Replacing sodden lawn with fake lawn

[RJC82]

Hi build hub

I’m contemplating digging up my lawn, digging out a a few inch, membrane then a sub base, sharp sand the laying fake grass, the problem I’ve got is there’s already a block boarder with fillet all the way round the inside and I’m not sure how I’d attach the grass to that and keep it tight ?? As anyone got any ideas ? Maybe knocking the fillet out and replacing it with a timber edge ? But if somone has a easier idea I’m all ears 

cheers 

[SteamyTea]

Your garden looks about the same size as mine.

Do you intend for it to be used as a garden, or, like me, an extension of the shed.

I just put down a membrane and then 20mm granite chippings.

All my plants are in pots.

[JohnMo]

  On 03/03/2025 at 20:20, RJC82 said:

contemplating digging up my lawn, digging out a a few inch, membrane then a sub base, sharp sand the laying fake grass,

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If don't sort the drainage issue, you will just transfer the issue from sodden grass, to sodden fake grass and have a bad back and lighter bank balance.

[saveasteading]

I'm totally against fake grass. Plastic that will fade and wear and that will end up being tipped after just a few years.

Plus the issues above.

Gravel, perhaps in grids will drain the rain. Slabs for some more formal harder areas. Pots of plants: a few glazed ones look great and plants like them 

[RJC82]

Thanks for the reply’s, to be honest I’m against fake grass and hate the thought of things going to land fill but I need somewhere soft for my two year old to play outside and I’m on a budget, I tried drilling the garden and filling with sharp sand  last summer to try and help with drainage but no joy. 
I thought if I dug down enough and filled with stone that would help with the drainage. 
if anyone’s got any child friendly ideas that would be great 

[Conor]

  On 04/03/2025 at 18:14, RJC82 said:

Thanks for the reply’s, to be honest I’m against fake grass and hate the thought of things going to land fill but I need somewhere soft for my two year old to play outside and I’m on a budget, I tried drilling the garden and filling with sharp sand  last summer to try and help with drainage but no joy. 
I thought if I dug down enough and filled with stone that would help with the drainage. 
if anyone’s got any child friendly ideas that would be great 

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Interlocking rubber mats on top of whatever you have. We used it to make a temporary play area on our deck while building our house. And remember, they'll soon grow out of out.

[RJC82]

When I laid the lawn I also dug a deep hole and filled with stone to create a soak away but that didn’t work either 👎

[RJC82]

  On 04/03/2025 at 18:24, Conor said:

Interlocking rubber mats on top of whatever you have. We used it to make a temporary play area on our deck while building our house. And remember, they'll soon grow out of out.

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That’s not a bad idea 👍