Call us at 855-464-8873 or Email us at info@progreen.com
Call us at 855-464-8873 or Email us at info@progreen.com
Artificial grass between pavers not only adds aesthetic appeal but also reduces upkeep compared to natural grass. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to install artificial grass between pavers, to make your outdoor area look fantastic.
Preparation: Proper preparation of the area, including cleaning and ensuring adequate drainage, is essential for a successful installation of artificial grass between pavers. Drilling drainage holes and adding a drainage fill layer can prevent waterlogging and maintain turf integrity.
Installation: The installation process, from laying the subbase to securing and trimming the artificial turf, requires precision and attention to detail. A well-laid subbase ensures longevity, while careful nailing and cutting around pavers contribute to a natural and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as spreading and brushing turf infill, is crucial for keeping the artificial grass looking lush and upright. While DIY installation is feasible, hiring a professional like ProGreen can provide added assurance and help avoid common installation pitfalls.
Before you start laying artificial grass between your pavers, you need to prepare the area. Begin by cleaning the space between the pavers to remove any debris or weeds. This step provides a smooth surface for installation.
Laying artificial turf around pavers involves a series of steps. Each step is key in ensuring that your artificial lawn looks natural and lasts for years.
Ensuring proper drainage is a key aspect of installing artificial grass, especially when it’s between pavers. Without adequate drainage, water can pool, leading to a host of issues such as mold, mildew, and a compromised turf structure.
To prevent this, you may need to drill drainage holes, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall. The size and frequency of these holes should be determined based on the specific drainage needs of your space.
Additionally, consider adding a layer of drainage fill beneath the grass to further facilitate water flow away from the surface. This can include materials like fine silt or crushed stone, which allow water to filter through quickly, reducing the risk of waterlogging and maintaining the integrity of your artificial grass.
The subbase is the foundation of your artificial grass installation and plays a crucial role in its longevity and appearance. A well-prepared subbase provides a stable and level surface, essential for the even appearance of the turf. Decomposed granite is a popular choice for a subbase due to its excellent drainage properties and ability to create a firm, yet flexible, foundation.
The thickness of the subbase typically ranges from 2 to 4 inches, depending on the foot traffic and weight the area will bear.
It’s crucial to compact the subbase thoroughly using a vibrating plate compactor or a similar tool. This compaction prevents future settling or shifting, which can lead to an uneven surface or cause the pavers to become unaligned.
When laying artificial turf, especially between pavers, precision is key. Begin by rolling out the synthetic grass over the prepared area.
Pay special attention to the direction of the grass fibers – they should all point in the same direction to ensure a uniform and natural look. This alignment also impacts how light reflects off the grass, influencing its color and vibrancy.
If your space requires multiple strips of turf, be mindful of the ribbon space and lay them parallel to each other, maintaining consistency in appearance. Once laid out, let the turf settle for at least an hour under its own weight, allowing any creases or folds to flatten out naturally.
Securing the artificial grass is crucial to prevent shifting or wrinkling. Nail down the edges and any seams using smaller nail heads that can be easily concealed. The nails should be spaced approximately 6 inches apart along the perimeter and at seam junctions.
For a more natural appearance, lift the edges of the grass and drive nails at an angle to hide their placement. In areas of high foot traffic or where turf meets pavers, additional nails or temporary spikes may be needed for extra stability.
Ensure the nails are not too tight, as this can cause the grass to bunch up, and not too loose, as this can lead to lifting or shifting.
Trimming the artificial turf to fit around pavers requires precision and patience. Use a sharp box cutter or a turf-specific cutting tool to get clean edges.
Cut from the backside of the turf, carefully following the contours of the pavers. Leave a small gap of about 1/4 inch between the turf and the pavers to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
This small gap also aids in drainage and prevents the grass from buckling. Regularly check your progress to ensure you’re maintaining the desired shape and not cutting away too much material.
If your installation involves joining multiple sections of turf, achieving a seamless look is essential. Use high-quality seam tape and adhesive designed for synthetic turf. Apply the adhesive sparingly to prevent it from oozing through the grass, which can harden the surface and make the seams visible.
Align the edges of the turf sections carefully before pressing them into the adhesive. Applying weight along the seam can help ensure a strong bond. Allow adequate time for the adhesive to cure, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The final step involves spreading the infill and brushing the turf. Infill provides weight to keep the turf in place, protects the grass backing, and keeps the fibers standing up for a natural look. Use a drop spreader to apply the infill evenly across the turf. This ensures a consistent layer and prevents clumping.
After spreading the infill, use a stiff hand brush or power broom to work the infill down to the base of the fibers. This process helps in keeping grass blades erect and also gives the turf a lush, full appearance. Avoid excessive brushing, as this can damage the fibers or displace the infill unevenly. Regularly check the infill level, especially in high-traffic areas, and replenish as needed to maintain the turf’s appearance and functionality.
While installing artificial grass between pavers can be a DIY project, hiring a professional from ProGreen can save time and ensure proper securing. We can also double-check drainage capabilities and avoid common pitfalls like too much infill or trip hazards.
