Want to replace your natural grassed lawn while retaining the same greenery? If so, you can install artificial synthetic turf or “fake grass”. You can install synthetic grass by using DIY processes or even by getting a professional’s help. To help you with DIY artificial turf installation, we have come up with this artificial grass installation guide. Let’s dive in!
What is Artificial Turf?
Artificial grass is a material that is made of synthetic fibres that look like natural grass. On average, In Australia, high-quality artificial turf costs between $30 and $49 per square metre.
Types of artificial turfs:
- Polypropylene Artificial Turf
Here, polypropylene material is used. This kind of turf is used in smaller spaces.
- Polyethylene Artificial Turf
Polyethylene material is used; this kind of turf is ideal for all kinds of applications.
Here, Nylon material is used and this kind of turf is used for commercial applications such as rooftop decks.
Artificial Grass vs. Natural Grass – What Are the Differences?
Many tasks involve maintaining natural grass, including mowing, weeding, fertilizing, watering, and pest management, but a synthetic lawn uses less water, does not need pesticides or fertilizers, and has nonexistent maintenance than natural grass. However, laying fake grass, can cost high. Compared to natural lawns, the artificial lawn doesn’t need an extra care routine; however, you need to make a quick spray every now and then to keep it clean. Overall, low care requirements make artificial grass environmentally friendly. Also, artificial grass is safe for kids and pets.
The installation of artificial grass might be difficult, especially for a large lawn or area, so it is better to hire an expert artificial turf installation.
Tools Required To Ins(incomplete word) Artificial Grass
The following tools are used to install artificial turf in a garden or any other desired area.
- Measuring tape
- Roller
- Spade
- Rake
- Pickaxe
- Gloves
- Joining tape (also known as grass tape to join turf pieces)
- Turf adhesive
- Turf infill
- Stanley Knife and extra snap-off blades
- Vibrating-Plate Compactor
- Geotextile membrane (weed-protecting barrier)
- Straight edge or levelling tool
- Hard bristle broom or mechanical/industrial power-broom
How do you lay artificial grass step by step? [A DIY GUIDE]
From bottom to top, soil, geotextile membrane, sub-base drainage system, cement border, and artificial grass can be seen in the installation process. Now, let’s look into the steps to lay synthetic grasses in your old natural grass lawn.
STEP 1- Clear the Area
The first thing you need to do is take out the old natural grass lawn.
STEP 2 – Measure your garden
Generally, artificial grass in rolls is 4m and 2m in width and up to 25m in length. So, first, measure your garden first and figure out the measurements. You can measure the width of your lawn, then the length of your lawn, and eventually mark where your joins will lie. Also, allow an extra length of 100mm at either end of each roll, as you will lose some when trimming and fitting. Remember to consider the weight of the grass as well.
STEP 3 – Order your artificial grass
Call a local or online retail shop to buy artificial grass. Always go for the highest quality artificial grass. If needed, you can also buy the tools.
STEP 4 – Excavate the existing surface (Soil and Sod Removal)
You need to prepare your ground. The excavation process continues after the old grass is removed. The firm layer of earth is occasionally reached by digging a little bit further. To add more, a four-inch excavation is often required for turf. In fact, with the excavation process, it is possible to completely sterilise the region after removing dirt. You can excavate the area to the desired levels of the required sub-base, allowing the drainage flow to move away from the house. Then you can level the and raise in preparation for the turf installation. As you prepare the ground for your artificial grass, be careful to make it smooth.
STEP 5 – Create a solid base
Ensuring base and compaction is crucial. First, level the area using a levelling tool and even up the soil level. Then the required amount of gravel or crushed rocks is brought to the site for this. The Base Material for Artificial Turf can be crushed Miscellaneous Base/Class II Road Base or Decomposed Granite. You need to spread the chosen base material evenly. Once you have an even and satisfactory base, water it thoroughly and use a plate compactor to settle off compacting. Finally, you can look for the entire area for imperfections and fill or flatten them immediately.
Step 5- Apply Weed Membrane
Weed membrane is also known as geotextile membranes, whose work is to help prevent weeds from growing through. So, in this step, you will evenly place the weed membrane.
