How is Synthetic Turf Installed?

Thinking of swapping out your thirsty lawn for a vibrant, low-maintenance alternative? You’re not alone. Artificial turf is growing in popularity. If you’re wondering, “How is synthetic turf installed,” it might seem daunting, but it’s more approachable than you might think. Considering an upgrade to your football field? Check out our artificial football turf and discover the competitive artificial football turf cost we offer at Keystone Sports Construction.

Whether you’re picturing a backyard putting green, a play area for the kids, or just a lush green space, understanding the process of artificial turf installation can help you decide if it’s a project you can tackle yourself or if calling in the pros is the right move for you. It’s time to transform your lawn into the lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood.

Prepping Your Canvas: The Foundation Matters

Just like a beautiful painting needs a smooth canvas, artificial turf requires a level, stable foundation. Start by removing your existing lawn and digging down about 4 inches. This ensures you remove the grass, roots, and any lurking weeds. You don’t want those stubborn survivors poking through your new turf later on. Renting a sod cutter can be a back-saver for this step. It makes it quicker to remove the existing grass and leaves a more even surface.

Next, you’ll add a base layer, often class-2 road base rock, and compact it firmly. A heavy-duty roller comes in handy here. This base provides crucial drainage for your artificial lawns. No one likes a soggy lawn. Finally, add a thin layer of decomposed granite or sand for a smooth, level platform. You’ll thank yourself during the next step when laying the turf is a breeze.

Laying Your Artificial Turf: It’s Like a Giant Puzzle

With a prepped foundation, now comes the fun part – rolling out the green carpet. Unroll your artificial turf carefully, ensuring the blades are all facing the same direction. You want a uniform look, not a patchy mess. Take it from someone who’s been there.

Remember how a smooth base makes a difference? Here’s where you’ll see why. A bumpy base will translate to lumps and bumps in your beautiful new lawn. If you have multiple pieces, align the edges meticulously. Using a carpet cutter, trim the edges to fit your space perfectly, leaving a little extra to tuck against borders.

Pro Tip: Leave about a quarter-inch of space between the turf edges. Why? As temperatures fluctuate, your artificial turf expands and contracts.

The Finishing Touches: Securing the Perimeter

To keep the synthetic grass in place and avoid wrinkles, use turf nails or landscaping staples every 6 inches to fix the edges. For a natural, springy feel and to help the turf blades stand upright and resemble actual grass, filler must be applied. Each infill option—crumb rubber, silica sand, coated sand, and zeolite—has its own advantages. For a smooth, natural-looking finish, use a hard-bristle broom to brush it in after using a drop spreader for even distribution. A last rinse aids in dirt removal and infill settling.

After the installation is finished, you won’t have to water or mow your beautiful, low-maintenance lawn all year round. Installing artificial turf is one useful strategy to reduce lawn maintenance expenses. If you’re up for the challenge, mastering synthetic turf can transform your outdoor living space while saving you money in the long run.  

To learn more about our high-quality artificial field turf construction, visit our website and explore the wide range of services we offer. Ready to get the process started? Contact us today!