Gravel Base

Ground Preparation:

Mark the area to be cover with artificial turf and use a sod cutter, shovel and wheel barrows to remove existing grass and turf to a depth of approx. 4-6 inches.    Level and compact the dirt/soil; this layer does not have to be perfect.

The ground should be leveled and have a slight grade or pitch toward the area you wish the water/drainage to run. Typically the grade would run away from your home or structure.

Turf Drainage:

In areas and climates of heavy rainfall; you may also install a perforated drain pipe at the lower portion of the grade and route water away to a specific area to drain and prevent erosion.  Perforated drain pipe is available at any home improvement store in the garden center.

Geotextile Fabric:

Install a layer of geotextile fabric/weed barrier on the freshly graded and compacted dirt.  Secure with landscaping stables.

Gravel Base Layer:

Install 2 - 4 inches of ¾” stone – compact and level.  If you wish to save money, it is possible in landscaping applications to fill the entire base with crushed fine aggregate instead of using 2 types of stone.

Grading/Final Stone Layer:

Install the final 1-2”of crushed fine aggregate and use a rake to level.  This is the final grade, so take care to level and smooth as much as possible. Grade the crushed fines.

Compacting the Base:

Use a plate compactor to perform final grade and compaction of the crushed fine aggregate to around 90-95%.  Use water on the aggregate while compacting to help achieve maximum compression and to keep dust down.  You can rent a plate compactor from any equipment rental company.

Installing Artificial Turf Edging

Install the Synthetic Turf Wonder Edge on any open edges to layout your final defined artificial turf area. (An open edge is an edge that is not defined by an existing hardscape like concrete or stone).  This should complete the final layout/location of the turf by providing a permanent fixed border.

Laying Out Artificial Turf:

You should have a plan for your roll layout drawn out prior to performing any cutting of the turf. 
Synthetic Turf from Athletic Textiles comes in 15’ wide rolls and should be laid out with the turf pile direction facing the same direction.  The seams/edges of the turf will need to be trimmed; as the turf comes with skrim/excess material on the edges from production.

Roll out the turf, removal all wrinkles and let the turf sit for 2-4 hours to acclimate to climate and current conditions. 

Trimming Your Turf:

Perform rough trim cuts around the perimeter with a standard utility knife; be careful not to cut the turf too short.  You want to leave some extra to allow for final placement after seaming your turf.

Seaming Your Artificial Turf:

Option 1:  Nails and staples – This method is NOT desirable for active play turf areas.

Turf can be installed with 6” landscaping spikes and turf staples if you wish to avoid glue.  Just place your seams tightly together after trimming and use a combination of landscaping spikes and staples to hold the seams together.

Option 2: Glued Seam – This method is how professional fields and installed and is used for high traffic areas and areas where you don’t wish to have any nails or hard staples hidden in the turf.

Trim a length of seam tape to proper length of your seam and secure it underneath your seam; using staples to hold the tape in place.  Apply glue all over the seam tape and lay the turf backings into the glue on the seam tape.  Weight the edges of the turf to ensure a good bond with the glue/seam tape.  Wait 24 hours for the glue to cure.

Final Trim Cuts:

Perform the final trim cuts and tuck the synthetic turf into your Wonder Edge around the perimeter.  Areas without the Wonder Edge should be tucked and nailed with a landscaping spike to ensure proper look.

Infill your Artificial Turf:

Using a rake, stiff bristled broom or a rented power broom, stand the fibers of your turf up to prepare to install your rubber or UltraFill infill.  Once the synthetic turf fibers are standing up, spread the infill material over the turf in the amount specified in the specific turf specification sheet. 
(Specification sheets are available in the architect tab on www.syntheticturf.com)

Infill keeps the blades of grass standing up and cushions the turf to provide proper feel and performance and extended life.

Final Install Inspection:

Inspect all edges and seams for tight fit and ensure each edge is properly secured via landscaping spikes and turf staples.

* Disclaimer: This installation guide is a rough process guide to help you understand the basic steps to install your artificial grass.  Common sense, general installation skills and knowledge of how to operate basic machinery and tools is required.  Athletc Textiles assumes no liability by providing this installation guide; all installing risks are assumed by the installer themselves.