How To Install Fake Grass In Backyard

Artificial Turf Installation A Diy Guide

When asked what people are looking for when it comes to tackling the landscape remodel, most people respond with low-maintenance and when it comes to ground cover, few things are as low maintenance as artificial turf. Advancements in turf tech have come a long way from the classic green carpet days, so today Im gonna show you how you can install a beautiful artificial turf lawn at your home.

My name is Aaron Massey and welcome back to another episode of home-school. Nowadays, quality turf can be tough to distinguish from actual grass, making ita very attractive low-maintenance lawn alternative for a lot of homeowners, including myself.

I rate these projects by how many F-bombs youre likely to drop while tackling the project. This one is pretty difficult because its a pretty labor-intensive installation and requires some specialty tools depending on your application. This is one of those rare instances where Ill say that this isnt really a pure DIY job, meaning that its not really something I recommend doing on your own. Thats not to say it cant be done, as youll see, but at least having several people available to help you will make your life so much easier.

The first and most important step to getting a quality installation is to properly prepare the base. In this case, Im working in a newly constructed area behind a couple retaining walls, so it requires filling with base material, vibrating it to force material to settle and to grade the base properly.

Compact The Base For The Artificial Turf

The next step of the installation of your fake turf is to create the perfect base. Its best to use finely crushed rock as the base of your artificial turf.

Crushed rock can be found easily in most major hardware stores throughout Australia, and it costs about AU$45 per cubic metre.

Evenly spread the crushed rock base. You can use a rake to lay the sub-base as flat as possible.

After you feel like its good enough, its time for you to use a compactor to compact the base. A vibrating plate will be the best for the job.

If you dont feel necessary to spend money on renting a compactor you can use a flat wooden plate and grab a friend to step on it. Repeat this process until the area feels ready.

Spray a mist of water on the crushed rock and use the compactor until the wet base becomes sturdy. The perfect depth of a sub-base for artificial grass is around 15mm to 20mm, so make sure to measure everything once youve compacted the crushed rock.

Anything deeper will make the fake grass look sunken in the ground, while anything more can result in an elevated and unnatural look.

Adjust The Turf And Set It In Place

Almost ready! The turf pieces are joined, perfectly placed in its bed, but youre going to play with your pets maybe, kids will be running around, a BBQ or two might take place this monthall of this will affect your fake grass. In other words, its time to make sure your brand new synthetic turf stays in place, after which you may also pick up a few tips on how to keep the artificial grass clean.

But first, grab your hammer and the flat head nails we mentioned youll need earlier in the article. Its best if you use thin nail and nail the turf along the edges. Place a nail every 25cm to 30cm.

In order to hide the nail make sure you pin it between the blades of the leaf. You can also use a dark coloured sharpie to ensure the nails blend in with the environment.

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What Can I Put Under Artificial Grass For My Dog

For an outdoor turf lawn, theres not much that needs to be added to artificial grass for dogs besides a pet-friendly turf infill. Turf that is installed on concrete and indoors will likely need a drainage underlay to help prevent a build up of urine, leading to odor. Additionally, we recommend laying padding under turf on concrete to provide extra comfort and cushion to our furry friends, whether running around or taking a nap. Regular cleaning and removal of waste is always a must to maintain pet turf.

Cut Edges Slightly Long

When you lay out the turf, youll have to trim the edges, like trimming carpeting around the perimeter of a room. Pros recommend a sharp utility knife for this, and always cut from the back.

Leave a few extra inches on the edges so you have something to tuck under borders or against walkways. If you leave too much, you can always cut more as a final step. But if you leave too little, you may end up with hard-to-hide gaps.

Secure the edges with landscape staples or landscape nails. You can use a carpet installers knee-kicker to stretch the turf and keep it free of wrinkles and loose areas.

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Installing Artificial Turf Grass Is A Lot Like Laying Carpet Artificial Turf Works Best On A Flat Compacted Well

Artificial turf grass, invented and patented by Monsanto, made its first appearance at a Providence, R.I. high school in 1964. Originally known as ChemGrass, it was later rebranded AstroTurf after it replaced a burned-out natural grass field in the Houston Astrodome in 1966. Other manufacturers eventually produced their own products, and today youll find artificial turf in professional, college and high school stadiums coast to coast.

Artificial turf grass didnt become a viable option for homeowners until less rugged, more decorative versions became available in the 1990s. And while it hasnt exactly gone viral, its definitely on the upswing. The New York Times reports a 15 percent increase in artificial turf installations since 2017.

