Placing down the artificial turf

Artificial grass isn’t the low-grade, rigid, bright-green turf it used to be. Today, we can use artificial turf for gardens, sports areas, and stadiums. It’s becoming more popular thanks to its low maintenance and realistic, natural appearance. Our helpful blog will guide you through all the steps of removing your old turf and replacing it with artificial grass!

How to Install Artificial Grass Step By Step

1. Remove Your Turf

There are a few ways to remove sod, depending on the thickness and composition of your lawn and the soil underneath. You can lift it manually, sliding a shovel underneath and pulling it up. To make things easier, you can use turf instead. Sod cutters remove turf in neat, even strips. You can roll these strips up so you can get rid of them or you can relay them on another surface.

You need to remove at least two inches of turf for the best results. Once you have removed the sod, you can also clear any weeds and obstacles like large stones and bricks. When the area is ready, you can compact the ground using a compactor or our guide to laying fake grass.

2. Create an edge

If you don’t have a natural edge, like a wall or fence, you might need some edging. Lawn edging is easy to install, and there are loads of great styles and designs to choose from. You can find what suits your garden best, and place it around the perimeter or borders. Edging creates clean, crisp lines that look fantastic.

3. Form a base layer

You now need to create a solid base for your artificial turf. Builder’s sand, granite dust, or stone are all suitable. A base layer of stone or granite should be around 6mm deep. If you are using sand, don’t create a surface deeper than 20mm. 

4. Level the base layer

It is vital to compact your base layer thoroughly. If you don’t, your artificial turf won’t sit level, which ruins the effect. An uneven surface can also cause drainage and subsidence problems further down the line. Again, use a wacker plate, garden roller, or timber to level the area.

5. Lay membrane protection

The last thing you want is for weeds or pests to penetrate under the artificial turf once you have fitted it to the ground. It’s a good idea to install a membrane on top of your base layer for that extra added protection. Overlap membrane joints by over 300mm and use gaffer tape to stick them down for the best results. Secure the layer into place using 4-inch galvanised steel nails. Place a nail around the perimeter every 0.75mm.

6. Placing down the artificial turf

Unlike natural grass, the blades on artificial turf have an angle and don’t stand straight up. The look of the grass changes depending on different angles. Roll the artificial turf out with the pile leaning towards the main viewpoint, whether that’s your house, patio, or summerhouse. Installing the turf this way results in the most natural look. As the pile is directional, every roll should face the same way. Once you have covered the whole surface, allow the turf to settle for at least three hours. It needs to settle to avoid any wrinkling or creasing.

7. Make joints & trim the edges

Join the different sections of turf together. If you’re joining rolls side by side, fold the edges back and apply to join tape to the surface underneath. Then, fold the turf back over and apply some pressure. If you’re joining rolls end to end, pull the edges back by about 300mm. Put the tape in place, and stick the section with the pile running away from the seam down first. Next, stick town the turf that has the pile running over the edge of the seam. Leave a 2mm – 3mm gap, as anything more or less can result in a poor seam.

You can cut off any excess with a craft knife. Make sure you don’t trim any blades, as that will result in a bad seam or edge. Always cut away from your body to avoid injury.

8. Pin the turf

As artificial grass doesn’t have any roots to take hold, you need to fix it. You should install pins along the edges; every 20 – 25cm should be the optimum distance. You may see where the pins are at first, but if you ruffle up these areas, it should make the turf look more natural.

 Compact the base for the artificial turf

The next step in the installation of your fake turf is to create the perfect base. It’s best to use finely crushed rock as the base of your artificial turf.

Crushed rock can be found easily in most major hardware stores throughout London, and it costs about £30 per metre square.

Evenly spread the crushed rock base. You can use a rake to lay the sub-base as flat as possible.

After you feel like it’s good enough, it’s time for you to use a compactor to compact the base. A vibrating plate will be the best for the job.

