How to install artificial grass

What You'll Need

  • Turf Cutter
  • Geo-Textile Membrane
  • 2 x 1 Tanalised Timber
  • Wooden Stakes
  • Mitre Saw
  • Crushed Rock
  • Grit Sand
  • Vibrating Plate
  • Turf
  • Stanley Knife
  • Seaming Tape and Glue
  • Kiln Dried Silica Sand
  • Rake or Brush
  • Staples
  • 25mm Self-tapping Screws

Step 1

Assess the lawn that needs replacing, check levels of beds, fence, containing walls as you may need to excavate or build up the area.


Step 2

The lawn should be removed by either a mechanical turf cutter or by hand with shovels.


Step 3

The whole area needs to be cleared to a 100mm depth. Depths are provided as a guide only as depths will vary depending on the garden's requirements.


Step 4

Cover area with geo-textile membrane. The geo-textile membrane can also be laid over the MOT layer


Step 5

Install tanalised timber inside membrane, the timber frame is staked into the ground with 12 inch stakes at appropriate intervals. The stake should be secured to the timber using exterior screws creating a solid frame.


Step 6

Membrane can be wrapped around the timber to contain ground and prevent any settlement, membrane can be secured to the timber using a heavy duty staple gun.


Step 7

Cover area with 75mm crushed rock. The depth of MOT is provided as a guide only as depths vary depending on the garden, some will require more while others will take less. Ground conditions can affect the amount of aggregate required, if unsure please seek professional advice.


Step 8

The crushed rock should be wackered stable.


Step 9

Area blinded off with 25mm grit sand which is watered and wackered to produce a firm level surface. Again, the depth of sand is provided as a guide only as depths will vary depending on the garden.


Step 10

The area now has a finished level and the turf is laid out over it.


Step 11

The turf is set in place and trimmed in neatly. Roll out the turf and mark the latex where it needs to be cut to the top of the timber. Fold the latex back over and carefully cut along the marked line using a sharp bladed knife. Fold the turf back over to give you a neatly finished edge


Step 12

Seams should be prepared for bonding. If a joint is required lay the two pieces of turf out on the area so they are ready to be butted up next to each other. Carefully cut along the rib at the back of the turf, as close as you can get to the rib without cutting into it, repeat this procedure for the other piece of turf. This can be done using a sharp bladed knife.


Step 13

Seams now need to be taped and bonded. Fold back both pieces of turf, lay the adhesive strip along the whole length of the joint, rough side up. Evenly apply the Aquabond adhesive to the tape and spread out using a trowel. It is advisable to wear gloves when completing this. Fold the turf back over onto the tape making sure that the ribs don't overlap each other or the gap in between them isn't any wider than 5mm.


Step 14

The joint is then rolled in to make sure the latex backing is in full contact with the adhesive.


Step 15

The turf should now be screwed to the top of the timber at 300mm intervals using 25mm self tapper screws. Neatly trim off any excess with scissors if required.


Step 16

Kiln dried sand should now be spread to add integrity.


Step 17

Sand should be brushed into the pile using a power brush or a stiff brush.


Step 18

Your new artificial lawn is now complete! Enjoy!