Table of contents

Can artificial grass be laid on concrete? Yes, and it is often the best base The real advantages of artificial grass on concrete When is it not a good idea to lay grass on concrete?The critical factor: drainage of artificial grass on concrete Three professional ways to solve drainage on concrete How to deal with the drain Materials and tools you need How to choose the right artificial grass for concrete HOW TO LAY ARTIFICIAL GRASS ON CONCRETE IN 10 STEPS Step 1. Measure and plan the surface Step 2. Clean and inspect the concrete Step 3. Lay the drainage mat or shock pad (if applicable)Step 4. Unroll the grass and let it settle Step 5. Measure and cut in place Step 6. Trim the edges to be joined Step 7. Join the pieces with tape Step 8. Fix the perimeter with sealant Step 9. Brush against the pile and, optionally, spread silica sand Step 10. Finishing touch: sanitising fragrance THE 6 MOST COMMON MISTAKES (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)AFTERCARE: HOW TO MAKE YOUR ARTIFICIAL GRASS LAST LONGER How much does it cost to lay artificial grass on concrete?Why trust Payresa?Frequently asked questions about laying artificial grass on concrete Can artificial grass be laid directly on unprepared concrete?Do you need a drainage mat between the concrete and the artificial grass?How is artificial grass glued to concrete?What fall should the concrete have for artificial grass?How long does artificial grass adhesive take to dry?How long does artificial grass laid on concrete last?Do you need to add silica sand to artificial grass on concrete?Does artificial grass get very hot on concrete in direct sun?Can artificial grass be laid over tiles or stoneware without lifting them?Is artificial grass pet-friendly?Why choose Payresa to install artificial grass in Malaga?How much does it cost to install artificial grass on concrete in Malaga?Contact PayresaTo lay artificial grass on concrete you need to: 1) clean and level the surface, 2) check that water drains towards a drain (minimum fall of 1%), 3) measure and cut the roll (standard width 2 m), 4) join the pieces with self-adhesive tape or joining tape + polyurethane adhesive, 5) fix the perimeter with sealant every 30 cm, 6) leave to dry for 24 hours and brush against the pile. At Payresa, as artificial grass specialists in Malaga, we always recommend checking the drainage before starting: it is the factor that determines how long the installation really lasts.

Can artificial grass be laid on concrete? Yes, and it is often the best base

One of the questions we get most often at Payresa is whether it is a good idea to install synthetic grass directly on concrete, cement, tiles or a screed. The short answer is yes: concrete is, in fact, one of the most stable and predictable bases for well-installed artificial grass.

The reasons are technical:

Solid, level base. There will be no sinking, footprints or the "dips" typical of a poorly compacted soil base.
No heavy ground preparation. You skip the excavation, sub-base aggregate and plate compactor stage.
Full compatibility with adhesives. Polyurethane adhesives and sealants bond perfectly to cured cement.
Even, long-lasting result. No weeds, no roots pushing up, no ant nests.

In return, there is one critical challenge that cannot be ignored: water drainage. We devote a whole section to it below because this is where 90% of DIY installations fail.

The real advantages of artificial grass on concrete

Compared with natural grass and with other decorative solutions for hard floors (outdoor decking, porcelain stoneware, gravel), synthetic grass on concrete offers:

100% water saving. It needs no watering. In Andalusia, where drought restrictions are frequent, this counts for a lot.
Minimal maintenance: regular brushing and an occasional rinse are enough.
A lifespan of 8 to 15 years for mid-to-high-range grass with good UV stabilisation, depending on use.
Enhanced UV stability to withstand the southern Spanish sun without losing colour or texture.
A natural look all year round. It does not turn yellow in August or get muddy in November.
Pet- and child-friendly. If you add a 10–20 mm polyethylene shock pad underneath, you gain cushioning against falls (highly recommended for play areas on concrete).
Thermal and acoustic improvement compared with bare cement, especially on penthouse terraces.

