Thinking about installing artificial grass?
Great!
Artificial grass is one of the best low-maintenance surface covers you can buy.
It’s great for playgrounds, pet areas, batting cages, and beyond. And you can save a lot of money if you decide to go with turf that’s been previously used and recycled.
There’s just one problem …
You don’t know how to install it.
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We understand how overwhelming it may seem to install artificial grass alone.
It’s not something most people do that often.
Fortunately, we can help!
We’re not going to mislead you …
Installing artificial grass is a pretty big project.
With that said, even the mildly handy homeowner can accomplish the task. So, whether you’re planning to install artificial grass in the yard or at your business facility, we’re confident you’ll be able to do it following these ten steps.
Save this article for later reference and feel free to ask questions at any point.
Let’s get started!
Okay, this is an important step.
It’s time to break out the tape measure and record the actual dimensions of the area.
The more accurate your measurements, the better.
It’s important because this will inform you, and your provider, how much artificial grass you need for your project. Once you have your measurements, you can either call or contact your provider and ask for a free quote.
Finished this step already?
Click here for a free quote or 1-855-409-4247 to speak with someone today.
Get your hard hat …
You may need a few tools for this step unless you plan to install turf over your existing concrete.
If you’re removing natural grass, consider using a sod cutter. cut your lawn into strips. Once you’ve cut your strips, you can roll back and remove the grass with ease.
This tool will allow you to cut your lawn into strips.
Take your time.
Even with the sod cutter, it can be a labor-intensive job so take your time and avoid injury. A natural lawn is heavier than you think! Cutting it into strips allows you to remove it in small pieces.
To remove each strip, simply roll back the grass and remove it.
Time to level the foundation.
Once the original surface cover has been removed, you’ll notice the foundation isn’t quite level.
To ensure your final surface looks great, you need to make sure to excavate anything that may complicate the installation and pack the ground until level.
You’ll need a shovel and dirt packing hand tool.
Use the shovel to dig out rocks, roots, and other obstructive items.
Once you have a clear foundation, walk around its entirety with your hand tool and pack the soil until firm.
This may or may not be a step you need to to take depending on the nature of your installation.
To create a framework, dig a small outline around the area's perimeter and fit thin planks of wood into place. The top portion of the wood should be level with the rest of your landscape.
Use ground stakes to keep the wood in place.
This creates a place to anchor the edge of your artificial grass and ensure it remains level with the rest of your yard.
You will need to spread some type of aggregate across the area.
The aggregate may contain several materials, including sand, granite dust, or limestone.
This helps ensure the area is level.
Skipping this step will likely result in an uneven installation, so be sure to pick up some type of aggregate.
Bagged gravel can weigh more than 50 pounds, so be sure to lift with your knees and wear a back brace if necessary.
Again, take your time.
Pour the aggregate directly on the area you intend to cover, then use a shovel and rake to spread it even throughout.
Use your hand tool to pack the aggregate level.
You made it!
The final step involves covering the area with the roll of artificial grass purchased.
Once again, be careful …
Rolls of artificial grass can be extremely heavy.
Start by securing one end of the roll to the frame you created. This makes it easier to stretch the synthetic grass into place (much like carpet).
Use a razor blade to cut the turf to fit your area. We recommend razors over knives because you can easily replace them as they dull.
If you need to combine two sections, that’s okay!
Use your razor blade to cut along the edges as needed.
If you have overlapping pieces of turf, be sure to cut carefully in order to avoid shorting yourself.
Once you have your turf just the right size, you can nail it into place.
Use a generous amount of nails to ensure it stays in place for years to come. Use a hammer and a bag of turf nails to accomplish this.
Need to combine two pieces of artificial grass?
No problem.
To create a seam, turn your turf over and make a cut along one groove. This will ensure your cut is straight and easy to combine with another piece.
Repeat this process with the other piece of turf.
Next, line the two pieces of artificial grass together and place a nail into the main piece of turf (about six inches from the seam where the two connect). Make sure the second piece of turf is snug up against the main piece.
Now you’re ready to staple the two together.
Use a staple every foot or so to effectively connect both pieces.
Almost there!
To make your artificial grass softer, add your choice of fill.
Similar to the aggregate, you want to spread the fill generously on top of your artificial grass. The fill provides extra cushion and mimics the feel of real grass.
You can use a shovel to spread this material across the area.
Be careful to add the fill, so there’s enough to spread evenly throughout the turf during the following step.
You made it.
All you have to do now is brush the entire area using either a handheld or power brush.
Brushing your turf spreads the fill evenly and ensures the blades of turf appear more naturally.
Be sure to brush any seams you’ve created, as this will help the seams blend.
That’s it!
What do you think?
Are you up to the task of going DIY with your artificial grass project?
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Installing artificial grass may seem overwhelming at first, but following these simple steps will ensure your playground, batting cages, pet area, or yard looks great.
If you’re not sure you can handle this on your own, we’re always here to help.
First things first …
Let’s start with a free quote.
Or, give us a call at 1-855-409-4247 and let’s talk about your project.
We have locations across the United States, so you can rest assured we have affordable artificial grass near you.
We understand you may have questions – we’re always happy to chat right here on the blog! Feel free to ask your question in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.
Thanks for considering artificial grass.
Good luck!