How to Install Artificial Grass

 

Installing Your Artificial Grass

Once you've chosen the perfect artificial grass range to suit your needs, you'll need to lay it properly to ensure the ideal, long-lasting garden.

 

Here's our step-by-step guide on how to install your artificial grass turf in no time, including sections on the tools you'll need, how to join artificial grass, and even tips on maintenance and aftercare. 

 

Before You Begin 

Before getting started, here are a few things to consider:

  • Check for any water ponding
  • Ensure your garden has adequate draining
  • Remove any excess weeds or unwanted plants
  • Check that garden access points (back doors, gates, etc.) are clear

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    The Tools You'll Need 

    Not sure what you'll need to properly install your artificial turf? Here's a list of tools we recommend:
    • A Sharp Knife and Spare Blades
    • Knee Pads and Gloves (for comfort) 
    • A Tape Measure or Straight Edge Tool
    • A Compaction plate or Roller
    • A Turf Cutter
    • A Stiff Outdoor Broom or Motorised Brush
    • A Notched Trowel
    • Joining Tape (if joining multiple cuts)
    • Grass Pins
    • Grass Fixing Nails
    • Glue Cartridges

     

    How to Prepare a Hard Surface for Artificial Grass

    Prepping your surface for your artificial grass is one of the most crucial steps during the installation. You need to make sure that your surface is smooth, clean and level to ensure your artificial grass has an easy and hassle free installation.
     
    • If you still have natural turf in your garden, ensure that it's removed, you can use a mechanical turf cutter to do so, as well as a spade.
    • Remove the natural grass and subsoil to a depth of 10cm (if your ground is well compacted and free draining remove 7cm). Artificial grass should not be installed directly onto topsoil.
    • Compact the surface with a roller or vibrating plate.
    • Ensure that any weeds are removed from the area you're installing the artificial grass, you can use a weed killer spray to do so - Installing a weed membrane under your grass will ensure no further weeds develop under your artificial turf.
    • If a timber surround is required, place it at this stage whilst ensuring that it is not above the final planned grass line.
    • Apply a minimum of 75mm of clean Type 1 or limestone 20mm grade size aggregate onto the surface and compact the stone with a roller or vibrating plate.
    • After compacting the aggregate, use a layer of fine stone – 6–14mm grade size or builders’ type sand (sometimes called sharp sand or grit sand) to a depth of 20–40mm. Compact this to the required level, topping up if needed to achieve the desired level.

     

    Solid Base (Concrete Area)

    1. Roll out your grass onto the levelled area allowing 5cm of extra grass on all sides. This will give you enough material to ensure a perfect edge. Leaving your grass to settle for 2–3 hours will help remove any creases.
    2. Trim your grass carefully using a sharp knife to give it a smooth and neat finish. We recommend that you turn the grass over and run your knife neatly next to the stitch lines avoiding cutting into the stitches. You can use carpet tacks to secure the grass to a wooden surface or decking or an adhesive suitable for outdoor use on a concrete surface.
    3. For large areas you may have to join two pieces of grass. For this you need to purchase joining tape and adhesive (see point 3 under Sand and Stone Base).

     

    Sand and Stone Base

    1. Roll out the grass onto your level, compacted base then allow the grass to settle for 2–3 hours or preferably overnight. When deciding which direction to lay your grass bear in mind that artificial grass looks at its best when you’re looking into the pile of the grass.
    2. Trim your grass carefully using a sharp knife to give it a smooth and neat finish. We recommend turning the grass over and running your knife neatly next to the stitch lines avoiding cutting into the stitches.
    3. For large areas you may have to join two pieces of grass. For this you will need to purchase a joining tape with a suitable adhesive (ensuring that both are suitable for outdoor use).
    4. You can either use a wooden batten to secure your grass or use landscaping nails placed every 10–20cm.
    5. Remove all of the surplus pieces of grass and brush with a broom.

    How to Join Artificial Grass

    You may have to join two pieces of grass together for large areas. For this you will need to purchase a joining tape with a suitable adhesive (ensuring that both are suitable for outdoor use).

    1. Unroll your artificial grass into position.
    2. Cut close to the bead on the first piece of grass, ensuring there are no spaces. SEE PICTURE A
    3. On the second piece, cut leaving a space for the beading.
    4. Create a ‘dry’ join by positioning the two pieces together. SEE PICTURE B
    5. Unroll the joining tape and fold back the joining edges by about 30cm. Ensure the shiny side of the tape is face down. SEE PICTURE C
    6. Spread glue onto the joining tape. TOP TIP: Use a scraper to spread the adhesive. SEE PICTURE D
    7. Work your way down the seam carefully, joining the two pieces together. Make sure tufts aren’t damaged or buried. SEE PICTURE E
    8. Once it has been applied, lightly brush over the seam to pressurise the adhesive.

     

    How to Maintain Your Artificial Grass

    • Regular brushing of your grass with a broom or plastic leaf rake will help to keep the fibres straight and even.
    • Leaves and other dirt can be removed with a broom, leaf rake or leaf blower.
    • Spillages can be washed away with water. Dog or cat faeces can be left to harden and then be removed. A diluted disinfectant can be used to wash away any residue.
    • Avoid sharp objects and spread the load of garden furniture, trampolines or outdoor play equipment to minimise indentations.
    • Ensure that barbecues or other hot objects do not come into contact with your grass. 

     

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