STEP 6 – Laying your artificial grass
Roll out the artificial glass and leave it for an hour to enable settling. When connecting two or more sections together, it is necessary to fold back the edges. You can test the fit by combining the two pieces and carefully cutting along the stitch lines. Then fold back the edges and roll out the joint, and tape between the joint. The grass can then be folded back onto the tape by putting adhesive down and carefully working your way along the joint. Once the grass has been folded, squeeze the joint, and walk over it.
Step 7- Trim Edges and Add Finishing Touches
Now, you need to cut the places for proper finishing. Be patient and take your time here to ensure a tight fit against edges and obstacles. Once completed, allow the area to settle and use glue to secure the placement. Settling can take 2 to 24 hours, depending on weather conditions.
Step 8 – Sand infill
The final step is filling and spreading the sand (mostly white sand is used). For convenience, you can use a sand spreader for the infilling process. You can use a hard bristle broom or mechanical power broom and brush it in evenly. The white Silica sand infill helps the artificial grass blades remain upright, reduces the heat in hot weather and makes the synthetic grass appear more natural.
In this way, you can have your new artificial or, let’s say, brand-new synthetic grassed lawns.
How to apply DIY turf on a hard surface?
Some people may like to have a natural feel on the hard surface, such as the balcony, so they opt to install artificial or fake turf in those areas. For that following steps can be taken.
- Clear the area first
- Measure the area to know the perimeter and area.
- Lay down the artificial grass
- Trim the edges and get fit for each space
- Join and Glue
- Infill the silica sand and brush evenly
Tips for Artificial Turf Installation
As we have discussed the types of turfs above, you should choose the best one from them; don’t take an instant decision, research and find the best one. Most people opt for Polyethylene artificial turf as it is pet-friendly and offers great quality.
- Kill Existing Grass Safely.
For those who want to replace their natural grass lawn with an artificial one, it is crucial to kill the entire lawn. One way is solarising, meaning covering the grass lawn with black plastic and letting the sun bake it to death. Another way can be simply digging out the old grass, i.e. removing four inches of topsoil to ensure to remove all roots.
- Keep Grass Blade Direction Uniform.
Artificial turf is sold in heavy rolls, and hence it is difficult for a single person to apply and manage. When you need to place two sections of turf side by side to cover a large area, make sure the blades’ turf lies in the same direction. In contrast, if the grass blades are placed in the wrong direction, your new lawn won’t look seamless and appealing.
You must trim the turf’s edges before you lay it out. You can leave a few extra inches on the edges to have something to tuck under borders or up against walkways. Even if you leave too much, you can always take another round of cutting. But if you leave less portion, then covering the gaps can be challenging.
After you apply and spread the sand- the infill material, you must brush the turf with a hard-bristle push broom. Always brush in the same direction so that it helps the blades to pop up and stand out.
- Don’t forget about the foam underlay.
Foam underlay or padding or foam shock pads are often used as a base for artificial grass in various places like playgrounds. The foam underlay is firm but spongy, making it ideal as an outdoor safety surface. Make sure to get 5mm of foam underlay for your turf.
- Always lay the turf as soon as possible.
You should always get your turf delivered when you are 100% ready to apply it. In fact, the new turf lawn should be laid on the very day of delivery and watered immediately. It is essential for turf rolls or slabs not to be dried out, as dried-out turf will struggle to prosper.
- Ask for an expert’s advice.
You have the option to buy turf either online or in person. You can find a variety of grass options there. Try to get the turf that best suits your needs. If you’re unsure which turf is suitable for you, you can ask for turf experts.
- Consider your area and budget.
Budget is another crucial thing when applying artificial turf. Turfs are typically sold by the square metre; it’s crucial to accurately measure your yard or place of interest to determine how much you’ll need. The price of your turf will depend on how big your yard or other space is.
If you want to avoid extra expenses, you can simply follow the DIY steps and ask your friends for help. However, for spic and span turf layering, having professionals to install the new artificial lawn will be a better choice.
JamPool Removals is well-known for its Commercial Pool Removal Services in Australia. Along with that, we offer our professional services to install artificial grass in your desired installation area. Contact us to avail our turf installation service.
