Artificial turf, also known as synthetic turf, has become a popular alternative to natural grass due to its durability, low maintenance, and versatility. Originally designed for professional sports fields, artificial grass is now commonly used in residential areas, making it an ideal replacement for natural turf. This guide will walk you through the process of installing artificial turf, ensuring a professional and lasting result.
What is Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf, also referred to as synthetic turf, is made from synthetic fibres that mimic the appearance and feel of natural grass. The process of creating artificial turf is similar to that of manufacturing carpets—synthetic blades of grass are stitched onto a solid backing to create a realistic-looking and durable surface.
One of the main advantages of artificial turf over natural grass is that it doesn’t require irrigation or mowing, and can withstand heavy use, making it a practical solution for both sports fields and home lawns. The use of synthetic turf in residential areas is growing in popularity due to its low maintenance and aesthetic appeal.
Check out our range of synthetic turf options here.
Installation: The Step-to-step Guide for Laying Artificial Turf
Step 1: Preparing the Area for Installation
Proper preparation of the area is crucial to ensure a smooth and durable artificial lawn. Begin by excavating the area using a shovel to a depth of 100mm from the lowest edge, such as a concrete footpath. This step is essential for creating a solid base for the synthetic turf.
Excavation Tips:
- For every 10 square meters, you'll need to remove 1 cubic meter of soil.
- For a 50 square meter area, plan for a 5 cubic meter skip bin to accommodate the soil removal.
Once the excavation is complete, you'll have a 100mm deep space ready for the next step.
Step 2: Laying the Crushed Rock Base
Now that you have removed your soil, it is time to fill the excavated area with a well-compacted layer of rock. This should be a mix of crushed rock and crusher dust base. This step is vital for the stability and drainage of your synthetic turf.
Calculating Rock Requirements:
- Use the same calculation method as for soil removal, with 2/3 of the volume being 20mm crushed rock and 1/3 stone dust. E.g. Lay an approximatly 70mm layer of 20mm crushed rock across the excavated area and a 30mm (approx.) layer of crusher dust (sometimes refered to as stone dust).
Begin by laying your crushed rock base evenly across the area, hose it down and compact the surface. If any dips or uneven areas remain, add more rock and recompact until the base is perfectly level.
Step 3: Adding the Stone Dust Layer
Next, add your crusher dust to fill the remaining depth of the base (approximately 30mm). This layer should not exceed the height of the lowest edge. Hose down the area and compact the crusher dust repeatedly until it forms a solid, stable surface. The final compacted crusher dust layer should be 10-20mm below the lowest edge.
Step 4: Installing the Artificial Turf
Now that the base is prepared, it’s time to install the artificial turf. Roll out the synthetic grass starting from the straightest edge of the area. Carefully trim the flaps off both sides of the roll, cutting close to the first stitch without damaging it.
Installation Tips:
- Align the grass along the edges and secure it with a few Synthetic Turf nails or U-pinsto prevent shifting.
- Cut any excess grass to fit the area perfectly.
- Secure the synthetic turf by nailing it 2-3cm from the edge and spacing the nails 20-30cm apart around the perimeter and throughout the area.
- If required, join rolls of sythetic turf using joining tape, see below for more information.
Additional Tip: Joining Multiple Pieces of Artificial Turf
For larger areas that require multiple pieces of turf, follow these steps to create seamless joins:
- Trim the flaps off the joining edges and pre-brush them with your hand.
- Slide the joining tapeunder the join and align it evenly.
- Peel back a section of the plastic cover from the tape, press the synthetic turf onto the tape, and ensure the join remains tight.
- Repeat the process for the second piece of turf, making sure to align and press down firmly.
With these steps, you can enjoy a perfect, durable, and visually appealing synthetic lawn in your home or sports field.
Step 5: Brushing and Sanding the Grass
To complete the installation, brush the artificial turf with a power broom, moving backwards in the direction of the blades. Spread kiln-dried sand evenly across the grass, then brush again to ensure the sand integrates well into the synthetic turf. If necessary, hose down any remaining sand, but avoid brushing wet grass or sand. If you have pets, you may want to consider using SmellBGone Premium Pet Infill instead of kiln-dried sand. This product provides longterm removal of odour from pet urine. If you have an exisiting issue with urine odour in your artificial turf, we reccomend using SmellBGone Liquid Pet Deodorizer to treat the area first.
Step 6: Sit Back and Enjoy Your New Lawn!
Your artificial lawn is now ready to use! To maintain its appearance, occasionally brush the grass to keep it looking fresh and upright.
Visit Daisy's Garden Supplies for all of your Synthetic Turf Needs
At Daisy's Garden Supplies, we’ve got all your synthetic turf needs covered, from start to finish. Whether you're looking for base products like crushed rock and crusher dust, top-quality synthetic turf, or essential accessories such as nails,U-pins, and infill products, we have everything under one roof. Our knowledgeable team of experts is ready to assist you with personalised advice and solutions tailored to your project. With nine conveniently located branchesacross Greater Melbourne, Geelong, and the Surf Coast, we're committed to providing you with exceptional service and support no matter where you are. Trust Daisy's Garden Supplies for all your synthetic turf requirements and experience the difference our expertise can make.