Artificial grass has seen a rise in popularity among homeowners in recent years due to its low-maintenance nature. There are many benefits of artificial turf including easy upkeep and maintenance. It is also the easy way to have a vibrant looking yard throughout the whole year.
Artificial grass products offer a variety of textures and shades, so you be sure to explore your options before settling on one style.
How to Install Artificial Grass: An Overview
If you think you’re up to the task of installing artificial grass yourself, watch our step-by-step video.
Materials:
- Pickax
- Push broom
- Turf paint
- Hammer
- Mallet
- 40-D turf nails
- Spackle
- Box cutter
How to Install Artificial Grass In 10 Steps:
- Remove existing landscaping
- Level base
- Lay weed barrier
- Cut turf
- Lay turf
- Secure turf
- Paint or cut lines
- Spread infill
- Brush infill
- Enjoy your artificial grass lawn!
Getting Started
The overview below will give you a step-by-step overview of installing artificial grass.
It’s best not to cut corners when installing artificial grass, because one missed step could result in a flawed installation that results in a poor quality appearance or performance. Each step is critical to the health of your artificial lawn and helps prevent problems later.
Before you begin, you will need to gather the materials needed to get the job done.
Some of the most important being the new turf, a wheelbarrow, a turf cutter, nails and a hammer to secure the turf. To start the project, you will need to remove the grass in the area you want to put the turf. This may be done using a turf cutter or a spade.
Let’s take a look.
Clear Existing Landscaping
Remove existing landscaping before installing artificial grass.
The only way your artificial lawn will look great is if you take the time to clear your existing landscaping. Remove tree trunks, rocks, branches, and any other natural landscaping in the area.
The goal is to clear the existing landscaping and create a flat surface for your lawn.
You want to dig the soil about 1.5 inches – 2.5 inches, because you will want the artificial grass to sit about half an inch higher than any edging.
Level the Area
Water the surface before installing artificial grass.
One of the most important steps to remember when installing artificial grass – leveling the area.
If you don’t level the surface area of your landscaping, you will end up with imperfections in your lawn. This can be avoided by leveling the area thoroughly using a shovel to remove any bumps, rocks, or sticks. Rake the area once you’ve removed large debris and consider watering the surface for a nice finish.
Protect Artificial Grass From Weeds
Lay a surface barrier before laying artificial grass.
Pay particular attention to this step – skipping it can result in a poor quality installation of artificial grass.
One of the nice things about artificial grass is the lack of maintenance needed. This not only includes watering, fertilizing, and mowing, it also includes weeding. Weeds can’t grow through artificial grass … so long as it is installed correctly.
In order to keep your new turf looking its best and lasting, lay a sheet of a weed suppressant over the surface space on which you are installing your turf.
If your yard has unique corners or curves, carefully shape the suppressant using a utility knife.
Lay Down Artificial Grass
Place the artificial grass and nail in place.
One of the last steps in learning how to install artificial grass is to align the new turf on the area you are installing it in.
This will require measuring your space and rolling out the necessary turf to accommodate the space. It’s best to give yourself a little extra on all sides so you don’t run the risk of shorting yourself. You can always trim it down if you have excess.
Try to align it to one of the straight edges or a corner if possible.
Starting with a straight edge helps guide the installation and cut down the time it will take.
Cut the Turf As Needed
Cut the artificial grass as needed using a box cutter.
Use a utility knife to cut the artificial turf wherever needed.
This will likely include the edges along your patio, walkways, and fence. Take your time, as rushing through this step can result in injury.
If you have unique edges along pathways or pools, you will need to pay close attention to the amount of turf you have.
You don’t want to run out half way through your project!
Always use protective gloves when cutting artificial turf, as unexpected slips may occur and cause injury.
Finishing Up
Lay infill once artificial grass is installed.
Once the turf is put down and cut to shape, it is now time to secure the turf.
Use a hammer to insert nails along the edges every foot starting at the corners. If you are covering a vertical surface you can use an adhesive to secure the artificial grass into place. When it is secured to the ground, apply some silica sand to the surface.
Only a thin layer of sand is needed. Use a spreader to ensure even coverage. Use a coarse broom to brush the sand into the grass. The sand will create a stabilizing effect on the grass and help it to stay in place and not move.
Conclusion
We hope this step-by-step overview gave you a better understanding of how to install artificial grass, whether you plan on doing it yourself or hiring a professional. As mentioned, it’s important you complete each of these steps as they’re all crucial to a long-lasting artificial lawn.
Let us know if you have any questions.
