If you’ve ever thought about putting artificial grass on your deck or patio, you may have been intimidated by the prospect of attaching it to wood.
After all, there’s nothing worse than spending hours pulling up your old lawn and then realizing that there’s no way to attach the new turf securely.
But with a little work and some patience (and maybe even some help from an assistant), it’s totally doable—and well worth it!
Here are our tips for how to successfully attach artificial grass to wooden surfaces:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Proper surface preparation is important for a successful installation of artificial grass on decking. |
| You can install artificial grass on most types of decking materials – wood, composite, and PVC. |
| Following proper installation techniques, including securing the edges and brushing the fibers, will help ensure the longevity of your artificial grass. |
| Regular maintenance of your artificial grass will include brushing and cleaning to keep it looking its best. |
| Installing artificial grass on decking can be a DIY project, but it is important to follow proper techniques for a flawless result. |
Prepare the surface
To prepare the surface of your wood, you need to remove any nails that are holding down the grass. You can use an electric nail gun or manual hammer to do this.
Then, use a scraper and/or sandpaper to remove any old glue residue and smooth out any rough spots on the wood.
Next, apply a primer that matches your grass’ color and let it dry thoroughly before painting on top of it with your paint of choice (we recommend using acrylic latex).
Installing artificial grass on concrete can be a great way to beautify your outdoor space. But it can be tricky to get it right. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to attach artificial grass to concrete to ensure a flawless installation.
Lay the Ground Fabric
It’s time to put down the ground fabric. Roll out the turf and lay it on top of your wood deck, as well as over any grassy areas that you want to cover with artificial grass.
Make sure that there are no wrinkles or folds in your lawn and that you have completely covered all of your wood surfaces with turf.
If you have a lot of difficult angles around posts or other features, you might find it helpful to use a staple gun to secure edges along these pieces so they don’t get pulled up when installing sod on top of them later on in this process.
Guide to Laying Ground Fabric for Artificial Grass
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Ensure that the wood deck is clean and free of any debris before laying the ground fabric. |
| 2. | Roll out the ground fabric over the wood deck, making sure that it is large enough to cover the entire surface area. |
| 3. | Cut the ground fabric to fit the wood deck and any areas surrounding it where you want to install artificial grass. |
| 4. | Secure the ground fabric to the wood deck using galvanized staples or adhesive. |
| 5. | Cut small holes in the ground fabric where you will insert the plastic stakes that will secure the artificial grass to the ground. |
| 6. | Once the ground fabric is securely in place, roll out the artificial grass over the area that you want to cover. |
| 7. | Cut the artificial grass to fit the space and secure it to the ground with plastic stakes. |
| 8. | Brush the grass blades to make them stand upright and enjoy your new, low-maintenance lawn. |
Lay the Artificial Grass
Lay the artificial grass in a single layer, making sure that there are no gaps between the strips. Use your rubber mallet to tap down all of the edges. This will ensure that the glue does not come loose and create a mess later on.
Using a knife, trim off any excess glue that may have seeped out during installation by following the edge of each strip of artificial grass closely with your blade.
One of the easiest ways to install artificial grass is to use a wooden frame. The process is simpler than you might think. Check out our detailed guide on how to attach artificial grass to a frame to learn the tricks for a perfect installation.
Attach at Edges and Seams
It is recommended that you attach the turf to the ground using a lawn edging. These are available at most home improvement stores and come in various sizes. They can be used on both sides of the grass to keep it from moving and lifting over time.
When attaching your turf, use a glue that is safe for grass and will not affect how it looks or feels. There are many options that are suitable for this purpose, including:
- A glue that is waterproof
- A glue that is UV resistant
- A glue that is heat resistant
Guide to Attaching Artificial Grass at Edges and Seams
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Choose a lawn edging material that is appropriate for your project, such as bender board, wood, or metal. |
| 2. | Install the lawn edging around the perimeter of your artificial grass area. |
| 3. | Secure the artificial grass to the lawn edging with landscaping staples or flexible metal lawn edging stakes. |
| 4. | To join two sections of artificial grass, overlap the edges by 1 to 2 inches, then cut through both pieces with a utility knife to create a clean seam. |
| 5. | Install a seam tape and adhesive under the edges of the artificial grass sections, then join the two pieces together. |
| 6. | Secure the seam with landscape staples or flexible metal lawn edging stakes. |
| 7. | Use a carpet stretcher to ensure the artificial grass is taut and smooth. |
| 8. | Trim any excess grass or overlapping seams with a utility knife, then continue securing the edges and seams until your entire artificial grass area is attached. |
| 9. | Hide the seam by brushing sand or infill into it. |
| 10. | Sit back and enjoy your beautiful, secure, and long-lasting lawn. |
Use Artificial Grass Jointing Tape and Glue
- For the best results, use a glue that is suitable for the artificial grass you have purchased.
