When installing artificial grass, it’s best to utilise a professional or an organisation that specialises in the installation of the synthetic turf that will supply a satisfying and high quality finished product. This article is not a guide but includes some helpful hints for those looking to install their own artificial lawn. For a more comprehensive guide, check ours out here.
When laying fake grass one of the first questions is where you can lay it. Our synthetic turf can be laid almost everywhere including:
- Concrete
- Decking
- Fibro
- Tiles
- Concrete sheeting
- Pavers
- Walls/Ceilings
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Before you begin
Before you begin the process of artificial turf installation you will need to prepare the sub-base for the best results. A flat, smooth base is best with adequate fall for proper drainage. This is a two-person job, it may be helpful to ask someone to help you.
Layout your area and prepare the existing area
Mark the location by creating a border. You can try several locations before deciding, but be sure before you start to lay your synthetic grass. Remember your grass will arrive in rectangles.
This is the last chance to make any changes to your yard. This includes the contour, vegetation, and removal of other debris. Keep in mind, rotting grass now may cause unwanted dips later.
Allow space for drainage. Water will not drain through the synthetic lawn, it will drain off, similar to pavers. Make sure you’ve ordered enough artificial grass to complete this project.
Install a stone base and compact
We recommend installing your artificial lawn on a compacted crusher dust base. Or best case scenario, on a concrete slab.
Depending on your existing sub-base 50mm of crusher dust – after compaction – is recommended. For sandy or clay conditions you may wish to use a thicker base. Your base should be free of large stones and be graded and compacted to as smooth a finish as possible.
Your product should be composed primarily of crushed rock, with enough fine sand to assure compaction and stability. Be sure to compact the base several times and dampen the crusher dust prior to packing. The goal is to make your base as hard as possible. You should compact the base at least twice.
Roll out the synthetic turf
Roll your fake grass out and allow it to relax, this will help any wrinkles in the synthetic turf to settle. Start at the edge of your area and roll until you reach the end of your product or area. Cut your turf slightly longer than it needs to be, we recommend using a utility knife. Make sure the synthetic grass is smooth before cutting.
Haven’t found the perfect fake grass for your project check out our Premium Grasses here.
Peg the turf down
Start at the edge, hammer the pegs into the ground, making sure no lawn is caught under the pegs. Space the pegs evenly – approximately 200 – 300mm apart. When hammering at the edge do not go beyond halfway as you will need to be able to fold the grass back to use your join tape.
Repeat the rolling and pegging until you’ve covered the area. If you make a mistake or change your mind, don’t worry, you can fix it later.
Cut around any obstructions
Measure the overlap and mark that distance out on the turf. Cut to fit around trees, flower beds, and landscape islands.
Take a step back and look at the placement of the synthetic grass. How does it look? Are you happy? If you’re unhappy, change it before you seam it all together.
Join the synthetic turf together
Turf can be joined together but seams are sometimes noticeable if this is not done correctly.
Roll out the adhesive joining tape on top of the turf and cut it to size. Fold back the edges of the turf where they need to be joined. Peel the backing paper of the adhesive tape, put half under the first length of grass and press it down so it sticks to the adhesive tape. Put the other half under the second length of grass and press it down so it is also sticking to the adhesive tape.
Make sure the blades of grass run in the same direction. Cut your turf to fit at your edges and use a hammer and the pegs to secure the turf around the edges.
Install the fill material
Gently and evenly spread your infill over the entire area. Aim to infill approximately half the pile height with sand. After spreading, sweep against the grain to allow the sand to fall between the blades of grass.
Try to keep grass fibres upright during this process, and aim for the sand to fall between the blades of grass. Don’t dump the sand in any one spot, this can crush the grass fibres down and getting them back up can be challenging.
This process will take two or three goes to get the levels right. Don’t attempt to spread all the sand in one go. Fill will compact with rain and use over time, so be prepared to do additional top-ups when the fill has time to settle.
If you’re not sure how much infill to use, don’t stress, our products come with infill recommendations.
Now you know what you’re doing, time to order some products and get started!