Artificial Grass over Pavers

mrkrdp on 15/09/2025 - 08:38

Hi,
Our backyard (townhouse) has these pavers and we are considering putting artificial grass over these pavers so the kids have a smoother surface to play on.
Image: https://imgur.com/a/j3F8xqV

Did some research but still uncertain on a couple of things, which I'd like to cross check with Ozbargain knowledge:

  • It seems it'd be OK enough to glue the artificial grass to the pavers (although best option from what I read online seems to be remove the pavers, but not sure I want to get strata involved - plus much more work afaict)
  • I understand synthetic grass gets very hot (compared to the real one) but we have an awning over this area, so it'll be shaded when necessary.

So, all in all, I'm just trying to establish it's not a terrible idea to buy a large piece of artificial grass to cover the entire area (of course, cutting a hole for the drain in the center) and just glue it to the pavers.

Thanks!

Home & Garden Artificial Grass

Comments

  • Stewardo on 15/09/2025 - 09:06
    +2

    You normally wouldn’t be allowed to glue to the pavers without asking strata, they normally don’t let you alter the external areas without permission. Is there a basement carpark under the pavers?

    • mrkrdp on 15/09/2025 - 09:13

      Yes, there is a basement carpark underneath, correct

      • Stewardo on 15/09/2025 - 10:42
        +1

        It effectively the roof of the carpark, I wouldn’t alter anything without permission, as you might be asked to remove it and make good any damage to pavers.
        You own the exclusive use of this area not the structure itself.

        • mrkrdp on 15/09/2025 - 11:01

          Sure, all good - can chat with Strata 👍

        • brendanm on 15/09/2025 - 22:24
          +4

          You'll not own your pavers, and be happy.

  • BoltThrower on 15/09/2025 - 09:51
    +4

    Perhaps onto an underlay rather than directly to the pavement, at least a geotextile weed barrier

    • mrkrdp on 15/09/2025 - 11:03
      +1

      Yeah, that's good feedback. I'm basically trying to establish whether it's viable / good idea to do the installation without removing the pavers.

  • Far Cough on 15/09/2025 - 10:53

    smoother surface to play on.

    tha pavers look smooth

  • s12345 on 15/09/2025 - 11:19
    -1

    We got some artificial grass from Temu 6 months ago which is in the bin now. It looked great initially but constantly shed tiny pieces of black plastic. The whole area feels much cleaner now it's gone.

    • Euphemistic on 17/09/2025 - 09:24
      +2

      And youre surprised that cheap stuff from a place that is renowned for cheap rubbish didnt last?

  • Pigey on 15/09/2025 - 11:31
    +2

    We had pavers in our townhouse and I laid a few rolls of artificial grass about 5 years ago. Best thing we ever did for the kids.

    No underlay needed, it is soft enough. You'll need a few bags of beach sand to weigh it all down, and of course you'll need that really sticky double sided tape too. Yep, we had to cut a hole for one of the pillars, but it is easy with a sharp Stanley knife.

    https://ibb.co/4gp4Y6wg

    • mrkrdp on 15/09/2025 - 12:34
      +1

      Yeah, exactly what I have in mind - thanks for sharing

  • AustriaBargain on 15/09/2025 - 11:35
    -1

    Could put in a load of pot plants that don't need a lot of light, some outdoor chairs, and a big foam mat or something if kids want to sit down.

  • sumyungguy on 15/09/2025 - 12:26
    -1

    My artificial turf is installed on road base and crusher dust with river sand infill; you should check the installation guide for your chosen supplier; here's mine. I wouldn't use glue as it will adversely affect drainage.

  • jjjaar on 15/09/2025 - 13:35
    +3

    Even when covered, artificial grass smells gross in the warmer months. Direct sun makes it worse, but just general ambient heat is enough. Then rain in summer adds to it.

    Any moisture that gets underneath might get trapped between the grass and the pavers, so that’s another thing that might impact it.

    It can also take forever to dry even when there is decent drainage.

    Honestly, you’d be better off with some soft mats that you take in and out depending on when your kids need it. That way they can be stored inside away from sun and rain and will last even longer.

    • Pigey on 15/09/2025 - 14:14

      We've had our artificial grass for five years in Perth, and it’s never had any odour issues. It’s installed in a mostly covered area, which might help.

      Covering the entire space with mats every time would be too much hassle. Our kids love playing out there freely without needing constant supervision.

      After five years, our artificial grass is still in great condition, better than mats would likely be.
      The kids can run around safely without slipping, which is a huge plus.

      • sumyungguy on 15/09/2025 - 14:21

        Few prospective consumers understand the wide variety in quality and construction of artificial turf. Haters have generally purchased rubbish from Bunnings when there are viable alternatives widely used in public spaces, commercial projects, sporting venues and private homes. Every time I suggest it for a specific use case over on r/AusRenovation it gets downvoted off the conversation with a day.

        • jjjaar on 15/09/2025 - 17:26

          Haters have generally purchased rubbish

          I typically agree with this statement, but in my defence, the artificial grass came with the house when we purchased. It looks fantastic; the colour is brilliant so from a visual perspective, it’s great. I daresay it’s a decent quality one too as it’s over 10 years old. But yeah, after a while, the smell takes over.

          We absolutely would not have put it in ourselves if it weren’t there already, and we can’t wait to rip it up.

      • jjjaar on 15/09/2025 - 17:27

        Ours is over 10 years old, so just wait, the smell will start soon enough.

        I appreciate the hassle re: kids.

  • Aureus on 15/09/2025 - 20:39
    +4

    Do what you like, but I feel like kids get exposed to enough microplastics without covering your backyard in a slowly shedding mat of plastic for play time.

  • jv on 15/09/2025 - 21:18
    +2

    Artificial Grass over Pavers

    Nah… Go for the pavers.

    We don't need more plastic in the environment…

  • Transient on 18/09/2025 - 16:07

    I have small format pavers in the backyard. Really annoying when I have to remove weeds several times a year. I bought a couple of rolls of artificial grass from Bunnings and used turf pins to fix them to the cracks between the pavers. Worked a treat.

  • donbot on 18/09/2025 - 17:10

    sing it with me… the floor… is… LAVA!

    I have a small patch of artificial grass. ANY sun on it and it turns to lava - like, unbearably hot - hotter than the surrounding pavers… and thats with crushed rock base underneath, not dark pavers, which would hold the heat again.

    Bad idea in my opinion solely as a result of the heat factor.

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