Whether you’re renovating your yard, building a putting green, or transforming the sports fields at your university, artificial grass is a great alternative to traditional grass and comes with a lot of benefits.
Deciding to make the switch to artificial turf isn’t the hard part – installing it is. Let’s take a closer look at artificial grass installation and some of the things to consider before you get started.
How to Install Artificial Grass
Installing artificial grass is relatively straightforward, but depending on the size of the surface, the process can be time-consuming.
Here’s how installation works:
- Remove the existing turf. Before you can lay down the artificial grass, you’ll need to remove the existing surface. Use a turf cutter or a spade for this process. Dig the soil to a depth of about 1.5”-2.5”. Remember, your artificial grass will need to sit about 1/2” above any edging.
- Lay down a weed-suppressing membrane. This membrane will prevent weeds from growing up through the turf, which can cause it to buckle. Use a simple utility knife to cut the membrane to match the shape of the area where you’ll be laying down the turf.
- Add a layer of sand or crushed stone. Use a vibrating roller or plate to compact the layer and create a solid base. The sand layer will provide adequate drainage for your turf.
- Add a layer of sharp sand. The next step is to add a layer of fine sand on top of the aggregate. Use the vibrating plate or roller to compact the layer, and make sure that it’s even.
- Add a shock-absorbing layer (optional). While this step isn’t necessary, many people prefer to add a shock-absorbing layer to add more cushioning to the grass. If you decide to add this layer, use a simple utility knife to cut the material into the appropriate shape.
- Carefully lay the grass. If you’re working on a large area and will need to join two widths together, consider applying a thin layer of adhesive to the surface underneath the joint. This will keep the two pieces from buckling or shifting over time.
- Trim the turf to match the shape of your yard.
- Nail the grass into place. Begin by placing nails into each corner, and then insert new nails every 12” along each edge. If you’re working on a vertical surface, use adhesive instead.
- Add a layer of silica sand.
- Brush the sand into the grass.
- Enjoy!
As you can see, installing artificial turf can be very time-consuming, especially if you have to cover a large surface area. That’s why many homeowners question whether they should really take this job on themselves.
DIY Vs. Hiring an Installer
Do it yourself artificial grass, or hire a professional? That’s the question that most people ask before they start their turf project. The answer to this question largely depends on three things: your budget, your time, and the surface area you need to cover.
If you have the time and only need to cover a small area, you may find that the DIY route is a smart choice. It will likely save you money, and if the area is small enough, this may be a project you can get done in a day or weekend.
With that said, it’s important to remember that you will be responsible for getting all of the materials and tools yourself – some of which you may not have and can be costly. Consider renting any tools you may not have, and getting help from a friend or loved one to make the project move along quickly.
If you have a larger area to cover (say, an entire backyard) or are pressed for time, you may consider hiring a professional. Hiring a professional installer will cost more, but they will have the experience and tools needed to get the job done right the first time.
In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional – whether you have a small or large area to cover.
Things to Consider
Before buying artificial grass, there are some things you should consider.
- Traffic: How much traffic will the area receive? Avoid buying low quality or less durable turf for areas of the yard that get used often. This will cause the turf to wear out prematurely.
- Pile Height: You’ll need to determine the height of the pile before buying. If you’re going for a natural look, 30-37mm is the best option. A shorter pile is ideal for areas where you plan on sitting patio furniture.
- Maintenance: Artificial grass is easier to maintain than natural grass, but it’s not completely maintenance-free. Check with the manufacturer to find out how to care for your turf properly, and choose a turf that you have the time to maintain. Don’t forget to factor in the costs of maintenance when choosing a turf for your yard.
Artificial turf is easy to install, but it can be time-consuming. In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional, but small jobs are usually DIY-friendly. But before you go out and buy your turf, make sure that you consider how much traffic it will receive, the pile height and the maintenance involved.
