Avoid these common mistakes when installing artificial grass
Installing artificial grass yourself can save you a lot of money, compared to getting a contractor in. However, as with all trades, it's very easy to miss things and make mistakes. We see a lot of so called 'professionals' making avoidable mistakes all of the time.
In seeing this, we have decided to write a post to help you avoid making these mistakes when installing your artificial grass. This isn't a guide on how to install, however we have previously written about how to install artificial grass, we highly recommend checking that out too.
Uneven surfaces
While we want to keep a natural undulations in the lawn, we don’t want huge mounds under the grass as this could cause ripples or creases in the grass. Try to flatten out the area a good amount, but it doesn't need to be perfect (for the reasons stated above). You'll also want to make sure any organic matter (e.g. turf, flowers, weeds and roots) are removed before you start your base works.
Crafting the base
Crafting a good base is crucial to your install. If you use the wrong material, or overdo it, it may affect the drainage of your installation. Additionally, we use 50-60mm of base, a layer of MOT grade stone and then a layer of Granno or limestone dust to help smooth out the area and have no rocks or unwanted bumps sticking up. Using the wrong sand can slow drainage or create a surface that will become uneven very quickly.
Along with the above, If you are installing artificial grass beneath a play area, you may need to consider a shock pad, designed to meet the critical fall height standards in schools and play areas. However, shock pad if used where pets are will hold odours, so keep that in mind too. Only use it if essential.
Pile direction
This one is important, especially if there is a join as you won't be able to just turn the turf around if laid incorrectly. Ensure the grass is facing the house, or the area that the grass will be viewed from the most. Lay it out and check it is facing the right way, the check it again before you start securing down the grass. If facing the wrong way it my ruin your install.
Installing at the back; have the pile facing the house
Installing at the front: Have the pile facing away from the house, towards the road.
You may be using a multi directional grass that looks good from both sides. However, there is still somewhat of a pile direction, so the aforementioned still applies for these types of grass.
Securing the grass
It may seem like gluing the grass onto the edging is the best way to go for this however we don't recommend it. When securing down the artificial grass, there are three common ways to secure the grass down. Nails, U-Pins and the best method, screws. Screwing the grass to the edging will give the strongest bond with your edging, ensuring it stays securely in place for years to come. Nails and U-Pins can a lot easier raise out the grass, and aren't as strong. Furthermore, if you use the grass a lot with children or pets, using the strongest solution (screws) is your only good option when securing your grass down.
Throwing away offcuts
While not exactly relating to the install, keeping your offcuts (or some of them) is something everyone should do. There are two reasons for this which we will detail below.
- Fixing damage - Overtime, an area of your grass may get damaged. As much as having a square will be noticeable, at least if you use an offcut of the same grass and batch, the area that has been replaced will be less noticeable than if you get a non-matching grass.
- Chemical Testing - While artificial grass is low maintenance, it still requires some maintenance. But what chemicals are safe? There are a lot of cleaning products designed for artificial grass which are safe, but you may also see 'maintenance life hacks' online too. It is always best to test any chemical on an offcut before you use it on your grass. Simply put, an untested chemical may ruin your grass resulting in more trouble than it's worth. While most products will be fine, it's better to check and be safe than not check and be sorry.