The key to installing a well-manicured artificial lawn starts with the right tools and instructions.
If you've purchased our AMAX synthetic grass products and are wondering how to do a proper DIY installation, here is a comprehensive guide on how to install fake grass the right way.
From choosing the right tools to the final touches, we’ll help you lay down synthetic turf effortlessly for a lasting and attractive lawn solution.
Let's take a crack at it!
Key Takeaways
Artificial grass installation requires specific tools and materials, such as a utility knife, turf pegs, a vibrating plate compactor, and base preparation materials—a plastic membrane, crushed rock, and crusher dust.
Proper ground preparation is crucial for a successful installation, including removing existing turf, levelling the ground, and ensuring good drainage to prevent turf damage and waterlogging.
Installation steps include laying and securing the foundation, rolling out and positioning the artificial grass, connecting and securing the seams, securing the edges with turf pegs, and applying finishing touches like spreading infill material and brushing the grass fibres.
Essential Tools and Materials for Fake Grass Installation
Before we begin with the installation steps, it’s essential we assemble our equipment, materials, and tools.
Below, we've listed everything that you could possibly need for a smooth synthetic turf installation.
Specialised Tools
Firstly, we need to discuss the specialised tools. These are the secret weapons that will make your installation process easier and more efficient.
You’ll need a utility knife for precise cutting, turf pegs for securing the grass, and a vibrating plate compactor for ground preparation.
To install fake grass, you will need the following tools:
A sharp utility knife to ensure that the fake grass panels fit perfectly to match the specifics of your installation area.
Turf pegs are placed every 25cm to 30cm along the edges of the lawn to keep it securely in place.
A vibrating plate compactor that creates a solid and even base for laying the fake grass.
General Tools and Equipment
Following that, we’ll concentrate on our general tools and equipment. These are probably items you already have in your garage or shed.
You’ll need:
a rake for grading
a shovel for excavating
a wheelbarrow for transporting materials
a long tape measure for accurate lawn measurements
These tools will help you prepare the ground, measure the space, and transport the base materials, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation process.
Materials for Base Preparation
Last of all, we should collect our materials for base preparation. This is where we create a firm foundation for our artificial grass.
You’ll need:
Crushed rock
Crusher dust
Plastic membrane
These materials will be used to create an even, stable base for the artificial grass. Think of it as the foundation of your house – it needs to be strong and stable to support what’s built on top of it.
Preparing the Ground for Your Artificial Lawn
With our tools and materials at the ready, we can begin the artificial turf installation process. This is a crucial step that ensures the longevity and stability of your artificial grass. We’ll be preparing the ground by removing the existing turf, levelling the surface, and ensuring proper drainage.
Removing Existing Turf
Our first task: removing the turf. This step is all about creating a clean surface for your artificial lawn. A turf cutter is a handy tool to have for this task. It’s perfect for removing existing lawns, but if you don’t have one, a pick or a flat-bladed shovel can do the trick. Just remember, the goal here is to get rid of all the existing turf, rocks, and debris to create a clean slate for your artificial grass.
Levelling the Surface
With the area cleared, you can now proceed to level the surface. A level ground is crucial for a solid and even foundation. Here’s how to do it:
Using a rake and a sand spreader, grade the ground and prepare it for the base materials.
Using a straight-edge board and a builder’s level, ensure the entire space is evenly levelled.
Remember, precision is key. Your ground should be levelled with a precision of plus or minus 10mm to ensure a uniform area.
Ensuring Proper Drainage
The final step in this phase is to secure proper drainage. This is crucial to prevent waterlogging and turf damage, especially during heavy rain. Depending on whether your artificial grass is installed over hard or paved surfaces or over soil or gravel surfaces, you’ll need to incorporate a minimum slope of 1% or 2%, respectively.
Remember, good drainage is key to a healthy and durable artificial lawn.
Laying the Foundation for Synthetic Grass
With our ground prepared, we can start building our foundation. This is where the base materials come in. Whether you’re using a Class II road base or decomposed granite (DG), it’s vital to create a solid foundation for your synthetic grass.
Applying Crushed Rock
Crushed rock is a key player in creating your artificial grass foundation. It’s used to create a firm and solid base. You’ll want to spread it evenly, ensuring a consistent distribution before compacting it. The depth of the layer varies depending on the underlying surface, but typically, you’ll need a 2-3 inch thick layer to facilitate proper compaction.
Compacting the Base Material
Once the crushed rock is spread, compaction becomes the next step. This is where your vibrating plate compactor or heavy-duty roller comes into play. You’ll compact the base layer to establish a dense and strong foundation for your synthetic grass.
