Saturday, March 23, 2024
HomeExclusiveHow To Nail Down Artificial Turf

How To Nail Down Artificial Turf

What Causes Artificial Turf To Wrinkle

Spiral Nails for Artificial Grass Installation

There are a few factors that can lead to wrinkles in artificial turf after it is installed. These are best approached during the planning and installation stages, but some of these may occur post-installation.

Poor Quality Turf

Poorly manufactured artificial turf may simply not be up to the task of long-term, actual, use. This is usually a cost-saving decision but can have many ill effects, including wrinkles after installation . A commercial-grade high-quality turf product may also be out of reach for those on a small budget. In this case, it is best to shop for a quality used artificial turf product that has been recovered from these commercial applications.

Poor Securing

When artificial turf is installed it is secured to the substrate by the use of gardening nails and staples. The complete lack of these will for sure lead to wrinkles, but also not utilizing enough or having them to sparsely placed will also lead to wrinkle issues. The wrong size nail or staple may also lead to wrinkles if they release from the substrate.

Infill Mishaps

Infill is a product spread over the installed turf. It helps the artificial turf blades stay erect and offers shock absorption underfoot. This leads to a more natural-looking and feeling artificial turf area. But one of the main aspects of infill is that it acts like a ballast, or weight, to help keep the artificial turf laying flat and staying in place after installation.

Extreme Heat

Putting Greens & Ballast

If youre Putting Green is wrinkling, please click on the link below and read my column Avoiding the Putting Green Wrinkling? This column teaches you in detail how to properly ballast a putting green and create a great playing surface for the avid golfer.

Protect And Sand The Turf

Small things add up to natural looking turf. Around 12kg of sand will be needed per square meter of fake turf.

Gently spread the sand throughout the artificial piece of grass. Use the rake to gently spread out the fine sand and make sure its even throughout the whole area.

You can also use a seed dropper to spread out the sand. However, if youre working on a larger area we advise you to rent a sand spreader.

You May Like: Hongo Killer Nail Formula

Finishing And Conditioning Your New Artificial Turf Lawn

Now that the newly laid artificial turf has been seemed, trimmed and fixed with nails along all of the edges it is time to add a heavy layer of kiln dried sand to the perimeter edges. Work the sand into the artificial turf by hand, clawing the pile open to ensure that all the edges are fully loaded with the sand.

Next using a mechanical sand hopper spread an even layer of kiln dried sand over the entire surface of the artificial grass. If you do not have a mechanical hopper, cut holes into bags of kiln dried sand and spread the contents evenly over the entire surface. It is recommended that 6-8 kg of kiln dried sand be spread over each square metre of artificial turf. Using a stiff yard broom brush the kiln dried sand into the pile of the turf. Once complete use a mechanical blower to remove excess sand that has not been absorbed into the pile. Repeat the process until all of the sand is absorbed into the lawn.

Congratulations the installation of your new artificial lawn is now complete. If you would like a quote for professional installation of artificial turf please do contact our landscape gardening department who are based in Oxford. For further information, advice or to see our artificial turf products please do visit your local AWBS Building & Landscaping branch in Oxford, Swindon or Yarnton where are knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you.

Information

How To Fit Tighten & Secure The Turf:

How to fit your artificial grass lawn I Perfect Grass Ltd

Fasten one end of the turf with 60D nails, spaced 3″-4″ apart. Stretch turf tight, and fasten with nails as you move across to the opposite end. Trim any perimeter edges to fit. Place a nail every 3″-4″ along the perimeters and every 12″-24″ throughout the field. Be careful to not drive the nails too deep, as this will cause dips and divots. Also, avoid any blades or thatch catching under the nail heads.

Don’t Miss: What Nails To Use For Cedar Siding

How Do You Prepare The Ground For Artificial Grass

1. Make sure to accommodate for drainage before doing anything

2. Remove any grass or weeds

3. Build the initial base with gravel

4. Soak the gravel with water after it is placed down

5. Compact the surface and remove any bigger rocks

6. Apply final base layer evenly without disrupting the initial base

7. Compact the base layers so that you are left with a smooth & even surface

8. Now you are ready to plan & clear the area

Roll Out And Place The Turf In Place

Great! Youre halfway done. Once youve compacted the base its time to lay out the synthetic turf itself. It has most likely been stored rolled, so you should leave it unrolled for two or three hours to allow it to set in place and even out any creases.

Always lay the separate synthetic turf pieces in the same direction. This way youll ensure seamless fitting.

Use a sharp utility knife to cut through the turf. Clean cuts will ensure proper joining and it will make the job a lot easier. Always change the blades if they start feeling dull. Remove any strips that may be covering an adhesive material.

Don’t Miss: How To Prepare Nails For Gel

Mistake 1: Failure To Install A Sand Infill

This is a hotly debated topic in the online world. Should you or shouldnt you install a sand dressing/infill?

The answer to this is categorically yes.

