Ready to transform your outdoor space with a beautiful, low-maintenance synthetic lawn? Follow these 12 steps for a professional-quality artificial grass installation that ensures proper drainage, durability, and a lush, natural look that lasts for years.
This guide covers site base preparation, synthetic turf installation, and tips for finishing touches. At the bottom of this page, you'll also find a list of recommended tools to help you get started, plus videos featuring Dave, who demonstrates each step in detail.
Remove 3-4 inches of existing sod and soil.
Cap or remove any existing sprinklers.
Establish a rough grade to promote drainage.
Spread 2-2½ inches of drain rock evenly over the area.
Hose down the area, then compact to 90% using a vibrating plate compactor.
Lay 1-1½ inches of class II road base or decomposed granite.
Compact the material thoroughly to create a firm, stable base.
If your installation area previously had significant weed growth, consider adding a weed barrier fabric over the base.
In many cases, weed barriers aren't necessary and you can install turf directly over the compacted base.
Hose down the base layer again.
Compact to 90% for a solid foundation.
Make sure the base is level and smooth, with a slight grade for drainage.
Unroll the artificial grass with the blades facing down.
Let it acclimate under the sun for 1-2 hours. This helps the turf relax and makes it easier to work with.
Lay the turf over the prepared base and adjust it into position.
Using a carpet knife or razor blade, trim any excess turf from the backside (approximately 3 stitches in from the sides).
Cut the turf to fit the area accurately.
Fasten one end of the turf with 40D or 60D Bright Common nails (5-6 inches long) spaced 3-4 inches apart along the edges.
Stretch the turf taut across the installation area.
Place additional nails every 12-24 inches in the center and every 3-4 inches around the perimeter to secure the turf properly.
Line up the turf edges so that the grain runs in the same direction.
Apply seaming tape with adhesive to the underside of the turf.
Align the seams carefully and secure them using 6"x1"x6" staples spaced 4 inches apart along the seam line.
Make sure the seams are tight, consistent, and flush with the surface.
Power broom the turf to lift the blades.
Use a drop spreader to apply the recommended infill evenly across the surface.
Gently rake or broom the infill so it settles into the base of the turf.
Note: Only use manufacturer-recommended infill. Never use regular sand.
Power broom the turf again so the blades stand upright.
Trim any excess turf fibers with carpet scissors.
Clean the surrounding area with a leaf blower or broom for a tidy finish.
If your area has issues with gophers or moles, install a wire mesh barrier before adding base materials. This step helps prevent damage to your artificial lawn. While some regions may not have problems with underground pests, a wire mesh can be a valuable addition if gophers or moles are common in your area.
Let the turf acclimate under the sun for at least 1-2 hours before installation.
Always stretch and secure the turf taut to prevent wrinkles.
Maintain consistent turf grain direction throughout the project.
Use a perimeter bender board to define the edges and protect against soil and debris.
One yard of base material covers approximately 80 sq. ft. at 4 inches depth.
Never drive nails too deep into the base, as this can cause visible dips.
Follow all manufacturer recommendations for infill materials and application rates.
Melting: Reflective windows on the south or west side of your home can magnify sunlight and damage turf. Install protective window coatings to avoid this.
Weather: Our artificial grass withstands rain, snow, and high winds. In direct sun, it may feel warm to the touch but will not retain heat like rocks or concrete.
Pet Smell: Use ZeoFill to neutralize odors from pet waste. Its unique molecular structure helps eliminate ammonia and keeps your lawn fresh.
