How to Install Artificial Grass on Natural Surfaces
Are you looking to install artificial grass to redefine the outlook of your landscape or commercial area?
This post serves as a step-by-step guide that takes you through the basic steps involved in replacing natural grass with synthetic grass or turf.
We understand that the old lawn can sometimes be frustrating, especially when you have to spend so much on various aspects of lawn care. Now, you don’t have to be stuck with an ugly lawn. You can get rid of 75% of the earth to give the ground a nice feel and prepare to lay new turf on it.
From clearing old materials that could obstruct the laying, to ultimately laying the turf, this post shows you that it’s possible to lay artificial grass by yourself. Besides, this process enables you to gain mastery of lawn installation and discover the associated costs. Read on to learn more.
Tools and Materials Required
Before you get all immersed in the process of installing artificial grass, we’ll take you through the essential tools for such installation.
Here’s a concise list:
- Base
- Weed barrier
- Compactor/Roller
- Roll of Best Artificial Grass
- Knee Pads
- Carpet Cutters
- Seam tape/glue
- Stanley Knife
- Hammer
- Turf Nails/Staples
- Infill
- Power Broom/Stiff Stifled Broom
Note that these requirements may vary a little if you intend to lay artificial grass on concrete or decking. This post assumes that you’d be laying turf on natural surfaces; hence, we have selected the basic tools for this process.
Steps Involved in Installing Artificial Grass
As you can already imagine, these steps will only come out great if you pay attention to caution and accuracy. Ensure that you are precise in your calculations, laying, and trimming.
Step 1 – Calculate the Lawn Space You Want to Lay Fake Grass on
It’s vital that you assess the height and length of the lawn space you intend to work on. Measuring this entire area in square meters helps you to determine the exact space where you’ll lay the lawn and how much clearing you’ll need to do.
As a matter of fact, any inaccuracies with the calculation of the desired lawn space may result in poorly-installed artificial grass. In order to prevent such, get your numbers correct.
Every other step depends on what you do here.
Step 2 – Find Out How Much Artificial Grass You’d Need
The second most important step in the installation process is determining the number of rolls of artificial grass you’d need.
Some artificial grasses are available in 2m and 4m (widths) with up to 25 m (length). To get a reasonably accurate number of joints, make use of planning tools. These tools give you an idea of what you’d need.
Nonetheless, remember to lay the rolls in the same direction to ensure exactness and a fine outlook. Moreover, it’s better to get rolls with more length than less as such excesses could account for wastes or other results of trimming.
Step 3 – Purchase Your Fake Lawn and other Resources
Buying the right quantity of artificial grass is as critical as laying it. When you make your purchases, be sure to choose high-quality glue, infill, knives, durable weed barrier, and more than enough lawn.
Step 4 – Add Weed Barrier Before Laying Artificial Lawn
Weed barrier goes a long way in ensuring that you enjoy the presence of your newly-laid artificial grass.
Whether you use fabric barrier or organic barriers, you’ll succeed in discouraging the growth of weed and stimulating easy drainage.
Step5 – Lay Artificial Grass on Sharp Sand
As you get closer to the actual laying, don’t forget to remove the topsoil. The best base for artificial grass is sharp sand. Thus, you’ll have to remove the existing grass base or earth.
We recommend that you clear the soil and other debris which could stand in the way, and find out the acceptable way of disposing of such soil.
When you’re through with applying the sharp sand to the soil, use a roller or compactor to compact the new base and prepare it for the grass laying.
If you need to fill in any areas of the ground, make sure you do so before adding your weed barrier. This is also the stage where you lay grass edging such as timber for a firmer base and wiring for water drainage.
Allow some 30 minutes to 1 hour before you lay your artificial grass.
Step 6 – Lay the Artificial Grass and Trim off Edges
This is where we have a real business. Lay the artificial grass on the hard ground by placing the roll edges in similar directions. Roll out the grass such as the under base isn’t disturbed.
Next, allow the grass to settle for at least three hours before trimming off the edges.
A Stanley knife or carpet cutters will produce a perfect trim of the grass base so that the surface doesn’t get affected.
It’s important that you cut the edges neatly as the edges easily reflect the accuracy of the installation.
Step 7 – Join the Joints
Artificial grass installation is incomplete without the pinning down of the joints. Make use of turf nails/staples and a hammer to keep the joints in place.
Step 8 – Spray the Turf with Infill
Infill such as Durafill sand provides the turf with an upright look and weight. The best part, it is anti-bacterial and safe for kids or animals.
Step 9 – Power Brush to Ensure Stability
Finally, use a power broom to groom the artificial grass so that you achieve a professional look. Since the rolls have previously been rolled up, you’d need to work them to flatten out well.
And there you have it – your DIY artificial grass installation! Did you find the procedures straightforward?
