4. Some of these are optional, but it's always best to check with your artificial lawn manufacturer. Just stick to our turf installation process, and youll have an awesome artificial lawn in no time. Plan & clear the area. To cover large areas, you'll install the lawn in multiple strips. How to Install Artificial Grass on Dirt/Soil Surfaces: Pre-Process Steps Step 1: Pre-installation 1. Laying Artificial grass on decking can be an excellent choice, especially if your deck is showing signs of wear and tear due to its age or severe weather has taken its toll on your decking. You can lay your own patch of artificial grass just like you'd put in sod, but without using any water. Start by using a spade or turf cutter to remove all the old turf that you are planning to replace. Lay Artificial Turf Now its time to lay your artificial grass rolls. This is when you get to lay the new grass and see how it all looks fitted in place. Be sure to push the grass into the corners snugly to get the perfect fit without any gaps. Consider synthetic grass intead. If the soil does not allow for satisfactory drainage, before installation of the turf, spread a layer of river sand (about 5cm deep) to accelerate drainage. After nailing, brush the nap up around the nail to hide placement. Then, compact the sand with a tamper or 2X2 piece of plywood and a rubber hammer until its firm and level. This short film demonstrates how Marshalls Always Green makes your lawn attractive, practical and low maintenance. Step 8 Fitting Your Artificial Grass. Professional installation can cost anywhere from $10 to $15 per square foot. The Navy's Unhackable GPS Alternative? Add gravel. Mowing the lawn in the summer is not a chore that most people enjoy. Use a large hammer to drive these spikes through the layer of lawn and into the ground. But instead of the grass burning from dog urine, it will remain green. The first step in artificial turf installation is to remove the old grass. Add gravel so it comes about a quarter You will need a level base on which to lay your artificial grass. However, for the laying course the layer of aggregate that lies directly beneath your artificial grass we strongly recommend that you use either granite or limestone dust, between 0-6mm in diameter at a depth of 25mm. Step 2. This is going to be the bed where youll lay out the artificial turf. The spike head should be flush with the ground so there are no exposed metal edges. Read on below for information on each step! To do so, trim the edge of each of the pieces with a utility knife (from the back, being careful not to cut the turf) so that they will meet without overlapping. Install a Performance Pad To ensure excellent comfort under your turf, install You will need a level base on which to lay your artificial grass. Roll out the best artificial grass for dogs or whatever you have onto the prepared surface. Plan your drainage. So if you have small children, it's best to have them keep their shoes on before running out on it, or spray it down with water to cool first. Roll out your new Artificial Grass. Roll it out to cover the area completely, allowing the edges to overlap at any joints by several inches, and trim with a utility knife to secure it into place with landscaping staples every three or four feet. Whilst gravel can be hardwearing, it can be difficult to maintain, especially when weeds or grass persist on growing up through it. If the space youre covering is more than the rolls width, youll need to join pieces together. For any existing vegetation (grass and weeds) in the area where you want to lay 2. Create an edge. Starting at the edge of the area, roll out the turf until you reach the end. It simply involves unrolling a sheet of the membrane across the laid subbase. However, this does not mean that it is a good idea or that you will ultimately be satisfied with the outcome. Remove any rocks, debris or sprinklers that may interfere with the installation of the artificial grass. Jennifer Noonan, Bob Vila, 10 Creative Driveway Ideas Your Neighbors will Want to Copy, The Best Artificial Grass for Your Outdoor Space. But for better results, you should add 2-4 inches of the base layer of sharp sand that will increase the durability of artificial grass. Artificial grass doesnt stand perfectly straight - it has a slight angle to it. 1. Prepare the Area. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Laying a geotextile membrane for your artificial lawn is an easy process, requiring no additional joining materials. 6. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Basically, all you need to do is unroll the turf according to the pattern established in the initial phase. Make sure the orientation of the grass is facing the same direction and place the lawn strips directly next to each other. Step 3. If your decking is damaged or discoloured, you can restore it by using artificial grass. Line up the artificial grass and fold back the edges of the join. Roll out the artificial grass to cover the area, but make sure the ends of the grass rolls are staggered so they don't end in a line. There are a few steps involved before laying your artificial turf. It's always best to go in store and touch and feel the grass, as well as compare the different color shades, so you know exactly what you are getting. If a neighbor or friend cant use it, dispose of it according to the organic waste removal rules in your community. Installing artificial grass on decking will give your space a new spring of life. Be very careful not to drag your turf across your freshly prepped base. This is MegaGrass guide on how to install artificial grass on dirt/soil surfaces. Heres how to lay artificial