How To Install DIY Artificial Grass In 10 Steps

DIY Artificial Grass How To Install In 10 Steps. If you are looking to install artificial grass in your backyard, or anywhere else, here are the steps you will need to follow to ensure that it’s done right. This particular DIY project will show you exactly what to do and how to do it if you want the best quality possible, even if you’re installing the artificial grass yourself.

Note that all of the tools and materials you need can be purchased from your local home improvement store, but it’s recommended that you hire a contractor with artificial grass installation experience if you want it done correctly and professionally.

What is Artificial Grass?

You’ve seen in it sports stadiums, outside of commercial property, and maybe even in your neighbors yard, but what is artificial grass?

Take a look at the information below to discover what artificial grass is and how property owners are benefiting from it.

Artificial grass is also known as synthetic turf, fake grass, or astro turf. It is made from different materials such as polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene and polyester. The most common types of artificial grass are made from recycled tires (sometimes called rubber) and plastic fibers.

Artificial grass is more durable than natural turf since it does not need to be watered or mowed like a natural lawn. It can be cleaned with soap and water without damaging the blades of grass like a real lawn would when using a power washer or other cleaning equipment.

Artificial turf is a cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of transforming any outdoor space. Artifical grass is made from polypropylene fibers which are spun together to make blades of grass that can be installed in various patterns, shapes and sizes. These artificial grasses are then bound together with either a rubber or PVC infill that gives the artificial grass its realistic feel and appearance.

The range of artificial grasses on offer means you can find one to suit your needs no matter what you want your space to look like. If you’re looking for an easy way to transform your garden, patio or balcony into an eco-friendly paradise then artificial turf is the perfect solution for you!

Pros

Measure the area you’ll be laying the artificial grass in with a tape measure and have a helper take measurements from opposite corners so that you can double-check your work.
Lay down an even layer of gravel on the ground and tamp it down with a heavy object to create a firm surface for your artificial grass to sit on; this will also prevent weeds from growing up through it later on.
Cut the turf (green) side of your artificial grass in strips, then lay them end-to-end at right angles to one another, ensuring that there is enough overlap between each strip to make sure they’re securely attached (a staple gun will help).
Place a rubber mallet or other tool on top of the seams where two pieces join together to flatten them out as tightly as possible, then use staples along the edge where they meet. You may need someone else to help with this part if the area you’re working on is large.
When placing each piece into place, start by tucking the shorter end underneath any existing pieces that are already laid down so that when finished your DIY fake grass will look nice and tidy all around.

Cons

Determining how many square feet of artificial grass you will need.
Gather all the materials needed for installation and measure out the square footage you will be installing.

How To Install Artificial Grass

The first step is to choose the right artificial grass. This can be a tough decision, and there are many factors to consider including your climate, budget and maintenance. The most important thing is to make sure you read reviews on the product before buying it.

Next, you’ll need to decide whether or not you want artificial grass that’s pre-measured for your space or if you’re going to cut it yourself. If you’re cutting it yourself, measure out the area before laying down the turf – this will help keep everything straight and even.

If using pre-measured turf, lay out the turf in rows and then trim off any excess pieces with a pair of sharp scissors or an electric trimmer. Once you have the lawn measured out and ready to go, you’ll need to prepare the ground beneath it by digging holes about six inches deep for each piece of turf. Fill up each hole with water until it seeps through to the surface (this process usually takes about three minutes) then remove excess water from the hole so that there isn’t too much pressure on the piece of artificial grass when you lay it down. Lay down one piece at a time so they overlap slightly as they connect together.

Continue placing all remaining pieces in their appropriate spot until your lawn is complete!

1) Excavate the Area

Excavate the area to be covered with artificial grass to a depth of at least two inches. Remove all sod, weeds, tree roots and rocks from the site. Fill in low spots with sand or soil and level the surface as best you can. The area should be clear of objects for installation so that there is no interference when laying down artificial grass. Next use your shovel and rake to remove the top layer of existing lawn on any remaining patches around your home.

A rule of thumb is to remove about one-third of an inch from the topsoil, but you will want to do this only if you want a thicker lawn where the new turf will not grow in quite as well.

