How To Build A Timber Frame For Artificial Grass

A timber-framed garden is a wonderful way to maximise the space in your garden, and it’s also a fantastic project for anyone who is new to DIY. 

You can create an entire room from scratch, or just add a raised bed or decking area if you’re feeling less ambitious. 

We’ll take you through every step of how to build your own timber frame, including where to buy materials and how much they cost.

How to Fit Artificial Grass

Sure, here’s a single column table of takeaways based on the title:

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Building a timber frame for artificial grass requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the frame is strong, sturdy, and long-lasting.
Choosing the right materials for your timber frame is critical to ensuring that it is up to the task of supporting your artificial grass.
Installing and attaching your artificial grass to the timber frame should be done carefully and methodically to prevent damage to the grass and ensure a secure fit.
Proper care and maintenance of your artificial grass are essential to keeping it in top condition and extending its lifespan.
There are many resources available for anyone looking to install artificial grass, including comprehensive guides, online tutorials, and professional installation services.

No Dig Frame

The “No Dig” frame is a timber frame you build yourself, which will look great and last for years to come. 

It has many uses; from creating a border around your lawn to making raised beds that can be used for growing vegetables or shrubs. Here are some of the projects you could create with this “No Dig” timber frame:

Timber Frame For Artificial Grass – The ideal way to install artificial grass would be on top of soil or gravel, but if you don’t have any available then an alternative would be using sandstone paving slabs as they’re easy to work with and fit together nicely without any gaps between them (the photo above shows the finished product). 

You could also use wooden sleepers if they’re available in your area; however, these will need treating before installation so they don’t rot away over time.

Border Around Lawn – As well as being decorative this type of border can help prevent weeds from growing up through it during autumn/winter months when there’s no grass covering them up yet ready for springtime growth when everything else is still dormant under frosty snow coverings!

If you’re looking to create a putting green at home, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on building a putting green with artificial grass! From choosing the right materials to installation tips, we cover everything you need to know to create a top-notch putting green that fits your needs.

Wooden Edging

Wooden edging is a great way of framing your artificial grass. It can be used to frame a garden or lawn, or surround a flower bed. 

Use it to define the edges of a decked area or patio, or simply as its own feature. 

It’s an easy way to add some character to your artificial grass and really personalise it for you!

Wooden Edging Ideas for Artificial Grass

IdeaDescription
BorderWooden edging can be used to create a border around your artificial grass, providing a neat and tidy appearance to your lawn.
PathwayUsing wooden edging to create pathways within your artificial grass lawn can help define walkways and create a more structured look.
Raised BordersRaised borders made from wooden edging can help add depth to your lawn and provide a defined edge around garden beds or other features.
Curved EdgesFor a more natural look, consider using wooden edging to create curved edges around your artificial grass, mimicking the organic shapes found in nature.
Contrasting ColorsBy choosing wooden edging in a contrasting color to your artificial grass, you can create a striking visual contrast that adds interest and depth.

Wooden edging can help elevate the look of your artificial grass lawn, providing structure and definition to your outdoor space. Consider these ideas to add visual interest and depth to your lawn using wooden edging.

Timber Battens

You will need to install timber battens on all sides of your frame. The purpose of these is to prevent the grass from falling out and also stop any debris from flying into your artificial turf.

I recommend using 6”x3”x3/8” treated pine planks for your battens, but you can use whatever you have available. 

You will need around 5-6 battens per square metre of lawn area (this will depend on how many layers of turf you plan to have).

Batten size depends on how much weight you think each one will hold before it breaks or falls off – so I would suggest using thicker ones for heavier synthetic grasses, such as 15mm rubber infill turf or 9mm rubber crumb infill turf.

Creating a safe and comfortable space for your furry friends is essential when building a dog run. Our guide on building a dog run with artificial grass provides comprehensive information on the process, including choosing the right materials, planning the space, and installation tips to help you create a secure and stimulating environment for your pets.

Skirting Boards

Skirting boards are a feature of timber frames. They are used to cover the gap between the ground and the frame.

