Are you tired of your dull-looking lawn? Install artificial turf and get rid of rough and old grass which keeps you busy with constant cleaning and maintenance. Artificial turf comes with more benefits than original grass has ever offered.
If you have not installed artificial turf, now is the time! Once you install artificial turf, you do not have to buy any cleaning tools like you did for real grass. Artificial turf can make things much easier for you. With a few simple steps, learn how to lay artificial turf on grass.
Tools and Materials Required
Firstly, you will have to gather all the tools and materials which you will need during the installation process. You must have the following tools and materials to lay artificial turf on grass.
| Tools | Materials |
| Hammer | Weed Barrier |
| Shovel | Artificial Grass |
| Wheelbarrow | Gravel Aggregate |
| Hand Tamper | Crushed Stone Aggregate |
| Measuring Tape | Landscape Anchors |
| Utility Knife | Seaming Cloth |
| Broom | Hot-Dipped Galvanised Nails |
| Trowel | Outdoor Carpet Adhesive |
| Garden Hose | Silica Sand |
| Broadcast Spreader | |
| Garden Gloves | |
| Knee Pads | |
| Safety Specs |
Laying Artificial Turf on Grass
Once you have all the required tools and materials, get ready to install the artificial turf by following the steps below. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully to avoid any errors in laying artificial turf on grass.
Step 1: Prepare the Base for Artificial Turf
Before you install artificial turf, it is essential to create a base first. Use a shovel and remove the existing grass, pines, mulch, roots, and other obstacles that could affect the artificial turf. Once you clean the surface, uncover the existing soil up to 2-½ inches deep.
If you lay artificial turf on existing grass, then it will cause drainage issues and might lessen the longevity of the turf. When weed grows in the existing grass, it creates an uneven surface which ruins the look of your lawn. That’s why preparing the base first is necessary!
Step 2: Insert a Weed Barrier Under Turf Grass
As mentioned above, weed growth can ruin the look of your lawn, here is what you need to do. A weed barrier is used to prevent weeds from growing under the artificial turf. It is a strong material which keeps weeds down the surface and lessens the chances of drainage.
So, while you lay artificial turf on grass, add a weed barrier. You can do it by rolling it out across the aggregate base and cutting as required. Keep checking if it is creating a correct surface. Overlay each length of turf and along the perimeter. Secure each length with 6-inch landscape anchors or Galvanised nails every few feet.
Step 3: Add the Aggregate and Give it a Shape
After you have cleaned the surface and added the weed barrier, it’s time for the aggregate. Add a layer of an aggregate of about 2-to-4 inches, be it gravel or crushed stone. While adding, ensure that you achieve the desired shape and figure.
Always check if each layer has fit smoothly to remove holes and low spots where water can easily stand without ruining your artificial turf.
Step 4: Work Fork Side on Aggregate to Scrape, Smooth, and Tamp
Using the fork side of the hand tamper or grass scraper, spread the aggregate and gently tap it to create a smooth surface. For a smoother level of the surface, you can also use a screed if you have it.
In case you have a bigger lawn, you can use a plate compactor because it will help you tamping work much easier and less tiring for you.
Step 5: Lay Artificial Turf on Grass and Trim your Turf
Once the base is completely ready, start trimming the turf according to the size of your lawn. Begin placing the artificial turf with proper care. Choose easy instalment payments for artificial turf so it won’t hurt your pocket.
After installing, try not to drag the synthetic turf over the cleaned surface. If you do it with the help of someone, this step will be done even more quickly.
Moreover, when you are trimming the turf, ensure that you use a sharp tool. Like a utility knife to cut it perfectly to your desired shape. Always cut the artificial turf slightly larger so you don’t go short of it. Because you can always cut the excess area later.
Step 6: Seam and Fix the Edges of Artificial Turf
In case you are using two rolls of artificial turf, you will need to seam them together. Place two pieces of the turf edge to edge at the seams. To join the two pieces of artificial grass, you will have to use a seaming cloth, aka artificial grass tape.
Now, Lay seaming cloth along the length of the seam after pulling back the turf. Then, use a hammer to fix the seaming cloth with 6-inch galvanised nails or landscape anchors. Moreover, to refrain from hurting your knees during this process, consider wearing knee pads.
Step 7: Apply Adhesive and Join the Seams
After that, use a trowel, and apply the outdoor carpet adhesive to the seaming cloth carefully. Ensure that you lay out the adhesive in a consistent thickness along the length of the seaming cloth. It prevents from any uneven spots.
Do not lay the turf immediately, let the adhesive set for about 10 minutes. And then slowly begin to lay the two pieces of artificial turf. Besides, make sure that you leave no gaps between the seams and always check the fit.
Step 8: Attach the Artificial Turf
Once you have laid down the artificial turf, be sure that it is tight and flat. If needed, fix it with 6-inch galvanised nails or landscape anchors around the perimeter to keep the lawn flat.
Furthermore, do final checks after laying the artificial turf on the grass. So, while final checks if you notice the overlaid turf on any side. Then use a sharp utility knife to cut it down on the edges.
Step 9: Spread and Brush the Infill
Once you are done laying artificial turf in the grass, spread the infill. It is preferred to put silica sand over the entire surface to weigh down the artificial turf. Because this infill will go deep down the turf. It also remains from looking knotted from foot traffic. You can use a broom or landscape rake to make the sand work into the grass fibres.
Once the fibres hold up, it makes your lawn consistent. Working in the same direction across the grass is necessary to maintain a uniform appearance.
After following all the steps to lay artificial turf on grass, you can finally relax. Enjoy your new lawn with artificial turf.
What is the Best Base for Artificial Grass?
Inserting the aggregate, either gravel or crushed stone is considered the best base for artificial grass. If you add the aggregate perfectly, then your artificial turf can look great after it’s installed.
Creating a base is an essential step. It saves you from installing artificial turf on an even surface and prevents drainage issues. Ensure that you create the base in the right way.
Besides, make sure that you don’t break the bank while you lay artificial turf on grass. Choose artificial grass finance on bad credit or good credit. So, you can create a sustainable small garden on a budget even with a bad credit history.
Lay Artificial Turf on Grass under Budget
To sum up, you walk through an easy process to lay artificial turf on grass. It’s a tiring process but saves you from the extra maintenance and enhances your garden look.
But you might worry about artificial turf not being under your budget. So, Pay Weekly Flooring offers an affordable artificial grass payment plan. You can either pay weekly or monthly instalments on artificial turf. Moreover, you can avail of these payment plans on artificial grass in North Wales and all around the UK.
So, say goodbye to the old, dirty, and rough grass that needs constant watering and fertilisation. Learn how to lay artificial turf on grass. Good luck!
FAQs
Should I lay artificial turf on the grass directly?
No, you should never lay artificial directly on the grass because it will create an uneven surface which increases the chances of damage.
Do you have to put sand under artificial grass?
Yes, the infill, preferably silica sand, is required to spread under the artificial grass as it supports the base of turf fibres and prevents heavy foot traffic.
How long does it take for artificial grass to settle?
Approximately 24 hours. It is better to leave your artificial turf to set for a day because it allows the adhesive and grass to settle completely.
Can you walk on artificial grass right after installation?
Unfortunately, no. You will have to wait for a day to walk on the artificial turf as the grass and adhesive need time to set completely.
