Checkerboard Faux Grass (2026): How to Build a Turf-and-Paver or Two-Tone Checker Pattern
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A checkerboard of turf and stone is one of the most striking ways to use faux grass, and it's simpler to build than it looks.
A checkerboard faux grass design alternates turf squares with pavers, or with squares of a second turf colour, in a grid. It's a bold, modern look that suits patios, courtyards and front paths. Checkerboard patterns in paving have made a comeback, with retailers like Edward Martin featuring checkerboard stone and porcelain. Turf adds a soft, green contrast to the hard squares.
This guide compares the two methods, walks through a turf-and-paver build and lists what to buy. This page is about turf. If you're after a checkerboard mowing pattern on a real lawn, that's a different job.
Turf and pavers, or two turf tones?
Turf with pavers is easier; two-tone turf is bolder.
| Method A: turf and pavers | Method B: two turf tones | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Turf squares alternate with stone or concrete pavers | Squares of two turf colours seamed together |
| Look | Classic green-and-grey contrast | A bold, all-turf pattern |
| Drainage | Good; water drains between pavers and through turf | Good, through the turf backing |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Hard; many seams |
| Stability | Very stable; pavers anchor the grid | Depends on seam quality |
| Best for | Patios, paths, courtyards | Play areas, feature lawns, events |
Method B needs two colours that contrast well, such as a dark green and a lime, and very careful seaming. See two-tone faux grass and our colours guide.
How do you build a turf-and-paver checkerboard?
Set the pavers first; the turf squares fill the gaps. Here's how:
- Plan the grid. The paver size sets the square size. With 24 × 24 in pavers, every turf square is also 24 × 24 in. Draw the layout on paper first.
- Mark and excavate. Mark the area with string, then dig to the depth your pavers and base need.
- Build the base. Spread and compact a stone base across the whole area. See our base guide.
- Set the pavers. Lay pavers in every other square, using string lines to keep rows straight and level. Bed them on sand or mortar as the paver maker advises.
- Prepare the open squares. Compact the base in each open square so it sits at the right depth for the turf to finish level with the pavers.
- Cut turf squares. Cut each turf square slightly oversize from the back, then trim to fit. See our cutting guide.
- Fit and fix. Press each square into place. Fix edges with adhesive along the paver edges, or with stakes into the base.
- Add light infill. A little sand helps the turf sit flat and keeps blades upright.
How do you install artificial grass between pavers in a checkerboard? Set and level the pavers first, compact the open squares, then cut turf squares to fit and fix the edges.
What do you need to buy?
Short-pile turf makes the neatest squares. Here's the list:
- Short-pile turf. Low turf cuts cleanly and sits flush with pavers.
- Pavers. Square stone or concrete pavers in a size that suits your space.
- Base material. Crushed stone and fine aggregate.
- Turf adhesive. For fixing turf edges to paver edges. See our adhesive guide.
- Seam tape. Only for Method B. See our seam tape guide.
- A sharp cutter. Lots of square cuts mean lots of blade changes.
LITA Realistic Deluxe 0.8 in — Best Turf for Checkerboard Squares
Pile: 0.8 in | Colour: 4-tone with thatch | Sizes: by the square foot
LITA's 0.8 in turf is short enough to sit flush with pavers and cut cleanly into squares, but tall enough to look like grass. Its four tones keep the squares looking natural. It's sold by the square foot, so you can order exactly what the grid needs.
But with lots of small squares, plan your cutting carefully to reduce waste.
Our take: from cutting a lot of artificial grass into panels for stages and backdrops, short pile with thatch gives the crispest edges; long pile flops over the cut line and blurs the grid. Keep the blade direction the same on every square, or the checkerboard will look patchy in sunlight.
Check price on Amazon · Read our LITA review
ROBERTS 6700 Indoor/Outdoor Adhesive — Best Adhesive for Fixing Turf to Pavers
Type: SBR latex, solvent-free | Size: 1 gallon
ROBERTS says its 6700 adhesive works with most indoor and outdoor turf and carpet backings. A bead along each paver edge holds the turf square tight against the stone.
But glue is permanent. Test-fit every square before you glue it.
Our take: in our experience, glued edges are what keep small turf squares from curling at the corners over time; staked squares this size tend to lift where nothing holds them.
For more design ideas, see faux grass ideas and faux grass for garden paths.