When is it not a good idea to lay grass on concrete?

In the interest of transparency, we should warn you: there are three scenarios in which it is best not to install yet, or to take extra precautions. Spotting them beforehand avoids problems six months down the line.

The concrete has a reverse fall or forms "dips". If the puddle does not drain away when you pour a bucket of water, it will not drain away under the grass either. It has to be levelled first with self-levelling mortar or exterior levelling compound.
There is no drain, outlet or perimeter exit. Without a point for the water to escape, installing a drainage mat only delays the problem. A drainage point would have to be created.
The concrete is cracked, lifted or has active efflorescence. Cracks should be sealed and the area treated before gluing the grass; otherwise the cracks will transfer to the backing and bumps will appear.

At Payresa, during the free technical visit, we assess these three points before quantifying materials.

The critical factor: drainage of artificial grass on concrete

This section was not in the previous guide and yet it is the one that most affects the lifespan of your installation. Modern artificial grass has drainage holes every 10–15 cm and lets through around 60 litres per minute per square metre. So the bottleneck is not the grass: it is the concrete.

Three professional ways to solve drainage on concrete

Spot-applied adhesive every 30 cm around the perimeter, never in a continuous bead. This lets water flow under the grass to the drain.
Drainage mat or membrane between the concrete and the grass (usual thickness 6–8 mm). This is the recommended option on penthouse terraces and terraces with little fall.
Polyethylene shock pad (10–20 mm) if you want to combine drainage + cushioning (children's play areas, outdoor gyms).

How to deal with the drain

Three solutions we use regularly:

Visible cut-out: the grass is cut leaving the drain exposed (more practical, less attractive).
U-shaped flap: the grass is cut to form a flap that can be lifted on days of heavy rain for cleaning.
Glued-on cover: the grass is cut to the exact size of the drain cover and glued only at the four corners, so that the drain cover and grass lift together. This is the neatest option visually.

Materials and tools you need

Full list for installing artificial grass on concrete properly:

Roll of artificial grass (standard width: 2 m; some manufacturers offer 4 m). Calculate the actual area +10% for wastage and offcuts.
Professional utility knife with new trapezoid blades and spares (essential: a blunt blade frays the backing).
Tape measure of at least 5 m.
Long straightedge with built-in level, or a spirit level on a straight rule.
Self-adhesive tape (the simplest option for DIY) or geotextile joining tape + two-part polyurethane adhesive (stronger, recommended for exposed outdoor areas).
Sealant gun / polyurethane sealant cartridges to fix the perimeter.
Stiff non-metallic brush to lift the pile at the end.
Silica sand (optional but recommended): helps stabilise the fibres, prevents overheating in the sun and increases durability.
Sanitising fragrance for finishing and preventive disinfection.
Basic PPE: knee pads, cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses when using PU adhesive.

How to choose the right artificial grass for concrete

Not all synthetic grass performs the same on cement. These are the parameters to check before buying (and the ones our technicians at Payresa look at when recommending a model):

Pile height: 30–35 mm is the most versatile for terraces and patios; 40–45 mm feels softer in decorative areas; 20–25 mm for heavy traffic or sports courts.
Density (stitches/m²): from 16,000 stitches/m² it is considered mid-to-high range. The higher the density, the better the look and the greater the durability.
Total weight (Dtex and g/m²): a high Dtex (from 11,000) indicates thick, hard-wearing fibres.
Materials: the best combination for a Mediterranean climate is polyethylene (PE) fibre + monofilament + curled polypropylene (PP) thatch as support. The ideal backing is SBR latex or reinforced polyurethane.
UV stabilisation: a certified treatment is essential. In Malaga, the sun is punishing.
Guarantee: reputable brands offer between 4 and 10 years' guarantee on the fibre.
Drainage capacity: minimum 60 l/min/m².

