Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs It's becoming increasingly common among homeowners to...
Preparing the Area for Turf Stripes Installation
Pavers and turf can create a beautiful and unique landscape. To install turf between hardscapes, ensure the hardscape is in place first. If the stone or pavers are not pre-existing, lay your hardscape in the desired pattern before moving on to artificial grass installation. Laying the turf before the pavers can result in damage to the grass and won't produce the desired look.
Ideally, there should be around a 3-4" gap between each paver or concrete slab for the best look. Ensure the installed hardscape is clean on the edges, with no excess concrete or stone spilling into the gaps. This will make it impossible to secure the turf with nails. Any concrete between the gaps will need to be removed before moving forward.
To achieve the best results, the gaps between your pavers should have a depth of about 3". This depth is crucial because it provides enough room for a 2" base material layer and the artificial grass itself. Proper preparation of the area ensures that your installation will be both visually appealing and durable.
What's the Best Fake Grass for Artificial Turf Stripes?
The artificial grass you choose to install between concrete pavers is completely up to you and will depend on personal preference. There are a variety of options available, each suited to different needs and aesthetics.
Choosing grass with a shorter, durable blade will make the turf flush with the hardscape, creating a seamless, integrated look. This type of grass is especially beneficial for areas with heavy foot traffic, such as driveways, because it is more resistant to wear and tear and matting.
On the other hand, opting for plush and tall artificial grass will offer a fluffy overspill, adding a lush, green look to your landscape. This type of grass is often chosen for backyards where a cozier hangout space for the family is desired. It provides a soft surface for children to play on and a comfortable area for lounging.
How to Lay Artificial Turf Around Pavers
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Ensure the Area Has Proper Drainage Good drainage is key to a successful artificial grass installation. Checking for proper drainage between pavers is an important first step to avoid puddles and flooding. Examine the ground material between your pavers to determine what adjustments, if any, are necessary.
Ideally, you should only have dirt or soil, in which case you can lay a sub-base like normal. However, if concrete, cement, or rock is present, inspect grading before proceeding. Insufficient grading will require either grading the concrete layer first or drilling drainage holes through it.
Double-check drainage capabilities by spraying water over the ground surface. Check for any pools or puddles that might have formed—these are locations where drainage holes should be placed. Ensuring proper drainage from the beginning will prevent water from accumulating and damaging the turf.
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Install Turf Sub-Base Between Concrete A sub-base layer is key for proper drainage and performance, regardless of how your pavers are set (in concrete or soil). Class II road base is the best base material but is hard to get ahold of for DIY projects, so in this case, DG (decomposed granite) is recommended. Lay approximately 2" of base material in the gaps and make sure it's evenly dispersed before moving on to compaction.
Compaction is crucial for a stable base. It can be tough to compact the base during artificial grass strip installation because the gaps are narrow. If applicable, use a stamp compactor for the best results. However, if you don't have access to this tool, you can compact the turf base manually. Place a brick or piece of wood in the gap and hit it with a heavy hammer repeatedly to compress the base. Proper compaction will prevent the turf from shifting and ensure a long-lasting installation.
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Unroll and Cut Artificial Grass Once the base is prepped, unroll and lay the artificial grass in the sun. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes to make the fake grass easier to work with. When cutting the turf to the accurate shape, it's very important to keep the strips all facing the same direction, or the blades won't match, and you won't produce the desired look. Typically, the most attractive viewing angle is when the blades are facing the house.
Accurate cutting is essential for a professional finish. Measure the gaps carefully and cut the turf accordingly, making sure to leave a little extra material on each side. This extra material can be trimmed after the turf is secured, ensuring a precise fit.
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Seam Turf Strips Together When seaming your artificial grass strips, properly connect the panels together to ensure a seamless and strong connection. Once the installation is complete, these joins should be undetectable. Use seaming tape and Pro Mapei glue and carefully follow the product instructions. Properly seamed turf strips will look like a continuous piece of grass, enhancing the overall appearance of your installation.
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Secure Fake Grass to Base Layer Now that you've cut and seamed your fake grass, it's time to bind it to the ground. Artificial turf between concrete or pavers will require a lot of nails to be fully secure. You should have a non-galvanized nail every 2" along the perimeters and every 2 ft. throughout the strips.
To fix fake grass on hard surfaces like concrete or stone, use some adhesive. Make sure the surface is clean before applying the adhesive, and look for a type of adhesive made specifically for fake grass. Apply the adhesive sparingly to avoid clogging up the ground's drainage system. Properly securing the turf will prevent it from moving or shifting over time.
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Lay Turf Infill and Brush the Surface After cutting, fastening, trimming, and connecting, it's time to install the infill. Artificial grass infill is fine silt that can be made of sand, rubber, or cork. It has several functions: keeping grass blades erect, cooling the lawn, ensuring proper drainage, and more. Infill is essential for artificial grass upkeep and lifespan.
Use a stiff-bristled brush or a power broom to distribute the infill and fluff up the grass fibers. This final step ensures that the grass blades stand upright and the infill is evenly distributed. Once the area is cleaned, you're ready to enjoy your low-maintenance landscape update!
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully install artificial grass strips between pavers, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. This project not only adds visual appeal but also provides a practical, low-maintenance solution for your landscaping needs.