There are several reasons for this:

-It adds ballast to the grass, preventing movement and rippling

-It supports the artificial fibres

-It regulates the temperature of the grass

-It increases fire resistance

-It improves and regulates drainage

-It prevents static

You may hear some people claiming that it is unnecessary or that they have a non-infill artificial grass, but unfortunately this type of product does not exist.

Its just marketing spin to make a product seem cheaper to install.

The additional cost of installing a sand infill is certainly worth it. You can pick up bags of kiln-dried sand from your local DIY store for just a few pounds each.

You may find our calculator on this page useful in working out just how much sand your artificial lawn will require.

For further information on using a sand infill, please read our previous article, Should You Use a Sand Infill for Artificial Grass? We Reveal the Truth.

Solution: Install a sand infill to your artificial lawn.

Mistake 1: Joins Are Cut Incorrectly

Realgrass at Home Depot Synthetic Artificial Turf Installation

Artificial grass is supplied in rolls of 2m and 4m width. Due to the shape of your lawn, you may need to join multiple rolls of grass together to cover it.

For the inexperienced, this is where potential problems can occur if you do not follow the correct process.

Firstly, when you look at your roll of artificial grass, youll notice a strip of membrane attached to the outside edge of the roll, known in the trade as the selvedge.

The selvedge is used to feed the primary backing through the stitching machine.

It is imperative that the selvedge is removed before attempting to glue two pieces of grass together.

Further still, to ensure an invisible join, youll need to count 3 stitches in from the edge of the roll and cut close to the fourth stitch.

When cutting an artificial grass join, count 3 stitches in from the edge of the roll and cut close to the fourth stitch.

This is because the fibres of the outer edge are frayed outwards and will be impossible to blend in naturally with another roll of grass.

Our rolls are supplied at approximately 4.1m and 2.05m to allow for the removal of the outer edge.

If you dont get it right first time, you may be able to cut a couple more stitches if you have enough width to play with.

Solution: To ensure an invisible join, cut 3 stitches off the edge of your artificial grass.

You May Like: How To Remove Dip Nails Fast

Cutting And Fixing The Grass In Place

I take the first roll of artificial grass and unroll it into position in the chosen direction. I use Hook Blades on the Stanley Knife to reduce the grass to size allowing at least 10cm extra all the way round the perimeter edges before we start to make the final cuts. We always cut against the lip or fence rather than from directly above. I have plenty of Hook Blades on hand as they are easily blunted. Once the sides have been cut I make sure it is fixed in place by nailing it on to the hidden timbers using an OX Tools Bolster Chisel and a Paslode Nail Gun with small headed nails. I do this so that should we ever need to lift the grass it will be easier.

Mistake : Failure To Install A Weed Membrane

Without a weed membrane, theres a strong possibility that youll get weeds growing through your fake lawn.

One of the main benefits of having artificial grass is that you no longer have to deal with weeds.

To prevent weed growth, we strongly recommend installing a weed membrane to the subgrade. The below picture shows what happens if a weed membrane is not installed to the subgrade.

The potential result of not installing a weed membrane to the existing earth.

As an extra line of defence, we also recommend installing a second layer of weed membrane on top of the laying course, directly beneath your artificial grass.

Solution: Install a weed membrane to the subgrade to prevent weed growth.

Read Also: How To Stop Nail Biting Habit In Toddlers

Install Free Drainage Foam/shock Pad

Cover your entire area with foam/shock pads. Because concrete is a hard surface, youll need the foam/shock pads for support in case anyone falls on the surface. If there are different sections of foam or shock pads tape them together with masking tape. Lift it to one side so you can easily spread the glue.

Mix the glue and hardener. Apply it directly to your surface and scatter. Use about 2-3mm of glue to make sure everything sticks. Work quickly because the glue hardens fast.

How To Fill The Turf:

Nails

Once turf is tight and secure, power broom before in-filling to get the blades standing up as much as possible. Apply Turf Fill, and Zeolite Odor Control for pet applications, onto turf using a drop spreader. Apply in-fill as needed. If you don’t have a spreader, shovels or wheel barrows can be used – Just be sure and spread the in-fill as evenly as possible. Please contact RCP for the proper amount of infill for your style of turf.

Recommended Reading: How To Take Off Powder Nails

Mistake 1: Not Securing Joins Sufficiently Well

When joining two pieces of artificial grass its extremely important to ensure that they are properly secured together, to prevent them from coming apart.

The best way to do this is using joining tape and specialist artificial grass adhesive, such as the multipurpose adhesive manufactured by Envirostik.

Secure your joins using an adhesive thats up to the job.

Some manufacturers recommend pinning the joins together using galvanized U-pins, but in our testing and experience, this will not be sufficient to form a strong, invisible join.

Solution: Use joining tape and specialist adhesive to join two pieces of grass.

How To Install A Synthetic Grass Lawn

This article was co-authored by Benjamin Hansen. Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification.There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 151,134 times.