They can be made from timber or plastic, but it’s worth noting that if you use timber skirting around your artificial grass lawn then you may need to seal it regularly to prevent rotting and splitting. 

Plastic skirting will not rot as easily, but it may crack over time when exposed to UV light from the sun.

Skirting Boards and Timber Frames

Skirting boards are an important feature of timber frames and play a critical role in the overall appearance and functionality of the frame. Here’s what you need to know:

Key PointDescription
Skirting Board PurposeThe primary purpose of skirting boards is to cover the gap between the ground and the timber frame, which can help prevent dirt and debris from getting inside and damaging the frame.
Material OptionsSkirting boards can be made from a variety of materials, including timber, plastic, and metal. Each material has its own unique advantages and limitations, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Design ConsiderationsWhen selecting skirting board design, consider factors such as the height, width, and thickness of the board, as well as the overall style and aesthetic of your timber frame.
Attachment MethodsSkirting boards are typically attached to the frame using screws, nails, or adhesives, and it’s important to use the right method to ensure a secure and safe fit.
MaintenanceLike any part of your timber frame, skirting boards require regular maintenance to prevent damage and ensure a long lifespan. This may include cleaning, repainting, and replacing damaged boards as necessary.

When building a timber frame, skirting boards are an important component to consider. With the right material, design, and attachment methods, skirting boards can help protect and enhance the appearance of your frame, adding both stability and style to your outdoor space.

Brick Paving Slabs

Brick paving slabs are ideal for the base of your timber frame. Bricks are easy to lay, and you can use them in a variety of patterns. You may also need to cut some bricks for the corners of your garden.

Installing artificial grass requires careful planning and execution to achieve the desired results. Our guide on installation artificial grass landscape advice provides comprehensive tips and advice to help you ensure that your artificial grass is installed correctly, providing your family with a durable and attractive lawn for years to come.

Build A Raised Bed

Raised bed gardens are a great way to grow vegetables and flowers. They’re also easy to build, and can be done on any budget.

By building a raised bed you create a perfect environment for growing your favorite plants. Raised beds are easier on the back than digging in the dirt, they don’t require any maintenance and they give you more control over what goes into your garden soil.

There are three main types of raised bed: wood, brick or concrete block with gravel underneath it. You can use these materials alone or combine them to create unique designs that fit your needs perfectly!

Lay Concrete Slabs

You will be laying concrete slabs for your timber frame. Concrete is one of the easiest and most durable materials you can use to create a raised bed, and it’s also easy to install. 

You may have seen concrete in action before, but did you know that it’s also environmentally friendly? Concrete is made from natural materials like limestone, calcium carbonate and clay that are all found in nature. 

These materials are ground down with water until they become a thick liquid called slurry. The slurry is then poured into moulds or forms to create blocks of concrete which harden under pressure over time (usually 24 hours). 

These blocks are then chiseled out of their forms, cleaned up and installed on site where they’re needed!

Proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensuring that your artificial grass stays in top condition. Our guide on caring for artificial grass landscape advice offers comprehensive tips and guidelines for caring for your artificial grass, including cleaning, removing debris, and removing pet urine and other stains.

Build A Decked Area

Decking boards are the best choice for creating a flat, raised patio. They’re available in different lengths and thicknesses, so you can choose what works best for your project. Below are some options we recommend:

Redwood decking boards (also known as red cedar) have been used since Roman times to construct fences and decks. 

The wood is durable and low maintenance; it doesn’t need any sanding or staining to keep it looking good! 

This kind of wood also holds up well to moisture, making it ideal for areas that may get damp from rain or snow melt.

Cedar decking has been used by builders since ancient times because it’s easy to work with and incredibly strong—it’ll even survive being buried under dirt or sand! 

Cedar naturally resists decay thanks to its natural oils, which means no staining or sealing is required during installation process either! 

