Gone are the days when mowing the lawn was a regular chore amongst all gardeners. Artificial grass has fast become a favorite and paved the way with new fashions and low maintenance solutions for the new home owner as well as for corporate and commercial usage.
There are different types of modern technologies and techniques used for the best artificial grass installation. Professionals in the industry carry out these techniques to deliver seamless finish. Although you can lay your artificial lawn yourself it is advisable to have the grass installed by professionals in the industry to avoid any costly mistakes.
The beauty of artificial grass installation is that it can by laid on almost any surface area. From concrete, wooden decking to flat roofs.
The grass itself comes in long sheets that’s are cut into different shapes and into stripes depending on the type of project. The process of artificial grass installation allows for changes needed to complete the final result required for the project.
Here at Bristol Artificial Lawns we are the official South West supplier of Gorilla Grass. As well as offering of variety of different types of artificial grass we also offer an installation service for all of our clients. All of our installations are carried out by our trained team of professionals who are experts in the industry.
Looking for a comprehensive DIY artificial grass installation guide for your home or garden? To help you out we have put together the ultimate guide on how to lay the artificial grass. The step-by-step guide includes detailed installation instructions for each step so you can easily map out your garden before you purchase grass from us. This way you can be sure that you are following all the best practices for laying artificial grass on grass or soil.
Alternatively, you can also contact us for installation services. Our in-house team of artificial grass installers provides professional artificial lawn installation services in the Bristol area, saving you both time and effort with an unbeatable finish for your residential or commercial garden space. For more information, get in touch with our team at Bristol Artificial Lawns.
DIY Guide to Fake Grass Installation
Step 1- Plan The Installation
If you haven’t done so already, the first step to artificial grass installation is to plan out and measure your garden to determine how much artificial lawn and other jointing material you will need. Roughly calculate the amount in your order to prevent a high amount of waste and cut-offs. This will also ensure that you don’t spend more than you need to, keeping the project cost under control.
To help you measure the grass lawn, there are several helpful mobile apps. However, we suggest using the old-fashioned measuring tape to measure the garden. Do it several times to ensure you get the right calculation.
Step 2 – Ground Preparation
Soil – Existing Lawn:
If you are replacing the existing natural turf, your first job will be to dig out and remove the old soil base to a depth of approximately 40 mm. Use a flat shovel or for a large area, use a mechanical turf cutter.
To lay the base, spread a layer of sharp sand over the area to a depth of 35 mm. Even this out using a trowel and straight edge and compact using a heavy builders plan. For large areas, you can use a powered vibrating plate compactor.
Make sure you pay close attention to this step as it is one of the most critical before you install your artificial lawn. If the need arises, we suggest you re-compact several times until you remove all the dips from the land.
Concrete:
On concrete land, remove any loose debris and make sure the surface is completely dry. You will not be required to do any geotextile on the concrete base. Simply place the carpet in the correct position and join if necessary. Don’t forget to trim the edges and pull back the carpeting exposing the concrete base and apply adhesive in long strips at centres in the direction of the slope of the concrete.
Crushed Stone Base:
The stone surface should be well compacted and free drainage if possible. If the crushed stone is difficult to grade, we recommend spreading and leveling 35 mm of sharp sand.
Step 2 – Laying The Weed Membrane
Before installing artificial grass, lay the geotextile making sure that all the edges are in line with the proposed grass edge. Ensure that all separate pieces are overlapped by 300 mm. Take the artificial grass and lay it over the proposed area, making sure the rolls are all smooth and all the piles face the same direction.
Step 3 – Trimming
Using a Stanley knife, trim the edges of the artificial lawn to the desired shape. To make the cutting easier, fold the excessive carpet and push it down firmly along the edge.
Step 4 – Joining
Trim the edges of the carpet to produce a neat edge for joining.
Take a piece of white backing tape and lay it between the rolls of grass carpet with the shiny side down and secure it with a couple of pins. Mix the adhesive properly and spread it from the edge of the backing tape. Fold over the carpet onto the adhesive, ensuring that the fibres don’t get caught in the adhesive. Leave it to dry for 24 hours.
However, if the DIY process doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, get in touch with us today and have our contractors install the Bristol Artificial Lawns for you.
How to Maintain Artificial Grass And Keep It Looking Great Year Round
To ensure your artificial turf is kept in adequate condition and looks pristine year-round, some regular maintenance on your part is required. Firstly, we recommend that you brush it frequently to remove any soil, dirt, or debris. You should also hose down the new surface to remove any dust left over from the installation process. However, do not jet or pressure wash as this will remove any infill that is present.
Avoid brushing the fibres with anything that has stiff metal bristles as this can tear your artificial grass creating unsightly rips and holes. Instead, always use a brush with regular stiff natural bristles to keep the fibres straight and even. This will also ensure their longevity and keep them healthy-looking.
Avoid placing hot items like barbecues directly on the surface. You should also prevent smoking near the artificial grass as stubbing the cigarette on the grass will damage the fibres. It will also cause a nasty odour of melting plastic.
in the event of snowfall, let the snow melt naturally and avoid using chemical de-icers on the fake grass. Trying to force snow and ice from your artificial grass can damage and tear the individual fibres, making the grass appear thinner and patchy in appearance.
While artificial grass is pet and child friendly, we recommend that you don’t let your dog dig up the surface or pull the edges of the artificial turf. We also advise that you remove the dog feces as soon as possible by hosing down the area and gently brushing as required. During dry periods, weekly hosing down is highly recommended to flush out any residues.
Contact Bristol Artificial Lawns For A Quote Today
We are the top providers of artificial turf in Bristol. If a DIY project is not your thing, we recommend that you contact us for artificial grass installation by our expert team. We will not only lay artificial grass using the best methods, but apply only high-quality material to ensure your garden lasts you years to come.
If you would like to discuss your requirements with a member of our Bristol Artificial Lawns team, get in touch today and we will happily advise you further. We also offer a call out consultation to give you accurate advice and quotes for your project.