Wondering what goes under artificial turf? You’re not alone. Many homeowners and property managers ask this question when considering a low-maintenance lawn option. At Artificial Turf Toronto, experts in synthetic grass installation, have the answers you need.
The key to a successful artificial grass installation is a properly prepared base. This base layer is crucial for drainage, stability, and the overall look of your new lawn. Without it, you might end up with a bumpy surface or water pooling issues.
A good base for artificial turf typically includes a few layers. You’ll need to remove existing grass or ground cover, then add a layer of crushed stone or gravel. On top of that, you’ll put a layer of finer material like decomposed granite.
This setup ensures your new lawn will look great and last for years, whether it’s for your outdoor space or an indoor area.
Preparing the Site
Getting the ground ready is a crucial first step for artificial turf installation. Proper site prep ensures your new lawn will look great and function well for years to come.
Excavation and Clearance
Start by removing any existing grass, weeds, or debris from the area. You can use a sod cutter to strip away old turf and roots. Dig out the soil to a depth of 7-10 cm. This makes room for the base materials.
Take out rocks, roots, and other objects that could affect the turf’s evenness. Apply a weed killer to stop future growth. Rake the area smooth and check for low spots.
Grade the soil away from buildings. This helps water flow away from structures. Use a plate compactor to firm up the soil. This prevents settling later on.
Ensuring Proper Drainage
Good drainage is key for artificial turf. Without it, water can pool and damage the lawn. Start by checking how water moves across your yard now.
If drainage is poor, you may need to add a system. Options include French drains or perforated pipes. These direct water away from the turf area.
For mild slopes, create a slight grade of 1-2%. This lets water run off naturally. In flat areas, add a layer of crushed stone as a base. This allows water to filter through.
Test the drainage by spraying water on the prepared area. Watch how it flows and adjust as needed. Proper drainage keeps your turf dry and stable.
Base and Sub-Base
A proper foundation is key for a long-lasting artificial turf installation. The base and sub-base provide stability and drainage for your artificial grass.
Materials for Stability
The sub-base is the bottom layer that supports your artificial turf. Common materials include:
- Crushed miscellaneous base (CMB)
- Decomposed granite
- Class II road base
- Limestone chippings
These materials allow water to drain while creating a stable surface. CMB is often cheaper but decomposed granite can provide better drainage. Aim for a 3-4 inch layer of your chosen material.
Above the sub-base, add a thin layer of fine sand or stone dust. This helps level out any small bumps or dips.
Compacting the Base
Proper compaction is crucial for a stable artificial turf surface. Here’s how to compact your base:
- Spread your sub-base material evenly
- Use a plate compactor to compress the material
- Add water to help with compaction
- Compact in multiple passes, going in different directions
- Check for low spots and add more material as needed
Aim for 90-95% compaction. This creates a solid foundation that won’t shift or settle over time. A well-compacted base prevents dips and bumps in your artificial grass.
Artificial Turf Components
Artificial turf is made up of several key parts that work together. These components affect how the turf looks, feels, and lasts over time.
Selecting the Turf Quality
The turf blades are a crucial part of artificial grass. They’re usually made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Each material has its own pros and cons:
• Polyethylene: Soft and natural-looking, great for homes
• Polypropylene: Tough and cheap, good for high-traffic areas
• Nylon: Very strong, best for sports fields
The blade shape matters too. U-shaped blades spring back up easily, while V-shaped ones look more like real grass. Thicker blades last longer but may feel less natural.
Turf density is also key. More blades per square metre mean a fuller look, but also a higher cost. For a natural feel, aim for at least 15,000 stitches per square metre.
Understanding Infill Types
Infill is the material spread between turf blades. It helps the blades stand up and adds cushioning. There are a few common types:
- Sand: Cheap and heavy, keeps turf in place
- Crumb rubber: Bouncy, good for sports
- Acrylic-coated sand: Less dusty than regular sand
- Cork: Natural and eco-friendly
The right infill depends on your needs. Sports fields need a bounce, while home lawns need a natural feel. Some newer turfs don’t need infill at all.
Infill depth matters too. Too little won’t support the blades, while too much can make the turf feel hard. Aim for about 2-3 cm of infill for most uses.
Picking the right turf and infill combo is key. It affects how your turf looks, feels and lasts. Think about where you’ll use it and what you need from it.
Installation Process
Installing artificial turf involves several key steps to ensure a stable and long-lasting result. The process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. We recommend hiring us for artificial turf installation, or if you live outside of the GTA such as in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, you should hire our partner Artificial Grass Kitchener to help with the installation.
Laying the Turf
Start by clearing the area of any debris or existing grass. Dig out the soil to a depth of 3-4 inches. This creates space for the sub-base materials. Pour a layer of crushed stone or gravel into the sub-base. Level it using a shovel and compact it with a plate compactor or tamper.
Next, roll out a weed barrier fabric over the sub-base. This helps prevent weeds from growing through your artificial grass. Unroll the turf on top of the weed barrier. Let it sit in the sun for a few hours to acclimate. This helps reduce wrinkles and makes the turf easier to work with.
Cut the turf to fit your space using a sharp utility knife. Leave a bit extra around the edges for trimming later. Make sure all pieces face the same direction for a uniform look.
Securing and Joining
To join separate pieces of turf, use seaming tape and adhesive. Place the tape under the edges where the two pieces meet. Apply adhesive to the tape and press the turf edges together firmly.
Secure the turf around the perimeter using landscape staples or nails. Space them about 6 inches apart. For a more permanent installation, you can use a special adhesive along the edges.
Trim any excess turf with a sharp knife for a clean finish. Brush the turf fibres upright with a stiff broom. This helps the grass look more natural and stand up properly.