HOW TO LAY ARTIFICIAL GRASS ON CONCRETE IN 10 STEPS

Step 1. Measure and plan the surface

Step 2. Clean and inspect the concrete

Step 3. Lay the drainage mat or shock pad (if applicable)

Step 4. Unroll the grass and let it settle

Spread the grass over the surface and leave it to rest for at least 1–2 hours in the sun before cutting. The fibres relax, the creases from transport disappear and your cuts will be more accurate.

Step 5. Measure and cut in place

Roll the grass back slightly, measure the exact length and cut with the utility knife from the back (backing), not from the fibres. For obstacles (columns, corners, drains), mark the back with chalk every 30 cm before cutting; it will give you a much cleaner cut. Leave a 1–2 cm margin against the wall: it will be adjusted later when gluing the perimeter.

Step 6. Trim the edges to be joined

Step 7. Join the pieces with tape

You have two options, both valid:

Self-adhesive tape (easier). Lift the edges of both pieces, place the tape centred under the join, remove the protective paper and lower one piece first and then the other, pressing lightly. Lift each whole side in one go to stop grass fibres sticking to the tape and ruining the join.
Joining tape + two-part polyurethane adhesive (stronger). Place the tape under the edges, spread the adhesive with a notched trowel and lower the pieces, pressing only on the backing, never on the fibres.

Step 8. Fix the perimeter with sealant

Apply the sealant / PU adhesive in spots every 30 cm along the whole perimeter and the joins. Never a continuous bead: the water has to be able to flow. Press down and allow 24 hours to cure before walking on the area.

Step 9. Brush against the pile and, optionally, spread silica sand

Step 10. Finishing touch: sanitising fragrance

Apply a sanitising fragrance for synthetic grass. It adds a freshly cut grass scent and acts as a preventive disinfectant (especially useful if you have pets).

THE 6 MOST COMMON MISTAKES (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)

These are the faults we see when a customer asks us to repair a DIY installation:

Gluing a continuous bead around the whole perimeter. It blocks drainage. Solution: spot-glue every 30 cm.
Laying pieces with the pile running in different directions. The sun creates two visible shades. Solution: check the direction before cutting.
Not trimming the edges before joining. The joins are visible. Solution: cut off one full row of tufts on each side.
Skipping the settling time for the roll. Creases appear that cannot be removed later. Solution: 1–2 hours in the sun before cutting.
Not planning for the drain. When it rains heavily, you notice the puddle. Solution: U-shaped cut or glued-on cover.
Buying the cheapest grass without checking UV or density. After two summers in Malaga it loses colour. Solution: ask for the technical data sheet and UV certificate.

AFTERCARE: HOW TO MAKE YOUR ARTIFICIAL GRASS LAST LONGER

Once installed, maintenance is minimal, but not zero:

Brush against the pile every 2–3 months in areas with foot traffic.
Rinse with a hose every 1–2 months to remove dust and pollen.
Clean up pet mess as needed with water and neutral soap.
Check the joins and perimeter once a year to spot any areas that have come unstuck.
Top up the silica sand every 2–3 years if heavy rain washes it away.
Avoid prolonged contact with very hot surfaces (portable barbecues, braziers): they can melt the fibre.

At Payresa we also offer annual professional maintenance for residential communities, hotels and commercial premises in Malaga and the province.

How much does it cost to lay artificial grass on concrete?

As a rough guide (Malaga, 2026):

Why trust Payresa?

Payresa is a family business from Malaga specialising in flooring, wall coverings, parquet, floorboards and floors, founded in 1976. The company is part of Grupo Payresa, which over the years has diversified into several complementary branches: Payresa, focused on the sale, distribution and installation of flooring and wall coverings; Payrepar, created in 2003 for the specialist distribution and installation of parquet and floorboards in Andalusia; and Payresport, a branch created in 2006 specialising in sports equipment, artificial grass and street furniture. According to the company itself, the group has completed more than 10,000 projects and regularly works in Malaga, the Costa del Sol, Andalusia and elsewhere in Spain when a project requires it. The company's experience covers private homes as well as housing developments, hospitals, hotels, shopping centres, construction companies, property developers, public authorities, sports clubs and facility developers.

