Artificial grass has been around for over 40 years, but it’s only recently become a popular alternative to natural grass.
It’s used for everything from putting down a new lawn in your backyard to adding green space at parks and schools.
If you’re interested in becoming an artificial grass installer yourself, we’ve put together this guide on how to get started!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Always ensure a solid base for installation |
| Proper care and maintenance is key |
| Understanding the product is crucial |
| Quality is important |
| Choosing the right type of artificial grass is crucial |
Getting Started
Before you can begin a career installing artificial grass, you’ll need to know what it is and how it works.
Artificial grass is very similar to real grass in appearance and application. However, it’s made from plastic fibers instead of natural material like plants. It can be used for many different types of outdoor applications like:
- Tennis courts
- Dog runs
- Lawns and gardens
- Playgrounds
Artificial grass has many benefits over real grass or other ground coverings including reduced water use and no mowing costs!
It also has less maintenance requirements than other options such as synthetic turf or wood chips because it doesn’t require much care besides regular cleaning if needed (if your pet’s waste ends up on the surface).
However, this does mean that there are some disadvantages associated with artificial turf including maintenance costs that may increase over time due to wear-and-tear from foot traffic or weather damage from sun exposure so make sure you consider these factors before deciding whether or not this type would work best in your situation..
When installing artificial grass, it’s important to know how to do it properly. Follow our step-by-step guide on artificial grass installation to ensure your installation goes smoothly and your client is happy with the result.
How To Determine If You Want To Learn Artificial Grass
If you’re considering becoming an artificial grass installer, it’s important to know that the job is not a money-making venture.
You’ll probably have to start out as a laborer and work your way up. If you’re looking for a career change or thinking about starting your own business, this could be right up your alley.
However, if you think installing artificial turf will make it rain money on your head overnight, think again!
You should also consider whether landscaping is really something that interests you and whether or not being outdoors is part of what makes up your ideal day-to-day routine.
If so (and I’d say most people who choose artificial grass are interested in landscaping in some way), then installing synthetic lawns may be a good fit for you!
Factors to Consider Before Learning Artificial Grass
| Factors | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial objectives | Consider whether you can afford the time and resources to enroll in a training course or start your own business, bearing in mind that it may not be an immediate money-making venture. |
| Interest and Passion | Determine whether you have a genuine interest in and passion for artificial grass and landscaping in general. |
| Willingness to learn | Assess your willingness to learn new skills and keep up with industry trends and best practices through continuing education and training opportunities. |
| Client base | Analyze the market demand and competition in your area to determine whether there is sufficient demand for your services and identify your target client base. |
| Physical demands | Understand the physical demands of the job, as it requires manual labor and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. |
Working With A Contractor Or Your Own Installation Team
Finding a good contractor is a little like finding the right home for you. You may not know what you’re looking for until you see it, but then when you do, there’s no doubt in your mind that this is where you belong.
Finding contractors online is easy if you know where to look. Check out sites like Angie’s List and Thumbtack (if available), which provide ratings from previous customers.
If possible, reach out directly via email or phone call so that the contractor can get an idea of what kind of job they’re bidding on and what their schedule looks like—it will help them offer more accurate pricing and availability estimates.
Choosing the right type of artificial grass is crucial for a successful installation. Our guide on how to choose artificial grass in the UK provides tips on selecting the perfect product for your client’s needs.
Choosing The Best Material For Your Lawn
The best material for your lawn depends on what you’re looking for in a lawn. First, you should consider fiber length:
- Short fibers are better for high traffic areas and delicate children’s play areas because they tend not to poke or scratch skin.
- Medium length fibers are good for athletic fields, playgrounds and heavy foot traffic.
- Longer fibers are appropriate when you want your artificial grass to look natural but require greater durability and wear resistance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Artificial Grass Material
| Factors | Description |
|---|---|
| Fiber length | Shorter filaments are ideal for heavily trafficked areas, while longer ones that are more realistic are better for aesthetic purposes. |
| Durability | Choose a product that is durable and long-lasting to ensure that you won’t have to replace it frequently. |
| Maintenance | Consider how much maintenance is required for the product you are considering. Some materials require more maintenance than others, so make sure the product meets your expectations for upkeep. |
| Environment | Choose a material that is eco-friendly and doesn’t require chemicals, fertilizers, or excess water. Consider where you live and your climate to see the products that will thrive in your environment |
| Cost | Determine your budget for the project and select a product that is within your price range while still meeting your needs. |
Choosing The Style Of Your Installation
The installation style you choose is the most important decision you will make in your project. There are many factors to consider when choosing an artificial grass install, such as:
- The look that you want
- The budget available for your project
- How the installation will be viewed by others
Quality is key when it comes to artificial grass. Learn how to check the quality of artificial grass with our guide to ensure that your client gets a product that is durable and long-lasting.
