The right adhesive for turf on concrete
For concrete slabs, installers rely on two workhorses: a one-part, moisture-tolerant urethane for perimeter bonding and a two-part urethane on seaming tape for strong, flat seams. This combo delivers durable hold, flexibility across seasons, and clean seam lines without telegraphing.
Adhesive options compared
- One-part moisture-cured urethane: Best for perimeter bonds on exterior or interior slabs. Handles light moisture, stays flexible, and resists temperature swings.
- Two-part urethane: High-strength, controlled cure. Use on seam tape for primary seams and in cold or marginal conditions where a catalyzed set is an advantage.
- Pressure-sensitive acrylic: Limited use. Works for select indoor, low-moisture, light-traffic spaces. Not recommended outdoors.
- General construction adhesive: Do not use. It lacks the shear strength, flexibility, and moisture tolerance turf systems require.
Surface prep that makes adhesive work
- Clean: Remove dust, paint, sealers, oils, and curing compounds. Mechanically abrade or degrease as needed.
- Flatness: Grind high spots and fill divots or spalls with a compatible patching compound. Aim for no more than 1/8 inch variation over 10 feet.
- Dry and sound: Concrete must be cured and structurally sound. Address active cracks. Do not bridge expansion joints with turf or adhesive.
- Moisture awareness: Urethane tolerates some moisture, but standing water is a failure risk. If you suspect high vapor emission, test and follow the adhesive manufacturer’s limits.
- Acclimate: Unroll turf for at least 1 hour to relax memory before bonding.
How to install on concrete with the right adhesive
Perimeter bonding
- Dry-fit the turf and trim edges for a clean perimeter. Mark your bond line.
- Apply one-part urethane in a continuous band around the perimeter. Typical application uses a 1/8 inch V-notch trowel at roughly 60 to 80 square feet per gallon. Follow the product’s open time.
- Set the turf into the adhesive, working in manageable sections. Use a carpet roller or hand roller to ensure transfer.
- Create drainage weeps by leaving small unbonded gaps every 3 to 4 feet at the low side. This helps water escape.
- Weight edges as needed until initial set. Protect from traffic until cured.
Seaming on concrete
- Align turf panels with grain matched. Fold edges back evenly.
- Center nonporous seaming tape under the joint, smooth and secure the tape to the slab if required by the system.
- Mix two-part urethane per the data sheet. Observe pot life and working time.
- Spread adhesive onto the tape in a uniform layer, then close the seam carefully, keeping fibers clean and upright.
- Roll the seam and weight evenly until set. Trim any stray fibers after cure.
Full-spread vs perimeter-only
- Perimeter-only: Standard for exterior patios and sport areas. Faster and allows better drainage.
- Full-spread: Consider indoors, on ramps, or where heavy rolling loads demand maximum anti-creep performance. Use moisture-tolerant urethane and follow coverage specifications.
Climate, moisture, and indoor air quality
- Temperature: Install within the adhesive’s recommended range, commonly 50 to 90°F. Avoid installs in rain or on frozen slabs.
- Moisture: Urethane tolerates incidental moisture but not standing water. If vapor emission or RH is high, use products rated for that condition or mitigate first.
- Low-VOC and pet-safe: For enclosed or occupied spaces, choose low-VOC, low-odor urethanes. Verify compliance with local regulations.
Tools, coverage, and cure times
- Trowels: 1/8 inch V-notch is common for urethane. Seam adhesive is applied as a uniform film on tape per the manufacturer.
- Coverage: Perimeter urethane typically covers 60 to 80 square feet per gallon. Two-part seam adhesive commonly yields 15 to 30 linear feet per quart depending on tape width and spread.
- Set and cure: Expect initial grab in 1 to 4 hours and full cure around 24 to 48 hours. Two-part products have a defined pot life. Always confirm with the product data sheet.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping surface prep or bonding over dust, paint, or sealers.
- Gluing across control or expansion joints.
- Starving the bond by underapplying adhesive or exceeding open time.
- Forgetting drainage weeps along the low edge outdoors.
- Walking or rolling heavy loads on the turf before cure.
When to bring in a pro
If the slab shows signs of high moisture, has active cracking, or the project demands full-spread indoor bonding with strict air quality requirements, consult a certified turf installer. A pro will test the slab, select the right urethane system, and deliver a clean, durable finish.
