When DIY Works vs When to Hire a Pro

DIY-ready scenarios

  • Small to mid-size patios, balconies, or side yards up to about 300 to 400 sq ft.
  • Simple shapes with straight edges and minimal obstructions.
  • Concrete has visible slope to a drain or clear water escape path.
  • You can lift and position a heavy roll safely and have two sets of hands.

Bring in a pro

  • Complex shapes, multiple seams, or steps and posts that need precision cuts.
  • No slope, ponding, or unclear drainage path.
  • Large rolls in tight access areas or multi-level installs.
  • Strict HOA rules, historic surfaces, or when drilling is restricted.

Drainage on Concrete is Non?Negotiable

Test the slope

  • Hose test: water should move to a drain or edge within 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Ideal fall is roughly 1 to 2 percent. Flat or reverse slope needs a plan.

Drainage options

  • Use turf with fully permeable backing for fast vertical flow.
  • Add perforated drain tiles or a channeled shock pad to create an air gap.
  • Direct water to existing scuppers or trench drains. If allowed, core a few weep holes to a sub-drain and patch edges cleanly.

Odor control is part of drainage

  • Choose antimicrobial pet infill or a zeolite blend that absorbs ammonia.
  • Plan a rinse routine and enzyme cleaner schedule before you install.

Tools and Materials

  • Pet turf with permeable backing, 1.0 to 1.25 inch pile, high stitch count.
  • Antimicrobial or zeolite-blend infill, 1 to 2 lbs per sq ft based on product.
  • Seam tape and exterior-grade urethane turf adhesive rated for wet use.
  • Perimeter solution: adhesive, aluminum or composite edging, or anchored nailer strips with concrete anchors where allowed.
  • Drain tiles or shock pad if slope is minimal.
  • Utility knife with hook blades, straightedge, turf kicker or carpet stretcher, stiff broom, push spreader, and a 50 to 75 lb roller if available.

Step-by-Step Installation on Concrete

  1. Clean and prep: pressure wash, remove oils, and let dry fully. Fill cracks or high spots that could telegraph through the turf.
  2. Dry lay and square: unroll turf, relax in sun for 30 to 60 minutes, align the grain, and pre-trim excess.
  3. Create seams: cut factory rows true, butt edges without gaps, then seam with tape and adhesive. Weight seams while curing per adhesive spec.
  4. Perimeter bond: set edging or apply a consistent adhesive bead 2 to 3 inches from the edge. Leave small weep gaps at low points to let water out.
  5. Infill: broadcast in light passes and broom between lifts until blades stand and manufacturer weight is met.
  6. Final set: roll the surface, re-broom against grain, and spot check edges, seams, and drainage.

Cost, Time, and Skill Level

  • Materials only: about $4 to $9 per sq ft depending on turf, infill, and tiles or pad.
  • DIY time: two people can complete 150 to 250 sq ft in a day if layout is simple.
  • Skill: intermediate DIY. Clean seams, straight cuts, and adhesive timing matter.

Maintenance and Odor Control

  • Solid waste removal daily. Quick rinse after use in high-traffic potty zones.
  • Deep rinse weekly for light use or 2 to 3 times weekly for multiple dogs.
  • Apply pet-safe enzyme cleaner as directed to neutralize ammonia.
  • Top up infill as needed to keep blades upright and odor control consistent.

Heat, Comfort, and Safety

  • Concrete reflects heat. Choose lighter turf tones and cooling infill where heat is a concern.
  • Provide shade and a quick hose cooldown on very hot days.
  • Use cushioned pad or tiles if pets are aging or joint sensitive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping drainage tiles on flat slabs that already pond.
  • Using indoor carpet adhesive or low-grade tapes that fail in moisture.
  • Visible seams from cutting across the stitch row or mismatched grain.
  • Overfilling or underfilling infill, which hurts drainage and appearance.
  • Gluing every edge with no weep gaps at low points.

Upgrades, Alternatives, and Rental-Friendly Options

  • Modular turf tiles for balconies where adhesives or drilling are not allowed.
  • Raised grid base to lift turf off the slab for faster dry time.
  • Portable pet relief stations with contained drainage for small spaces.
  • Edging that anchors to existing joints with removable fasteners to avoid damage.

Compliance and Access

  • Check HOA rules for balcony finishes, drainage, and drilling limits.
  • Protect door thresholds and weep screeds. Do not block building drains.
  • Plan roll sizes and carry paths before ordering to avoid heavy, unsafe lifts.

When to Call a Pro

  • You see standing water after the hose test or no clear drainage path.
  • Multiple seams in tight spots or high-visibility edges that must be perfect.
  • Large areas where adhesive timing and layout tolerances are critical.