Laying artificial grass over an old patio

[britishboy7]

we’d like to lay artificial grass over an old patio we have, approx 8m x 6m of pavers on what looks like a solid mortar bed. It hasn’t shifted or sunk in the 20+ years it’s been down (we inherited it).

Is there any way we can lay artificial grass over the patio, without needing to dig it up and shift all the waste. Was wondering if there’s any kind of waterproof/breathable/underlay type product to use between the existing patio and the artificial grass?

 

[conny]

If the base is sound then the only problem yo have will be in how to prevent the artificial grass from being blown around in the wind.
It will need to be laid in a staggered pattern, (think of the staggered bricks in a wall), to help prevent it moving around and hide obvious joints. On such a large area it may be advisable to 'stitch' along the edges to form one connected 'blanket'. This will reduce movement but the edges may lift in the wind.
You do not need any breathable membrane underneath. Any water will simply drain through the grass and, if the patio doesn't normally pool, drain away as normal.

 

[britishboy7]

Thanks Conny, I had wondered how ‘bouncy’ it would be straight onto the patio. IF (I’ll get plenty of time to check over the next few days) it does pool and puddle after a downpour could I drill drainage holes through the pavers where it pools, and through it’s mortar bed and maybe fill them with pea shingle to allow drainage? Was thinking large holes maybe 15mm+ if needed

It can be battened down around the edge too if needed, the garden layout would allow for that

 

[conny]

If it pools after a sudden downpour I would wait to see how quickly, (or slowly), it clears. Many mains drains can't cope with sudden downpours so drilling holes in the pavers wouldn't really help and may actually make the underneath unstable if it pools there instead of draining away to the sides. Maybe someone else could comment on that aspect.

I like the idea of battening around the edges. Good plan.