How To Fit Your Artificial Grass?

1. What you will need to get started

• Sub-base (8-0-4 crushed gravel/limestone or MOT Type 1)
• Quarry dust or Sharp Sand
• Compactor (roller or whacker plate)
• Weed membrane (optional but recommended)
• Artificial grass
• Sharp knife (e.g. Stanley knife)
• Artificial grass adhesive (double sided joining tape or adhesive)
• Spreader for adhesive
• Joining tape (double sided or non adhesive)
• U-Pin Nails + Hammer
• Shovel + Long handle hoe + Rake
• Stiff yard brush (not metal as this can damage the grass)

2. Base Preparation – For Soft Surfaces

1. Remove all surface vegetation and rocks to a depth of 4 inches (10cm) below your desired garden level. This can be done in smaller gardens with a shovel, long handle hoe and a rake but for larger areas renting a turf cutter would be recommended.
2. Before laying your sub-base ensure that water flows away from your home or garden shed.
3. A sub-base of 2-3 inches (5-7cm) is spread level and then compacted using a roller or whacker plate.
4. Layer 1 inch (2.5cm) of quarry dust / sharp sand on top of your sub-base and compress.
5. If weather conditions are dry, water the sub-base the day before installation of your artificial grass.
6. A weed membrane can be laid and fixed with u-pin nails at this stage to prevent vegetation growing up through the grass.

2.b Base Preparation – For Hard Surfaces

1. Remove all surface imperfections, thoroughly clean the area, removing all dirt, paint, grease or any residue that might prevent the adhesive from effectively securing the grass in place.
2. A weed membrane can be laid and fixed with masonry nails or adhesive at this stage to prevent vegetation growing up through the grass (optional but can help prevent windblown germination)

3. Roll Out Your Artificial Grass

1. Roll out your grass keeping the direction of the pile in mind (blades facing towards your home or main seating area is recommended for the most natural finish). If you have more than one roll for the same space this is crucial so that all grass runs in the same direction.
2. Pull the grass tight to make sure it is all laying flat on the surface and to remove all creases/folds.
3. For spaces with more than one roll, lay the rolls side by side, pulled tight to make sure when you cut your grass edges your cutting lines are straight and can be fitted tight together.

4. Joining The Seams

1. Cut your grass from the back using a sharp knife (Stanley blade), it is best to cut off the raw factory edge as these are not always perfectly straight. To help get a straight line cut between two lines of stitches ( you can also use a chalk line reel to assist in making a straight line). When lining up two rolls leave a seam gap of 2-3mm so that grass fibres do not get stuck in the joint.
2. There are two options for sealing your join lines, double -sided adhesive tape or non adhesive tape that requires glue to be spread on top of the tape to secure the join. Double sided tape is particularly great when the grass is being laid on hard surface areas such as concrete, decking, or paving.
3. Fold back both rolls of grass that you are looking to join and place your joining tape evenly between each. It can help to put a nail in either end of the joining tape to keep it fixed in place as you carefully fold the two edges back down onto the tape (ensuring you do not trap any grass fibres in the adhesive).
4. Push down all along your seam to ensure the glue sticks well onto the backing and then brush the fibres together to create a seamless finish.

5. Finish The Edges

1. Nail down the edges using your u-pin nails, spacing them out approx. 6-8 inches apart (15-20cm). Use adhesive or masonry nails for concrete or paving.

6. Finishing Touches

Lastly, brush the grass against the grain in order to bring up the pile, you can use a stiff yard brush (no metal bristles) or hire a power brush for this. While our grasses do not require infill, a small amount of silica sand can add weight to keep grass from shifting, aid in drainage, provide extra protection for the backing and overall increase longevity of your grass.

For more information on our grasses and accessories chat to a member of staff on 014600300 or via email at sales@homeoutdoors.ie

All our grass ranges are available to view in lifestyle settings at our Dublin showroom located at Robinhood Road, D22F437

And the best bit… ALL our grass styles and accessories are in stock and ready for immediate dispatch at incredible factory floor prices!