The DIY Guide to installing Artificial grass
Installing Smart Turf artificial grass yourself could help keep your project budget in control. Although it looks challenging, there are clear-cut steps to properly installing and future-proofing your turf. Follow the explainer below from start to finish to guide you through it all.
Watch Brent (BYOT) install Smart Turf.
Step-by-step guide
A quick guide through the steps with images.
1
Ground Clearing / Tear Out
2
Underground hazards
3
Base Preparation
As we begin the sub-base process its recommended to lay down the weed barrier cloth first. Installing the base surface is critical to
maintain the stability and integrity of the turf system. First layer is 2"-3" of Class 2 Road Base.
4
Laying the turf
Make sure to measure the project area and carefully design the layout to minimize the number of seams in the turf. Unroll the synthetic grass and stretch across the top of the prepared base. Do not drag across. If the synthetic turf has a wrinkle; allow it to acclimate in the sun.
Landscape and playground turf comes in 15 ft wide rolls, putting green material comes in 12 ft wide rolls. Due to the natural direction of the grass blades, the turf must be laid out in the same direction.
5
Cutting and fitting
The artificial grass can be cut around your existing landscape whether it is a perfect square, or a winding path that is bordered by rocks.
The best method is to lay the grass out and trace from the top where you'll be making your cuts. There are 2 different tools you'll need for this process:
1) Long Pile Carpet Cutter.
2) Carpet knife.
All cuts must be made from back side of synthetic turf to see the stitch rows.
6
Secure the turf
7
Seaming the turf panels
A straight edge is required when seaming two synthetic turf cuts together. Make sure the stitch lines match so the seams will be virtually invisible.
Another option is the "S" cut method using a custom stencil. This is a more advanced process but the finish is more natural. Once your seams are cut and in place, pull both pieces of turf back exposing the sub base. Place the seam tape with half of the tape under each cut. Apply a turf adhesive to the seam tape. Fold the two sections of artificial grass over seaming material to form one seamless piece. An alternative to seaming artificial grass together is to use 4" 20d or 5" - 6" 40d nails along the seam both sides with 3"- 4" spacing.
8
Don't forget the Smartfill® Infill
Round Silica Sand is the standard infill for artificial turf. This step is critical to maintaining your artificial grass system. 1-3 lbs. per sq. ft. Infill helps to protect the synthetic grass from the elements while maintaining the blade structure and level design.
Spread infill material evenly utilizing a drop spreader (the type commonly used to spread grass seed), or a flat. Do not attempt to install the infill material while the synthetic grass or the infill material is wet. Once all sand is spread evenly on top of the turf it will need to be broomed into the turf fibers. Use a power broom to brush up turf fibers and let the sand work down in between the turf blades. When the infill process is complete, water the entire area evenly with a hose to settle the material.
9
Cleaning up
No job would be complete without the proper clean-up.
You can use a blower, rake, brush or broom to clean up the grass, as well as water. And thats how to install artificial grass.
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