Hey there, DIY enthusiasts! If you’ve been dreaming about transforming your own space into a lush, green paradise without the hassle of maintaining natural grass, you’re in for a treat. We’re excited to share a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to install artificial grass. Plus, we’ve got some amazing resources to ensure your project goes off without a hitch!
Ready to dive right in? We’ve got you covered. Our handy video guide walks you through each and every step of installing artificial grass in your space. Whether you’re a visual learner or just like having a guiding hand, our video tutorial is here to make the process simple and enjoyable.
But that’s not all – this blog post provides detailed instructions for those that prefer written instruction! So, no matter your preferred learning style, we’ve got you covered.
For extra excitement and insight to your DIY journey, we’ve teamed up with BYOT (Bring Your Own Tools). Brent is a fantastic resource that brings you a different perspective on the world of DIY projects. His video provides another angle and some unique tips to help you create your picture-perfect artificial grass installation.
Let’s Get Started!
At Smart Turf, we’re not just passionate about providing top-quality artificial grass – we’re excited to be your partner in creating a space that you’ll love. Let’s roll up our sleeves, get our hands a little dirty, and transform your vision into reality. Your dreamy, low-maintenance paradise awaits – let’s make it happen together.
First, you’ll need to determine how much Smart Turf artificial turf you’ll need. How to Calculate Artificial Turf Requirements for Your Project.
Tools Needed
- Carpet Knife
- Plate Compactor
- Drop spreader
- Hard Garden Rake
- Hammer
- Push broom and/or power broom
- Tamper (optional)
- Plate Compactor
- Seam Cloth
- Smart Fill
Materials Needed
- Artificial Turf
- Nails
- Infill
- Seam Cloth
- Seam Adhesive
- Weed Barrier Fabric (not recommended for pet installation)
Step 1: Ground Preparation
Begin by clearing the work area of any unwanted debris like tree roots, mulch, rocks, and construction remnants. Employ tools such as sod cutters, shovels, and pick axes to remove vegetation and grass.
Step 2: Address Underground Obstacles
Be cautious of irrigation and electrical lines just below the surface. Locate and either cap or remove unwanted sprinkler heads. Test the irrigation system and any electrical features before proceeding.
Step 3: Establish the Base
For general landscape installations, start the sub-base process by placing a weed barrier cloth. Note that for pet installations, Smart Turf does not recommend using a weed barrier cloth. Opt for fabric that fully covers the installation area. If multiple pieces are needed, overlap them by a minimum of 4 inches, securing them with 6-inch nails every 4-6 inches to hold them in place during the base addition.
To ensure stability, the base surface is crucial for the turf system’s integrity. Begin with a 2″-3″ layer of Class 2 Road Base. Slowly add your base material, using one wheelbarrow load at a time, starting from the farthest side of the installation. Empty the load and use either a landscape rake or the flat side of a durable garden rake to evenly distribute the base to your desired height or grade level. Keep in mind that compacted base material can settle about ½ to 1 inch, depending on the size of the base rock used.
Smooth the base loads together, ensuring that each load seamlessly transitions into the next at the same level. Avoid walking over freshly laid base material. After completion, lightly mist the base with water and proceed to roll it for compaction. Compacting the base may take several passes to ensure even compaction, avoiding the creation of ridges or bumps. For any remaining ridges or bumps, use a broom and hand tamp to smooth them out, and continue compacting until achieving a smooth surface.
Step 4: Arrange Synthetic Turf
Measure the project area and plan the layout thoughtfully to minimize seams in the turf. Gently unroll the synthetic grass over the prepared base—avoid dragging it. If there are wrinkles, allow the turf to acclimate in the sunlight. Lay the turf in the same direction as the natural grass blades. Be sure to lay all panels in the same direction.
Step 5: Trim to Fit
Customize the artificial grass to your landscape, whether it’s a square or a winding path bordered by rocks. The preferred method involves laying out the grass, marking where cuts will be made from the top. You’ll need two tools: a Long Pile Carpet Cutter and a Carpet knife. Cut from the back side of the synthetic turf to follow the stitch rows.
Step 6: Secure the Edges
Secure the edges of the turf using 5″-6″ nails spaced 3″-6″ apart. Repeat the process for treated lumber, bender board, or poly board around the perimeter.
Step 7: Seam the Turf
For seamless seams, ensure the stitch lines match when joining two cuts of synthetic turf. Use a straight edge or the “S” cut method with a custom stencil. Apply seam clothand synthetic turf adhesive between the pieces, creating a seamless appearance.
Seaming Tips
- Careful Grass Section Preparation: Success in achieving a seamless seam largely depends on the careful preparation of your grass sections and their accurate alignment to ensure they all face the same direction.
- One Seam at a Time: Take care to secure only one seam at a time, avoiding trimming the outer edges of your surfaces until you’re satisfied with all the seams.
- Dealing with Frayed Edges: Some grass sections may have frayed fabric edges on one or both sides. Use a box or sheet rock cutter to remove any excess fabric, leaving approximately a ¼-inch margin from the initial row of blades.
- Trim and Place Sections: After trimming and adjusting each section to the correct dimensions, start by positioning the first section within your designated project area. Continue to lay down subsequent sections, ensuring a seamless transition until all components are in place.
- Ensure Snug Fit: Arrange the sections in a way that effectively covers the project area, making sure they fit snugly together during the seaming process.
- Nail Fastening Method: To securely fasten the sections with nails, fold back the initial 12 inches of material on both sides of the seam’s edge. Cut the seaming cloth to the appropriate length and position it with the shiny side facing downward. Fold the edges back over the seaming cloth, ensuring that the spacing between sections matches the distance between the rows of blades in the remaining area. Place two nails at each end of the seam, followed by one 6-inch nail every 4 inches along the seam, creating a diagonal pattern on both sides.
- Adhesive Fastening Method: If you choose to use adhesive for securing the sections, carefully follow the instructions for precise placement. Fold back the edges once more to apply adhesive on the “dull” side of the seaming cloth. Using a ¼-inch V-shaped trowel, apply a small amount of adhesive along the center line of the seaming cloth (approximately 12 inches). Spread the adheisve to a thickness of ¼ inch, covering the entire width of the seam cloth up to its end. Gently fold over one side at a time, lightly pressing down on the edges. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the glue to set before walking on the area.
Step 8: Apply Infill
Add infill to enhance your artificial grass system’s durability. Standard infill is round Silica Sand, typically 1-3 lbs. per sq. ft. Smart Fill is our recommended infill and is a round-shaped green-coated sand that reduces fluid absorption and improves drainage. It’s integrated with anti-microbial that helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and odors.
- Load your drop spreader with infill material.
- Adjust the flow setting to a range between 3 to 6.
- Walk slowly and evenly distribute 2 to 4 pounds of infill across the entire installed surface.
- To embed the infill into the surface blades, use either a sturdy broom or an infill rake (as depicted on the right side).
- When moving across the surface, avoid overlapping the rows of applied infill.
- Walk the surface while applying infill, repeating this process 1 to 2 times.
- Take breaks intermittently to rake the infill material into the surface.
- Employ a stiff broom or infill rake to vigorously agitate the surface, separating the blades and assisting the infill in settling at the base.
- Continue alternating between infill application and surface raking.
You’ll know you’ve applied enough infill when the blades stand upright and are visible from all angles.
Step 9: Final Touches
Complete the installation by thoroughly cleaning the area using a blower, rake, brush, or broom. Water can also aid in the cleanup process. Your artificial grass installation is now complete.
