Three Keys To A Great DYI Turf Installation
Choosing the Right Turf Product
It would seem choosing the right artificial grass installation for your project is somewhat easy, but in reality it can be difficult. Most people tend to hold an artificial turf sample and make a choice based off of a few humanistic designations about what is perceived as “better” or “quality.” First, most people feel & stroke the grass blades of the turf sample like they would a new puppy, and often make a decision of purchase on how soft the product feels. Which in reality, you would think you want something that’s enjoyable to the touch. But, the touch or “hand” of the product is no indicator. Realistically, once the turf is installed you’ll never pet it again.
Plus, a product that is overly soft, once in warm sunlight, tends to fall over, or lay down. Buying a turf product that is a little stiff to the touch isn’t a bad idea. One of the biggest mistakes we see people make is choose a product that is too thick. Yes this goes against all that you’ve been taught that bigger and thicker is better, but in the case of synthetic lawns nothing could be further from the truth. We’ve found that a product FACE weight between 60oz to 70oz gives the most realistic look. Products that that are overly thick, tend to look like carpet, and do not have a disheveled natural grass look. Your best way to choose a product is view a larger sample on the ground standing at least 6’ away from the turf sample, and stare into the grain or fall of the grass blade.
Preparation & Base Work
The foundation of your installation is quite possibly the most important step. If your ground/base work is shoddy, uneven and has undulations and bumps, then this will show on the finished surface. Small bumps, depressions, and lack of contour will make your finished synthetic grass appear, well, very artificial looking. As well, making the installation surface completely pool table flat, also gives the impression of unnatural. Typically it’s best to have a slight crown to your surface. This crown can be very subtle or even prominent, and helps with water flowing and sheeting off the synthetic grass.
Installing turf the RIGHT way makes a difference.
There are some things you should know before you start to lay artificial grass. Because turf is manufactured like carpet, it has a grain, and by grain, we mean a direction in which the grass-blade(s) fall. It’s always best to have the fall of the grass blade lean toward the primary view. For example, you will want the fall of the grass blade to show toward oncoming traffic. When looking into the grain or fall of the blade(s) you perceive a richer, deeper color that resembles natural grass. Call us if you have questions about an install you may attempting on your own. We can walk you through many of the tricks to creating a perfect yard.