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Artificial Grass, Astro turf DIY  

Measuring

When measuring the quantity of artificial grass required it is essential to incorporate an overlap of 100mm over each edge for coverage of the timber perimeter.

Survey

Undertake a ground survey to ascertain whether or not the terrain is subject to poor drainage, thereby retaining surface water.In such cases, in order to ensure a satisfactory base for astroturf, measures should be taken to install appropriate and adequate below surface, drainage. We would advise the crushed aggregate followed by a sand infill method as in step 4.

Tools, equipment & materials  

Installation Guide

Installing artificial grass can be carried out by most able bodied DIY enthusiast; however, consideration should be given to the weight of some of the materials required.

Step 1

Either remove the existing turf manually or hire a turf cutter to save time and labour

Step 2

CRUSHED AGGREGATE FOLLOWED BY SAND INFILL METHOD

Use treated timber stakes or treated tile batten, purchased from your local builder’s merchants to hammer into the ground. Each stake should protrude from the ground approximately 3inches or 90mm and at a distance no greater than 20inches or 500mm

Then using 4inch x 1inch or 100mm x 20mm treated timber, (always pilot hole the timbers to prevent splitting)  screw to the outer edge of the stakes leaving the stakes on the inside of the perimeter. If the artificial grass meets a concrete path or wall then position the 4 x 1 flush with the surface height and by using 10mm temporary timber fillets pack the timber away to enable the artificial grass to tuck between the timber and adjoining material at a later stage. Then position the stakes against the inner perimeter timber edging and hammer in to the ground ensuring the stakes are slightly lower than the timber edging. After creating a pilot hole screw the two timbers together.

SAND INFILL METHOD

Use treated timber stakes or treated tile batten, purchased from your local builders merchants to hammer into the ground. Each stake should protrude from the ground approximately 1 inch and a half inches or 45mm and at a distance no greater than 20inches or 500mm.

Then using 2inch x 1inch or 50mm x 20mm treated timber, (always pilot hole the timbers to prevent splitting) screw to the outer edge of the stakes leaving the stakes on the inside of the perimeter. If the astroturf meets a concrete path or wall then position the 2 x 1 flush with the surface height and by using 10mm temporary timber fillets pack the timber away to enable the artificial grass to tuck between the timber and adjoining material at a later stage. Then position the stakes against the inner perimeter timber edging and hammer in to the ground ensuring the stakes are slightly lower than the timber edging. After creating a pilot hole screw the two timbers together

Step 3

With heavy clay soils we recommended laying a crushed stone surface of 3inches or 70mm. This isn’t necessary for the majority of lawns and only required if the ground holds water for a long period of time after rain. If your lawn floods then you do need to install adequate drainage at this stage. Compact the crushed stone using a wacker plate which can be hired from your local hire shop. Ensure the perimeters are compacted and below the timber edging by 1inch or 25mm

Step 4

Infill the perimeter with infill or crushed sand and level the ground using a rake. Ensure the sand is level with the top of the timber edging. Then using a lawn roller or waker compact the ground. It is important to ensure the sand against the timber edging is compact and level with the top of the timber.

Step 5

Apply the weed membrane. This will prevent weeds establishing in the many drainage holes manufactured into the artificial grass. Cut and nail the membrane to the top of the timber perimeter edging using 1inch galvanised clout nails.

Step 6

Lay the artificial grass in the desired direction and overlap the timber perimeter with the astroturf by 4inches. Then tuck down into the ground and fix to the timber with 1inch galvanised nails. Then rake the soil to within 1ich of the surface of the artificial grass. If the artificial grass meets a path or wall and the instructions in section 2 have been completed then the artificial grass can be wedged between (see picture)

Step 7

On large areas a join may be required. First lay each piece of artificial grass together ensuring the pile of each piece falls in the same direction and has an overhang of 4 inches around the perimeter. At this stage it is important to use a sharp Stanley Knife. Peel back the two grass joins. Very carefully cut the underside of the carpet as close to the stitch line as possible on each carpet.

The accuracy of this will determine how visible the join is after completion. Then pull both pieces of artificial grass together ensuring the gab between the stitching is no greater than 2mm. Then peel back the two pieces and anchor ready to glue. Position the seaming tape onto the weed membrane and fix through both materials into the sub base with galvanised nails to prevent the tape moving. Carefully but liberally pour the adhesive to cover the tape with a glue depth of approximately 3mm. Once all the glue has reached a whitish colour it is then time to begin fixing the grass edges. Carefully lay the edges of astroturf in their final position ensuring each piece marries up and has no overlap.

As you are doing this, with your fingers mix the grass fibres together to conceal the join. Once the whole length is in place and you are happy with the appearance it is necessary to walk along the join several times thus activating the glue and bonding the grass to the tape. Small amounts of adhesive can be removed from the grass fibres using White Spirit and a small off cut of astroturf.  Small amounts of cured glue can usually be removed quite easily however to avoid the possibility of damage precautions should be taken to avoid contact at all times.

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