Artificial grass is a great way to avoid the upkeep and care required for natural grass. It also adds a nice layer of cushioning to your deck, making it more comfortable to walk on.
But if you’re tired of looking at your old decking boards, it might be time for an upgrade. Here are some tips on how to attach artificial grass down onto existing wood boards:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Key Considerations for Attaching Artificial Grass to Decking |
| Choose the appropriate attachment method for your decking surface |
| Ensure that the decking is clean and level before installation |
| Attach artificial grass to the decking with adhesive and/or double-sided tape |
| Regularly maintain your artificial grass by brushing and removing debris |
Decking Adhesive
Decking adhesive is a type of construction adhesive that is used to attach decking boards to joists. It’s suitable for attaching most types of decking boards, including composite and timber, and comes in both a liquid form and as a powder.
The liquid variant can be applied by hand or machine while the powdered type must be mixed with water before use (typically using an electric drill).
Upon application it sets quickly, so you’ll need to work quickly after applying it if you want everything lined up correctly before it dries completely – particularly if you’re doing this alone!
When adding infill to your artificial grass, consider using a power brush to evenly distribute the sand and prevent it from clumping. Learn more tips for adding sand with our guide on how to add sand to artificial grass.
Weed Control Landscape Fabric
Weed control landscape fabric is a thin, woven polypropylene fabric that you attach to the underside of your decking and then lay over the artificial grass.
The fabric will prevent weeds growing through the artificial grass and make it easier to keep your garden looking neat and trim.
You can buy weed control landscape fabric from garden centres or hardware stores in rolls measuring up to 25-metres long, depending on how big your decking area is – longer rolls are easier to work with but may be more expensive per square metre than shorter ones.
The recommended length for each roll of weed control landscape fabric depends on how much depth you want between the bottom of your wooden planks (or joists) and where you’re laying the artificial grass; we recommend using 50mm as a rule-of-thumb minimum depth because this is enough room for any existing roots or stumps without causing damage when someone steps on them later (this would happen if they were too close).
Weed Control Landscape Fabric Table
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Prevents weed growth | Weed control landscape fabric stops weeds from growing through your artificial grass, keeping your garden looking neat and tidy. |
| Easy to install | The thin, woven polypropylene fabric is easy to install and can be attached to the underside of your decking. |
| Enhances drainage | The fabric also helps to enhance your garden’s drainage system by allowing rainwater to pass through easily. |
| Reduces maintenance | By preventing weed growth, landscape fabric reduces the maintenance required to keep your garden looking good. |
| Durable and long-lasting | Landscape fabric is made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, ensuring that your artificial grass stays perfectly in place for years to come. |
Decking Paint
Now it’s time to paint the deck and get your artificial grass ready for installation. The best type of paint to use is a tough, UV-resistant coating like Behr DeckOver.
It’s made specifically for decks, so you don’t have to worry about it damaging or discoloring your wood or rotting away over time.
Behr also makes a product called Grass Prime that has been designed specifically for setting artificial grass in place on plastic surfaces like concrete or plastic decking.
You should use this instead of regular decking paint because it contains an additive that prevents mold growth in outdoor environments and provides resistance against fading from sunlight exposure—both things that are important when installing artificial turf outdoors.
As with any project involving power tools, there is always some level of risk involved in using them incorrectly which could lead to serious injury if proper precautions aren’t taken first before using them anywhere near yourself (or anyone else).
For example: Do not operate circular saws without wearing goggles! They’re only about $10 at most hardware stores nowadays…so really not worth risking blindness over!
One way to add infill to artificial grass is by using a drop spreader, which can help you distribute the infill evenly and effectively. Learn more tips for adding infill with our guide on how to add infill to artificial grass today.
Artificial Grass Glue
When installing your artificial grass, you’ll want to choose a glue that’s weatherproof and UV resistant.
This means it won’t wear out or break down when exposed to sun or rain. It also needs to be flexible so it doesn’t crack when the weather changes, and non-toxic so it will not break down over time and eventually release harmful chemicals into the ground.
