Artificial turf has become very popular for outdoor applications including: landscape projects, commercial projects and sports applications. Installing this artificial turf correctly makes a major difference in the look, feel and life of the turf. On Deck Sports always suggests using a professional installation team for artificial turf. If you do decide to install the turf yourself, make sure to follow these instructions.
Ground Preparation
- Before installing the turf, it is important that the ground on which the turf will be laid is smooth and firm. Remove any bumps, roots, rocks, sticks or any other debris to ensure a flat surface and pack down to make it firm.
- Make sure that the new surface is 5 inches below the existing surface, because you will need to account for 4 inches of the crushed rock base.
Crushed Rock Base Preparation
There should be a layer of finely crushed stone (where the rocks are ¼ " size) between the dirt surface and the new turf. This serves as a drainable base. Depending on where you live, this may have different names. The most common are: ¼" minus compacted aggregate, road base, chat or decomposed granite. When buying the finely crushed stone, you will want to get enough to equate to a 4-inch thick layer, leaving 1 inch below the desired surface height. You want to spread this as evenly as possible (with rake), compact it (with vibratory plate compactor or other device to about 90 - 95%), lightly soak it with water and then pass over it again.
Turf Preparation and Installation
Before cutting the turf to fit the area, start by simply laying the piece or pieces of turf over the area. There are two important considerations when laying two or more separate pieces or rolls of turf in the same area: Turf grain should go in same direction Make sure the grain is running in the same direction, before cutting. When cutting the turf for straight edges, use the tufted rows (the lines on the backing) as guides for ensuring a straight cut. Also, make sure that these tufted rows are aligned, going the same direction. Ensure Good Seams To stabilize two pieces of turf together, we recommend using "seaming fabric" (available to purchase at On Deck Sports) with adhesive applied to it.
- Once the pieces of turf are cut to the desired shapes and sizes, place them over the area with the tuft rows matched up properly.
- Hammer a nail within a foot or so of the edge of the turf where the seam will be to stabilize it.
- Roll back the edges of the turf which will eventually be joined together.
- Place some sort of weight on the folded back pieces to hold them down while laying the seaming fabric.
- Lay fabric and pour on adhesive. Follow included adhesive instructions.
- Lay edges of turf back over adhesive. Add weight and let dry.
Securing Your Turf
Secure your turf by using 6" spikes around the seams (every four inches), around the edges (every foot) and sporadically throughout the middle.
Installing the Infill (If your turf requires infill)
Infill can be sand, rubber pellets or a combination of both. Its purpose is to support the fibers and provide bulk to the turf to weigh it down.
- Brush the fibers so they are standing as straight up as possible. For larger areas, ask your sales representative about using a power broom.
- Spread Infill evenly over turf with a drop spreader like you would use to spread fertilizer.
- Read the description of your turf to find the amount of infill needed.
- In between spreading layers of infill, use a broom to brush it into the fibers.
- The infill should total ¾ of the height of the blade, leaving ¼ inch of fiber exposed above the infill.
Long-Term Maintenance
A leaf blower can be used to clear debris and dust. Do not use a leaf blower if you have infill in your turf, this will displace the infill and leave bare spots. Every few months, you will want to sweep or brush the turf so that the fibers continue to stand up. Power Brooms may save considerable time on larger areas of turf.
