Installing Synthetic Grass – A DIY Guide

To combat water restrictions in their yards, more Australian homeowners are installing synthetic or artificial grass. For the do-it-yourselfer (DIY), installing a synthetic or artificial lawn (the terms synthetic grass, artificial grass, fake grass, imitation grass and artificial turf, etc., are all interchangeable) is slightly more complex than laying turf or natural grass.  And while synthetic grass may appear as simple as laying out a carpet, improper installation of your synthetic lawn can lead to abnormal wear and tear, and dramatically reduce the lifespan (and visual appeal) of the turf. These step-by-step installation techniques and tools will ensure that your synthetic lawn remains maintenance free for years to come. Step 1- Landscaping and Excavation of your existing lawn Once you’ve marked out the area for your lawn, remove the existing dirt, grass, rocks and soil to a depth of between 75mm and 100mm. In many cases, hand tools are fine for this, but invariably there will be large rocks, hard clay (or worse) below the surface, which will require a bobcat, backhoe or similar excavator to get the job done properly (tip: prior to hiring a bobcat, be sure to measure the width of access areas to your yard.) For an average size synthetic lawn, expect landscaping and excavation to take a full day or even a weekend (depending on weather, and the number of assistants you have). Tip: don’t forget to pre-hire a bin to dispose of the excavated grass and rocks. Also- ensure you don’t need any special council or association permissions to place the bin in your front yard.   Step 2- Install the base Once the area is excavated, and your lawn borders are installed (brick, timber, tile, etc), give the area a gentle compacting to settle the existing soil. Next, fill with either crushed rock (e.g. road base), topped with crusher dust (sometimes called "quarter minus"). Aim for a depth of 10mm throughout. Ensure the finished area is smooth. If the base contains craters or dips, then your synthetic lawn will have dips as well. Also, ensure that you have accounted for natural drainage and run-off. A synthetic lawn will absorb a certain amount of rainfall, but heavy rains will flow off the synthetic surface. Tip: when ordering your crushed rock and crusher dust, be aware that, when delivered, the piles of rock will require a significant amount of space in your front or back yard. In many cases, the delivery truck will not be able to dump the rock near your work area, so be prepared to move the tons of rock by hand or wheelbarrow. Next, wet and compact the area twice. For successful compacting, hire a plate compactor, (a hand-compacted area will not "settle" properly below your synthetic surface, leading to more craters and dips below your lawn). Step 3- Install your synthetic grass. Synthetic grass or turf is usually delivered in rolls or wide sections. Unlike indoor carpeting, these rolls will have a "grain", where the synthetic grass fibres are aligned in a single direction. It’s important to lay out the full sheets of synthetic grass so the grain is all running in the same direction. Once the grass is laid out, give it some time in the sun to settle - perhaps an hour or more. Next, cut the material to the desired size and shape. Depending on the synthetic material, this can likely be done with a Stanley knife or similar cutting tool. Invariably, there will be seams (or "joins") where the grass sections meet. This is where things get a bit tricky. You’ll need to ensure that the seams are cut, taped and glued precisely to ensure that they are completely unnoticeable. Improper joining will result in an unsightly seam running down the length of your synthetic lawn. Ensure that no grass fibres are glued to the seam, and that the seams are all smooth and even. Step 4- Filling with sand Fill the synthetic grass surface with a fine, kiln-dried sand (available from either the synthetic grass supplier, or from a quarry/supplier). The sand fills the gaps between the synthetic grass fibres and ensures that the grass sits up properly. Aim for a depth of about 50% of the height of the grass fibres. Once filled, brush the entire surface with a power broom until the sand is evenly distributed. Step 5- Fill with rubber Cover the sand with a granulated rubber product (available from your synthetic grass supplier). This ensures that the white sand is hidden, and also gives your synthetic grass surface a bit of bounce. Your new synthetic lawn is now ready to enjoy. (Note: while installing a synthetic lawn as a DIY project may seem straightforward, improper installation may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Before embarking on self-installation, check with the manufacturer)