Your artificial grass lawn can be installed once you have determined how much grass you need, installed the necessary drainage (if any), and removed the existing layer of grass. From laying the base, connecting joints, and limiting weed growth, this article outlines the steps to get the job done right.
Start with a gravel bed, then add sharp sand.
If a perimeter structure is necessary, treated wood or timber posts can be used. For places with thick clay soil and poor drainage, use tantalized treated lumber measuring 4 x 2 inches; use 2 x 2 inches for well-drained areas. Put these posts inside the perimeter and screw the timbers to them. Wood should be placed flush with the surface height and packed close to the wall using a 10mm temporary fillet if Artificial Grass is to meet a concrete path, fence, or decking, leaving space to tuck the Artificial Grass between the timber and the adjoining material at a later date.
Hammer the stakes into the ground so they are flush with the timber edging along the inner border but at a slighter depth. Then, fasten the timber stake to the frame with screws.
Crushed stone, up to three inches thick, is recommended for hard clay soils. This would be an issue only in places with a high water table, where the soil retains rainwater for an extended length of time. Then, use a vibrating plate rented from a service to compact the soil. Compact the border to be 1 inch lower than the timber edging. Fill in the rim with sharp sand, then smooth it off with a rake. Repeatedly compact the sand until it reaches the top of the wooden edge.
Use a coating of sharp sand to blind the soil, which will help water drain away. Then, use a vibrating plate rented from a service to compact the soil. Compact the border so it is flush with the timber border.
You may improve the appearance of your Artificial Grass Lawn by putting in more effort now.
Layer for Weed Management
Use the geotextile membrane with a built-in weed barrier and trim to fit. Nail 1-inch galvanized clout nails into the wooden edge. This geotextile membrane effectively controls weeds from penetrating artificial grass through drainage openings.
Install Synthetic Grass
Artificial Grass must be laid in the appropriate direction, not directly on the leveled base but on a carpet. Ensure the rug is applied over the wood edging by at least 4 inches to reduce the number of seams, pieces, and scraps. If you have correctly laid the timber edging, as previously explained, the fake grass can be squeezed between the path or edge and the frame. Artificial grass should be applied with the pile running in the same direction on each piece before being joined. Instead of dragging it across the ground, place the carpet directly on top of the sand. Jointing and adhesive should be delayed for at least two to three hours to help prevent wrinkles and creases. Use sharp scissors, a Stanley knife, or a Dolphin knife to trim the grass into the desired form.
Jointing
Make sure the pile direction is consistent before joining your outdoor carpet. Remove the edge strip from the carpet (if existent) and enter the two ends with a gap of no more than 1 mm. The seam’s prominence in the final product depends on how well this is done. Join the carpet by folding back the edges and taping them together with jointing tape (smooth side down).
Adhesive
One cartridge of glue should be applied to the rough side of the tape every three meters. a) Use a zigzag motion. Make sure there is no overlap by turning down the carpet and pressing both edges into the moist adhesive. Mix the fibers as you work with your fingertips to hide the seam. Walking along the seam multiple times activates the glue and bonds the grass to the tape once the entire length has been laid out and you are satisfied with its appearance. Put some weight on the seam as the glue dries to be sure it makes excellent contact. The more meticulous the procedure, the cleaner and more secure the resulting joint.
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b)Before applying the 2-part multi-purpose glue, thoroughly combine the two parts. Spread adhesive across a breadth of at least 20cm, preferably with a notched trowel, on the tape’s rough side. The transfer should be complete over the carpet backing when pressing the artificial grass carpet into the glue. Make sure there is no overlap by turning down the mat and pressing both edges into the moist adhesive. It’s essential to check that the rug is flat over the bonded area and hasn’t risen at the seam. Walking along the seam multiple times activates the adhesive and bonds the grass to the tape once the entire length has been laid out and you are satisfied with its appearance. Apply pressure to the seam as the glue dries to ensure proper contact. The more meticulous the procedure, the cleaner and more secure the resulting joint.
Small amounts of glue can be cleaned from the artificial grass fiber using White Spirit and a small offcut of the artificial grass, though it is best to avoid getting adhesive on the carpet in the first place. Even little amounts of dried glue can often be scraped off. Care must be taken at all times to avoid making contact with the fibers of the fake grass to avoid this scenario and the risk of damaging the grass.
Screw the fake grass to the timber perimeter framework using galvanized screws at a minimum of 12-inch intervals once you have joined and cemented it and are satisfied with the levels.
Distribute Sand (Maybe Necessary, Depending on the Grass)
Use kiln-dried silica sand to brush into the carpet as you go after the artificial grass has been laid. The sand infill may be used in some products for stability, but it must never be evident to the naked eye. Using a brush, you must achieve a uniform coating across the surface to successfully layer for depth. The sand shouldn’t be spread immediately. When the artificial grass is dry and the weather permits, brush the sand into the mound. To make the carpet tufts rise, brush vigorously against the fibers of the pile. Artificial grass looks and feels more like a genuine thing when the correct quantity of sand anchors it to the ground, shields the fibers and keeps the grass blades upright.
Now that the hard work is done, you can kick back and enjoy your beautiful, low-maintenance fake grass lawn.
About the Author and the Business
Director Morrow Horner runs the successful Belfast artificial grass business DIY Lawns [http://www.diylawns.co.uk]. We offer commercial and residential customers in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland the highest quality artificial grass available today. Our fake grass lawns come in various sizes and are crafted from the highest quality fibers.
Determine how much Artificial Grass you need with the help of our handy sizing chart. To learn more about installing and maintaining your new artificial grass lawn, please visit our website.
