Going it alone? DIY artificial grass installation
For the DIY fans out there, artificial grass installation will prove to be a fun task to conduct, with the added benefit of an instant, fantastic result afterwards. But installing artificial grass by yourself isn’t as easy as throwing it down on the ground, despite the fact that laying the surface is relatively easy. There are many different and particular considerations to have in mind, both in preparation and finishing off the process for your artificial grass installation.
In this article, we’ve covered all of the finer points of artificial grass installation, from the bedding below the surface, to the sand infill and other, important issues. All of these aspects of the fitting process relate to, not so much the success of the end product itself, but rather its performance many years down the track. By making sure these areas are all covered, so to speak, you’ll be setting up your new surface to last you for a very long time to come.
Flattening the base
The base, or the underlay that lies beneath your new surface, will ultimately determine the slope and the flatness of your artificial grass. One thing that can severely hamper this is the presence of rocks, clumps of sand, or any other debris. You should remove all traces of these prior to packing and raking the soil or earth down, which can be done either by hand or with common garden tools. Don’t forget to cap off any sprinklers that may be present, too.
Forming the base
Compacting the crushed rock that lies immediately below the artificial grass isn’t as easy as it seems. However, you can minimise the hassle by raking it to the right level, and using an adequate amount of water to harden it. When raking, you should always judge it by the edge or border of which the surface is going to sit next to the footpath or other areas. Also, try not to use too much water, as the rock can actually sink, ruining your levelling efforts. A quick sprinkle should be sufficient.
Laying the surface
One of the major problems encountered with installing artificial grass is exposed seams. These are a particular problem with irregular shaped areas, as multiple joins and stitching will be required. The art is to first lay the artificial grass, and then cutting off two stitch lines, which will allow you more flexibility in creating an inconspicuous seam. When using the joining tape, make sure that no fibres touch the glue side, as this can make the seam noticeable again.
Sanding
Sanding, labour wise, is the easiest part of the process. Getting it wrong, however, can pose many problems later down the track, such as decreased durability, slipperiness, as well as unsightly clumps of sand. Make sure to spread the sand liberally across the artificial grass, then using a hard bristle broom to further move the sand adequately over the area. The amount of sand needed differs from surface to surface, so make sure to follow the recommendations provided.
Xtreme Turf has been providing artificial grass installation for many years, and are more than happy to help out if your DIY project turns into a nightmare. We’re also on hand to answer any on-the-go questions you may have about the process, and can suggest ideas to make it easier and more effective for you.