Artificial Grass Turf DIY Installation Guide
Site walk: Before beginning the installation, walk around the site and take a quick survey of the area and surroundings. Pre-planning helps ensure an easy and successful installation. Clear the work area, set up and stage tools for easy access, and create a pathway to the area in which you’ll be working.
Step 1: Removing Old Dirt and Grass
The first step in the Artificial Grass Turf installation process involves thoroughly clearing the area of any old dirt and existing grass. To accomplish this, you can opt for a sharp spade shovel or, for larger areas, consider renting a mechanical sod cutter for greater efficiency. The goal is to ensure a level surface, so take care to remove all clumps of grass and any debris. If your lawn has a sprinkler system, you have the option to either remove it or leave it in place. If you decide to keep it, make sure to pull up the exposed sprinkler heads to ensure an even ground. This will provide a smooth surface for the artificial grass to be installed. Don't worry about the sprinkler system; you can easily reattach the sprinkler heads if you ever decide to install natural grass again. It's essential to dig approximately 2-4 inches below the ground level to create a proper foundation for the artificial turf.
Step 2: Preparing the Subbase
The type of subbase material you choose will depend on the nature of your project. For a putting green, the recommended subbase material is decomposed granite, which helps achieve the desired level and smoothness. On the other hand, for landscape projects, a mixture of gravel and concrete, such as type 2 road base, works well as the subbase. Start by applying a 2-inch layer of the chosen subbase material into the excavated area. Slightly dampen the material, then proceed to compact it two or three times to ensure stability and solidity. For larger areas, a vibratory plate compactor is ideal, while a manual tamper will suffice for smaller sections or hard-to-reach corners. The amount of subbase material needed will depend on the depth of the excavation and the desired pile height of the artificial grass.
Step 3: Installing Underlayment
To prevent any potential growth of natural grass or weeds, consider installing a landscape fabric, such as a Weed Barrier. You can choose to place it either above or below the subbase, depending on the soil type in the area. This underlayment acts as a protective layer and helps maintain the longevity of your artificial grass installation.
Step 4: Preparing the Artificial Grass Turf
Before installing the Artificial Grass Turf, it's essential to prepare the turf to ensure a pristine and natural appearance. To achieve this, let the Artificial Grass Turf sit in the sun for 1-2 hours before installation. This step helps the Artificial Grass Turf blades stand upright, giving the turf a more realistic and vibrant look. Take the time to inspect the material carefully for any imperfections or defects before proceeding. If your installation requires seams, begin by laying out the largest piece of Artificial Grass Turf first and perform rough cuts where needed. Leaving a couple of inches of excess turf around the perimeter will allow for adjustments during the installation process. Once the turf is measured and oriented as desired, anchor one side of the installation with nails spaced 6 inches apart and placed 1 inch inward. To achieve a taut and smooth installation, use a carpet kicker to stretch the turf fully. Continue adding more nails as you stretch and secure the Artificial Grass Turf.
Step 5: Seaming the Artificial Grass Turf
In situations where you need to join separate pieces of Artificial Grass Turf, the most common method is parallel seaming. To achieve this, create a 12-inch opening between the two pieces of turf and cut a piece of non-adhesive seam tape to the required length. Secure the ends of the tape with nails and apply Supreme Seam glue down the center of the tape strip. Ensure the glue is spread evenly over the entire tape using a trowel or piece of cardboard. Allow the glue to become tacky, usually taking approximately 15 minutes. Then, drop one side of the seam at a time onto the tape and glue. To strengthen the seam, hammer nails every 1-3 inches along the seam line, starting from the middle and staggering the arrangement.
Step 6: Finishing the Perimeter
Complete the installation by carefully trimming any excess turf along the perimeter. If necessary, you can install a perimeter board to achieve a neat and well-defined edge. If you choose not to use a perimeter board, make sure to trim the Artificial Grass Turf precisely along the perimeter line and secure it with nails spaced every 3 inches. Additionally, continue to hammer nails every 3 square feet within the interior area. While nailing, take care to spread the blades apart, fully exposing the backing material to avoid catching any fibers beneath the nail head.
Step 7: Spreading Infill
Infill is a crucial element of artificial grass installations, as it provides stability, support, and a natural feel to the Artificial Grass Turf. Begin by evenly and swiftly distributing the infill material across the entire installation area. Using an infill spreader and setting the dial to the desired ratio of pounds per square foot (approximately 40-50 bags of infill), walk at a moderate pace to ensure even distribution. Work the infill into the grass fibers, using a Turf Broom or Power Broom, until no exposed infill is visible. In edges and tight corners, you may need to spread the infill manually to achieve an even coverage throughout the entire artificial lawn.