grass in a few short steps: Clear the area where youre laying artificial grass Dig the area out to 100mm depth Prepare the base material and protective layer against weeds Roll out the artificial grass Cut and tidy the edges Join the rolls together Artificial grass has a grain to it, which means rather than standing straight up, it bends slightly at an angle. Then roll the pieces back and lay jointing tape underneath where the seam will be. It is best to let the turf sit in the sun for 30 mins to an hour to let it expand prior to install. Lay the base. Regular maintenance of decking can also be a tiresome job. Laying artificial grass properly requires a careful step by step process, from gathering the right materials and preparing the ground to laying the sub-base and getting the lawn sized and secured. Large gravel - half inch or above - will make getting a nice grade very difficult. Find out what tools and methods to use for the precise, professional finish you desire from your artificial turf project. A lawn of artificial grass can last up to 15 years under heavy traffic, the only maintenance being an occasional spraying with the garden hose if you have pets (for obvious reasons!). This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Nail the artificial grass down with 7-inch lawn spikes, using a rubber hammer. Lay the artificial grass and trim edges. Unroll the grass and position ideally running the pile towards the house on back gardens and the reverse on front lawns (i.e. If the smell persists, spray an artificial grass odor eliminator. Artificial grass made its big debut at the Astro Dome in 1966hence the term Astroturfbut its come a long way since then. Make sure the orientation of the grass is facing the same direction and place the lawn strips directly next to each other. These are available as 7" lawn spikes, which will secure your lawn in place. After the strips are nailed down and the lawn is brushed a bit, you should no longer notice any difference between separate pieces. If installing the lawn over soil, dig up the top 3 or 4 inches (7.510 centimeters) of 3. Copyright 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. If any sand went wayward during installation, hose the lawn down to remove it. Can you lay fake grass directly on soil? You can also lay artificial grass yourself at home and you should allow a day or two to complete the job, depending on the size of your outdoor space. Step 2. Be careful not to displace too much evenly laid out subbase or you will risk creating an uneven surface to If you are removing a healthy lawn, rent a sod cutter, so you can relocate your lawn to someone else who can use it. Laying artificial grass on stones: A step-by-step guide Many gardens have areas of stones or gravel which was laid in an attempt to achieve a durable space. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. How we test gear. The most important things to pay attention to are the joints and the direction of the blades. Apply weed membrane. Remove all stuck-on dirt and debris. Avoid allowing the water to flow unevenly. Lay the grass with the pile leaning towards the house so it has a full, natural look when youre viewing it Lay a weed barrier down to reduce the chance of weeds growing up through the turf. Quarter inch self compacting gravel is recommended. Use the utility knife to cut the turf slightly longer than it needs to be, you can trim it to size later. This can help add a bit of weight to the lawn and keep it from moving. Where there is an obstacle (like a tree or post), fold the grass Youll need a way to dispose of it, the most efficient way being the use of a powered sod cutter, available for rent at most equipment rental shops. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Once considered only for professional sports fields, artificial grass is now a bona fide option for homeowners who want the look of a lush, green lawn without maintenance that provokes headaches. Remove whatever current turf you have. Take care to spread the turf blades out and away from the base of the nail before you hammer it in. Make sure that the soil allows good rainwater drainage. Spray the areas with a weed killer. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. For the most natural look, roll it out so that the blades bend toward your homemaking sure that all pieces are laid in the same direction. Crews typically install artificial grass pieces so that the grain is facing the same direction, creating the most aesthetically-pleasing lawn. But laying the turf, which costs between $2 and $8 per square foot, on an average-sized yard is adoable project if youre game for some physical labor. Water conservation is an important issueeven beyond drought afflicted areas. To cover large areas, you'll install the lawn in multiple strips. Enjoy a green lawn that never needs water. Check out the tried-and-true technique here for how to lay artificial grass! If your lawn is in poor condition and beyond saving, you'll still need to remove the clumps of grass and level the area. If you are having problems with getting the ground level, you can put down a layer of sand or crushed stone, just make sure you use a roller or tamper to smooth out the surface. (to calculate how much aggregate youll need to You should then nail it into place using nails every foot or so along the perimeter of the lawn. facing out). To install the lawn, you'll need a bunch of large galvanized nails. Using a box cutter or Stanley knife, you will now trim around the edges to fit the artificial grass into your area. If you are using different rolls, then make sure pile direction is facing the same way, and if you are using four