3. Form a base layer

You now need to create a solid base for your artificial turf. Builder’s sand, granite dust, or stone are all suitable. A base layer of stone or granite should be around 6mm deep. If you are using sand, don’t create a surface deeper than 20mm. 

4. Level the base layer

It is vital to compact your base layer thoroughly. If you don’t, your artificial turf won’t sit level, which ruins the effect. An uneven surface can also cause drainage and subsidence problems further down the line. Again, use a wacker plate, garden roller, or timber to level the area.

5. Lay membrane protection

The last thing you want is for weeds or pests to penetrate under the artificial turf once you have fitted it to the ground. It’s a good idea to install a membrane on top of your base layer for that extra added protection. Overlap membrane joints by over 300mm and use gaffer tape to stick them down for the best results. Secure the layer into place using 4-inch galvanised steel nails. Place a nail around the perimeter every 0.75mm.

6. Placing down the artificial turf

Unlike natural grass, the blades on artificial turf have an angle and don’t stand straight up. The look of the grass changes depending on different angles. Roll the artificial turf out with the pile leaning towards the main viewpoint, whether that’s your house, patio, or summerhouse. Installing the turf this way results in the most natural look. As the pile is directional, every roll should face the same way. Once you have covered the whole surface, allow the turf to settle for at least three hours. It needs to settle to avoid any wrinkling or creasing.

7. Make joints & trim the edges

Join the different sections of turf together. If you’re joining rolls side by side, fold the edges back and apply to join tape to the surface underneath. Then, fold the turf back over and apply some pressure. If you’re joining rolls end to end, pull the edges back by about 300mm. Put the tape in place, and stick the section with the pile running away from the seam down first. Next, stick town the turf that has the pile running over the edge of the seam. Leave a 2mm – 3mm gap, as anything more or less can result in a poor seam.

You can cut off any excess with a craft knife. Make sure you don’t trim any blades, as that will result in a bad seam or edge. Always cut away from your body to avoid injury.

8. Pin the turf

As artificial grass doesn’t have any roots to take hold, you need to fix it. You should install pins along the edges; every 20 – 25cm should be the optimum distance. You may see where the pins are at first, but if you ruffle up these areas, it should make the turf look more natural.

9. Apply sand

You can apply a kiln sand dressing to achieve the most natural finish. 6 – 8kg of sand per square metre should be just right. You can spread the sand throughout the turf just using a brush. As the pile can sometimes sit flat after being rolled up, brushing against the fibres can also liven it up

10. All year-round green garden

That’s that! You can now enjoy a space that has a lush look all year round! Artificial turf is almost maintenance-free, and it can last for years as long as you treat it well.

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Jodie Rose

Just left us a 5 star review

google

A huge thank you to Nithi and his team. Was a smooth process from start to finish , great support and information given. The team showed up at 10am and worked non stop all day! They finished around 5pm. The garden is amazing and totally unrecognisable! All my neighbours are commenting on it and considering using the company themselfs. It’s really made the world of difference for our family already. Thanks so much guys you have been amazing! Pictures of before and after

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What fantastic service from the team. Punctual, professional, and very tidy. Fantastic installation - very pleased with the result. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone thinking of installing artificial grass

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I have had problems with my turf for the last 4 years and been laid three times found no solution but to look at the option of astroturf. Having 5-6 different surveys, Saygrass was the most consultive understanding and understanding of my concerns having two dogs. From completing the survey I managed to receive a quote within 15 minutes. After booking installation was complete in 2 weeks. The team were friendly experienced knowledgeable and complete the job in less than half a day. There was no mess and advised me on maintenance and aftercare. Can 100% highly recommend Saygrass, fantastic service .

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Saygrass did a great job. Nitii and team were professional , on time and friendly. Fully recommend this company. Happy with our new garden - Amazing work - 5 star

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The Saygrass team were extremely professional from start to finish, and I am very impressed by the quality of the work carried out, and the short duration it took them to accomplish this. The price was also considerably favourable.

