You’ll spend a lot on supplies, but you may still save money by DIYing.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Carpet knife
Sod cutter
Mini excavator (optional)
Stiff-bristled broom
Rubber mallet
Drop spreader
Work gloves
Kneepads
SUPPLIES
Artificial turf
Seam tape
Adhesive
Subbase
Turf infill
Weed barrier (optional)
Landscape nails or staples
Figuring out how to install artificial grass may be labor-intensive, but it's nothing a dedicated DIYer can't tackle on a sunny weekend. The cost of installing artificial grass with the help of a professional averages about $5,400, so you'll save thousands to secure it yourself. That being said, there are ways to goof up the process and end up with an even lawn. Here's what to know before you begin.
Prepping to Install Artificial Grass
The first step to installing faux turf by yourself is choosing the right kind of artificial grass. Artificial turf comes in a range of materials and colors, and each varies depending on the following:
Cost
Appearance
Heat absorption
Drainage
Density
Pile height
Toughness against traffic
Color variation
It's important to pick an artificial grass type that fits your lifestyle. If the patch of lawn sits in the sun all day, avoid materials that can’t withstand the heat and the sun, such as nylon. Other varieties, such as polyethylene, are best for homeowners with pets.
Remove the Old Grass
Before learning how to install artificial turf, you'll need to remove the top 4 inches of grass and soil to keep it from coming back. Don't underestimate how time- and labor-intensive this part of the process can be. You will likely need to rent a sod cutter and mini excavator to transport the sod. Be sure to rent a dumpster near you and check local laws about how to properly dispose of organic material.
Protect Against Weeds
There are several steps you can take to keep weeds from inviting themselves through your artificial turf. In some cases, laying landscape fabric on the newly prepared soil—either before or after laying the subbase—will keep both weeds and large burrowing critters from coming through your turf. You can also spray a homemade weed killer and allow it to sit for several days to ensure the weed roots are gone for good.
Prep Your Grass
Rolls of artificial turf need some time to unwind and open up before you secure them to the ground. As you're planning to lay the subbase and pull up final signs of weeds, roll out the artificial turf in the sun for at least 30 to 60 minutes.
Lay the Subbase
The subbase material under your turf both stabilizes the rolls of grass and assists with drainage. Check with your artificial manufacturer for the proper type of subbase to use. Common options include road base, crushed miscellaneous base (CMB), or decomposed granite or limestone.
Lay between 2 and 4 inches of subbase with your mini excavator or with a larger shovel. Tamp down the base so it is even and slightly sloped away from your home's foundation
Fit and Trim the Artificial Grass
Photo: Christine Bird / Adobe Stock
Transfer each roll of artificial grass over your lawn and begin to fit it into place. Push the edges of the grass rolls up against the perimeter and trim the turf to size. You can do this by flipping the edge of the turf over and cutting it from the back with a box cutter or carpet knife. Leave at least one-quarter of an inch to be safe and to make final adjustments at the end.
If you are adding more than one roll, take a look at the next step. Otherwise, skip to step seven.
Lay Seam Tape (Optional)
Seam tape and turf adhesive help you avoid the dreaded space between rolls that makes it look less than natural. Also, be sure to match the direction of the grass on both rolls.
The edge of your turf should butt up against one another but not overlap. To pull this off, lay seam tape between the two rolls so the center of the strip sits just below the seam opening. Many rolls will include a line down the center for reference.
Spread the adhesive in an S shape down the tape, and then layer each side of the tuf over top to align with the center. Keep in mind that some turf adhesives require 24 hours before you can walk on the grass to keep it from shifting.
Secure the Edges
Move along the edge of your turf grass and either place a 7-inch galvanized turf stake or a turf staple every 6 inches. Use a rubber mallet to delicately hammer the nails or staples into the ground. While you never want the top to stick up from the ground, do not hammer it too deep into the ground. Otherwise, you could end up with a visible divot and pools of water.
Brush With Push Broom
At this point—and only if your adhesive is ready for foot traffic—use a hard-bristle brush to comb through the grass and encourage it to fully open up and accept the infill.
Add Infill
Photo: MartinPrescott / E+ / Getty Images
Infill is the finishing touch to artificial turf that keeps it looking like natural grass while weighing it down evenly at the same time. Yet again, check with your artificial turf manufacturer to ensure you choose the right weight, color, and material for your infill. In most cases, you can use a drop spreader to evenly layer your turf with infill.
Return With a Push Broom
Come back with that push broom to distribute the infill further and ensure it has properly sunk into the grass blades. Go over the turf once a week with the brook to remove debris and keep that infill balanced.
The cost of professional labor accounts for between $3 and $9 per square foot, but some professionals can help you cut costs on access to material bulk prices and will bring larger equipment and dumpsters to simplify the process.
Under artificial turf, you can lay a subbase, fabric weed barrier, or both. Subbased materials typically include a collection of decomposed limestone and granite or specifically mixed road base. The layer supports water drainage and keeps your artificial turf from sinking and pooling rainwater. If you’re unsure what to put under your artificial turf, call an artificial turf installer near you.
The best way to clean artificial turf is to use a stiff-bristled broom or rake to loosen up any large debris once a week. The process will also redistribute the infill material that keeps your turf blades standing up straight and evenly. For artificial turf maintenance, do not vacuum your turf or apply cleaning solutions. If you need to rinse the blades, spritz them with a light hose.
Tara brings over 15 years of residential landscape design experience to her customers as she owns, and operates a residential landscape design company in central Iowa. Her hobbies include spending time outdoors with her friends and family and creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
Tara brings over 15 years of residential landscape design experience to her customers as she owns, and operates a residential landscape design company in central Iowa. Her hobbies include spending time outdoors with her friends and family and creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
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