Next mix up your own batch using six gallons of water mixed with 2 pounds of weed killer, 1/2 pound per square yard) before pouring it into any excavated areas left over from leveling the ground. Pour enough liquid into each hole so that it comes up to about one inch deep, then fill back up with dirt until it’s even again.

2) Prepare the Base

The first step to install artificial grass is to prepare the base and make sure you have all the materials you need. This can be a time consuming process, but it will save you a lot of time in the long run. The first thing you want to do is remove any weeds or debris from the area that will be covered with artificial turf. Next, if there are any cracks, pour in enough gravel or sand to fill up the gaps. This will help prevent weeds from growing in your new fake lawn later on.

Once everything has been filled, use some water to activate the adhesive and apply it over your base with a trowel. It’s important to keep adding more adhesive until you reach about 1/4 inch depth over your whole base. Now wait for this layer to dry and repeat this process two more times until your base is built as high as desired. Keep in mind that the higher your base, the easier it will be when installing artificial turf since they only have 2 inches of height. Make sure to let the three layers dry before starting installation steps!

3) Lay the Turf

Remove the turf from the packaging and set it on a flat, stable surface.
Spread a layer of sand over your lawn area with a rake to provide a base for the artificial grass and improve drainage.
Lay the turf out in rows, making sure all edges are lined up so that there is no overlap or gaps in between pieces.
Use your hands or a rubber mallet to gently press down on any bumps in the plastic backing of the turf to ensure that it is set securely in place before installing any infill materials like sand or gravel below it.
Follow these steps again for each row until your lawn area is covered, then use scissors to cut off any excess at the end of each row if necessary.
Fill in any gaps with the appropriate amount of infill material: one cup of sand will cover about four square feet.

4) Join the Seams

Determine the desired area of the lawn to be replaced by artificial turf and mark it out with chalk.
Get a roll of 1⁄4 black plastic sheeting and cut out a piece that will cover the marked-out area. The plastic should be at least 36 inches wide, so that when it is laid down, it has 24 inches on each side of the marked-out area.
Put your scissors to one end of the roll and cut off a piece long enough to cover half the width of your marked-out space; then fold in half lengthwise so you have two pieces running in opposite directions from your scissors to form an x.
Take one of the pieces and put it right-side up where you want your first seam to be. Place it parallel to the other edge of the marked-out space (on either side), so there’s a distance of 24 inches between them. Use weights or tacks or pushpins to hold this seam in place while you get started with the next steps.
Take the second piece and lay it right-side up on top of the first seam, but make sure there are no gaps between them this time around, as well as making sure they’re both lined up parallel with each other again (so there’s a distance of 12 inches between them).

5)Secure the Edges

It’s important to secure the edges of your artificial grass and make sure they are tacked down securely. If you don’t, you risk the grass coming up with time. The easiest way to do this is by using landscaping staples and a staple gun. Simply use the stapler as close to the edge of the yard as possible and then place a staple in every 1 1⁄2 inches all around. You can also try placing landscape fabric or weed barrier cloth on top of your artificial turf so that it’s easier to secure it into place.

Now that you have made sure your edges are secure, lay out the sod next to where you want it placed. Make sure there’s at least two pieces for each square foot of surface area. After this, start laying the sod from one side to another with an overlap piece at each end so that one piece overhangs the other on either side (like shingles)

6) Trim the Excess

Collect Supplies Collect supplies like plastic wrap, scissors, a bucket, a measuring tape, and a sharpie.
Lay Plastic Lay the plastic over the ground where you plan to install your turf. Trim the excess with scissors or a utility knife so that it fits snugly in the area.
Draw Lines Draw lines every 6 inches on both sides of the plastic using your sharpie and measure out any areas that need to be cut out for stairs or other obstacles on your yard or lawn. You may want to mark these on the back side of the plastic before cutting so you know where they are once it is laid down.
Cut Along Your Lines Carefully cut along your lines using your scissors or utility knife and make sure not to slice into your grass as this will make mowing difficult!
Fold The Ends Fold one side of the plastic up onto itself about six inches from the end, then fold the other end up too so that all four sides are folded up on themselves with no overlap. Secure them together with a tie around each edge, making sure not to tie too tightly as this could puncture through when stretched out later!

