Artificial grass installation can be very simple and can add years of beauty to your home or business, as well as, a return on your investment in almost all cases. If you are still thinking about ordering artificial grass, consider all of the benefits of artificial turf. You can bet you will enjoy this experience, from selecting any of our high-quality artificial turf materials to adding the finishing touches, which ultimately will allow for many years of a hassle-free and water-free lawn.
After years of contractor and customer feedback from artificial grass installations nationwide, Artificial Turf Supply has gathered and organized this turf installation information to provide you the most detailed and comprehensive fake grass installation guide in the artificial turf industry! All synthetic grass installation instructions are broken down into four key areas: Project Planning, Ground Preparation, Artificial Turf Installation, and Artificial Turf Maintenance & Care.
The goal of the Artificial Turf Supply Detailed Installation Guide is to address almost every issue experienced in the turf installation field and give you the latest artificial grass installation and maintenance tips, as well as, techniques to help you save time and money while installing artificial grass.
You should typically allow 2-3 days for most synthetic grass installation projects less than 1500 sq. ft. Additionally, projects may be completed faster depending on the size of your project crew or your experience.
Artificial Grass should be installed at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above.
Transforming your outdoor space with artificial turf is a project within reach for most DIY enthusiasts. This guide will lead you through a streamlined process, from initial planning to the final touches of laying down your artificial grass.
Proper planning is vital to a smooth installation. Here’s what to consider before diving in:
| Task | Details |
| Project Size | Typically, areas under 1,500 square feet can be completed within 2-3 days. |
| Weather Conditions | Installation should only be carried out in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Tools Required | Various tools are needed; power tools can make the process more efficient, though they are not mandatory. |
| Turf Dimensions | Standard rolls come in 15 feet widths. Calculate the area width x length based on 15-foot widths, allowing extra for seaming and trimming. |
| Seams | Aim to have as few seams as possible for a seamless, natural appearance. |
When planning your DIY artificial turf installation, consider the project’s scale—areas under 1,500 square feet typically take 2 to 3 days to complete.
Optimal installation conditions require temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure you have all the necessary tools, noting that while power tools aren’t crucial, they can make the process smoother.
Remember that turf rolls are 15 feet wide, so plan your area accordingly and allow extra turf for seaming and trimming. Minimizing seams will enhance the natural look of the turf.
To prepare the ground, start by removing any existing vegetation and clearing the area of debris. If necessary, install a weed barrier to prevent future growth, securing it in place with sod staples.
For enhanced protection, particularly in gopher-prone areas, lay down gopher wire. Finally, spread a base material that facilitates good drainage, typically a mix of 3/4″ to 1/4″ crushed drain rock.
Artificial turf is a great way to add a touch of greenery to your space without the maintenance required by natural grass. If you’re considering installing artificial turf, it’s important to do it correctly to ensure it lasts and looks great. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of how to install artificial turf, from preparing the area to laying and trimming the turf, to adding infill and maintaining it. By following these steps, you’ll have a beautiful and functional artificial turf that will last for years to come.
Before installing artificial turf, you’ll need to prepare the area where it will be installed. The first step is to measure and mark the area with spray paint or stakes. Use a measuring tape to determine the length and width of the area, and add an additional 2-3 inches to each measurement to account for trimming later. Mark the perimeter of the area with spray paint or stakes to give you a clear outline of where the turf will be installed.
The next step is to remove any existing grass or debris from the area. Use a shovel to remove any large debris, and then use a rake to remove the remaining grass and debris. Once the area is clear, use a roller to level the ground. A level and stable base is crucial for a successful installation.
Finally, install a weed barrier to prevent weeds from growing through the turf. Lay the weed barrier over the prepared area, making sure to overlap any seams by at least 6 inches. Secure the weed barrier using landscape nails.
After preparing the area, you can start laying the artificial turf. Unroll the turf and position it over the prepared area, making sure that it overlaps the edges of the area by at least 2-3 inches. This will allow for trimming later.
