How to Install Artificial Grass
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How to Install Artificial Grass
How To Replace Your Existing Lawn with Artificial Grass
Before you start, do you have the right tools?
- T Square
- Shovel
- Hammer
- Level or straight edge – 48” or more
- Leveling rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Edger or Bender Board – for use around flower beds
- Vibrating compactor and hand tamper
- 6” Spiral Galvanized nails – 1 nail placed every 10” around perimeter of lawn and
8″ offset on seams - Seam Tape and adhesive – if needed
- Power Broom or stiff hand broom – for brushing up the turf after installation
- Tip: Roll out your artificial grass in the sun prior to installation. Heat helps raise the turf blades.
Step 1: You can rent a Sod Cutter to remove your lawn or use a shovel to excavate your soil to a depth of 6 inches from the height of the sidewalk, driveway or any area you want your new lawn to be level with. This would be the time to build up the area if it is sitting low.
Step 2: Where there is not an edge to butt the grass up to, use some treated wooden ties securing them with 2′ rebar 1/2″ diameter is recommended. You can also install PVC edger. Alternatively create a concrete block edge to establish a frame around the area to be covered with artificial grass. This will create a boundary around the perimeter so the base prep remains stable.
Step 3: Back fill your excavated area using a rock sand base like road base and or crusher dust. Your base must allow drainage and be able to become a hard firm surface. Use the following land fill calculation guide to determine how much base material you will need.
Step 4: When filling in your base material compact the sand every few inches by using a heavy roller or compacter plate. A hand tamper can be used in hard-to-get areas like corners. The area needs to be porous, but firm. We recommend renting a vibrating tamper machine to ensure the area is firmly compacted. For best results mist the first 2 inches with water while compacting. Repeat the misting process throughout.
- Tip: To level the area use a wooden 2″ x 4″ by 6 feet, sliding the wood left and right pulling towards you across the surface. You can also use a wide levelling rake, which can be rented.
Step 5: If you have pets, it is recommended that you use a pet deodorizer, Pure Zeo, which helps breakdown pet urine, reducing smells, keeping your artificial grass smelling fresh. You can double up your protection by adding a skim coat onto the base prep. Add Pure Zeo on the surface of the artificial grass as well. Brush in Pure Zeo evenly thought the surface of the turf with a stiff broom. Water in your Pure Zeo to facilitate the pellets down to the base of the turf. The surface addition of Pure Zeo is the final step after installation.
Step 6: Unroll your fresh, new artificial lawn over the base prep. Always make sure you check the pile direction of your artificial grass as it must all be installed in the same direction.
Step 7: Anchor your artificial lawn to the ground around the edges with 6 inch galvanized spiral nails. These should be nailed in approximately every 10 to 12 inches or about a hammer length apart. When putting in the nails, separate the grass blades so you are nailing directly onto the backing and not catching any blades. Don’t over-hammer the nail as this will cause indents. The thickness of the pile will hide the head of the nails.
Step 8: Your final step is to brush up your new turf with a stiff broom. For best results, rent a power broom. After brushing up your lawn apply pet deodorizers (see step 5).
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