Choosing The Length Of Your Yard
Once you have chosen the type of artificial grass you would like to install, it is time to think about the length of your yard.
The length of your yard can vary greatly depending on the type of application and what will work best for your needs.
Typically, longer lengths are recommended for commercial applications and shorter lengths are recommended for residential applications. For small yards, long-term savings may outweigh short term cost savings.
- Residential: 2’x3′, 3’x3′, 4’x4′
- Commercial: 6’x10’ (Lawn Type), 8’x12’ (Short Cut Type), 10’x20′ (Long Cut Type)
Choosing An Application System
The installation methods are manual, automatic and insertion. The manual method is usually done by using a power roller to compact the grass fibres into place. It takes time but can be very effective and is great for small projects.
The automatic application system uses machinery that has a reputation for being consistent in its technique and does not require as much labour from you or your team to complete an installation project.
However, this comes at a cost as it requires more equipment and electricity costs on top of having higher up-front costs due to the purchase of these machines.
The insertion method is where you cut pieces of artificial turf into shape with scissors then slot them into your desired position where they will eventually be laid down permanently once they have been fixed together using glue or nails (depending on whether they are being used indoors or outdoors).
This application process tends to take longer than other systems because it involves cutting each piece individually before fitting them into place rather than simply laying them all over one another like other methods do; however, it does have its advantages since it allows greater flexibility when designing different areas within an area such as pathways between buildings/houses etc..
A proper base is the foundation for a successful artificial grass installation. Our guide on building a base for artificial grass provides step-by-step instructions to help you create a solid base that will support the turf and maintain its appearance.
Creating A Budget For Your Project
As you plan for your new artificial grass business, it’s important to create a budget. Planning is essential in any project, and it will help you avoid financial pitfalls and keep from going over budget.
There are many different factors that affect the cost of installing artificial grass in your yard:
- The size of the area being covered
- The type of grass you want to install (installers often have different prices for each type)
- Whether or not you need a base layer or support system beneath the fake grass
Artificial Grass Isn’t Just For Kids
The first thing to know about artificial grass is that it’s not just for kids. Although the image of an artificial lawn in a backyard is common, you can actually use artificial turf in a wide array of applications.
When used in playgrounds, pet areas, and even dog parks, artificial grass provides a durable alternative to natural grass that is low maintenance and easy to clean. It also eliminates allergies and pet messes associated with traditional lawns!
After completing an artificial grass installation, it’s important to provide clients with tips for caring for new artificial grass to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. Our guide offers advice on proper care and maintenance to share with your clients.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you to understand the benefits of artificial grass and made you feel more confident in your ability to install it yourself.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not this is the right option for your home, we encourage you to consult with a professional either an installer or someone who does landscaping work on a regular basis.
They should be able to help guide you through all of these steps and ensure that your yard looks great at the end of the process!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about artificial grass installation, check out these helpful resources:
Artificial Grass Trade Suppliers Training Day – Improve your artificial grass installation skills or start a new career by attending this training day provided by Artificial Grass Trade Suppliers.
Become an Installer with Namgrass – Interested in becoming a certified Namgrass installer? Learn about their training and certification process on this webpage.
iGrass Installation Training – iGrass offers a comprehensive installation training program to ensure that you can become an expert in fitting artificial grass.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using artificial grass?
Artificial grass has many benefits, including that it requires very little maintenance, is long-lasting, and can save water.
How long does it take to install artificial grass?
Installation time can vary depending on the size of the area being covered and the complexity of the installation. A typical installation of artificial grass can take anywhere from one day to a few days.
Does artificial grass require maintenance?
While it requires less maintenance than natural grass, artificial grass still requires some care to look its best over time. Regular brushing and occasional cleaning are recommended.
Can artificial grass be installed on any surface?
Artificial grass can be installed on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, decking, and soil. The surface needs to be properly prepared before installation to ensure a successful installation.
How long does artificial grass last?
While the lifespan of artificial grass can vary depending on usage and other factors, most artificial grass products have a lifespan of 15 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
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.
