If you want to install synthetic turf quickly, easily and with precision we have a simple to follow process that is sure to make the do-it-yourself installer pleased with their results. If you follow the steps outlined below, you are sure to have a quality artificial lawn that looks as real as traditional sod installations.

First things first: Measure the area you are going to install twice. There is nothing worse than ordering turf and being fully prepared only to not have enough turf to meet your needs. Turf typically comes in rolls 15 feet wide. Ask your turf supplier how wide the rolls are as some are 12 feet wide. If you are getting a standard size, 15 feet wide, each linear foot ordered equals 15 square feet. Most turf suppliers fulfill orders by the linear foot.

Once you have measured the area you need to consider a seaming plan. Turf typically runs vertically or horizontally. Deciding how you want the turf to run can minimize the amount of turf you need or increase the overall square footage required. Consider your seaming plan based on the 15 foot width of turf. For example, if you have a perfectly shaped rectangular yard for turf, 30 feet wide by 60 feet long, you can lay the turf vertically or horizontally without waste. However, if the area to be installed is 20 feet wide by 60 feet long, the turf would need to be installed vertically to avoid waste.

Now that your seaming plan is in order, you need to excavate the area to be installed. We suggest excavating the area to a depth of 4 inches. Grade the excavated area smooth and install gopher wire on top if you have a gopher problem. You can add decomposed granite or, as we prefer, class II road base as a substrate. Order approximately 1 ton of base for every 100 square feet of area. Once the base is installed tamp it down and roll it smooth with a garden roller.

Weed barrier is the next step. Buy permeable weed barrier only and do not use weed barrier if you have dogs that will urinate on the turf frequently. The weed barrier is notorious for holding the smell of pet waste. Secure the weed barrier in place with sod staples or nails.

Lay your turf down according to your seaming plan, cut where necessary and secure the turf down at the seams and the perimeters only with 4-6 inch galvanized nails or sod staples.

Once the turf in secured down. You will need to install the infill. You can use silica sand as an infill product. Use about 1.5 to 3 lbs. of sand per square foot and spread the infill with a push fertilizer spreader.

Once the infill is laid down you can rent a power broom or use a hand broom to brush the turf upright and allow the infill to settle.