# Can you lay artificial grass on concrete or decking? > Yes, artificial grass can be laid on sound concrete, paving or decking, and it's a quick way to soften a hard yard or patio. Drainage depends on the surface having a fall and, where needed, drainage holes drilled through it. A foam shock pad underneath makes it softer and hides small bumps. By John, Lawn & Order Artificial Grass. Updated 2026-10-11. Page: https://lawnandorder.ie/guides/artificial-grass-on-concrete-or-decking/ ## Yes, on most hard surfaces Artificial grass can be laid on most sound hard surfaces: concrete yards, old patios, decking and balconies. It's one of the quickest ways to make a grey yard feel like a garden, and there's no digging. Whether it works well comes down to two things. The state of the surface underneath, and where the water goes. ## Laying artificial grass on concrete and patios ### Check the surface first Artificial grass takes the shape of whatever is under it, so bumps and hollows show through. Before we lay anything, we look for: - cracks, broken sections or loose slabs that need repairing or lifting - bumps and dips that would show through the grass - moss, weeds and dirt that need clearing - how the surface falls, and where the water runs to now The old concrete yards behind farmhouses and older houses are rarely level, so there's usually some prep to do before the grass goes down. ### Falls and drainage holes On soil, water goes down through a stone base and into the ground. On concrete it can't go down, so it has to run off. It passes through the grass backing and then follows the fall of the slab to the edge or to a drain. Where the concrete is dead flat, or has low spots where water lies, we can drill drainage holes through the slab at those points so the water gets down into the ground beneath. That only works if there's ground under it to take the water. We won't drill a slab that sits over a room, a basement or a waterproof membrane. Water lying under artificial grass on concrete doesn't always show on top, but over time it brings smells and moss. Our guide on [drainage in Irish rain](/guides/does-artificial-grass-drain-in-irish-rain/) explains more about how artificial grass deals with water. ### Shock pads A foam shock pad goes down on the concrete first, with the grass on top. We often recommend one, because it: - makes the grass much softer underfoot, closer to a lawn on soil - hides small joints, cracks and dips in the surface - takes some of the sting out of a fall, which matters in children's play areas Pads made for artificial grass either let water through or carry it away in channels underneath, so they don't get in the way of the drainage. ### Fixing the grass You can't pin into concrete, so the grass is usually glued around the edges and at the joins. On a clean, well-prepared surface it gives a neat finish that stays put. ## Laying artificial grass on decking Decking takes artificial grass well. It's a good fix for tired boards that go green and slippy every winter. The deck has to be in good order first, though. - **Boards and joists must be solid.** Rotten or loose boards get replaced before anything goes on top. - **Air needs to get in underneath.** Timber lasts longer when it can dry out, so the deck should be well ventilated below. - **Water drains through the gaps** between the boards, once it's through the grass backing. - **A shock pad goes between the boards and the grass** to smooth out the ridges and gaps so they don't show through. - **The grass is fixed firmly** at the edges and joins so it can't lift or creep. ## Balconies and roof terraces Artificial grass is light and easy to cut to shape, so it suits balconies. A few things to check first: - If you're in an apartment, ask your management company or landlord before going ahead. Some have rules about what can be laid on balconies. - Drainage outlets and gullies have to stay clear, so the grass is cut around them or left easy to lift at those points. - Roof terraces over living space have a waterproof layer that mustn't be pierced. Nothing gets drilled or screwed through it. ## When it's better to dig out instead Laying on top isn't always right. We'd usually suggest breaking out the old surface, taking it away and building a proper stone base if: - the concrete is badly broken or heaving - it has no fall and can't be drilled for drainage - raising the surface would bring it too close to your house's damp-proof course, or above a door threshold ## Surface by surface | Surface | Main thing to check | What we usually do | |---|---|---| | Concrete yard or patio | Fall, cracks and low spots | Repair, drill drainage holes where needed, shock pad, glue edges and joins | | Paving slabs | Loose or rocking slabs | Re-bed or lift the loose slabs, then as for concrete | | Timber decking | Rotten boards and ventilation | Replace bad boards, shock pad, fix at edges and joins | | Balcony or roof terrace | Drainage outlets, waterproofing, building rules | Lay without drilling and keep the outlets clear | ## Where it works well Laying on a hard surface suits back yards, kennels and dog runs, children's play areas, and pub and hotel beer gardens. There's more on our [decking, patios and concrete](/artificial-grass-installation/decking-patios-and-concrete/) page, and you can see finished jobs on our [projects](/projects/) page. If you have a yard, patio or deck you'd like to soften up, [get in touch](/contact/) for a free quote and free samples. ## Questions ### Do you need a shock pad under artificial grass on concrete? You don't always need one, but it's usually worth it. A foam pad makes the grass softer underfoot and hides small joints and dips in the concrete. It also takes some of the sting out of a fall, which matters in play areas. ### How does water drain from artificial grass on concrete? Water passes through the grass backing and runs off along the fall of the concrete. Where the slab is flat or has low spots, drainage holes can be drilled so water doesn't sit under the grass. ### Can artificial grass go on old or rotten decking? Old decking, yes, if it's sound. Rotten decking, no. The grass is only as good as what's under it, so rotten or loose boards have to be replaced before anything goes on top. ### Can I put artificial grass on an apartment balcony? Usually, yes. It's light and easy to cut to shape. Check with your management company or landlord first, as some have rules on balcony floor coverings, and make sure the drainage outlets are left clear.