Once you have the turf positioned correctly, use a utility knife to cut it to fit the area. Make sure to keep the blade direction consistent throughout the installation to ensure a seamless look. Trim the edges of the turf to fit the area, leaving them a little long to allow for trimming later.
Next, secure the turf using a turf adhesive. Apply the adhesive along the edges of the turf, making sure to apply it evenly. Press the turf down firmly to ensure it adheres to the adhesive. Once the adhesive has dried, secure the turf in place using landscape nails, spacing them out every 6-8 inches along the perimeter of the turf.
Once the turf is in place, it’s time to add infill to help weigh it down and give it a more realistic feel. Spread the infill evenly over the turf using a broom or a turf brush, making sure to work it into the fibers of the turf. This will help the turf stand up and look more natural.
After adding infill, use a turf brush to groom the turf. This will help the fibers stand up straight and give the turf a more realistic appearance. To maintain the turf, simply brush it periodically to keep the fibers standing up straight and to remove any debris that may have accumulated on the surface.
Roll the turf out over a clean flat surface or the prepared base, but make sure not to drag it across the sub-base. Additionally, if you have a seam or another roll of turf, you want to make sure that the fiber blades of artificial turf are going the same direction you had in your planning design so the two pieces match up. It is important to let the artificial turf sit out in the sun for a couple of hours. This allows the fibers to begin to stand upright and relax from being rolled up and will also allow any wrinkles to settle in the backing. Once relaxed, lay your turf accordingly and for areas that will have seams, cut off the un-tufted (selvage) edge (2-3 tuft rows) of each roll and lay them onto the base in your intended direction, then lay your next artificial turf roll adjacent to the first one leaving 1/16-1/8 inch gap between rolls. DO NOT overlap the rolls.
Your turf roll(s) are coming on a 4″ wide cardboard carpet roll 15 feet long and wrapped in protective heavy duty plastic. The weight of your turf is half a pound per square foot. (SQ FT of turf roll divided by 2 = Weight).
WARNING: Although the turf is delivered to the shipping address, make sure that you have enough working crew to help the delivery driver get your turf roll(s) off of the delivery truck.
Whether it is a winding path or an existing new or old border, installing artificial grass can be custom cut to fit your yard. You will need a carpet cutting knife or a razor knife. Most contractors mark the back of the turf with a marker pen where they decide they are going to cut. Once this is accomplished you can roll the turf back and custom cut the turf with your carpet knife. With the area’s that are overlapping, trim the overlapped roll to match the first roll that you trimmed. Your cuts should leave the two pieces as close as possible without actually touching. Then you can trim the turf to match your edges around the borders.
WARNING: DO NOT cut through any of the artificial turf that may be underneath the part you are cutting.
Artificial Turf Supply can supply seaming solution products for your project please contact an Artificial Turf Supply representative. The Adhesive is a single part, moisture curing, polyurethane adhesive designed specifically for bonding various substrates to the backing of synthetic turf. Substrates include: SEAM FABRIC, ROAD BASE, DECOMPOSED GRANITE, CONCRETE, ASPHALT, WOOD, RUBBER TILES and FOAM PADDING.
For those artificial grass projects requiring seams, this is probably the most critical part of the artificial grass installation process in order to make your artificial turf project look realistic. It is always a good idea to practice the seaming process before you seam your project area. Make sure that you take your time when seaming your project. Remember to trim at least one tuft row off of both rolls you’re seaming together.
By now your base should be completed and your turf rolled out onto the base. Now mark the areas where your seam will be with a chalk line. Next, you will prepare the turf by cutting both edges of the rolls to be seamed. Using your cutting tool (Seam Row Knife, Carpet Knife or Razor Knife) you want to cut as close to the second tuft row as possible (2-3 tuft rows is okay). This eliminates waste and should give you the proper edges for seaming. Fold back the edges of each turf roll and place the 12 inch seaming tape down (dull side up) on the chalk lines where you will have your seams.
