Ground Preparation
Before installing the
turf, it is important that the ground on which the turf will be laid is smooth
and firm. Remove any bumps, roots, rocks, sticks or any other debris to ensure
a flat surface and pack down to make it firm.
If the turf is going
to border a patio or some sort of concrete slab, make sure that the surface
is 5 inches below the top of the patio or driveway-like surface, because
you will need to account for 4 inches of the crushed rock base.
Crushed Rock Base Preparation
There should be a
layer of finely crushed stone (where the rocks are ¼ " size) between the
dirt surface and the new turf. This serves as a drainable base. Depending on
where you live, this may have different names. The most common are: ¼"
minus compacted aggregate, road base, chat or decomposed granite. When buying
the finely crushed stone, you will want to get approximately two tons of
this crushed stone per 100 square foot, which should equate to a 4 inch
thick layer, leaving 1 inch below the top of the patio/driveway. Obviously, you
want to spread this as evenly as possible (with rake), compact it (with
vibratory plate compactor or other device to about 90 - 95%), lightly soak it
with water and then pass over it again. Once this is done, add the finishing
layer of finely crushed stone and pack it down.
Turf Preparation and Installation
Before cutting the
turf to fit the area, start by simply laying the piece or pieces of turf over
the area. There are two important considerations when laying
two or more separate pieces or rolls of turf in the same area:
Grain should go in
same direction
Make sure the grain
is running in the same direction, before cutting. When cutting the turf for
straight edges, use the tufted rows (the lines on the backing) as guides for
ensuring a straight cut. Also, make sure that these tufted rows are aligned,
going the same direction.
Ensure Good Seams
To stabilize two
pieces of turf together, we recommend using "seaming fabric"
(available to purchase at On Deck Sports) with adhesive applied to it.
•
1. Once the pieces of turf are cut to the desired shapes and
sizes, place them over the area with the tuft rows matched up properly.
•
2. Hammer a nail within a foot or so of the edge of the turf where
the seam will be to stabilize it.
•
3. Roll back the edges of the turf which will eventually be joined
together.
•
4. Place some sort of weight on the folded back pieces to hold
them down while laying the seaming fabric.
•
5. Lay fabric and pour on adhesive. Follow included adhesive
instructions.
•
6. Lay edges of turf back over adhesive. Add weight and let dry.
Securing Your Turf
Secure
your turf by using 6" spikes around the seams (every four inches), around the
edges (every foot) and sporadically throughout the middle.
Return to Top
Installing the Infill
(If your turf
requires infill)
Infill can be sand,
rubber pellets or a combination of both. Its purpose is to support the fibers
and provide bulk to the turf to weigh it down.
•
1. Brush the fibers so they are standing as straight up as
possible.
•
2. Spread Infill evenly over turf with a drop spreader like you
would use to spread fertilizer.
•
3. Read the description of your turf to find the amount of infill
needed.
•
4. In between spreading layers of infill, use a broom to brush it
into the fibers.
•
5. The infill should total ¾ of the height of the blade, leaving ¼
inch of fiber exposed above the infill.
Long-Term Maintenance
A leaf blower can be
used to clear debris and dust. Every few months, you will want to sweep or
brush the turf so that the fibers continue to stand up. Power Brooms may save
considerable time on larger areas of turf.