Artificial grass glues are water soluble and should be used with a brush on application method in order for best results.
The glue should dry clear once applied; otherwise you may have difficulty matching the color of your lawn during installation.
Artificial Grass Glue Table
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Weatherproof | Choose an artificial grass glue that’s weatherproof and can withstand exposure to sun and rain without breaking down or wearing out. |
| UV Resistant | Look for glue that’s UV-resistant to ensure it won’t be damaged by the sun’s rays. |
| Flexibility | The glue should also be flexible and able to move with the artificial grass without cracking when the weather changes. |
| Non-Toxic | A non-toxic glue is essential, as it ensures that no harmful chemicals are released into the ground over time. |
| Easy Application | Choose a glue that’s easy to apply and won’t require a lot of extra effort or tools. |
| Drying Time | Consider the drying time of the glue, and choose one that dries quickly so you can be sure your artificial grass is securely attached as soon as possible. |
Artificial Grass Tape
If you need to secure artificial grass to the existing decking boards, use artificial grass tape.
If you need to secure artificial grass to wooden joists, use artificial grass tape.
If you are attaching artificial grass onto concrete, then use a special kind of adhesive that is designed for concrete surfaces.
This type of adhesive should be applied evenly and in one layer over the entire surface area where the artificial turf will be attached.
It’s important that this layer be completely dry before applying your first layer of turf, because any moisture left on the surface could cause mold growth underneath your new lawn!
To anchor your artificial grass into the ground, consider using landscape staples or pins. For more information on how to properly anchor your turf, check out our guide on how to anchor artificial grass.
Hook And Loop Fasteners
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to attach your artificial grass, hook and loop fasteners may be the best option for you.
They are an affordable option that can be used on all types of decks, including those in high-traffic areas such as children’s playrooms.
Hook and loop fasteners are also known as Velcro or fuzzy tape – they come in rolls, which contain thousands of tiny hooks that attach themselves to their corresponding loops when pressed together.
This creates a strong bond between two surfaces with no glue required! These strips are often used for attaching window curtains or drapes so they can be pulled open easily without damaging the material.
Hooks can also be found on many clothing items such as shoes, hats and gloves where they help keep them together while allowing easy removal when needed (you’ll probably recognize this feature if you’ve ever seen someone wearing pants with zippers instead).
Hook and Loop Fasteners Table
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Hook and loop fasteners are an affordable option for attaching your artificial grass to your decking. |
| Easy to Install | They are easy to install and require minimal tools or equipment, making them a great option for DIYers. |
| Suitable for all Deck Types | Hook and loop fasteners can be used on all types of decks, including those in high-traffic areas like children’s playrooms or outdoor patios. |
| No damage to the decking | Since it doesn’t require nails or screws, hook and loop fasteners won’t damage the decking or leach chemicals out of it in the long run. |
| Reusable | Hook and loop fasteners are reusable, making them a more eco-friendly option for homeowners looking for a sustainable solution in the long term. |
| Secure and sturdy | Despite their lightweight feel, hook and loop fasteners are known to provide a strong and sturdy attachment for the artificial grass that doesn’t slip or move once properly attached. |
Bolts And Screws
You’ll want to use bolts and screws for artificial grass if you have a wooden deck. These are strong, but it is more difficult to install them than with nails or staples.
Also note that not all types of decking material can accept a bolt or screw as they will be too thick. You should only use these fasteners if your decking has predrilled holes that are meant for securing it in place (like joists).
Attaching artificial grass to a concrete surface may require a different approach than attaching it to wood or soil. Learn more about the different methods for attaching artificial grass to concrete with our guide on how to attach artificial grass to concrete.
Composite Decking Boards
Composite decking boards are another option for attaching your artificial grass to the ground. They’re made from recycled plastic, so they’re very durable and water resistant.
Composite decking boards can be installed over existing decks without any additional preparation required.
This is a great option if you want to turn your existing deck into something more usable, like a backyard patio or garden area.
