How to Install a Artificial Turf

Artificial turf can be a good replacement for a lawn. Not only does it cost less to maintain each year, it saves a homeowner a lot of money by reducing water costs. Artificial turf is a choice for homeowners who love the look of grass but who do not love the frequent maintenance that goes along with it. Furthermore, it is a good choice if you would like to have a safe play area for kids or pets. Although it may be more expensive to buy artificial turf compared to natural grass, it can pay off due to the savings from replanting, mowing, weeding, fertilizing and watering.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovel
• Sand
• Pea stone or gravel
• Wheelbarrow (to carry the gravel)
• Rake
• Tamper or soil compactor
• Artificial turf
• Utility knife
• Steel pins

1. Measure the length and width of the area where you will be putting the artificial turf.

2. Order the artificial turf through an online retailer or superstore like Home Depot. Artificial turf comes in large rolls, such as 15 x 25 feet. It's cheaper to buy in bulk.

3. Prepare the location where the artificial turf is going to be placed. Remove the natural lawn (if applicable), debris, weeds, tree stumps and dead roots from that part of yard.

4. Dig into the top soil about 6 inches deep to expose the sub-soil. Make sure that the area of sub-soil is level.

5. Create a mixture of sand with pea stone or gravel. This will be your base.

6. Pour the sand and pea stone mixture. This mixture will help with drainage when it rains. Spread the mixture with a rake.

7. Use a soil compactor to tamp down the sand and pea stone mixture to compact the base.

8. Lay down the artificial turf. Cut the corners and edges to size using a sharp utility knife or pruning shears.

9. Secure the artificial turf in place with steel pins at the corners and edges.

10. Start enjoying your newly installed artificial turf right away. There's no waiting time after installation. Depending on the size of the area, this can take from 5 hours for an 800-sq ft yard to prepare the soil and for installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your artificial turf clean after a dog urinates by washing the urine down with water.
• Remove the leaves and debris using a blower.
• Put a sign of "No Smoking or Don't Throw Cigarette Butts" on your artificial turf if you expect visitors or passersby who smoke. Artificial turf can get burned, so necessary precautions must be taken.