Artificial lawn (or synthetic turf) is a fantastic, water-wise option for Australian homes, offering a lush green look year-round without the endless mowing and watering. Installing it yourself is a rewarding DIY project, but proper preparation is key to a professional, long-lasting result.
This guide breaks down exactly how to lay artificial lawn, explaining every crucial step in detail.
Stage 1: Preparation is Everything (The Foundation)
A successful artificial lawn relies entirely on a stable, well-draining base. Do not skip these steps!
1. Clear the Area and Measure
- Remove Existing Lawn: Use a spade or a turf cutter to strip away all existing grass, weeds, and organic matter. You need to clear the area to a depth of about 100mm (10cm).
- Explanation: This depth is necessary to accommodate the base layers (road base and crusher dust/sand) and the height of the turf itself, ensuring the finished surface is level with surrounding paths or edges.
- Treat the Ground: Spray the exposed soil with a quality weed killer. Wait a few days for the treatment to take full effect.
2. Install Edging (Optional but Recommended)
- Define the Border: Install a border around the entire area. This can be treated timber, plastic edging, or paving stones.
- Explanation: Edging serves two purposes: it prevents the base materials from spreading outwards and gives the artificial turf a neat, professional edge to butt up against.
3. Lay the Base Layers (Drainage and Stability)
This is the most critical part for drainage and longevity.
- Road Base/Crushed Rock: Lay down a layer of 50mm to 75mm of crushed rock or road base (e.g., DGB or similar aggregate). Rake this evenly across the area.
- Compact the Base: Use a plate compactor (available for hire from equipment centres) to compact the road base firmly. This eliminates air pockets and creates a solid, stable foundation.
- Crusher Dust/Screeding Sand: Apply a thin layer (about 10mm to 20mm) of fine crusher dust or washed sharp sand over the compacted road base.
- Smooth and Final Compact: Use a long, straight piece of timber (a screed board) to level and smooth the surface. This layer fills the small gaps in the road base and provides the soft surface the turf sits on. Compact this final layer lightly.
4. Install the Weed Barrier
- Lay Geotextile Fabric: Roll out a weed barrier fabric (geotextile) over the entire compacted base. Overlap the edges by at least 150mm.
- Explanation: This durable fabric allows water to drain through freely but prevents any new weeds or existing organic matter from pushing up through the base and into the turf. Secure it with long landscaping staples or U-pins.
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Stage 2: Laying and Seaming the Turf for Artificial Lawn
Now for the rewarding part: rolling out the green!
5. Roll Out the Turf
- Direction is Key: When laying multiple rolls, ensure the blades of the turf are all running in the same direction. The “pile direction” affects the colour and look of the finished lawn.
- Explanation: View the turf from both directions. It will look greener and lusher when viewed from one direction (usually towards the house). All seams should line up for consistency.
- Initial Trim: Roll out the turf and use a sharp utility knife from the back (non-grass side) to trim the excess that runs along the outer edge. Leave 50-100mm of excess for final trimming.
6. Seaming the Rolls (Joining the Pieces)
If your area requires more than one roll, joining them correctly is essential.
- Prepare the Edges: Lay the two pieces to be joined side-by-side. From the back, trim off the excess black or white plastic edge strip (usually about 2-3 stitches from the edge). This ensures a clean, tight seam.
- Position the Seam: Butt the two trimmed edges together so that the blades are just kissing, but not overlapping.
- Apply the Tape and Glue: Peel back both edges and roll out the joining tape (usually black fabric tape) along the centre of the seam line. Apply the specialized artificial turf adhesive evenly onto the tape.
- Press and Secure: Carefully fold the turf edges back over the adhesive tape, pressing down firmly along the entire length of the seam. Walk over the seam to ensure maximum contact.
7. Final Trimming
- Trim Edges: Use your sharp utility knife to carefully trim the perimeter of the turf to fit perfectly against your installed edging or border.
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Stage 3: Finishing and Aftercare
The final steps secure the turf and give it that realistic, natural look.
8. Sand Infill and Brushing
- Apply Sand Infill: Spread a layer of kiln-dried silica sand evenly over the newly laid turf.
- Explanation: The sand infill provides weight to anchor the turf, keeping it stable and preventing wrinkles. It also helps the blades stand up straight (giving it a lusher look) and protects the backing from sun damage.
- Brush In: Use a stiff-bristled broom, power broom, or an electric brush to sweep the sand deep into the base of the turf, moving against the direction of the pile.
9. Watering (Optional but Recommended)
- Light Spray: Give the new lawn a light spray with water.
- Explanation: This helps settle the sand infill further down into the thatch layer and washes away any residual dust from the installation process, leaving the blades clean and bright.
Your new, low-maintenance artificial lawn is now ready to enjoy!