It is important to be accurate when cutting both edges of the turf. The goal is to create the same distance between the tuft rows in the seaming area as in the manufactured area.
Seaming application area should be clean and free of oil and debris. Apply Adhesive to seam tape or surface via trowel, spray rig, glue box, or by simply pouring over the surface area. A light mist or spray of water over the adhesive will accelerate cure time (only a light mist is needed as too much water will cause foaming therefore weakening the bond).
Allow 3-5 minutes wait time for adhesive to absorb surface and atmospheric moisture, then lay down the turf edges. Wait 10-15 minutes then firmly press seam area ensuring contact between both surfaces (weighted roller may be used for field applications).
WARNING: Do not pull on turf as it is bonding as you will re-start the bonding process. Allow seams to cure with atmospheric and surface moisture.
After 25-35 minutes of cure time, press or roll seam area again ensuring contact between both surfaces. Adhesive will be hard enough to begin any brooming after 2-3 hours and be completely cured after 24 hours.
This process should be simple, but any other questions or concerns should be addressed by your Artificial Turf Supply specialist.
Secure the perimeter with your galvanized sod staples or 6″ inch galvanized nails every 6-10 inches around the edges is one option, but there are a few other options as well.
For securing turf in areas that are curved, typically you would excavate a really narrow trench around the perimeter so that you can then bury the edges of the artificial grass and then you could backfill it with base material, decorative rock, and mulch, straw or other.
Another option for high traffic areas is to use a 4″ x 4″ piece of pressure treated wood and bury it into the edge area and using heave duty staples, staple the artificial turf every 6″-8″ inches to the wood.
You can use Nailer Board when you are installing next to asphalt or concrete. Simply use concrete nails to secure the Nailer Board and then the artificial grass can be nailed to the Nailer Board using a nail.
Using six (6″) Galvanized Sod Staples or six (6″) long 60 D Galvanized Nails, preferably with a ribbed or spiral shank. Other acceptable options are landscape spikes, sod staples and timber spikes. Artificial Turf Supply can supply you with staples or nails for your artificial turf supply project, please contact an Artificial Turf Supply representative.
Where you can install artificial turf:
Are you considering installing artificial turf yourself? While it may seem daunting, with the right tips and guidance, you can achieve a professional-looking result. In this section, we’ll share some valuable tips to help you install your own artificial turf. From choosing the right turf and infill for your needs to preparing a solid substrate and trimming the edges, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about the key steps to take to ensure a successful DIY installation.
Artificial turf comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials, and choosing the right one depends on your intended use. For example, if you have pets, you’ll need a turf that’s durable, pet-friendly, and can drain urine easily. Similarly, if you plan on using the turf for sports, you’ll need a turf with a short pile height and excellent traction.
Infill is an essential component of artificial turf that provides stability, drainage, and cushioning. You can choose from materials like silica sand, rubber, or a combination of both. Make sure to select an infill that complements your turf type and intended use.
Before installing artificial turf, you’ll need to remove any existing grass or vegetation from your lawn. To do this, you can use an herbicide or a sod cutter. If you opt for an herbicide, make sure to choose a non-selective one that kills all plant life. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid harming the environment or other plants.
A stable and even substrate is crucial for a successful turf installation. Start by removing any debris, rocks, or roots from the area. Then, compact the soil with a plate compactor to create a solid base. If your lawn has drainage issues, you can install a drainage system or add a layer of crushed stone to improve water flow.
When installing artificial turf, it’s essential to keep the blade direction consistent. This means that all the blades should face the same direction for a uniform look. Start by laying the turf on top of the substrate and trimming it to size. Then, fold back one half of the turf and spread adhesive on the substrate. Finally, fold back the other half of the turf and repeat the process.
Trimming the edges of your turf is the final step in the installation process. To ensure a clean and polished look, trim the edges long and fold them under the turf. Use a utility knife or a pair of scissors to trim the edges and make sure to leave enough room for the infill.