Installing a synthetic grass lawn and making it look good takes some patience, but it’s well within the ability of anyone who enjoys a good DIY home project. Read through the whole process before you begin so you know exactly which materials and tools to gather. And if you’re tired out at the end of the project, think of all the scorching summer days you’ll get to spend in the shade instead of mowing the lawn!

Read Also: How To Make Nails Stronger And Longer

Spike To Keep The Turf In Place

Hammer nails into the ground every few inches. Remember not to trap any grass fibers underneath the nails head. Secure the turf perimeter. Use landscaping anchor pins or 4 6 inches galvanized stakes to fasten the turf in place. Place them just around the perimeter at around 6 8-inch intervals. And also along the seam. Although you need to hammer them flat, you should be extra careful and avoid excessive hammering because it can cause dips in your lawn.

A Add Pet Waste Absorbent Infill If You Have Pets

How to properly install artificial grass – Bella Turf

Being a pet owner is a great responsibility and how will you keep your animals from ruining your new artificial turf by keeping them away?

No, Im here to tell you that just like you even your pets especially dogs can enjoy your new artificial turf.

But what about the routine dog waste, how do you get rid of that?

Well, the answer is a simple pet infill an infill specifically designed to absorb moisture and neutralize pet urine odor.

So no need to worry about your pets ruining your vibrant turf anymore. Unlike organic grass, all you have to do is wash out the waste with water and a broom, simple as that.

Read Also: Going To Nail School

Prepare What Youll Need

The type and size of your installation will determine what exactly you may need. Some elements are optional and depend on personal preference, some are essential.

  • Shovel
  • A straight piece of timber for smoothing out sand
  • A wacker plate to compact the sand
  • Sharp Sand or Grano This will serve are the base for all installations on soil.
  • Weed Membrane We highly recommend that every outdoor installation uses Weed Membrane.
  • Shockpad Underlay This is optional, although recommended for all installations especially on concrete.
  • Artificial Grass either 2m or 4m rolls
  • Either our Self Adhesive Joining Tape, or a Joining Kit consisting of Tubs or Tubes of Adhesive and Jointing Tape.
  • Fixing Pins
  • Edging This is optional but is recommended for creating the perfect finish. There are a few types of edging to consider.

Infill Or Without Infill How To Decide

Infill or non-infill, it depends on the conditions of your project.

1. Landscape and play areas:

If just for landscape and no traffic or no much traffic on the turf, you can use all the products we recommend without any infill.

If high traffic areas, we would advise you always to use silica sand fill. Ultimately, it increases the lifespan of the artificial grass system. Meanwhile, the process is not complicated. Using a common drop spreader or cast spreader to infill the sand. Once the material is spread over the artificial grass, then brush the sand into the fibers with a stiff bristle broom. You may need to hire a brush machine to infill the artificial grass for a larger project.

However, even for high traffic areas, you might want to consider a non-infilled artificial grass for the following applications:

  • Your yard contains severe slopes .
  • You want a play area for the kids and pets.
  • You want to put artificial grass around the swimming pool.

In these situations, you can use our non-infill artificial grass. As defined above, the artificial grass made with thatch, narrow gauge, and extremely high density.

2. Football fields

Almost all traditional football grass needs silica sand and crumb rubber as infills. The fibers of a football grass naturally lay flat without the infill materials. Silica sands and rubber granules work together to provide a stable and flexible surface.

Sand and rubber infill stabilize and support the system

SILICA SAND

Recommended Reading: Can Toenail Fungus Live In Nail Polish

Removing The Old Turf And Preparing The Ground For Artificial Grass

Artificial grass requires a solid and stable base if it is to remain taut, smooth and looking its best and therefore it is necessary to remove the existing turf. This can be done by hand with a sharp spade or a quicker and easier option for large areas is to use a mechanical turf cutter which can be hired for around £70 per day.

Once the old turf has been removed use a sharp spade to create a slight chamfer around the perimeter edge of the lawn so that the finished level is set approximately 30-35mm below the edgings.

In areas where the artificial turf meets paving or edging stone use a disk cutter to trim any mortar haunching flush with the paving, creating a neat edge for the turf to run into and be fixed in place.

Use a rake to level the ground so that a flat clean surface, free from high points and large stones, is achieved in preparation for installing the base on which the artificial turf will be laid. Take care not to rake surface material into the newly chamfered edges.

How To Connect Turf Seams:

Nails, Glue or Tape: Seaming Artificial Grass

Where two pieces of turf meet, fasten together the seams using nails spaced 1″-2″ apart. Seaming tape, such as Jiffy Seal, can also be used to secure seams. To apply seaming tape, apply tape lengthwise to bottom side of turf, leaving 3″ stuck to turf and 3″ hanging off. Lay turf back down Secure opposite piece of turf to tape. Be sure seams are tight and precise, and that the grain of your turf is all facing in the same direction.

Securing the Turf with Nails

Securing Seams with Turf Tape

Also Check: How To Nail Shingles On Roof

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles

How To Get Healthy Nails