Frequently asked questions about laying artificial grass on concrete

Can artificial grass be laid directly on unprepared concrete?

Yes, as long as the concrete is clean, free of large cracks, level and has a minimum fall of 1% towards a drain. If it meets these conditions, no heavy preparation is needed. If not, cracks must be sealed, the surface levelled with self-levelling compound and/or a drainage mat laid before the grass.

Do you need a drainage mat between the concrete and the artificial grass?

It is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended on terraces, penthouse terraces, shaded areas or when the fall of the concrete is minimal. A drainage mat (6–8 mm) or polyethylene shock pad (10–20 mm) improves water flow, prevents odours and extends the life of the grass. In Payresa installations on penthouse terraces we always include it.

How is artificial grass glued to concrete?

It is glued with polyurethane sealant or adhesive applied in spots every 30 cm, mainly around the perimeter and at the joins between pieces. Never in a continuous bead: the water has to be able to flow underneath. The minimum curing time is 24 hours before walking on the area.

What fall should the concrete have for artificial grass?

The minimum recommended fall is 1% on hard surfaces (concrete, tiles, cement), directed towards a drain or perimeter outlet. On compacted soil it rises to 2%. Without a fall, water builds up under the grass and mould and odours appear.

How long does artificial grass adhesive take to dry?

Two-part polyurethane adhesive and exterior sealants need 24 hours to cure before the installation is subjected to normal foot traffic. In damp or cold climates, the manufacturer may recommend up to 48 hours.

How long does artificial grass laid on concrete last?

Mid-to-high-range artificial grass, properly installed on concrete and with basic maintenance, lasts between 8 and 15 years. In southern Spain, UV stabilisation and fibre density are the factors that most influence its real lifespan.

Do you need to add silica sand to artificial grass on concrete?

It is not strictly compulsory, but it is highly recommended: silica sand (4–6 kg/m²) stabilises the fibres, reduces heating in the sun and improves durability. With high-end grass with very stable curled fibres, it can be left out.

Does artificial grass get very hot on concrete in direct sun?

Can artificial grass be laid over tiles or stoneware without lifting them?

Is artificial grass pet-friendly?

Absolutely. It drains just like natural grass, does not get muddy, does not cause allergies and is easy to clean. For dogs, we recommend: 1) models with greater drainage capacity, 2) cleaning as needed with water + neutral soap or enzymatic products, 3) applying sanitising fragrance from time to time.

Why choose Payresa to install artificial grass in Malaga?

Because we have been installing flooring and artificial grass in Malaga and the province since 2006, with products adapted to the southern Spanish climate (high UV resistance, optimised drainage and resistance to salt air in coastal areas). We offer free advice, professional installation with a guarantee, aftercare maintenance and a full range of grass for terraces, pools, gardens and sports areas. We work with private customers as well as residential communities, hotels and construction companies.

How much does it cost to install artificial grass on concrete in Malaga?

As a rough guide, in 2026 the total price (materials + installation) is usually between €20 and €45 per m², depending on the quality of the grass chosen, the total area, how difficult the cuts are and whether a drainage mat is included. At Payresa we give fixed, no-obligation quotes after a free technical visit.

Contact Payresa

If you are in Malaga or the province and want artificial grass laid on concrete with a professional guarantee, we are at your service.

Address: Calle Tucídides, 44 — Parque Empresarial Santa Bárbara — 29004 Malaga
Phone: 952 230 123
Mobile: 618 755 390
Email:payrepar@payresa.com
Web: payresa.com
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–14:00 / 16:00–20:00 · Sat 9:30–13:30

How to Lay Artificial Grass on Concrete