The do-it-yourself job of installing artificial grass is a logical ten step process that you can do for yourself if you are moderately handy. If you don't have some of the tools you need, Pro Lawn Turf can rent them to you at reasonable cost.
The ten steps are as follows: First you define and measure the area you want to cover. The artificial turf comes in 15 foot widths, so you simply measure the lineal footage, being sure to remember that the turf must all be laid out in the same direction.The second step involves excavating the area you want to cover to a minimum depth of 5 inches. Remove everything, including irrigation equipment. Cap that, if you don't want to remove it.
The third step will find you installing the borders. Either concrete curbing or wood-flexd bender board are recommended for this as they'll last as long as the turf. Be sure that your borders are warrantied to last as long as the turf, for obvious reasons.The fourth step is to install the primary base layer, which is ¾ inches minus aggregate to a minimum depth of 2 inches. Rake the layer out evenly, or to match the contour that you desire. Be aware of drainage issues.
To accomplish the fifth step, you need to slightly wet the entire surface and then, using a vibrating compactor, you need to compact the surface several times, until it's very hard.Step six will find you installing a leveling layer of ¼ inch minus decomposed granite to a depth of 1 inch. Rake it to match the contours, as in step four, and compact again until the surface is hard.
Once the base is done you're on to step seven. Roll out your turf and tack it in place with galvanized nails, 14 or 16 penny size, or spikes or landscape staples. Cut the turf to fit as needed, using a carpet knife. Step eight requires you to secure the perimeter ever six to twelve inches, using galvanized nails as above, or spikes or landscape staples. Step nine will find you using a drop spreader to evenly distribute #20 grit silica sand over the entire turf area that you just installed. This is to help prevent expansion and contraction of the turf during changes in temperature.
Finally, in step ten, you must “broom†the installed turf. This is to work the silica sand from the previous step into the fibers of the turf using a stiff or coarse bristle nylon broom. This is the final step. Now, your new artificial turf is ready to enjoy. If you look over the steps above carefully you'll see that installing artificial grass is not as complicated as you thought. Your new, eco-friendly artificial lawn or putting green, or whatever else you might choose to use it for, is well within your grasp.