Some people believe modern versions look more realistic than they used to. One landscaper in Marin County, California claims it took him two years to discover a neighboring lawn, impressively green and well-manicured, was artificial. A friend of mine in nearby Santa Cruz County installed artificial turf in a part of her yard too shaded by redwoods to support a natural lawn. After 10 years, it still looks great.

If youre interested in an artificial lawn, research the pros and cons there are plenty of both. If youve done that and youre ready to install, these tips can help you achieve the best of the low-maintenance realism that artificial turf offers.

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Decide Whether To Diy Or Hire

You may have already made this decision and, if you decided to do the installation yourself, congratulations! Youre ready to move on to the next step.

If youre still on the fence about whether to do it yourself or have a contractor do it for you, now is the time to decide

There are a few questions you have to ask yourself before making this decision, such as Are you handy around the house and yard? Are you willing to put in the time and effort? and Is cost a factor for you?

Later in this article, well take a closer look at these questions and help you make a final decision.

But for now, lets just assume youve chosen to install the artificial lawn yourself. Youre ready to move on to step 2!

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Pair Fake Turf With Hardscape

Artificial grass looks great with any hardscape! Whether you’re considering laying a concrete patio, building a deck, or using pavers for a fire pit, synthetic turf can be installed in conjunction. The clean lines won’t spill over onto your patio or deck and you’ll never have to worry about trimming the edges! Artificial grass won’t catch on fire but can melt from hot embers. For this reason, we always recommend placing fire pits, torches, and grills on a hardscape rather than directly on the surface of your new synthetic lawn.

Artificial grass even works great around pools! With permeable backing and advanced drainage, no need to worry about a slick surface or water pooling.

What Tools Do You Need

The tools you use can make the difference between a good or bad installation. Also, while some tools will make the job more stressful and time-consuming, others will help you get the job done far quicker and easier.

Before installing your lawn, you should compile all your tools, so you dont have to run out in the middle of your project to purchase or hire something. You may have some of these tools already, or you may need to buy or hire them.

Weve categorized these instruments so you can easily monitor what you already have, or need to buy or hire.

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Protect And Sand The Turf

Small things add up to natural looking turf. Around 12kg of sand will be needed per square meter of fake turf.

Gently spread the sand throughout the artificial piece of grass. Use the rake to gently spread out the fine sand and make sure its even throughout the whole area.

You can also use a seed dropper to spread out the sand. However, if youre working on a larger area we advise you to rent a sand spreader.

Roll Out And Place The Turf In Place

Great! Youre halfway done. Once youve compacted the base its time to lay out the synthetic turf itself. It has most likely been stored rolled, so you should leave it unrolled for two or three hours to allow it to set in place and even out any creases.

Always lay the separate synthetic turf pieces in the same direction. This way youll ensure seamless fitting.

Use a sharp utility knife to cut through the turf. Clean cuts will ensure proper joining and it will make the job a lot easier. Always change the blades if they start feeling dull. Remove any strips that may be covering an adhesive material.

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How To Install Artificial Grass A Step By Step Guide

Installing Artificial Grass can be a tricky process. But if done correctly, it will serve you for the years to come and will enhance the look of lawn or backyard.

Artificial Grass is a long term investment, so utmost precaution and care must be taken before artificial grass installation as it will ensure the durability of turf.

In this guide, we will cover how to install artificial Grass in your existing natural lawn, decking, or concrete area.

Contents

Tips For Making Your Artificial Grass Installation Look Professional

• Prior to installation, lay artificial grass out under the sun for at least 1-2 hours to allow the turf to acclimate. This will make the backing less stiff and the turf easier to go over with a broom.
• Always stretch and install turf taut .
• One yard of base materials will cover 80 square feet at 4 inches depth.
• Do not overlap seams.
• Never drive nails into the base too far because this will create a noticeable dip.
• Always hand or power broom turf prior to filling.
• Always run grain of turf in the same direction.
• Use a 2×4 or 1×2 of synthetic or pressure-treated wood bender board around the perimeter of turf area to frame and protect the turf from soil and debris.
• Use only manufacturer recommended infill materials. Infill amount will vary. A 50lb bag of infill will typically cover 30 square feet of turf.

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What Is The Cheapest Way To Install Artificial Grass

The cheapest way to install artificial grass is by buying your own materials and doing your own installation. However, be aware of the hazards of cutting corners badly installed artificial grass can lead to drainage issues, aesthetic problems, and may ultimately require a costly replacement and reinstallation.

Cover The Area With Foam Or Shock Pads

One downside to laying down artificial grass on a concrete or pavement surface is the lack of cushion. If you plan to have kids or pets playing in this area, padding is something youll likely want to consider to provide more cushioning for falls.