Remember, a solid base is essential for a long-lasting, beautiful artificial lawn.
Rolling Out and Positioning the Fake Grass
With the foundation set, we can now proceed to the main event - the artificial grass.
Here’s how to install artificial grass:
Roll out the fake grass in the desired area.
Position the grass correctly, making sure it is aligned with the edges of the area.
Trim any excess material using a sharp utility knife.
Following these steps will help you lay artificial grass and create a natural-looking lawn with your artificial grass, making it easy to install artificial turf.
It’s like laying out a carpet - we want to ensure it fits perfectly and looks great.
Unrolling the Fake Grass
Our initial step involves unrolling the artificial grass. It’s important to let it settle for a few hours after unrolling, which, under the sun, can help remove any wrinkles and make the grass more pliable.
Positioning the Grass in the Right Direction
Following that, correct positioning of the grass is required. The grass blades should tilt towards the main viewing angle for a natural look. Also, if you have separate turf pieces, make sure they’re laid in the same direction for seamless fitting.
Trimming Excess Material
Then, excess material needs to be trimmed. Using your utility knife, you’ll cut the grass to match the specifics of your installation area. It’s like trimming a picture to fit a frame - you want to make sure it fits just right.
Connecting the Fake Grass Pieces
Once the artificial grass is laid out, we can start connecting the pieces.
Here’s how:
Use joining tape and adhesive to secure the pieces together.
Make sure the pieces align perfectly to create a seamless connection.
Applying Joining Tape and Adhesive
Below is a list of steps for those unsure how to stick the joining tape and adhesive to the fake grass pieces.
Place the joining tape shiny side down.
Spread the adhesive evenly across the tape.
Allow the adhesive to dry thoroughly for up to 24 hours.
Weigh down the seam to prevent any movement.
Securing the Seams
Once the adhesive is dry, it’s time to secure the seams.
Here’s how:
Pull the artificial grass edges together over the adhesive.
Press firmly to ensure the pieces are securely bonded.
It’s like zipping up a jacket - once the pieces are aligned, they’ll come together seamlessly.
Securing the Edges of the Artificial Lawn
Once the pieces are connected, securing all the edges becomes the next task. This is where edge restraints and turf pegs come into play. They help maintain the stability and overall look of your lawn over time. After all, a strong edge is vital for a perfect lawn look.
Installing Turf Pegs
Turf pegs are your little anchors that ensure your lawn stays put. You’ll install them every 25-30cm along the edges of your lawn. A hammer will help you drive them into the ground, but remember, it’s important not to trap any grass blades under the pegs.
Concealing the Pegs
Lastly, concealing the pegs is necessary. This is crucial for a natural and seamless look. By parting the grass blades and carefully hammering in the pegs, you can ensure that the pegs are well hidden and the grass looks naturally perfect.
Finishing Touches: Infill, Brushing, and Maintenance
We’re getting to the tail end of our artificial grass installation, involving the steps of infill, brushing, and maintenance. This is where we add the finishing touches to our masterpiece.
We’ll spread the infill material, brush the grass fibres, and discuss the maintenance of your new artificial lawn.
Spreading Infill Material
Infill materials, like silica sand, add weight and stability to the artificial grass, helping to hold the blades upright and keep them looking natural. Spread it evenly across the lawn, ensuring an even distribution before brushing it in.
Just remember, the infill is there to support the blades, not to bury them.
Brushing the Grass Fibres
Brushing the grass fibres will keep your lawn looking neat and natural. A brush with synthetic bristles or a handheld power brush is perfect for this task.
Cross-brush the grass against the natural lay of the grass fibres to lift and restore them to their upright position.
Maintaining Your Artificial Lawn
Lastly, we’ll discuss maintenance. Although artificial grass is low maintenance compared to natural grass, it still requires a bit of care. Regular brushing, debris removal, and rinsing with water will keep your lawn looking fresh and vibrant.
And if you have pets, don’t forget to clean up promptly and use an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odours..
Transform Your Outdoors into a Green Oasis with Proper DIY Installation
In summary, installing artificial grass can be a rewarding DIY project.
With the right tools, materials, and guidelines, you can create a perfect lawn that offers the beauty of natural grass without the maintenance.
Just remember, preparation is key, and every step, from removing the existing turf and levelling the ground to laying the foundation and securing the edges, is crucial for a successful installation.
So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and transform your yard into a green haven?
Explore our range of synthetic turf products to get started.
For any questions, get in touch with us.