7) Add Infill

Add infill to the turf by pouring infill in a circle to the desired depth. A rule of thumb is one inch of infill for every 100 square feet of turf. Spread out the infill until it covers a 5-foot radius area around where you want to install the artificial grass.

Use your shovel or rake, and create a trench that is approximately four inches deep and twelve inches wide in an area perpendicular to where you want your artificial grass installed. Fill this trench with dirt, sand, pea gravel or any other material that will help stabilize and level your turf installation area before installing the artificial grass.

Use your shovel to create a border with an area of eighteen inches on each side around where you will be installing your artificial grass. Once again, fill in any gaps that are not even and level with surrounding areas. Leveling ensures that water will drain properly from your artificial grass installation area and prevents puddling and flood damage in surrounding areas.

8) Brushing In the Infill

Check the infill level in your artificial grass. The infill should be about an inch deep and spread evenly across the entire area. If you are installing sod, it should be about 1-2 inches deep for a healthy root system to grow.

Brush any excess dirt off the surface of your artificial grass with a broom or stiff garden brush. Make sure that all areas of your artificial grass are clean and free of dirt before you install it!

Put down a weed barrier on top of any existing lawn to prevent weeds from coming back up through the new sod or artificial grass after installation is complete. A weed barrier is best installed before placing the new turf so it doesn’t move around when being laid over it later on in this process! We recommend using landscape fabric, available at your local hardware store or nursery. It’s thin but durable and allows water and air to pass through while blocking light from reaching weeds beneath it.

You can also use cardboard if you don’t want to buy anything extra; just make sure to place a layer of mulch over the cardboard once it’s been put down so that water can drain out of it easily as well!

9) Watering In the Infill

One of the most important parts of the installation process is watering in the infill material. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for information on how to water in your new artificial grass, but generally you should start by sprinkling water over the top surface with a hose or watering can.

Allow at least an hour for the artificial grass to absorb moisture before walking on it. You will know that it has fully absorbed when it feels spongy underfoot.

10) Maintenance

Maintaining your artificial grass is an easy way to increase the longevity of your product and keep it looking great for years to come.

Here are some simple maintenance tips that you can use to give your product a longer life:

Keep pets off of the lawn as they could bring in dirt and mud. – Use a leaf blower or a vacuum to remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris.
Trim the edges of your lawn with scissors as needed.
Water your lawn regularly in order to keep it healthy and green.
Watch out for puddles on the surface of your lawn; use a broom or hand held brush to sweep them away.
Apply sealant twice per year using a roller or sprayer.
During periods of extreme heat (90°F+), refrain from watering your lawn. If water needs to be applied, do so early in the morning before temperatures start climbing too high.

Conclusion

You now have all the knowledge you need to install your own artificial grass. You can do it yourself and save a ton of money or if you are not sure what you are doing, find someone who has experience. Either way, be proud of your work because you will have a nice green lawn in no time. Now that you know how to install artificial grass, let’s look at some reasons why people choose it over regular turf.

FAQS

Q. I want to install artificial grass in my garden, but I don’t know how to do it. What should I do?

A: First, you need to choose the type of artificial grass that is appropriate for your climate and location (examples: warm weather grass, cold weather grass). You also need to take into consideration what kind of surface you are installing on (examples: concrete slab, decking) and whether or not the area will be frequently exposed to sun (examples: backyard, patio). Next you need to find an installer near you who has experience with the type of surface and climate conditions you have. You can contact companies online or through phone books.

Q. Where can I buy fake grass?

A. Fake grass comes in a variety of types: There are many reputable online stores where you can purchase fake grass; however, many stores like Lowe’s offer a limited selection. If you live near a town with a home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, then these stores may be able to provide better service and selection than ordering from an internet site.

Q. What is the average cost for DIY artificial grass installation?

A. The average cost for DIY installation ranges from $1-$5 per square foot depending on quality and labor required. The average price for professional installation starts at about $10 per square foot and goes up from there based on complexity of the job.

Q. Is it difficult to install DIY artificial grass?

A. Yes, it can be difficult because we often lack certain tools such as power drills, screeds and saws necessary for this job. Installation is time consuming as well so make sure you allot plenty of time before attempting this project yourself!

References & Additional Resources

Last Updated on December 23, 2022