Installation

 INSTALLATION OF TURFGRASS DECORATIVE ARTIFICIAL GRASS

TOOLS AND NECESSARY MATERIAL

Compacter, Gravel, Geotextil Blanket, Blade, Brush (of non-metallic bristle), Join band for joints, Glue, Spatula, Silica Sand

1, 2, 3, READY!

 STEP 1) VALORATION AND PREPARATION OF THE SOIL

The Artificial Grass has to be installed on a level surface, solid and conditioned to allow a proper drainage.

If the Artificial Grass is installed on a surface in which there is natural grass, this must be pulled out and, on the soil, a geotextil blanket must be placed to avoid future shoots.

To favor the surface drainage and stability, gravels and sand are spread on the soil up to about 15cm of thickness. Then, the surface is levelled and smoothed down with the help of a compacter. The use of this compacter is important since any projection that the soil presents would be reflected in the grass once installation is  complete.

STEP 2) ROLLS SPREAD OUT AND PIECES COLLOCATION

According to the dimensions of the work area, the Artificial Grass rolls are placed and extended paralelly  and all the pieces are secured to present the fibers or threads pointing towards the same direction. Otherwise, the sunshine or any type of light would show a clear difference between the pieces.

Next, the pieces selvages are repaired cutting the last lines of Artificial Grass on the back in a straight line, following the sewing direction. The cut must be performed carefully and as close as possible to the line marked by the longitudinal stitches.

In the case of window boxes, trees or any decorative element, the grass must be cut out according to their shape, rounding them.

STEP 3) JOINT OF THE PIECES

To achieve a continuous surface, once clear the disposition of the pieces, it is necessary  to join them together.

This step is very important and must done carefully since the joints have to be hidden at the maximum so that they are “invisible”. To make the pieces of Artificial Grass match perfectly, the space between them must be of about 2mm, a piece must never overlap one with the other.

Later, when the grass extended on the soil, the joints are opposed some 30 cm and the join band is placed between piece and piece (geotextil).

With the help of a serrated spatula, the polyurethane glue is extended (perfect for Turfgrass Artificial Grass joints glued) over every one of the bands, and the pieces are closed again on them. The glue can be secured by walking slowly along the whole joint, with a foot on both sides or placing a weight on them (ex, Silica sand bags) during the drying time specified by the manufacturer.

NOTE: Nowadays, we can find bands of self-adhesive joint which do not need any type of glue.

 

THE FINAL TOUCH

Just like the master signs his work, also Turfgrass Artificial Grass needs a final touch to achieve perfection.

To achieve a natural finish of the Artificial Grass, it is brushed against the nap with a non-metallic work brush and is filled with rounded, washed and dry silica sand of granulometry 0.3-0.5mm.

The brush helps to  raise the grass fibers, placing them in an upright position. The silica sand contributes the fibers to keep their posture, preventing them from  flattening after being stepped on, it also reduces the thread waste, what contributes to prolongue the life of the product; and it maintains damp, prolonguing the sensation of freshness necessary during summer months.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that some products do not need sand filling for the fibers to be upright, either due to their low height or for presenting curly threads which make up for this function. However, its ballast is always advisable to avoid any movement that may be caused by traffic of people, wind or other factors. In case of choosing the installation without sand, the pieces must be sealed to the soil with glue or screws.

NOTE: Turfgrass recommends the visit of a specialist for the valoration of the soil and the installation of Artificial Grass. The steps previously cited can vary according to the type of soil and customer’s need.