your aggregate base, ensuring long-term drainage.
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Step 3: Aggregate Base (GAP20 & GAP7) – Spread 70mm–90mm of GAP20 aggregate, compact thoroughly with a vibrating plate compactor, then top with a 10mm–20mm GAP7 screed layer for a smooth, flat finish.
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Step 4: Laying, Trimming & Joining – Roll out turf, let it acclimate in the sun for 1–2 hours, trim edges, and join seams cleanly using specialized joining tape and adhesive.
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Step 5: Fixing, Brushing & Sand Infill – Secure perimeter edges to timber with stipels , spread 5kg–10kg/m² silica infill sand evenly, and brush fibers upright with a stiff broom.
When Professional Installation May Be Better
Consider professional installation if your project involves:
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Complex subsoil drainage or low-lying water pooling
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Steep slopes, retaining walls, or intricate garden curves
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Playgrounds requiring Critical Fall Height (CFH) certified shock pads
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Large multi-roll areas where seamless joining requires specialized machinery
Easy-care turf maintenance tips
Once your artificial lawn is installed, keeping it in shape is a breeze:
- Brush regularly – Keep the blades upright by brushing the grass in different directions with a stiff-bristled broom or power brush.
- Remove debris & stains – Blow away any debris and clean stains promptly with warm water, mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse periodically – Prevent dust buildup by rinsing your lawn with a hose or sprinkler at least once a month or more frequently in dusty areas.
Learn More About DIY Artificial Grass Installation
Installing artificial grass yourself can be a rewarding project with the right preparation, quality materials, and expert advice. These guides will help you choose the right products, understand the installation process, and achieve professional-looking results.
Helpful resources:
DIY vs Professional Artificial Grass: NZ Installation & Cost Breakdown – Read our full guide on DIY vs Professional Artificial Grass: NZ Installation & Cost Breakdown
Artificial Grass NZ – Explore our complete guide to artificial grass, including product options, installation advice, maintenance tips, and buying guidance.
Artificial Grass Installation – Learn the key steps involved in installing artificial grass and when professional installation may be the best option.
Artificial Grass Prices – Understand the costs involved with DIY installation, materials, and professional installation services.
Artificial Grass Maintenance – Discover how to keep your new artificial lawn looking great with simple ongoing maintenance.
Cool Turf Technology – Learn how Cool Turf Technology provides a cooler, more comfortable artificial grass solution for New Zealand conditions.
Residential Artificial Grass – Explore premium artificial grass options designed for family homes, pets, and outdoor living.
Whether you’re installing a small backyard lawn or a larger landscape project, these resources will help you plan your installation, choose the right products, and enjoy a beautiful artificial lawn for years to come.
FAQ FOR DIY
Can I install artificial grass myself?
Yes! Anyone with basic DIY skills, access to a vibrating plate compactor, and a free weekend can install artificial grass on straightforward residential lawns or small courtyards.
What base do I need under artificial grass in NZ?
We recommend a compacted base consisting of 50mm–70mm of GAP20 aggregate, topped with a 10mm–20mm screed layer of GAP7 crushed rock, laid over a commercial-grade geotextile fabric.
Can artificial grass be installed directly on concrete or timber decking?
Yes, artificial grass can be laid over concrete, pavers, or timber decking using shock pads or specialized artificial turf adhesive, provided the area has proper water drainage fall.
Is DIY artificial grass cheaper than professional installation?
DIY saves on professional installation labor, but you still need to budget for turf rolls ($40–$70/m² + GST), base materials ($30–$50/m² + GST), timber edging, infill sand, delivery, and equipment hire (plate compactor, skip bin).
What tools do I need for a DIY install?
Essential tools include a heavy-duty utility knife with fresh blades, tape measure, rake, wheelbarrow, hammer, stiff-bristled broom, and a hired vibrating plate compactor.
How do I join two pieces of artificial grass together?
Use specialized self-adhesive joining tape or commercial artificial turf seam tape with outdoor polyurethane adhesive. Align the pile grain of both pieces in the same direction, butt the backing edges tightly together without overlapping, press firmly, and weight down while curing.
Why do I need infill sand on DIY artificial grass?
Infill sand weighs down the turf backing to prevent movement or wrinkling, supports the synthetic grass blades so they stay upright under foot traffic, and helps protect the turf backing from UV degradation.
How do I calculate how much turf and aggregate I need?
Measure the length and width of your area at the widest points to calculate square meterage (m²). Add 10% for cutting waste and roll joining seam overlaps. For base aggregate, 1m² at 70mm depth requires approximately 0.07m³ of aggregate.
How do I handle drainage around tree roots or garden edges?
Install timber edging (e.g., H4 treated timber) or plastic landscape edging around garden borders to retain your aggregate base. Near large tree roots, keep excavation shallow or construct a raised base edge to avoid damaging the tree.
Can Unreal Lawns help if I get stuck during installation?
Absolutely. We supply DIYers across NZ with turf, materials, exact roll and sand calculations, plus phone support or local advice from our Hamilton team.
Need help choosing the right turf?
Whether you’re planning a large lawn or a compact courtyard, Unreal Lawns offers free guidance and product advice to help you get it right from the start. With our expert support and quality turf, your DIY project will be something to be proud of.
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