What do I need to install artificial grass?
On this page you will find everything you need to know about the materials and tools required to install artificial grass yourself. If you purchase Royal Grass® inclusive of installation, the installer will bring all these materials. Naturally, the costs of these materials are included in the quotation. If you are going to install the artificial lawn yourself, you need to buy all materials and tools yourself. You can find video tutorials on YouTube explaining how to install artificial grass.
Cloth underneath artificial grass
It is advisable to install a pressure distribution cloth underneath artificial grass. This cloth has a number of benefits. First of all, it protects the sand layer from damage during installation. The sand layer will stay even and smooth. It also protects it against point loads after the installation of your artificial turf. A cloth under your artificial grass prevents weeds and ants. The surcharge for a pressure distribution cloth is a very small price to pay considering the many benefits.
Underlay of artificial grass
For added comfort and safety, it is possible to use a soft underlay underneath the artificial lawn. This underlay can consist of different materials. Usually it is made of recycled rubber or foam. A layer of foam is not always necessary. However, if you install a playing field on top of a hard surface, such as tiles, concrete or asphalt, we do recommend you to use it for the safety of your child. For public applications, such as restaurants, day nurseries or schools, it is usually even obligatory. The costs of a foam layer can mount considerably. Please seek expert advice.
Seam tape for artificial grass
Different strips or lanes of artificial grass are connected (glued) with each other by means of seam tape. There are two different methods. The latest development is the use of self-adhesive seam tape. The tape is rolled under the artificial grass where the seams need to be connected. Simply remove the foil and press the artificial grass firmly on the tape. The advantage of this self-adhesive tape is that it can be used in a quick, clean and easy manner.
Another method is the use of glue and separate tape. The principle of the connection is the same. You have to roll the tape under the different strips of artificial grass. Then you apply the adhesive (glue) with a spatula yourself. The adhesive power of this glue is extremely high. We recommend this for artificial lawns that will be used intensively. Be careful not to spill any glue on your artificial grass, because it is not easy to remove when you do.
Filler sand for artificial grass
Spreading sand on the artificial grass carpet after it has been rolled out is optional (except in case of a number of grass types that are filled with sand by default). The purpose of the sand is to put some extra weight on the artificial grass carpet. The sand offers stability and protects the carpet backing during intensive use. Thanks to the weight, the artificial grass carpet stays in place and there will be no wrinkles or creases due to use. In addition the sand locks the fibres in and makes them stand upright.
Do not confuse filler sand with ‘soil’. Filler sand has been developed specifically for this purpose. Artificial grass that has been filled with this sand will remain an almost maintenance-free and clean surface. The sand does not contain organic materials and therefore is no fertile soil for weeds. The sand does not retain moisture, so will not turn into mud. After rainfall, the grass will quickly be dry and clean again. The sand is ‘heavy’. It will not be blown out of the carpet and you will not take the sand with you into your home.
When used intensively, for instance as a playing field for children, we advise you to spread a thin layer of filler sand. This will prolong the lifespan of the lawn. The amount of sand to use depends on the type of product (minimum of approx. 5 kg per m2). Make sure to get the right type of sand (dried, round-grain silica sand) as not every type of sand is suitable.
Fixing the artificial grass
If you use filler sand, as described above, you do not have to secure the artificial grass any further. The weight of sand will keep the grass carpet in its place. Even without sand, artificial grass is often heavy enough to stay put without having to be secured. The way it is used plays an important role of course. An artificial lawn for aesthetic purposes will not be trodden on as much as a playing field for children.
However, it is still important that the foundation, the surface on which the artificial grass is installed, is somewhat lower than the borders. This way you will prevent stumbling because your feet get caught behind the grass near the border. If this does happen, it is advisable to secure the grass at the side of the borders with iron pins or flat tent pegs.
There is another problem in the case of balconies or roof terraces: wind. The advantage of artificial grass on balcony or a roof top terrace is that you can glue the carpet to the surface, if needed. (Please note: do not glue on bitumen without expert advice, this can cause damage to the roof with disastrous consequences.)
Tools for artificial grass
You do not need a lot of tools to install artificial grass. However, a sharp knife (Stanley knife) is essential. Artificial grass is delivered in a rectangular shape and will almost always have to be cut to size. The underlying cloth and/or underlay need to be cut to size with a sharp knife as well.
If you use self-adhesive tape, you do not need any tools to glue the seams. When you are using separate glue and seam tape, you will need tools to mix the glue and a spatula to spread the glue over the seam tape.
The specialist uses a special spreading cart to spread the sand. However, we do not recommend you to purchase one for private use. You can spread the sand manually.
