You’re finally ready to install artificial turf in your home or yard. But where do you begin? How do you even know what turf is best for your application? Follow these simple steps and soon enough you’ll have a beautiful new lawn:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Artificial turf is a low-maintenance and durable option for creating an attractive outdoor space. |
| Proper installation is essential for ensuring the longevity and functionality of your artificial turf. |
| Regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary to keep your artificial turf looking its best. |
| Choosing the right type of artificial turf is important for your intended use and local climate. |
| Artificial turf is an eco-friendly option that can help reduce water consumption and save money on water bills. |
Select A Site Location
Before you go ahead and install your artificial turf, you need to choose a site location. The area should be level, dry and free of debris; it should also be large enough to allow for infill.
It’s not a bad idea to measure the space where you want to install your grass beforehand so that you can get an idea of how much space it will take up. You also want to make sure there are no obstructions like trees or fences that may impede visibility on game day!
When installing artificial turf in your yard, it’s important to properly prepare the area first. Our guide on how to install artificial turf in your yard provides tips for preparing and compacting the soil to create a stable base for the turf.
Measure The Area
Now you’re ready to measure the area where you want to place your turf.
If you don’t have a tape measure, then use any straight object with a long enough length (like a yard stick or ruler) and make sure it is square on all sides so that when you hold it up against the wall, it will be accurate.
Once you decide where to place your turf, measure out the width and length of the area and write those down somewhere just in case they are needed later on in this process. For example: Your room measures 18′ wide by 24′ long so record both numbers!!
Measuring Your Turf Area
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Measure the length and width of the area where you want to install your artificial turf. |
| 2. | Multiply the length and width measurements to get the square footage of the area. |
| 3. | Take note of any irregularities, curves or angles in your area as they can affect the shape and amount of turf you need. |
| 4. | If you don’t have a tape measure, any straight object of sufficient length can be used such as a yardstick or ruler. Make sure it’s square on all sides and properly aligned to ensure accuracy. |
| 5. | When measuring, it always helps to measure twice to make sure your measurements are accurate before ordering your turf. |
This table summarizes the necessary steps to measure the area where you want to install your artificial turf. Whether you’re using a tape measure or another straight object, it’s important to measure accurately and account for irregularities in the space to ensure you order the right amount of turf.
Excavation
Before laying artificial turf, it is necessary to dig out the area where your new turf will be installed. The depth of the excavation will depend on how much soil is needed for your particular project.
Digging up soil: If there are any obstacles like rocks or roots in the ground, make sure you dig around them and remove them without damaging your turf.
Removing gravel or other materials: Once all obstacles have been removed, proceed with digging up all of the remaining dirt from within your designated area (depending on whether you’re going to lay artificial grass over concrete).
Depending on how much more digging is required before installation can begin, this step may require heavy machinery such as a backhoe tractor or excavator depending on what type of land you’re dealing with and how deep into it you need to go before removing any additional materials such as gravel or other debris that might have been missed during excavation by hand tools like shovels/picks/spades etcetera…
Keeping your artificial grass clean and free of bacteria is essential, especially if you have kids or pets. Learn more about the importance of disinfecting your turf with our guide on how to disinfect your artificial grass and find out what you need to do to keep it safe and healthy.
Prepare The Sub Base
One of the most important elements of any artificial grass application is a sub base. If you are installing turf on an uneven or poor quality lawn, it’s likely that using a sub base will be necessary.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for a depth of 25mm in your sub base and compact it with either a roller or mechanical compactor to ensure good stability.
In addition, grading (the slope) of your area should be calculated so that water drains away from where you’re laying turf (or other surfaces). It’s advisable to have 3% grade away from any major areas such as patios or paths
Preparing Your Sub Base
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Clear the area of any existing vegetation and debris. |
| 2. | Determine the surface level of your sub base, often it’s 4 inches below finished grade. |
| 3. | Grade the area and slope it away from any nearby structures. |
| 4. | Compact the soil using a plate compactor or hand tamper to ensure its stability. |
| 5. | Install a base rock layer of 1-2 inches and compact it. |
| 6. | Add a second layer of aggregate such as decomposed granite, sand, or a mixture of both to a total depth of 2-3 inches. |
| 7. | Compact the second layer, adding water as needed until there is no movement. |
| 8. | Repeat steps 5-7 as needed until the sub base is at the desired level. |
| 9. | Ensure that the sub base is level and sloped properly to ensure proper drainage. |
This table outlines the necessary steps to prepare your sub base for installing artificial turf. Properly preparing the area is one of the most important parts of the installation process to ensure the longevity and functionality of your turf. Follow these steps to create a stable and level sub base that will provide a solid foundation for your artificial turf.
Layout The Grass
Once you’ve unpacked your turf and carefully laid it onto the ground, make sure that it is flat and straight. If there are any gaps between pieces, push them together with your hands so they bond.