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Fantastic job from start to finish - highly recommended!

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From start to finish the process was hassle free. Very well priced. Lads very good and very quick at their job. Very pleased.

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Amazing work highly professional workers good materials with incredible result I am recommending the company

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I would not hesitate in recommending this company. I never do reviews but these guys more than deserve a glowing review. Process was really clear from the start. The guys worked so hard and I couldn't believe how much they got done on day one. Great value for money and super quality work. Can't wait to enjoy my new garden!

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Saygrass did a great job in my garden at a good price. Elly provided the best customer service - she was available to help throughout the entire process. I would recommend being present from start to finish to ensure things are being done exactly to your liking as there were a couple of things I wished were done a little differently - but nothing that has impinged on my enjoyment of the garden. I would use this company again.

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Good pre service , excellent work on the ground. Finish looks great

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Did a amazing job very happy

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I had my garden done in fake grass and my slabs done at my front and so happy with it

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We had our artificial grass done couple of years ago. It was great, they did a great job at a competitive price. We had maintenance service afterwards, again it was well done and efficient, at a reasonable price. 5 star and trustworthy. Thank you!

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So pleased with our new grass. The work and preparation put in before they laid the grass was amazing. The guys worked really hard throughout. Highly recommended.

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Extremely grateful for the service we have had from you has been impeccable from receiving the free samples right through to your help and advice with installation.Excellent customer service, we couldn't be more pleased with the results. Will most definitely recommend you.Thanks ones again for all your help.

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Genuinely I cannot make one single complain about this company. Genuine, honest, and professional people from start to the end. The quality of the grass is just outstanding, and the customer service went far and beyond to ensure I got what I asked for, I cannot recommend you enough. Amazing work, thank you so much Neeru for your hospitality throughout. Very helpful !

google

Elly came round and done some measurements and explained everything with great detail. I'm a very visual person and elly took her time to help me understand what could be done and the potential my garden has. I had absolutely no knowledge in landscape,patios and artificial grass but now I feel so comfortable with garden being handed over to say grass :)

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Very friendly and professional

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A M
5.0

This company is amazing. They go above and beyond your expectations. They are just too good.They laid my grass very very nicely and properly levelled the ground and everything else connected with the job was done to a very high standard. After completion they swept my garden and left everything very neatly. They are very polite and explain everything in detail. Owner and his team are genuine nice people.

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I've only used the service for a free quote for a start and I very certainly will recommend it. I chanced on to the site while I was surfing the net for an artisan service. Now, I can gauge if I'm offered value for my money. More people need to know about this type of service. And also, the rep that came over to guage the job was very professional and represented well. Good job 👏 👍🏾 👌

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Turned my nightmare mess of a garden into a dream garden! I can’t stop looking at it!

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Had a maintenance clean for my artificial lawn. The guys were very thorough, patient and professional. They didn’t complain or rush the job even though the work took longer than anticipated as I hadn’t had a maintenance service for a long while. I will use SayGrass annually going forward.

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At a little loss for words, spoke with a lovely person call Neeru. The initial conversation was positive, great phone etiquette. Was given an immediate price point as a reference. Upon searching around, they were the cheaper deal by at least 1k! I needed a quick turnaround too, Neeru was able to organise and get everything sorted within a week! Honestly shocked at the incredible speed of service, the people who came to complete the job were cordial, laid floor covers down to protect my floors and even swept up after they were done. Some things are expected, but this whole process has shown me that there are just some bits of class and customer service you can’t put a price on. Will be using them for every bit of Garden work from here on out!

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Very professional service, completed driveway on time and to a good standard. Will definitely use their services again.

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Saygrass provided me with garden fencing and clearance. I was told that it would take two days and they kept their word. I am pleased and happy with the outcome and would gladly use them again as well as recommend them to family and friends.

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These guys were incredible! They did the whole job in a day, were very communicative and reliable. They have got to be the go-to company for artificial turf. With over 7 years in the industry they know what they are doing.

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