How To Install Synthetic Turf- Your DIY Guide

So you want artificial grass for your home but don’t want to pay the installation fees up front? 
Today, we’ll show you how to install synthetic turf on a budget, making changes along the way to reduce the overall cost of your project.

How to Install Synthetic Turf – A Step-By-Step Process

Prepare the Base

Preparing the area before laying your new artificial/synthetic grass is critical to the installation’s success. Before installation, the site should ideally be free of any organic matter.

Remove all organic matter to a depth of 80mm before filling with 70mm blue metal dust (known as cracker dust, available from your local landscape supplier). 

We recommend digging out at least 110mm and filling it with at least 100mm of blue metal dust for car parking areas (cracker dust). We recommend compacting the area before backfilling it with cracker dust.

Tips

• Weed killer applied to the site and around the edges may reduce the possibility of organic matter reappearing.
• Cap any sprinklers and inspect for any water leaks.

Setup the Base Foundation

After spreading some water and compacting the area, cover the area with blue metal dust.

Tips

• The base should be compacted at least twice.
• Before laying the artificial/synthetic turf, ensure the site is perfectly level. You should use levels and screeding tools to accomplish this.
• Before laying the artificial/synthetic turf, leave the base level 15-20mm lower than any paving/concrete edges.

Install the Turf

Lay the turf out and trim it to an approximate size, leaving a 50mm gap all the way around. If you’re using tape to join, put it under the turf, make the joint, and secure it with pins across the joints and edges.

Tips

• It’d be perfect if you could somehow unroll the turf and leave it on the ground overnight before installing it.
• Preferably, make the joint and trim the edges during the coolest part of the day.
• When laying out the entire piece of artificial turf, it is critical to ensure that the grain runs in the same direction.
• Place pins every 100mm (minimum) along the joints and every 500mm (minimum) along the edges.
• Avoid trapping the turf blades under the pins.

Infill the Sand on Your Artificial Turf

Scatter kiln-dried silica sand (free of organic matter) on the synthetic turf. Then brush it against the stack with a stiff brush or broom. To clean up the area, sprinkle water on it.

Tips

• A minimum of 10kg per square meter of silica sand is required.
• You might want to use a blower to blow away any excess silica sand.
  

Frequently Asked Questions on Synthetic Turf

Please use our online submission form to send us your questions if you can’t find the answer in the FAQ section. We will get back to you within a day.

Can Artificial Turf Be Installed on Paving Stones or Concrete?

Artificial grass can be laid over concrete and paving slabs. A lawn pad can always be put down before the turf is installed for added comfort and cushioning. 

Ensure proper drainage in the concrete or paving if you install it outdoors. Additionally, check the concrete for any significant divots or cracks that might eventually harm the turf.

Can Artificial Grass Be Laid Over Natural Grass?

It’s not a smart idea to lay artificial turf over already-existing grass because drainage issues may arise, and the surface may not be perfectly level.

Additionally, some of the grass and weeds below will try to push their way up through your artificial turf. To create a smooth surface for your artificial grass, you should dig up the natural grass or cover it with sand.

Does Synthetic Turf Fade?

Synthetic turf is UV stabilized, and the warranty typically includes a guarantee against fading for a specific period. 

However, be mindful of the relative effects of ultraviolet light on your field’s longevity. This is because the lifespan of the fiber is shortened in direct proportion to the intensity of the sunlight.

What Is the Lifespan of Synthetic Turf?

The quality of the artificial turf, the quality of the installation, and the amount of traffic it receives over the years will impact how long your synthetic turf lawn lasts. Your artificial grass can last at least 20 years and possibly even longer with proper maintenance.

Is Synthetic Turf Safe For Pets?

YES!

Artificial grass is ideal for animals. Urine drains quickly and is odorless with perfect drainage. Pet waste is also simple to remove from synthetic turf – pick it up or spray it off! 

Because synthetic grass is so tough, your dogs would struggle to dig it up or chew it. Another advantage is that it prevents mud puddles, which means that muddy paws won’t need to be tracked through your house.

Conclusion

The steps outlined above are intended to help you install synthetic turf as smoothly and successfully as possible. If you have any questions or need more information on how to install synthetic turf,  feel free to contact us.