Quick Guide To Installing Artificial Grass

For a full guide, visit our Complete Measuring and Fitting Guide.

Introduction:

In this quick guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing artificial grass, covering key topics such as preparing the area, choosing the right materials, and ensuring a proper installation. With careful planning and execution, you’ll soon enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, trouble-free artificial lawn.

1. Pre-Installation Preparations

Before diving into the installation process, there are a few essential steps you need to take to ensure a successful project. This section covers the following topics:

Measuring and site survey: Measure the area where you intend to install artificial grass. Evaluate the site for any drainage issues, slopes, or existing landscaping features that may require adjustments. Rolls come in either 2 metre, 4 metre or 5 metre widths x any length and can be joined.

Clearing the area: Remove any existing vegetation, rocks, or debris from the site. Trim back any overhanging branches or shrubs that could interfere with the installation process.

2. Materials and Tools Needed

To ensure a smooth installation, gather the necessary materials and tools in advance. This section outlines the essential items you’ll need:

Artificial grass: Select an artificial grass that suits your requirements in terms of appearance, durability, and maintenance. See our full guide to the different types of artificial grass available to help you make an informed choice.

Weed-proof membrane: Lay a geotextile membrane over the prepared area to prevent weed growth and promote drainage. There is no need to use any chemicals to ensure weeds don’t grow through your artificial grass. A good quality weed proof membrane will do the job simply by blocking light and growth.

Crushed Stone Sub-base: Create a stable base by applying a layer of crushed stone and compacting it using a plate compactor.

Sand Infill: Artificial grass with longer blade heights will benefit from a sand infill to improve stability and enhance the natural look, by helping the blades to stand upright.

Edging Material: Install appropriate edging material, such as timber or paving, to secure the perimeter of the artificial grass.

Tools: Prepare a tool kit that includes a utility knife, tape measure, shovel, rake, hammer, pins, adhesive, where appropriate, and a stiff broom. See our artificial grass accessories for more details.

Astro cushion: Play areas for young children, or sports areas will greatly benefit from an underlay to soften landings and add comfort. See ‘Astro Cushion’ for more details.

3. After delivery of your artificial grass

Your grass will be delivered rolled around a central tube. As such, the pile may appear flattened when unrolled. There may also be minor ripples in the backing. This is completely normal. Once unrolled, allow your grass to settle for 24 hours. The bumps will naturally fall out, making it far easier to lay the grass without any undulations. To completely raise the pile after the installation, simply use an artificial grass rake, broom, or a mechanical rake together with a sand infill. See below for more details.

4. Artificial Grass Installation Process

Now that you have completed the necessary preparations and gathered the materials, it’s time to move on to the installation process. This section provides a detailed walk through of each step involved:

Lay the Geotextile Membrane: Roll out the geotextile membrane over the prepared area, overlapping the edges and securing it with landscape staples/pins.

Create the Sub-base: Spread a layer of crushed stone evenly over the membrane, ensuring a depth of around 2-3 inches. Compact the stone using a plate compactor for a stable surface.

Shape and Trim the Artificial Grass: Unroll the artificial grass and allow it to acclimatise to the environment. Carefully trim the grass to fit the area, leaving a small gap for expansion.

Secure the Grass: Use artificial grass pins or adhesive to secure the edges of the artificial grass to the edging material. Avoid over stretching, as this can lead to wrinkles or unevenness.

Join Seams: If multiple rolls of grass are required, join the grass using adhesive or specialised joining tape. See artificial grass accessories for more details.

Add Sand Infill, Brush and Trim: If installing grass with a tall blade height, evenly distribute sand infill across the grass. To complete the installation, brush the blades with an artificial grass rake, a stiff broom or a mechanical brush. This allows the sand infill to settle to the bottom of the pile and helps protect the backing. It also means that the fibres will stand upright, making the grass appear even more realistic. Don’t use a brush with metal prongs, as this could damage the fibres.

More info:

For a complete step-by-step guide, see our Complete Measuring and Fitting Guide.

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