- To ensure no gaps appear between the edges of your lawn and wood, use artificial grass jointing tape to hold the edges together.
- It can take up to 24 hours for a glue to dry on wood, so be patient!
Synthetic turf can be a great alternative to traditional decking if you want a low-maintenance and durable outdoor space. But how do you properly install it? Visit our article on how to attach artificial grass to decking to learn the best practices and tips to do it like a pro.
Install Adhesive Foam Padding
Next, you’ll need to install adhesive foam padding. This will provide extra cushioning and make the surface more comfortable to sit on. You can find adhesive foam at most hardware stores.
Use a silicone-based adhesive to attach the artificial grass onto your wooden board.
Apply the adhesive to both surfaces: first spread it across one side of your wooden board, then place an area of artificial turf on top with its back facing up (this is an important step).
Once that has been done, flip over both pieces and press them together so they adhere well enough that no gaps appear between them (you may want help from another person here).
Finally, remove any excess adhesive from around where you’ve stuck your two surfaces together before removing any glue residue by scraping gently with a putty knife or similar tool
Place Cement Board Battens
The next step is to place cement board battens to secure the artificial grass. To do this, use a power drill and screw the battens into place. First, ensure that you have a spirit level to ensure that they are straight.
Railway sleepers can be an attractive and practical addition to any garden, and can also be used to install artificial grass. Interested in using them for your own project? Follow our guide on how to attach artificial grass to sleepers for easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips.
Screw Them In Place
Once you’ve chosen the size and shape of your artificial grass, you’re ready to attach it to your wood. The easiest way to attach the grass is with screws.
You can either drill holes into the wood before placing the artificial grass onto it, or use pre-drilled holes in a piece like this that has been selected for its ability to accommodate screws. If you’d rather not use an electric drill (or if yours doesn’t work well), there are other options:
- Use a screwdriver instead of drilling holes into your wood and attaching them with screws
- Tap them into place using a rubber mallet or hammer
Anchoring artificial grass is an important step in the installation process to ensure that it stays in place and looks great for years to come. But how do you do it properly? Read our article on how to anchor artificial grass to learn the most effective methods and tips for a successful installation.
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve found this article useful. As you can see, there are many ways to attach artificial grass to wood and they all work well. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, please feel free to contact us.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful in learning more about installing artificial grass on decking:
Artificial Grass and Decking – A Winning Combination: This article provides an overview of the benefits of combining artificial grass with decking, as well as some tips on how to install it properly.
How to Lay Artificial Grass on Decking: This detailed guide from Perfect Grass provides step-by-step instructions for installing artificial grass on top of a decking surface.
How to Fit Artificial Grass: LazyLawn’s guide on fitting artificial grass includes helpful tips and tricks, as well as a video tutorial to guide you through the process.
FAQs
What are the benefits of installing artificial grass on decking?
Artificial grass can provide a soft and natural-looking surface on top of a hard decking surface. Additionally, it is low-maintenance and does not require watering or fertilizing.
Can you install artificial grass directly onto decking?
Yes, it is possible to install artificial grass on top of decking, but it is important to follow proper installation techniques to ensure that the surface is level and stable.
What tools do I need to install artificial grass on decking?
You will need a range of tools for the installation process, including a utility knife, measuring tape, adhesive, and a power bristle brush.
How do I maintain my artificial grass once it is installed on my decking?
Regular maintenance includes brushing with a power brush to keep the fibers standing upright, using a leaf blower to remove debris, and applying a weed killer to prevent weed growth.
Can I install artificial grass on all types of decking materials?
Artificial grass can be installed on most types of decking surfaces, including wood, composite, and PVC. However, it is important to ensure that the surface is level and stable before installation.
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.
