DIY Installation Tips for Artificial Grass

August 29, 2024 Shirley Savage

Any homeowner may find it difficult to take on the process of remodelling their landscaping, let alone the ongoing upkeep that follows when the project is over. Artificial golf grass can therefore be the ideal option for a low-maintenance yard. Installing artificial grass involves a lot of challenges, and it could be difficult if you don't know the proper techniques.

Homeowners in the UK are beginning to prefer artificial grass to natural grass since it takes less maintenance. Though few have the time to keep up a beautiful garden throughout the year, everyone wants one. Installing our artificial grass is simple, and it requires very little upkeep afterwards. Read on to learn how to install artificial turf on dirt surfaces.

* Step 1: Measure the space and look for underlying hazards

You should locate any water pipes, sprinklers, and electric wires that might be beneath the surface of the intended installation area before taking measurements. Sprinklers can usually be easily removed or covered at the level of the pipe if they are not needed any longer. To prevent bumpy surfaces and sprinkler damage while laying down turf, identify the location of any current sprinklers that you must keep to water other areas of the yard.

Taking the appropriate measurements comes next, once you've finished your pre-installation preparation and looked for any subterranean risks. Determine the area's width and length, taking into account any junctions or unusual forms that may require turf to be cut. Since most artificial turf comes in rolls, estimating the area you want to cover can help you determine the number of rolls, as well as how much adhesive and joining tape you'll need to buy.

* Step 2: Take the Existing Surface Off

The process of removing the existing surface involves everything from clearing gravel and other materials that can prevent your new garden from having a level surface to digging up weeds and existing grass. Since weed killers can take some time to work, in case weeds are a bothersome problem, we advise spraying an all-natural, ecologically safe kind 2-3 weeks before the removal. After that, you'll need to remove the top layer of dirt, which in most yards involves digging out the top three to four inches to make place for your new base.

Also, Read:-

What Goes Under Artificial Grass?
A Step-By-Step Guide To Laying Artificial Grass On Concrete
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* Step 3: Bender Board Installation (Optional)

Installing a bender board can help you draw a clear border between the fake grass and other elements of your outdoors. Bender boards can assist you plan out the perimeter and offer it a polished, even if they are not necessary.

* Step 4: Level the Terrain

In order to create an even layer, you should compact the current soil to a level of around 95% before adding a base layer. For a smooth surface, the best tool to use is a roller, vibrating plate, or other flat compacting instrument.

* Step 5: Put up a Weed Barrier

Installing a geotextile weed barrier layer, also known as landscape fabric, is a smart option, especially if your garden is susceptible to weeds, even if you sprayed a weed killer after removing the pre-existing surface. This will shield your investment and lessen the likelihood that weeds may eventually grow through your synthetic grass. We advise against using weed fabric if your pets intend to relieve themselves on the fake turf. The weed fabric will assist in keeping weeds from growing, but it will also collect pet pee, which will leave behind a terrible ammonia odour.

* Step 6: Establish Your Base

When installing artificial grass, one of the most crucial elements in the procedure is having a foundation layer that permits adequate drainage. In most regions, extra water may easily travel through a 3–4 inch layer of stone, gravel, or ¾” construction-grade crushed rock.

* Step 7: Water the Base

You can utilize a hose to wet the foundation layer and compact it even more after you've levelled the ground and placed your base layer. Take care not to overwater as this can potentially result in slumping or washing away your base layer.

* Step 8: Seam the Pieces of Turf Together

It's time to install the artificial grass once the base layer has been completed and prepared. To prevent creases, roll out your artificial turf at least two to three hours before installation, if not overnight. Take care not to destroy the smooth surface by dragging the grass across the base.

Place artificial grass in the appropriate locations on your foundation layer. For the most genuine appearance, arrange artificial grass with its pattern facing the same way for each blade.

If any parts need to be joined, fix them by using high-quality turf adhesive or outdoor tape and adhering to the product's instructions. To do this, tape is usually applied longitudinally to the underside of the turf and the turf's edges are aligned to match the seaming tape's lines. To firm the glue, you should apply pressure to the seams by putting heavy objects—such as stones, plant pots, or other heavy materials—on top of them. To conceal them, we advise using S-shaped seams rather than straight seams. Since seams are nearly always going to occur, you'll want to take advantage of any advice or techniques available to you to conceal them as much as possible.

* Step 9: Trim Where Required

Using a razor knife or carpet knife, cut and trim the grass to match the preferred area after the glue has dried (do this on the rear side as well).

* Step 10: Use Landscaping Pins to Secure the Grass

Ground pins spaced 6 to 8 inches apart around the grass's perimeter are used to secure the turf. If you want to further secure the turf, you can also affix pins along the seam. Be cautious not to pound them too hard and create dips in your newly installed turf lawn when you hammer them flat.