Be careful not to tear or rip the synthetic grass in the process! This is also a good time to check for debris on top of your artificial grass—if you find any rocks or other objects, pick them off before starting installation.
Regular cleaning is necessary to keep your artificial grass looking its best. Our guide on how to clean artificial grass at home provides tips on removing debris, stains, and pet hair from your artificial turf without causing damage.
Cut And Fit The Turf
The next step is to cut and fit the turf. The most important thing when cutting artificial grass is to make sure that you leave a 1-2cm border around the perimeter of your pitch.
This will allow you to secure your turf with turf staples, which you can get from any DIY store.
When it comes to fitting your new football pitch, we recommend using landscaping nails or spikes as this will help keep it in place once it’s been laid.
If you have any gaps between pieces of artificial grass then use a soft landscaping material like sand or sugar crystals around the edges for extra support and protection against wear and tear.
Secure With Turf Staples
Secure the artificial turf with turf staples. Use an electric stapler or a manual hammer tacker to secure the carpet to your lawn (or other surface) with staple pins.
An electric stapler is easier and more consistent, but if you’re not comfortable using one, an old-fashioned hammer tacker will work just as well.
To use it, drive a nail into each of the turf’s edges with either end of your hammer and then pound on the head until the nail is flush with or underneath the surface. This prevents snags while playing on your new sport court!
Choosing the best artificial grass for your needs can be overwhelming. Our beginner’s guide on how to choose the best artificial grass provides tips on selecting the right type, pile height, backing, and color for your specific needs and preferences.
Sand Infill Application
The sand infill is used to provide a cushioning effect and should be applied evenly in the entire area.
A good rule of thumb is that you should apply one bag per square foot, but if the turf has been laid on concrete or asphalt, two bags are recommended.
The sand infill can be applied with a shovel or an aerator tool. If using a shovel, fill it with sand and then use a bucket to transfer it into place where needed.
For applications requiring more precision (like along edges), an aerator tool may be better suited for this job as it will produce less waste than using a shovel by hand.
Power Broom The Turf
Once you have your turf down, it’s time to power broom the turf. This will remove any loose sand and help the turf settle into place.
You can rent a power broom from most hardware stores or use a garden hose to spray the sand (just make sure you keep your pets away!).
Take care when sweeping near plants as you don’t want them to get damaged by stray rocks or pieces of artificial turf.
Proper care and maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your new artificial grass. Our guide on how to care for new artificial grass offers valuable advice on tasks such as brushing, raking, removing stains and debris, and applying infill to keep your artificial turf looking great for years to come.
Clean Up And Admire Your Work!
Now that you’ve finished your project, it’s time to clean up. You should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after working with artificial turf.
This will remove any dirt or pathogens from your skin and the artificial grass. You should also clean up all tools and equipment used during installation, including shovels, rakes, measuring tape, etc., before disposing them in a recycling bin where they belong.
Finally, wipe down the area around the perimeter of your newly installed turf as well as inside its borders so no dirt is visible when you admire it later on!
Take some photos of this momentous occasion—you deserve it! Share these photos with friends and family (or post them on social media) because they’ll love knowing how hard you worked today.
Conclusion
If you follow these steps, you can get your yard looking like a million bucks. You’ll love how easy it is to maintain and enjoy!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
BuzzGrass: How to Install Artificial Grass: A step-by-step guide to installing artificial turf, with tips on choosing the right tools and materials, preparing the ground, and laying the turf.
LazyLawn: How to Fit Artificial Grass: A comprehensive guide to installing artificial turf, with tips on measuring and ordering, site preparation, and joining and trimming the turf.
Forbes: How to Install Artificial Grass: A beginner-friendly guide to installing artificial grass, including advice on measuring, preparing the base, and installing the turf itself.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about artificial turf and their answers:
What are the benefits of artificial grass?
Artificial grass is a low maintenance and durable option for creating an attractive and functional outdoor space. It is also water-efficient and can help reduce your water bills, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Can I install artificial turf myself?
Yes, artificial turf can be installed by a DIY enthusiast, but it is recommended to follow the installation instructions carefully and properly prepare the area for the turf. Hiring a professional installer is also an option.
How do I choose the right artificial grass for my needs?
Factors such as pile height, color, and backing material should be considered when choosing artificial grass. It’s important to select a quality product that suits your intended use and local climate.
How often should I clean my artificial grass?
Regular cleaning is required to keep artificial grass free of debris and other unwanted substances. Generally, a light rinse with water to remove dirt and dust is recommended, along with more thorough cleaning as necessary, such as after heavy use or pet messes.
How long does artificial grass last?
The lifespan of artificial grass depends on a variety of factors, such as quality, maintenance, and use. Generally, high-quality artificial grass can last for up to 15 years or more when properly cared for.
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.
