How to lay artificial grass
Anyone with plenty of patience and good DIY skills should be able to lay artificial grass. However, for an artificial lawn of really high standards – or for a lawn where two or more pieces of artificial turf will need joining – always consult an experienced fitter. It may cost a little more but you will be much happier with the results.
Please bear in mind that the methods for installing artificial grass will depend on the surface that you are installing on to and the planned usage. For a pet-friendly lawn you will need a special sub-base that can repel pongs. Please contact me for more details.
This installation guide is for a garden with normal usage (ie not for a car parking or stadium sports). The build-up described is suitable for a loam soil will decent drainage. Clay soils and sandy soils will need a deeper sub-base to prevent sinking or movement.
There are 10 steps to laying artificial grass
- Survey the area and plan the levels.
- Remove the existing surface to a depth of 7cm (10cm if there are drainage issues on site)
- Surround the area with a timber edging. This will support the sub-base and secure the grass.
- Import a 5cm layer or type 1 limestone (or 8 cm if you’ve dug to 10cm)
- Compress the limestone with a wacker plate
- Install a 2.5cm layer of sharp sand
- Rake the sand level and compress
- Cover the sand with a weed membrane
- Unroll the grass and join pieces if necessary
- Use small nails to attach the grass to the timber edging.
Hints and tips on laying artificial grass
It’s important to get the sub-base right. Even though it’s tempting to take short cuts at this stage, please don’t. You won’t be happy with the finished results and your artificial lawn won’t last as long as you wanted it to.
Levels
Before you start, think about where you want to the top of your grass to sit. Flush with the patio? If your grass pile is 35mm, make sure the top of the sub-base is 35mm below the patio.
Now is your chance to level out all of the lumps and bumps in the garden and also to adjust any slopes etc.
Properly installed artificial grass should drain at around 1.5 litres per minute nevertheless, you should make sure that your new lawn won’t be pushing water into your home, shed or other structures.
Timber edging
Take your time and get it right. Drive wooden stakes into the ground and attach the timber edging to them. Remember that you are going to be nailing the grass to the top of the timber so check the heights and the levels carefully.
The Sub base
This will support your artificial turf for the next 25-30 years so it mustn’t shift or sink. Use type 1 limestone for the lower level. This facilitates drainage and makes a firm base.
You will need to hire a wacker plate, it’s an extra cost but the only way to compact the layers properly.
Sharp sand protects the fabric of the artificial grass against any sharp stones etc below. It also absorbs impact and makes your lawn more comfortable to walk or sit on.
Weed control
If you know that there are moles or Japanese knotweed in the area, you’ll be well advised to use a stabilising membrane beneath the sub base. Certainly you need a weed membrane between the sharp sand and your grass. This is so that any weed seeds that land on your lawn are prevented from rooting into the sand and establishing themselves.
Unrolling your artificial grass
Your grass may look a little creased when you first unroll it. This is normal and will soon rectify itself.
Unroll your grass gently and manoeuvre it into place. Make sure that the pile is laying in the right direction (we normally suggest towards the house but it’s your choice). If you need more than one piece of artificial turf, it’s especially important to be vigilant about the nap. Ie the direction of the pile.
Make sure that your grass covers all of the edges, and is sitting nicely. It’s a good idea to step back and take a good look. If you can view the lawn from an upstairs window, that’s even better.
Remember! Once you have trimmed or glued the grass it cannot be replaced. If you have any concerns, get in touch with your supplier before you proceed any further.
Use the recommended sealing tape and adhesives to make any joins. Joining artificial turf is best left to experienced experts. One mistake here could ruin the look of your lawn.
Make sure you are confident before you start work.
Securing your artificial grass
Nobody wants to wake up one morning and find their lawn in next door’s garden! Be sure to secure your artificial grass carefully. We recommend using small nails to attach the grass to the timber edging. Screws are fine but can create dents in the surface of the lawn.
Top Tip! Keep the nails in a box or container and be sure to pick up any that are dropped. They’ll be difficult to see in the sward and could cause a nasty injury in the future.
When the work is done, you’ll have a stunning, evergreen lawn that you can be truly proud of. Particularly if you have chosen your grade of artificial turf wisely. If you need any help with buying or installing an artificial lawn, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Green As Grass team. We’re here to make your life easier.