Turf Nails And Staples
You can also use artificial grass nails and staples to fasten the turf to the decking boards. Artificial grass nails are available at your local hardware store, but you will probably need to order a pack of them in advance, as they tend to be in high demand.
To fasten your artificial grass using this method:
Position each piece of turf so that it covers as much of your deck as possible without overlapping onto any other pieces (see photo below).
If you have trouble seeing where the edges of your turf go because they’re folded over or behind each other, lift them up one at a time until you see where they all meet up with their neighbors—then mark those spots with chalk so that when it comes time for installation, you’ll know exactly where everything goes.
When attaching artificial grass to wood, make sure to use a weather-resistant adhesive to prevent damage from moisture and sun exposure. For more tips on attaching artificial grass to wood surfaces, check out our guide on how to attach artificial grass to wood today.
Adhesive Backed Clips
If you want to attach your grass to a deck, the adhesive backed clips are one of the best options for you.
These are easy to use, reusable, and will keep your grass in place. This option is great if you have a small area of grass and don’t want it going anywhere!
To install this type of artificial grass on a deck, simply lay out your artificial turf down on top of the surface area where it will be placed.
Next line up one side with an edge or corner so that it’s even with whatever surface area is underneath it (i.e.: if it’s being used as part of an existing patio).
Finally press down firmly all around until all edges are locked into place by way of spring-loaded locking teeth at each end – these should automatically lock into place when pressed down sharply enough against any solid surface below them like concrete slabs or wooden decks
Pins Or Pegs
Pins or pegs are used to secure the edges, corners and joints of your artificial grass. The pins should be at least 1/4″ in diameter and long enough to penetrate through the decking board by at least 1/2″.
Pins can be made from metal, plastic or wood, with metal being the most durable option. Concrete nails are also an option if you’re attaching artificial grass to concrete slabs.
Nails, Tacks, Staples And Screws
Now that you’ve laid your artificial grass, you should attach it to your decking.
There are two types of fasteners that can be used: nails and screws. Nails require a hammer to install them into the wood while screws require a screwdriver or drill. Both are effective in holding down the grass and keeping it in place.
In general, using nails is easier than using screws because they don’t require any tools other than a hammer or nail gun (if you want to get fancy).
However, if you have access to power tools like drills, then it might be worthwhile trying out some screws as well!
If you decide on using nails for this project then please make sure that they aren’t too long so as not to damage anything underneath them like insulation or wiring (this can happen easily).
If no one else is home when installing artificial grass onto their own decking then consider using an electric drill instead because these tools make quick work out of driving both types of fasteners into place without much effort required from yourself!
Conclusion
So, now that you’re an expert on installing artificial grass on your outdoor decking area, you can get started with the project.
Just be sure to do as much prep work as possible in advance so that once you start laying down the turf it goes smoothly and quickly.
Further Reading:
How to Lay Artificial Grass on Decking: Learn the step-by-step process of how to lay artificial grass on decking with this guide from Perfect Grass LTD.
Artificial Grass on Decking: This article from Angie’s List provides helpful tips and considerations for installing artificial grass on decking.
Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on Decking?: This blog post from Artificial Lawn Company discusses the feasibility of laying artificial grass on decking and provides guidance on the best practices for installation.
FAQs
Can I install artificial grass on top of my existing decking?
Yes, you can install artificial grass on top of your existing decking as long as it’s structurally sound, clean, and level.
Do I need to remove my decking before installing artificial grass?
No, you don’t need to remove your decking before installing artificial grass. However, you do need to ensure that the decking is clean and level before installation.
What’s the best way to attach artificial grass to decking?
The best way to attach artificial grass to decking is by using adhesive or double-sided tape. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the adhesive you’re using to ensure proper application.
Can I install artificial grass on uneven decking?
Yes, if your decking is uneven, you can install artificial grass by using a levelling compound or laying a sub-base first.
How do I maintain my artificial grass on decking?
To maintain your artificial grass on decking, you should regularly remove leaves, debris, and seeds. You should also brush the lawn with a stiff brush to keep the fibers standing upright and prevent matting.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
