Installing Artificial Grass | Measuring & Fitting Guide
This guide is available as a downloadable pdf here.
Measuring
Prior to installation it is essential that you accurately measure the area to be covered, and add at least 100 mm to each dimension to ensure sufficient coverage and to allow for trimming.
• Artificial grass and outdoor carpet is supplied in either 2 or 4 metre widths and will be cut to your measurements up to a maximum of 25 metres in length.
• All of our artificial grasses and outdoor carpets have a ‘pile direction’ which usually runs along the length of the roll.
• Please ensure when measuring that all of your pieces will have the pile direction running in the same direction.
The diagram below shows an example space which is 3m and 5m at its widest and longest points. We've chosen an area with diagonal corners to demonstrate the ease of measuring an unconventional shape.
a. Measure your space along the widest and longest points, and remember to allow a 10-15cm for fitting.
b. To cover the area in one piece without the need of a join we would advise you order 5.1m in length by the 4m width.
c. The pile direction runs along the length of the roll, which usually means you would have the pile facing towards your house. So if you were to want the pile to run the 3m way in the above diagram you would need to order 3 cuts of 3.2m (length) x 2m (width) to cover the 3m x 5m area.
- Double check every measurement for complete accuracy.
Ordering accessories
If your installation will require joins, you will need adhesives and joining tape. Joining tape is available in 20m rolls and our adhesive is available in tubes and tubs. (A tube will cover 3 linear metres of tape but a tub will cover a much larger area.)
Please refer to each tub of adhesive to see the estimated area coverage and work out how much you require based on your total area.
We also stock all the ground pins and fixings that your job may require.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you aren’t sure which materials to use on your job! Call us on 0800 0599 247 or email info@grass247.co.uk
Preparing the area
An existing lawn must be removed along with a layer of soil down to a depth of at least 100mm. For small areas a half moon edging tool and or a garden spade can be utilised.
For larger areas we would recommend a Turf Cutting Machine which is available from most tool hire centres. Do not rotovate or dig over the remaining soil as it could create voids in the lawn area which may settle at a later date.
To help reduce waste, any turf sods can be stacked and composted and make an excellent loam based soil for adding to other garden areas in the future.
Level out the whole area and pre compact the sub soil with a vibrating compaction plate (these are readily available for hire) any falls in height or slope levels should run away from your property or to the sides of your planned garden area.
• Remove existing turf and soil to a depth of at least 100mm
• Any large stones or rubble must also be removed
• Level the area with a vibrating compaction plate
If your garden soil consists of heavy soil or clay, or you are concerned about any potential drainage or stability issues, consider laying a sheet of ground stabilisation / drainage membrane directly above the sub soil. Commonly referred to as Terram – Geo tex.
Apply a layer of course aggregates or crushed limestone directly on top of this membrane if it is required, level and re-compact thoroughly.
Above this spread and level a thin layer of Grit sand or Granite Dust, grit size less than 5mm.
Some installers may select to use a weed membrane on top of the sand layer however we recommend using our multipurpose weed proof drainage and stabilisation membrane. It is stronger and drains much quicker and prevents weed growth from below it also assists the installer to position the grass/outdoor carpet as it helps to avoid disturbing the grit sand layer.
Prepared base
Following the advise above your prepared area will now consist of:
Fitting
There are many different ways to fit artificial grass and outdoor carpet, on a variety of surfaces. We will cover most of them below. Which surface and method you choose to use will depend on any time or budgetary constraints that you may have.
Fitting on decking
• Use pegs or nails to fit artificial grass/outdoor carpet to a wood base.
• Adhesive can be used, but this would be a permanent solution and could damage the wood if you decide to remove it.
• If there are any gaps in your decking you should consider adding a layer of plywood or chipboard to create a safe and flat area for your artificial grass and outdoor carpet.
• Lay your grass/outdoor carpet in position and tack down using galvanised nails or grass pegs.
• Trim excess with a sharp knife or carpet scissors.
Fitting on prepared base
Position your artificial grass or outdoor carpet ensuring the pile is running in the same direction for the best aesthetic results have the pile pointing towards your property.
If your area requires multiple sections of grass/outdoor carpet ensure all sections are laid out with a matching pile direction.
Joining individual pieces
When viewing the grass/outdoor carpet from underneath carefully trim each side close to the long line of stitching.
Place both edges to be joined together, carefully fold back each piece of grass/outdoor carpet and lay a full length strip of Envirostik Grass carpet sealing tape along the joint the green side is laid on top of the substrate to prevent water ingress.
The adhesive is applied preferably with a notched applicator to the white woven fabric or rough side of the tape, try and keep this surface dry whenever possible although wet fix adhesive is also available.
With care fold back the pieces to be joined onto the jointing tape pressing into the wet adhesive ensuring that no grass/outdoor carpet pile yarns become trapped. Apply weight to the top of the grass via a flat board or similar to ensure good contact pressure whilst the adhesive cures.
Please read manufacturer’s instructions regarding curing times and correct mixing / application we supply a selection of adhesive products in different sizes. Be aware that some products require the enclosed hardener to be pre mixed.
Specialist Low temperature curing adhesives are also available if fitting in temperatures lower than 5 degrees Centigrade.
• Lay your grass/outdoor carpet into position, ensuring the pile direction is going the same way on all pieces.
• Ensure there are no overlaps on your pieces and butt the ends together.
• Peel the grass/outdoor carpet back and lay the joining tape under the join.
• Using a spreader, apply adhesive to the tape and lay the grass/outdoor carpet back over the tape.
• Take care not to press too hard as this may squeeze adhesive through the gap and onto the grass/outdoor carpet fibres.
Common Issues
When fitting multiple pieces of artificial grass/outdoor carpet together, remember to cut the backing so that the stitching follows in a continuous pattern across the pieces.
Also making sure that the pile is pointing in the same direction.
If this step is not followed, you can end up with a lawn that has gaps or thick tufts along the joining seam.
Fixing
• Use ground pins or galvanised nails to fix the grass/outdoor carpet in to place.
• Space the nails every 20cm around the perimeter to secure your grass/outdoor carpet in to place.
• Some fitters add an edging of treated timber to tack to.
Trimming
• Use a sharp craft knife or carpet scissors.
• The grass/outdoor carpet fibres are attached to the backing in rows meaning that you can cut underneath the pile to allow the grass fibres to cover the backing.
Edging
A wide range of edgings can be employed and or specified during you garden design phase. These include treated tantalised timber edgings or powder coated pre formed flexible products. The grass/outdoor carpet can be secured to masonry or concrete using Polyurethane adhesives. Some white or coloured plastic extrusions are available which can also be incorporated in the design.
Finishing
Whilst many installers utilise kiln dried sand as a top dressing we recommend Silica sand. Silica sand is available via most builder’s merchants locally.
The advantages of adding a sand dressing can include increased lawn stability in high use environments aid the dissipation of heat during very hot temperatures and it can help support the yarns and fibres within the product.
• Sprinkle silica sand or soft sand over your grass and brush through.
• This will make the pile stand up and help with water drainage.
Grass/outdoor carpet can be fixed to the substrate with Steel grass pins ours are powder coated in green to conceal them in shorter pile lengths.
Aftercare
Weeds can eventually grow in the grass/outdoor carpet and can be treated or prevented with any diluted commercially available weed control product. This will not harm the grass if applied correctly.
Once a month or so it’s advisable to brush up your lawn to keep the pile looking plush.