Install your Synthetic Turf

PREPARATION AND BASE CONSTRUCTION

Installing a synthetic turf is not as difficult as you may think. The base preparation is similar to paving and the laying is very similar to laying carpet. The key is in taking your time and preparing a hard, firm base. Your turf will arrive in either a 1.8m or 3.6m wide roll. It is important to think about your lawns dimensions so you can order the turf in the right widths thus minimizing waste and reducing the number of joins. All materials are available and will be delivered with your order. For costs and information phone our sales team or email us for further information.

Spray your existing lawn with a weed killer (Glyphosate), you may need to allow any re-growth to be re-sprayed. When the lawn is completely dead remove all the dead grass, roots and any organic matter. The ideal depth of the excavation should be between 50mm and 150mm depending on the volatility of the existing soil base. (Sandy well drained soil will require less excavation). NB: Always determine the correct levels to allow your lawn to drain.

Mark out the lawn area. For a curved lawn area the easiest way is by using a garden hose. Lay the hose around the perimeter of your new lawn and mark it with a marking spray. For a straight edge lawn use a string line to get a neat edge. It is advisable to define the lawn area with a timber, brick or concrete edge.

Synthetic lawn needs a smooth compacted base to be installed on, similar to paving. Once the existing vegetation has been removed we recommend a very light watering and the a whacker plate be used to settle the existing soil prior to bringing in the sub-base.

The sub-base should be constructed by using crushed rock or similar like Lilydale Toppings. Apply a 10mm to 110mm layer of the base material, level off, water lightly and compact with a whacker. The depth of sub-base should be dependant on the type of soil. Free draining soils require less base material. The key to a professional quality finish is in the preparation of a level, hard base. Once the crushed rock has been compacted a fine layer of crusher dust (5-7mm grade crushed rock) or granitic sand should be applied and rolled or smoothed out with a lawn leveler to achieve a final level ready for laying. Your final level should be 35mm below the finished height.

The synthetic turf has drainage hole so it is important to install the base with adequate fall so any excess water can drain away.

LAYING AND GLUING

Roll out your turf over your prepared base and leave to settle in the sun for an hour or so. Cut as required, take your time, measure twice cut once. When the turf arrives there will be a material flap on both or one side of the roll, this needs to be trimmed off. When you trim the material follow along the same rib and run your Stanley knife along the rib or row of yarn. Allow a 1-2mm gap along your join edges, as this allows for a seem-less finish.

Once you have your synthetic turf trimmed, lay it out in place making sure the fibres are falling the same way. Make sure when joining two pieces that the two edges are close but not touching (2-5mm is ideal).

When you are happy with the alignment of the turf place the joining tape under the seem, a small nail or clout should be used to keep the tape in place before gluing.

Once the tape has been secured in place, fold back the two sides of turf and weigh them down so they will not fall back into the glue until you are ready. Apply the adhesive to surface of the tape in a thin even layer using a 3-5mm notched trowel (available from Your local hardware). Allow the glue to go ‘tacky’ this should take a few minutes or so.

When the glue is ready gently fold both pieces into the glue being careful not to get the fibres in the glue, take your time this is one of the most critical parts on the installation. Work down the seam removing the weighs on the folded over turf as you go.

When all the joining has been completed it is now time for any final trimming. Use a sharp knife and again take your time. If required you can pin the turf to the subbase for extra security, generally this is not required as the weight of the infill will hold the turf in place.

HELPFUL TIPS

1. Do not walk on the seam after joining, allow 20-30 minutes before infilling.
2. If you have any excess glue on the fibres you can gently wipe with a damp rag dipped in petrol.
3. Do not apply excess glue to the tape.
4. Never apply the glue to the tape if it is wet, the glue will separate and not bond with the turf.

TOOLS REQUIRED

1. Sharp Stanley knifes with extra blades.
2. Tape measure.
3. 3.2mm notched trowel.
4. Lawn leveler, leaf rake, stiff broom, shovels and a steel rake.
5. Petrol driven compactor or a manual tamper.
6. Lawn top dressing machine.
7. Joining tape and glue if joining is required.

INFILLING

Once the turf has been installed it is now ready to be infilled. Ideally the turf should top dressed with fine layers of ground rubber and foundry sand each being manipulated into the fibre of the grass after each application. (Sand rubber rates are dependant on type. See the specification details for exact quantities)

Apply a thin layer of sand using a drop spreader or fertilizer spreader. This is best applied in thin layers rather than piling the material in one spot and sweeping it in. After each application broom or lightly rake with a leaf rake to get the infill material to the bottom of the fibre. A power broom can be used for a professional finish.

If required apply a thin layer of the granulated rubber and repeat as above.

Repeat applying the layer of sand and rubber as above until the desired level of infill has been achieved. The amount of infill is dependant on the amount of traffic and the specific application (average 15-20mm). If the synthetic grass is being used under children's play equipment more rubber can be used to act as a soft fall alternative.

HELPFUL TIPS

1. Do not dump infill onto the turf, apply in thin even layers.
2. Prior to installation roll the turf out in the sun to soften the fibre and make it easier to work with.
3. Always make sure the fibres runs the same way.
4. Make sure there is adequate drainage.
5. If required we will cut the turf into smaller pieces to make it easier to manage.
6. Only use only the supplied sand, otherwise the warranty may be voided.
7. Think about the area of turf you require before selecting. The width you require.
8. Measure twice, cut once.
9. Always use a sharp blade, replace often.
10. Always store the infill materials in a dry place.