Welcome to the DIY guide for installing artificial turf by One Stop Turf Shop! This guide is designed to simplify the installation process into four sections: Getting Started, Preparation, Installation, and Care. Need more help? Reach out to us at onestopturfshop@gmail.com or call 843-732-1862

Important Note:

Please note that while this guide offers comprehensive instructions, One Stop Turf Shop does not guarantee specific outcomes. For specialized turf types or queries, consult with our sales representatives.

Required Tools: 

You'll need a variety of tools for your artificial turf installation, including digging implements like shovels and hoes, measuring tools like tape measures, and equipment for compacting and smoothing the ground such as plate compactors. Don't forget essentials like cutting knives and trimming shears for precise work. Many local home improvement stores offer tool rentals or consider renting power tools for added efficiency.

When planning the size of your artificial turf area, consider our turf rolls come in widths of 15 feet and lengths of up to 200 feet. To minimize seams, aim to cover your space with as few rolls as possible. Calculate your square footage by multiplying the width and length of your area. For example, a yard that's 30 feet wide and 60 feet long would be 1800 square feet. Since our rolls are 15 feet wide, it's often most efficient to purchase two 15-foot rolls that are 60 feet long. For personalized advice on layout and project planning, don't hesitate to reach out to your OSTS sales representative.

Bordering plays a crucial role in the installation process as it determines how your turf integrates with the rest of your landscaping, contributing to its overall aesthetic appeal. Customers and installers have employed various materials like decorative rock, mulch, trek boards, nailer boards, or bender boards to achieve this. The choice of bordering material is entirely at the discretion of the customer, allowing for imaginative and creative solutions.

When installing around trees, bushes, or utilities such as light poles and air conditioning units, it's imperative to mark these areas to accommodate the turf edges. It's recommended to leave a 6-inch radius area uncovered around the bases of trees, bushes, and structures to ensure proper integration.

Artificial turf has a specific directionality to its fibers, so it's essential to take note of the direction when unrolling the rolls. Once you've determined the desired direction for the fibers, it's crucial to maintain consistency by aligning the fibers of seamed pieces in the same direction. Failure to do so can result in a visually unappealing mismatch. Ensuring that all fibers are oriented in the same direction is a vital installation guideline to guarantee the best appearance for your turf.

Begin by measuring the width and length of each area using irrigation flags or landscape stakes. Once measured, use spray paint or chalk to mark the intended placement of your turf rolls. Remember to note the direction in which you've decided to lay the turf during your planning phase. Using a sod cutter, hoe, or shovel, trim away grass, sod, or any undesired vegetation from the designated areas. Clear out any excess topsoil present in the project area, and eliminate any large rocks or roots that you don't want. Your sales representative can offer tailored advice based on your location. Use a landscape rake to roughly level the areas where you'll be installing the turf. Afterward, lightly water the areas with a garden hose. Then, compact the soil using either a plate compactor or a heavy drum roller. Continue compacting the area with multiple passes until you're satisfied with the level of compaction.

To start installing a weed barrier for your turf, ensure the area is clean and level. Roll out the weed barrier fabric, making sure it covers the entire space with overlapping edges. Secure the edges and intervals with landscaping staples to keep it in place, preventing shifting or bunching. Smooth out any wrinkles for a flat surface. Once installed, the weed barrier will help prevent weed growth, maintaining the integrity and appearance of your turf over time.

The primary function of the base material is to facilitate drainage. It enables the turf to effectively drain water, often at rates of up to 30 inches per hour. For most artificial turf installations, it's recommended to use granite fines. One yard of granite fines covers roughly 200sqft when compacted to 2 inches.

*MAKE SURE YOU HAVE 2 INCHES OF SUBBASE AFTER COMPACTING IT AND BEFORE LAYING DOWN THE TURF*

To prepare a smooth, solid sub-base for your turf, use a sod roller or plate compactor to lightly compact it up to 90%. Keep the surface smooth and firm by adjusting compaction as needed. If there are depressions, fill them with screening or stone dust and compact again for a level finish. Repeat as necessary for the best appearance, though perfection isn't required for a great-looking turf.

After preparing the area, you're set to begin installation! Roll out the turf on a clean, level surface. If you're adding another piece or creating a seam, ensure the turf fibers align in the same direction.

Allow the turf to acclimate for 24 hours after unrolling to prevent wrinkles during installation. Once it's relaxed, lay the turf as planned. For seams, trim the untufted edge of one roll and place it next to the first roll in your desired direction. Overlap the edge of the adjoining roll onto the first one with the trimmed edge.

Artificial turf can be custom-cut to fit any area in your yard, whether it's a winding path or around existing borders. Use a carpet cutting knife or razor knife to make precise cuts. Mark the turf with a pen or chalk before cutting, then carefully trim along the marked lines. For overlapping sections, trim the edges to match and leave a small gap between pieces. Finish by trimming the turf neatly around the borders for a clean fit.

Seaming artificial grass is a critical step in installation. Start by trimming the untufted edge of one roll. With your base ready, roll out the turf and mark where the seams will be with chalk. Place seam tape along these lines and secure it with two 6-inch galvanized nails at each end.

Prepare the turf by trimming both edges of the rolls that will be seamed. Apply adhesive from a TFD Glue Kit (covering 30 feet of seams) along the length of the seam tape. Lay the edges of each turf roll in the same direction, ensuring they meet without overlapping or leaving gaps to avoid visible seams.

Apply pressure along the seam using weights or a heavy roller. Allow sufficient drying time for the adhesive, as drying times may vary.

Use a push broom, backside of a rake, or carpet comb to groom the turf thoroughly. Apply infill evenly across the entire area, layer by layer, using a drop spreader or broadcasting spreader. Take care to monitor coverage, adjusting your pace to match the rate of infill release. Hand-apply infill in corners or tight spots where a spreader can't reach. Groom the turf again and repeat these steps until you've used all your sand or rubber infill bags, or achieved your desired infill level.

For any stubborn uneven patches of infill, use a leaf blower held about 3 inches away to quickly disperse the infill. Use the blower to level out corners and edges as needed. Once satisfied with the infill and grooming, evenly water the entire project area. This final step helps the infill settle. You can adjust the infill once it's dry, which typically takes a few days.

To secure the perimeter, one common method is using 6-inch galvanized nails spaced every 6-10 inches along the edges. Alternatively, for curved areas, you can excavate a narrow trench along the perimeter to bury the edges of the artificial grass. Fill the trench with base material, decorative rock, mulch, straw, or another suitable product.

Another option is using Nailer Board when installing next to asphalt or concrete. Secure the Nailer Board with concrete nails, then attach the artificial grass to the Nailer Board using nails.