Step-by-Step Guide for Artificial Turf Lawn Installation

An artificial turf lawn can provide you with many benefits. The artificial turf lawn installation process can be done on your own or with the help of professionals.

Pre-Installation

During the pre-installation phase, existing materials are removed. This includes soil, weeds, and any substance above the ground. The area is rough graded so everything can become a solid subbase. Sprinklers that won’t be used are capped. It may be necessary to relocate sprinklers and add any required drainage to avoid any depressions or low spots. All existing wiring should be moved inward to prevent any damage when it comes time to secure the turf edge. The installation of a bender board is necessary since it gives a clean line and separation for the plants and turf areas.

Base Material

Once the area is prepped the base material is installed. The base material is a mixture of sand and gravel that allows for proper drainage. The base material should be properly leveled and sloping away from any living areas.

Compact the Base

The existing base should be wetted for proper settling. Compaction is done by vibrating and rolling the gravel to create a solid base to drive the nails in while installing.

Custom Fitting Turf

When cutting turf to fit the area, you should overcut it. This will give you an excess that is important for tucking. You can always trim later if necessary. When seaming, you should use the seaming tool. If you cut the turf in an S-shape, it avoids the possibility of the turf pieces pushing up against each other, which can create the illusion of discoloration near the seam. Install nails about every six inches along the edge. When finishing the nails, be sure to separate the grass to prevent pulling down the blades. This way, the nails can be hidden. The nails shouldn’t be driven too deeply into the ground since it can cause the turf to be pulled up. When seaming, U-nails are used to join the turf together and the process with the U-nails is the same as the regular nails.

Tucking the Edges

When you tuck the edges, it gives the side edge of the turf a good clean, plush look.

Apply Filler

With this phase, you need a power brush. A brush is used to pull against the grain to cause it to stand up. Then apply druafill sand or infill. Druafill sand should be anti-bacterial and not harmful to children or pets. It holds the blades upright and gives the turf some more weight.

Final Groom

The final step of artificial turf lawn installation involves power brushing the turf again to force the granules into the base of your turf for optimal stability. You can follow-up on the process in order to remove any excess debris.