tone grass, then place your rolls accordingly. If using more than one rolls width of turf, its best to stagger the end seams so that they dont line up in a row: Theyll be less visibleand will wear better that way. Artificial grass is a great option for homeowners who still want the look of a lawn but without the hassle and maintenance. To keep things simple, you can lay artificial grass by using the required tools and by following our 6 easy steps below: 1. Trim any edges with a utility knife from the back side, being careful not to cut any of the turf. The smell of pet urine can build up, so just rinse your lawn with grass to clean it. Yes, you can lay fake grass directly on the soil. Your new grass just needs an occasional hoover, or a quick scrub to remove any dirt. When laying the artificial grass, ensure it fits up to the outer perimeters. Home Depot has a variety of artificial grass ranging from $2.25 to $51 per square foot. If weeds are a concern you can lay a weed control landscape fabric, which will prevent weeds from growing up and through your lawn creating bumps and discoloring the lawn. If you are working with multiple rolls, it is very important that the blade If you've got a sprinkler system installed, you can decide if you want to pull it up or just leave it. Some lawns don't require this, as the grass is already attached to a solid and soft base. How to Install Artificial Turf . 3. Unroll the grass from one edge of the deck to the other. By installing synthetic grass on your deck, you are eliminating the need to fix, treat and seal your deck forever. Why Lay Artificial Grass on Decking. Each step plays a specific role in ensuring that your artificial lawn is both attractive and long-lasting. Step by step Step 1. Once you've got a level surface, you can install an underlayment which will provide a permeable cushioning for your artificial lawn. Spread about 1- inches of builders sand in the area to create a level surface, using a landscaping rake to distribute it evenly. Yes, artificial grass can be laid on dirt. Laying Artificial Grass on Decking After a few hours, when the underlay has settled, lay the artificial grass on it. Lay the Artificial Turf. At the time of purchase you'll buy exactly the amount you need based on the size of your lawn, and then you just unroll it and position it in place. Artificial grass rake; How to Install Artificial Grass Over Concrete. Plus some large organic waste bins to dump your old lawn into. If you are using our Self-Adhesive Joining Tape, peel back the protective strip and place it on the ground, facing upwards and between the joins. Space the nails about every four feet. Can artificial grass be laid on dirt? Artificial grass requires no water or fertilizer, which makes it eco-friendly, and theres no mowing required either. Now comes the most enjoyable part of the whole task. 10. An artificial lawn is an easy solution to maintaining a green landscape, while meeting water restriction codes and and saving some money each month on your water bill. The Stars. By Jennifer Noonan and Bob Vila. The next step is the most satisfying, and when all your work starts to come to a lovely looking end. There are professional artificial grass installers who will do a complete landscape job on your lawn, but if you don't mind getting your hands dirty this is a DIY project that anyone can handle. Step 3. Your artificial lawn will be packaged as a roll, similar to how new sod is sometimes transported. Installing Artificial Grass on Top of Natural Grass The first part of the answer is that, yes, it is possible to lay synthetic turf directly over your existing lawn. Youll have to cut the grass whenever its length exceeds the decking surface. Add finishing touches. 2. You'll need a good shovel, wheelbarrow, and gloves for this job. It's probably best to just pull the exposed sprinkler heads to help even out the ground, and if you or a new homeowner ever wants to install grass again, you can just re-attach the heads. Once all the turf is installed, brush the entire lawn with a stiff bristled broom to fluff up turf blades. It's not difficult to pull up the lawn and try again if you mess something up, but it's always best to do the job right the first time. Make sure the existing concrete is clean. Remove the top level of soil. Artificial turf generally comes in widths of 12 to 15 feet. Dig to a depth of 70mm to 80mm. Most pets take to the artificial turf just as they would to grass and have no problem soiling it. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, How To Build (and Restore) a Butcher Block, 5 Bird Feeders You Can Build For Your Backyard, Learn To Work With Stone By Building This Bench, How to Test Your Home WiFi Speed in 3 Easy Steps, Build This Trellis Planter for Plants and Privacy, Build This Small Garden To Grow a Big Harvest. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This device slices through the soil and grass to create an easy-to-remove roll. Tools like carpet kickers can come handy in this phase. Grab your shovel and start excavating the extra soil that you wont need. Preparing the Area 1. A healthy green lawn can be difficult to achieve and maintain, especially in areas with water restrictions or poor soil. Apply artificial turf adhesive to the jointing tape, and lay the two turf pieces together, making sure that the seam matches up together, without overlapping. For irregularly-shaped installation sites, though, maintaining a consistent grain direction often means wasting a lot of grass. Unleash the Log With These Wood Bench Builds. Use a spade or a sod-cutting machine (available to rent for about $100/day at a home improvement store) to pull it up.