Artificial Grass Surfaces
Artificial grass surfacing offers a clean, soft and reliable surface solution for areas that need to withstand heavy daily use while maintaining the appearance of natural grass. Abacus supplies and installs play-grade artificial grass for schools, nurseries, parks and recreational spaces across the UK, providing a safe, low-maintenance alternative to natural turf.
Our systems are designed specifically for play environments, combining a realistic grass finish with excellent durability, effective drainage and optional cushioned underlays to achieve impact protection where required. If you are developing a new playground or refurbishing an older surface, our team can visit your site and recommend the right specification for your space.
What Sets Abacus Apart
- Over 20 years’ experience installing playground surfacing
- Play-grade artificial grass with 28 mm pile height
- Optional cushioned shockpad for fall-height compliance
- Fully porous and suitable for year-round use
- Hardwearing fibres designed for high-footfall areas
- Installed nationwide by trained teams
- Suitable for schools, nurseries, parks and public spaces
- Free site surveys and expert advice on safety requirements
Speak to our team for a detailed quotation or to arrange an assessment.
What Is Play-Grade Artificial Grass?
Play-grade artificial grass is a synthetic surface engineered to look and feel like natural turf while offering improved resilience, safety and longevity. It uses high-quality fibres, a stable backing system and a 28 mm pile height to provide a soft but durable finish suitable for playgrounds and recreation areas.
Key features include:
- Natural, lifelike appearance
- Soft and comfortable underfoot
- Consistent coverage with no bare patches
- No mud, mess or surface erosion
- Superior drainage for fast-drying performance
- Suitable for regular and intensive use
Unlike domestic artificial grass, play-grade systems are built for high activity levels and can be combined with impact-absorbing underlays for safety compliance around play equipment.
Safety and Fall Height Protection
When installed with a cushioned shockpad layer, artificial grass can meet the requirements for critical fall height in accordance with EN1177. This makes it suitable for use beneath climbing frames, trim trails and other elevated equipment.
Our team will advise on:
- Recommended shockpad thickness
- Critical fall height performance
- Compliance with relevant safety standards
- Suitable configurations for your equipment
How Artificial Grass Is Installed
We provide a complete installation service, ensuring a stable, even and long-lasting finish.
Typical installation steps include:
- Full site survey and assessment
- Ground preparation and levelling
- Installation of a suitable sub-base materia;
- Optional shockpad installation
- Rolling out and aligning the artificial grass
- Seam bonding to achieve a continuous finish
- Edging, trimming and surface inspection
Most installations are completed efficiently, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
Where Artificial Grass Can Be Installed
Artificial grass is suitable for a wide range of outdoor and indoor spaces, including:
- School playgrounds
- Nursery outdoor areas
- Multi-use recreation zones
- Sensory and quiet areas
- Public parks
- Landscaping schemes
- Seating and picnic areas
- Roof terraces and courtyards
- Indoor play zones
View our case studies for examples of recent installations.
Key Benefits of Artificial Grass Surfacing
- Consistent, year-round green appearance
- Soft and comfortable surface for play
- Low maintenance with no mowing or watering
- Fully porous and fast-draining
- No mud or surface wear
- Suitable for wheelchair and pushchair access
- Long lifespan with reliable performance
- Safe and clean alternative to natural grass
Maintenance and Longevity
Artificial grass requires very little upkeep. Occasional brushing helps maintain the pile, and periodic cleaning can be carried out if needed. The surface does not require mowing, watering, fertilising or re-turfing, making it a cost-effective option over the long term.
Lifespan depends on usage levels and site conditions, but play-grade systems are designed for many years of service with minimal maintenance.
Technical Specifications
Technical data sheets can be supplied on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is artificial grass safe for playgrounds?
Yes. Play-grade artificial grass is designed for playground use and can be combined with a shockpad to meet fall-height requirements.
Does artificial grass drain well?
The surface is fully porous, allowing rainwater to drain quickly and reducing standing water.
Can artificial grass be installed over existing hard surfaces?
Yes, it can be laid over prepared bases such as tarmac, concrete or compacted stone.
What maintenance is required?
Maintenance is minimal. Occasional brushing and basic cleaning are usually sufficient.
Is artificial grass suitable for schools and nurseries?
Yes. It is widely used in education settings due to its soft texture, all-weather usability and durability.
How long does installation take?
Most installations are completed within a short timeframe, depending on the area size and base preparation required.
Do you install nationwide?
Yes, our installation teams cover sites across England, Scotland and Wales.
Request a Free Artificial Grass Quote
If you are planning a playground or recreational space, our team can arrange a free site survey and provide a tailored specification. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.