Can I install a putting green on concrete?

How a concrete putting green works

Concrete is a stable, level base for a high-performance putting green when you manage moisture, edges, and infill. A breathable drainage layer under short, dense putting turf keeps water moving and cushions the surface. Proper adhesives and perimeter detailing lock everything in place so the roll stays true.

What you need

• Putting green turf: 0.375 to 0.625 inch pile, dense stitched face.
• Drainage mat or thin pad: 3 to 10 mm with channels for airflow and water movement.
• Polyurethane turf adhesive rated for concrete.
• Seam tape and adhesive for joints.
• Perimeter solution: glue-to-slab, anchor track with masonry screws, or low-profile edging.
• Rounded silica sand infill, 16 to 30 gradation, 1.0 to 2.5 lb per sq ft.
• Brush or power broom, 50 to 100 lb drop spreader, utility knife, straightedge, rollers, and PPE.
• Optional cups and flags: surface-mount kits or core-drilled sleeves.

Step-by-step installation on a slab

1) Inspect and prep the concrete

• Clean thoroughly. Remove oils, dust, and loose paint. Fill cracks and grind high spots.
• Confirm drainage path. A 1 to 2 percent fall is ideal. If the slab is flat, plan extra weep points at edges.

2) Dry fit the drainage layer

• Roll out the mat or pad with channels facing the intended drainage path.
• Tape or spot-glue only enough to stop movement and preserve airflow.

3) Establish the perimeter

• Use a low-profile edge or anchor track secured with masonry screws, or apply polyurethane adhesive beads around the perimeter.
• Leave discreet weep gaps every 4 to 6 feet so water can exit.

4) Place and seam the turf

• Acclimate turf in the sun for 30 to 60 minutes, then cut to shape with tight inside corners.
• Align grain. Use seam tape and adhesive. Close seams with even pressure and a roller.

5) Secure to the slab

• Back-roll edges. Apply polyurethane adhesive in S-beads 6 to 8 inches on center, keeping channels open for drainage.
• Weight the edges during cure per adhesive instructions.

6) Add cups if desired

• Surface-mount cup kits sit on top of the slab and under the turf. They are fast and clean.
• Core-drilled sleeves look premium. Hire a pro with a 4.25 inch wet core bit and dust control.

7) Infill and brush

• Spread 1.0 to 2.5 lb per sq ft of rounded silica sand in thin lifts.
• Brush against the grain between lifts to stand fibers and even the roll.

8) Final tune

• Roll test putts. Add small amounts of sand to increase speed and flatten minor undulations. Brush to balance speed across the surface.

Speed, feel, and realism

• Target stimp: 9 to 11 for most practice greens on concrete.
• More infill raises speed and firmness. Less infill softens feel and reduces speed.
• Short, dense yarns deliver a clean roll and stable speed with minimal maintenance.

Cup options on concrete

• Surface-mount cups: Quick to install, no drilling, ideal for garages, patios, and rentals.
• Core-drilled cups: Permanent and flush. Use professional coring to avoid slab damage and ensure drainage below the sleeve.

Drainage and moisture control

• Use a channeled drainage mat so water can move laterally to edges.
• Create weep points under the turf edge and avoid sealing the entire perimeter.
• If water ponds on the slab, add discreet spacers or shims under the mat to create flow paths.

Heat, expansion, and environmental factors

• Concrete and turf heat up in sun. Choose UV-stable yarns and consider light colors or shade in hot climates.
• Allow acclimation before final trimming. Leave micro-relief at edges to prevent tenting with temperature swings.
• Indoors, ensure ventilation so the system can dry after cleaning.

Seams, edges, and transitions

• Run seams with consistent grain direction and stitch gauge. Avoid seam lines in high-break zones.
• Feather infill at edges for a flush transition to concrete, pavers, or flooring.
• At doors or thresholds, use a low-profile reducer for a clean, trip-free finish.

Maintenance

• Brush monthly or as needed to keep fibers upright and speed consistent.
• Vacuum or leaf-blow debris. Rinse occasionally to clear dust from infill.
• Spot clean with mild detergent. Avoid harsh solvents on edges and seams.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping a drainage layer, which traps moisture and slows the roll.
• Over-gluing the field area, which blocks airflow and creates hard spots.
• Uneven infill that causes directional bias. Always brush between lifts.
• Sealing every inch of the perimeter with no weep points.

When to bring in a pro

• Complex shapes with multiple seams.
• Core drilling for permanent cups.
• Large greens over 300 sq ft where speed consistency is critical.

Specification quick hits

• Pile height: 0.375 to 0.625 inch. Dense, short pile for truest roll.
• Infill: rounded silica sand, 1.0 to 2.5 lb per sq ft, tuned to desired speed.
• Underlayment: 3 to 10 mm drainage mat or thin pad with channels.
• Adhesive: professional-grade polyurethane suitable for concrete.