If you’re looking for something similar but without such high maintenance requirements then we recommend using Western Red Cedar instead; this type requires less frequent care during installation but still offers many benefits including durability plus rich coloration options ranging from blonde tones all way up through chocolate browns.

Build A Patio Frame Or Pergola

If you are building a patio frame or pergola, timber framing is a good option. Patio frames and pergolas can be built with a combination of timber and concrete or all timber, depending on your preferred design. 

The choice will be determined by the size and location of your planned structure.

For example, if you’re building an artificial grass area in your backyard that has limited space but requires some additional shade during summer months, then it would be better to go with a smaller frame that uses mostly inexpensive materials like wood rather than steel. 

A small patio structure constructed from solid wood posts could provide shelter from the sun while still being affordable enough to build on your own without hiring professionals for every step (although we recommend hiring someone when possible). 

For this type of project, we recommend using cedar posts because cedar lasts longer than most other types without needing any special treatment after installation; however any hardwood such as oak would also work well since those two varieties offer comparable longevity under similar conditions within their native climates (which means anywhere up north where snow falls regularly throughout wintertime).

Using these materials allows them both room for expansion without buckling under pressure like metal might do over time due to temperature changes caused by moisture levels changing due solely to condensation inside during humid seasons followed immediately afterwards by freezing temperatures outside which could cause cracks along joints between pieces glued together tightly enough together securely enough–but not too tightly!–so long as they aren’t stressed beyond their limits.”

Properly attaching your artificial grass to sleepers is essential to ensure that it stays in place and looks great. Our guide on attaching artificial grass to sleepers provides comprehensive tips and guidelines for selecting the right materials, preparing the surface, and attaching the grass to the sleepers in a safe and durable manner.

Recess The Frame

In this next step, we will recess the timber frame. This means that we will be cutting into the timbers at certain points to create a cavity so that the artificial grass can sit in there. You don’t have to make this exact design but you should ensure that it is deep enough for your artificial lawn. 

It would also help if you could recess every timber so as not to leave any noticeable gaps in your finished structure.

Once you have cut out all of your recesses and are happy with your design, it is time to fill them up with some good quality concrete mix or even better yet, steel mesh reinforcement which is available at many DIY stores like Homebase or B&Q etc..

Create A Timber-Framed Garden Room

A timber frame is a great way to create a garden room. The beauty of it is that you can add in the elements you want and build around the ones you have.

Additionally, it’s important to choose your timbers wisely. When selecting timbers, look for those that are solid and not rotten; they should also be straight and have a uniform grain pattern. 

As well as being aesthetically pleasing, solid timber has more longevity than composite materials like plywood or chipboard (particle board).

Conclusion

Hopefully, this has given you some ideas on how to build a timber-framed garden room. If you’re looking for more information then there is lots out there with plenty of tips and tricks on how other people have done it! 

You can also get in touch with us if you need any advice or help with your project.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources with helpful tips and advice for installing and maintaining artificial grass:

How to Install Artificial Grass: The Ultimate Guide – This complete guide to installing artificial grass covers everything from the preparation process to the final installation, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to do it themselves.

Top 5 Artificial Lawn Installation Mistakes & How to Avoid Them – This blog post outlines the most common mistakes people make when installing artificial grass and provides tips on how to avoid them.

Artificial Grass Installation Guide – Fylde Grass’s detailed installation guide provides step-by-step instructions and tips for homeowners looking to install artificial turf.

FAQs

What is artificial grass made of?

Artificial grass is made of synthetic materials, including plastic and rubber, that are designed to mimic natural grass.

How much does artificial grass cost?

The cost of artificial grass can vary depending on factors such as the quality, thickness, and length of the grass. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot for installation.

How long does artificial grass last?

With proper care and maintenance, artificial grass can last up to 25 years.

How do I clean my artificial grass?

To clean artificial grass, simply use a blower or broom to remove debris and rinse with water. For deeper cleaning, use a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.

Can I install artificial grass myself?

Yes, it is possible to install artificial grass yourself, although it can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Consider hiring a professional if you’re not confident in your DIY skills.