Once your turf is installed and trimmed, it’s time to add infill. Spread the infill evenly across the turf using a spreader or your hands. Then, use a power broom or a stiff-bristled brush to work the infill into the turf. This step will help the blades stand upright and provide cushioning and drainage.
Making the decision to install artificial turf can be a big one, whether it’s for your home or business. It’s understandable to have questions and concerns about the installation process, and in this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions about installing artificial turf.
The cost of artificial turf can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the quality of the turf, the brand, and the size of your lawn or project. On average, you can expect to pay between $5 and $20 per square foot for the turf alone. However, keep in mind that other costs, such as infill, edging, and installation, can add to the total cost. If you decide to hire a professional installer, the cost will likely be higher.
The cost of installing artificial turf can also vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the quality of the turf, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. On average, you can expect to pay between $2 and $8 per square foot for installation. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific project.
To provide an estimate, we have created a table below that outlines the estimated cost of a project for different square footage ranges.
| Square Footage | Estimated Cost | Price per Square Foot |
| 500 | $3,000 – $5,500 | $6.00 – $11.00 |
| 1,000 | $6,000 – $9,000 | $6.00 – $9.00 |
| 1,500 | $9,000 – $12,000 | $6.00 – $8.00 |
| 2,000 | $12,000 – $15,000 | $6.00 – $7.50 |
| 2,500 | $15,000 – $18,000 | $6.00 – $7.20 |
Keep in mind that the cost can vary based on other factors, such as site-specific considerations and materials used.
The time it takes to install artificial turf can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the area, the complexity of the project, and the level of experience of the installer. If you decide to install the turf yourself, you can expect the process to take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the size of the area and the amount of preparation needed.
Yes, you can install artificial turf on a slope or hill, but it requires additional preparation and installation techniques. The installation process for a sloped area will be more complex, as the turf must be anchored and secured properly to prevent it from sliding or shifting. We recommend hiring a professional installer who has experience working on sloped areas to ensure a successful installation.
One of the main benefits of artificial turf is that it requires minimal maintenance compared to natural grass. However, regular maintenance is still necessary to keep the turf looking its best and to ensure its longevity. We recommend sweeping or using a leaf blower to remove debris, hosing down the turf to remove dirt and dust, and brushing the blades to keep them upright. Depending on the amount of foot traffic, you may also need to add additional infill or groom the turf to keep it looking fresh.
Yes, you can install artificial turf on top of concrete or asphalt. However, you will need to make sure that the surface is clean, level, and free of any cracks or damage. You may also need to add a layer of padding or cushioning to provide additional shock absorption and drainage. It’s important to note that installing turf on a hard surface may require additional installation techniques, such as using adhesive or stakes to secure the turf. We recommend consulting with a professional installer to ensure a successful installation.
This guide is for the individuals or contractors and turf installers who wish to install their Do It Yourself artificial grass turf project. Artificial Turf Supply makes no representations or warranties regarding the following installation information. This guide is a best effort to installing artificial grass yourself and is not intended for some other specialized artificial turfs, not all results are guaranteed.
David Barbera is the founder and current President of Artificial Turf Supply. He began his business career consulting and managing professional artificial turf projects for athletic applications across the country. In 2004, after years of experience, Mr. Barbera started Artificial Turf Supply. He saw a need for easily accessible synthetic grass product information and an opening in the market for residential turf applications. In 2006, Mr. Barbera pioneered the development and evolution of no-infill products which completely revolutionized the artificial turf industry. In 2014, Mr. Barbera implemented a distribution platform based on a true 3rd party logistics solution using pay-per-use warehousing to provide scalable turn-key distribution on a national scale. In 2019, he created a strategic marketing and lead generation system to expand the distribution platform. Mr. Barbera holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Arts & Sciences with an emphasis in Public Administration from San Diego State University.
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