Roll out designated foam or shock pads onto the areas before laying down your turf.

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Standard Synthetic Grass Installation

A standard installation starts with good preparation. Remove any previous turf together with any paving. Prepare the surface so that it is at a constant level with no bumps or potholes.

Lay a weed control membrane in strips. Overlap the strips and cut it to the required shape. Nail it down into the ground.

Concrete in timbers around the edge of the area to be turfed. These will provide a secure edge for the turf to be fastened to. Position them just below the level of the grass.

To maximize the drainage of rainwater lay a 3 to 4-inch sub-base of type 1. If water drainage is not likely to be a problem a 2-inch base will be fine.

Use 1-inch fine granite dust as the surface the synthetic grass will sit on. Level the base with a Wacker plate.

Install your synthetic grass cutting it to size and using a bolster chisel to press it into the edges. Make any joints with tape and glue. Nail the synthetic grass to the timber edge.

Add kiln dried sand and brush it.

How To Install Your Own Artificial Turf In Central Texas

If youve decided artificial turf for your home is the next home improvement project you are ready to tackle, you need to understand how to do it so your investment in turf can last for years.

While installing artificial turf is an easy process, it can be time-consuming, easily taking up two to three weekends. You dont need extensive knowledge to install your own artificial turf, but you do need patience and care. Here is how you can install your own artificial turf in Austin, San Antonio, and other central Texas locations.

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How Hard Is Diy Artificial Turf Installation

Artificial lawns have quickly become one of the preferred methods for achieving a picturesque landscape for many residential and commercial property owners. Synthetic turf offers many environmental and financial benefits including reduced water consumption, minimal time and energy expended on lawn maintenance, and a lush, green lawn year-round.

If you choose to invest in artificial turf, youll have the option to either hire a professional or to complete a DIY artificial turf installation. Choosing to install turf yourself can make artificial lawns more affordable, but you run the risk of installing the turf improperly and potentially ruining your investment.

When deciding whether to hire a professional or to complete a DIY artificial turf installation, you should consider your own landscaping skills, the time and energy you can dedicate to this project and the specific conditions of your yard. Both DIY artificial turf installation and professional turf installation have their benefits, so its important to account for the unique factors of your situation when making your decision.

Special Considerations For Families With Children

If you have children who enjoy playing in the yard, you may be wondering if artificial grass is a good idea. Maybe youve already made the decision to install it, but youre starting to have second thoughts. Is it any good for kids? Is it safer than a natural lawn or more hazardous?

There are several considerations when determining whether artificial grass is the right choice for your family. Lets take a closer look at these factors:

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Create A Backyard Playground With Artificial Grass

When installing a backyard playground, your children will be able to play outside all day without you having to worry. Artificial grass is non-toxic and hypoallergenic with antibacterial technologies making it ideal for kids. You can further enhance their experience by adding fun features to the synthetic lawn, like jungle gym equipment, swings, or even a hammock for naps.

All artificial grass installations will be clean and kid-friendly, but you can create a more shock-absorbent space by adding padding underlayments! Whether you have playset equipment or simply want to provide more cushion as they run around, there are multiple options to choose from to keep your lawn safe for children. To save on costs, we’d recommend designating a specific area for play so that the padding layer is not necessary on the rest of the lawn.

Company Overhead + Materials Operations And Labor

Now, anything less than $10.3/sq ft, should be red flagged immediately ONLY IF you are interested in getting your installation completed right the first time, which would include the highest quality materials manufactured in the USA, a highly skilled turf installation team who have been installing for years , a professional synthetic turf designer, a dedicated construction manager supervising your install, and a robust company that will be around to assist you in the future should you need help.

Once all of the materials, operating expenses, labor, and company overhead is paid, then what is left over, if anything, is the company profit.

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Join The Pieces Of Artificial Turf

One of the most important steps in making the fake grass look like real is to ensure proper joining of the separate pieces.

Make sure that the separate pieces of turf are as close as possible. Its important that they dont touch and dont overlap. A small gap is more than enough.

Roll out the turf tape through the whole length of the fake turf. Once youve set in place the turf pieces and the artificial grass tape, pill the adhesive protection of the tape and place the tape in place throughout the entire length of the joining. In order to make sure everything is secured in place walk a couple of times on top of the joining spot.

Depending on the artificial turf brand and the brand of the tape, you will have differences of adhesive and installation. The tips above are generalised, so its best if you read the instructions coming with the products, or check if they have a website with instructions in order to make sure your installation is the most suitable for the products you use.