Rubber Grass Mats Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions

This installation guide provides the standardized procedures for laying both single rubber grass mats and continuous rolls. Follow these steps to ensure a professional, safe, and long-lasting installation.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Before laying any rubber safety surface, the following preparation is required for all product formats:

Essential Preparation Steps

Clear the Area: Remove all debris, stones, and obstructions from the designated installation site. This ensures a smooth, level surface and prevents damage to the mats.
Leveling: Level the ground as much as possible by filling holes or divots with topsoil. A level surface prevents water pooling and ensures even mat placement.
Grass Seeding: If there is no existing grass, reseed the area after leveling to ensure future growth through the mats. This is essential for achieving the natural, hidden appearance.
Direct Laying: If existing turf is already in place, the mats can be laid directly on top without additional groundwork. The existing grass will grow through the matting.
Optional Underlay: You may install an Underlay Mesh beneath the mats for added ground protection to promote grass growth. This is particularly useful in areas with poor soil conditions.

Section 1: Single Mat Installation (16mm & 22mm)

Single mats (1.0m x 1.5m) are ideal for modular layouts and irregular shapes. This format offers maximum flexibility for custom installations.

Step-by-Step Single Mat Installation

Laying: Place the rubber grass mats out one line at a time, ensuring they are flush against each other. Start from one corner and work systematically across the area. This methodical approach ensures proper alignment and prevents gaps.
Joining: Cable tie the mats together using up to 20 ties per mat for maximum stability. The ties should be inserted through the pre-punched holes in the mat edges.
Tie Frequency: We recommend using four cable ties along the 1m length and six cable ties along the 1.5m length. This distribution ensures even tension and prevents mat shifting.
Securing: Place 4 plastic pegs into each mat, one in each corner, to secure them into the ground. The pegs should be inserted at a slight angle for better grip.
Pegging: Gently push the pegs in; if the ground is firm, a rubber mallet can be used. Avoid using excessive force as this may damage the pegs or mats.

Pro Tip: For irregular shapes or areas with obstacles, you can easily cut single mats to fit around trees, play equipment, or other structures using a sharp utility knife.

Section 2: Rubber Grass Roll Installation (16mm & 22mm)

Rolls (1.0m x 10.0m) provide rapid coverage and a seamless finish for long pathways or large open areas. This format is ideal for commercial installations and long runs.

Step-by-Step Roll Installation

Unrolling: Roll out the product in long continuous strips to cover the area quickly. Work with a partner for easier handling of the 10-metre rolls.
Alignment: Ensure the edges of parallel rolls are flush together to prevent gaps. Use a straight edge or string line to maintain alignment over long distances.
Minimized Joining: Unlike single mats, rolls only require cable ties at the outer perimeter or where the ends of two rolls meet. This significantly reduces installation time and materials.
Securing the Length: Use plastic pegs every 1.5 meters along the edges and in the corners to ensure the roll remains flat and secure against the ground.
Smooth Finish: Ensure the roll is pulled taut during pegging to avoid any ripples or bulges that could cause a trip hazard. Work from one end to the other, securing as you go.

Final Finishing (Both Formats)

To ensure long-term safety and a professional finish, follow these final steps for both single mats and rolls:

Final Steps for Professional Finish

Trip Hazard Prevention: Dig a wedge-shaped channel approximately 4 inches deep around the perimeter of the installation. The channel should be wide enough to accommodate the mat edges.
Burying Edges: Fold the edges of the mats or rolls down into the channel and peg them into the sloped side. This creates a flush transition between the matting and surrounding ground.
Backfilling: Fill the channel with soil to bring it up to level with the surrounding ground. Tamp down gently to ensure a firm, level finish.
Growth Period: Within a few weeks, natural grass will grow through the matting, making the product completely hidden and providing a natural appearance. Regular watering during the first few weeks will encourage faster growth.

Tools and Accessories Checklist

Before starting your installation, ensure you have all the necessary tools and accessories. Use this checklist to calculate your requirements:

Item	Single Mats (per mat)	Rolls (per 10m roll)	Notes
Cable Ties	Up to 20	Perimeter only	Use 4 ties along 1m edge, 6 ties along 1.5m edge
Plastic Pegs	4 (one per corner)	Every 1.5m along edges	Plus corners for rolls
Utility Knife	1		For cutting mats to fit irregular shapes
Rubber Mallet	1		For firm ground (optional)
Spade/Shovel	1		For digging perimeter channel
String Line	1 (for rolls)		For maintaining alignment on long runs
Topsoil	As needed		For leveling and backfilling perimeter channel
Grass Seed	As needed		If installing on bare ground

Calculating Your Requirements

For Single Mats:

Cable Ties: Number of mats × 20 (maximum)
Pegs: Number of mats × 4

For Rolls:

Cable Ties: Perimeter length ÷ 1.5m (for edge securing) + number of roll joins
Pegs: (Total length in metres ÷ 1.5) × 2 (both edges) + corners

Common Installation Questions

Can I install rubber grass mats myself?

Yes! Both single mats and rolls are designed for DIY installation. Single mats are particularly manageable at 10-12.5kg each, while rolls may require a helper for easier handling.

How long does installation take?

Installation time varies by project size. Single mats typically take longer due to more joining work, while rolls offer faster coverage for large areas. A typical residential path (20m²) can be completed in 2-4 hours.

Do I need professional help?

For most residential and small commercial projects, DIY installation is perfectly feasible. For large commercial installations, playgrounds requiring safety certification, or complex layouts, professional installation may be recommended.

What if I make a mistake during installation?

Single mats can be easily lifted and repositioned if needed. For rolls, it's best to check alignment before fully securing. Both formats are forgiving and allow for adjustments during installation.

Maintenance After Installation

Once installed, rubber grass mats require minimal maintenance:

Watering: During the first few weeks, ensure adequate watering to encourage grass growth through the matting.
Regular Mowing: Once grass is established, mow as normal. The matting won't interfere with standard lawn maintenance.
Inspection: Periodically check that pegs remain secure and cable ties haven't loosened, especially after heavy rain or frost.
Cleaning: The matting is self-cleaning as grass grows through, but you can brush or hose down if needed for debris removal.

Remember: The key to a successful installation is proper preparation and taking your time to ensure mats are flush, secure, and properly finished. A well-installed rubber grass mat surface will provide years of reliable service while maintaining a natural, attractive appearance.