For canine artificial grass, you can add a layer of infill. Select an infill from sand, silica granules, or crumb rubber. To treat their furry best companions, the majority of pet owners opt to spend a little bit more on silica granules.
Despite the fact that pets may like roughhousing on outdoor turfs, our unique synthetic grass provides the ideal balance of aesthetic appeal, comfort, durability, and resilience, making it a great playground for your entire family and cherished pets.
What should be placed beneath drainage for turf?
I’ve witnessed contractors overlook putting a weed suppressor under newly installed synthetic turf over the years. A few months later, the formerly stunning installation they were so proud of became a nightmare. The client now has to maintain what was formerly a maintenance-free lawn since the synthetic turf’s drainage holes allowed the crabgrass and broadleaf weeds to grow up through them. Skipping this crucial stage in a good installation can lead to problems for the client and the contractor as well as potential flooding of the area from clogged drainage holes.
The removal of the natural grass must be followed by the installation of a weed suppressor beneath the synthetic turf in order to maintain proper drainage. The area will flood if a poor weed barrier is used since it is impermeable and does not enable water to pass through rapidly.
I advise utilizing the top-notch weed barrier from SGW. It is of professional standard, offers up to 10 gallons of air and water permeability per square foot, and is covered by a 15-year warranty.
Which foundation works best for artificial turf?
Suppose you want to replace the landscape with a classic installation. In that situation, your existing dirt is covered with the foundation material for artificial turf, creating a barrier between your turf and the dirt underneath.
Without the right base, your artificial grass may have significant issues, like pooled water from improper drainage and an uneven, deformed surface. Your artificial turf should look attractive in addition to being useful.
Let’s look at some popular possibilities for your artificial grass base now that those specifics are out of the way, especially if you’re looking for residential artificial turf. In general, the Association of Synthetic Grass Installers advises a ratio of 70:30 for solid mass, which refers to boulders and other bigger bits of material, to fines, which are commonly sand or sand replacements. Anything that deviates from that advice could result in future issues like turf wrinkling or unevenness.
Option 1: Crushed Miscellaneous Base/Class II Road Base
A common sand and gravel mixture used in home landscaping work is called crushed miscellaneous base, or CMD. Compared to other solutions, it is more affordable for your aggregate basis for artificial grass.
Additionally, a more compact solution for class II road base, comparable to CMD, may be available. The mixture usually consists of concrete and fines, though it may also contain recycled materials.
These choices provide a high level of stability for your finished creation with chunks no more than 3/4 of an inch in size mixed in with the smaller particles.
Option 2: Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite, often known as DG, is made up of granite fragments combined with gravel and sand. If you’re installing an artificial turf putting green, this option is more expensive than CMD but more widely used. This is due to the material’s smooth finish, which is more porous than other materials and allows moisture to seep through more effectively.
What Else Is Out There?
It doesn’t necessarily follow that you won’t be able to take use of artificial turf if your grass installation method doesn’t involve removing an existing layer of dirt and replacing it with one of the turf foundation options mentioned above.
As long as the surface you’re working with serves as the foundation for your turf installation, turf can also be laid over solid surfaces. Your artificial turf installation will work well on concrete, a wood deck, or even a flat roof.
However, the same factors would still be important, such as drainage and making sure your lawn is spread out firmly and evenly. It doesn’t necessarily make the job simpler or easier just because you’re putting turf down on a flat area that already exists. Additional turf materials can be something to think about if you want to soften or improve the drainage of your new turf surface.
How should turf be laid out for dogs?
Are you switching to pet-friendly artificial turf? installing it at home on your own? To help you with the installation of your pet turf, we’ve produced a DIY guide! You can install K9 turf more easily and with contractor-quality results.
Base Preparation
*Note: According to manufacturer requirements, artificial turf should have road base applied underneath it during base preparation. Most homeowners will use decomposed granite for DIY projects instead. Without the necessity for hiring equipment or heavyweight lugging, this will yield the finest outcomes.
1. Before installing decomposed granite, remove any natural grass and soil from the area. Use a sod-cutting knife to complete this task. Manufacturers advise removing about 2 inches of dirt, but depending on the roots in your area, you might take less. More soil around the edge should be removed. This will aid in weed control and turf security later on during installation.
2. Spread weed killer liberally across the area. This will lessen the likelihood of weeds developing later. We DO NOT suggest putting a weed barrier while installing pet grass. Weed barrier is a material that resembles cloth and will capture and store microorganisms, inadvertently causing strong scents as pets use the restroom over time.
3. Place 1 inch of crumbled granite on the ground. To grade the surface, grade the DG along the area with a heavy-duty roller and push brush. To make sure the area is level, repeat this procedure two or three times.
4. Stabilize the DG by using a decomposed granite stabilizer. As a result, the surface will become more solid and be able to support the nails used to install the turf. To calculate how many containers you’ll need, divide the area’s square footage by 50 as one container typically covers 50 square feet. The nails won’t be secure if you skip this stage, and the turf will eventually start to raise on the edges. Prior to continuing, give the area time to completely dry.
5. Cover the area with a layer of lawn deodorizer (Zeofill). This will lessen the likelihood of odor developing in pet relief regions below the surface. On average, 2-3 bags are applied to every 300 square feet of turf.
Pet-Friendly Turf Installation
1. Spread your drainage layer over the top. Plan appropriately to make sure you get the right amount of drain core, which is sold in sheets measuring 4 x 50 and covers 200 square feet. To keep the drain core firmly fastened beneath the surface, nails will need to be driven into its sides. Complete pet-friendly systems must have a drain core since it allows for cleaning below the material and ventilating artificial turf.
2. After 30 minutes in the sun, unfurl the turf roll. The material will become softer as a result, making it easier to handle. When rolling out the turf, be sure to face the blades in the same direction if there are many pieces.
3. Only if you have many turf pieces is this step required. Use professional adhesive to sew the pieces of the artificial grass together once they have been measured and cut to size. Use a zipper or the S technique to hide the seams for the greatest results.
*Note: Manufacturers advise against using nails when installing pet-friendly turf. This is because it’s possible for dogs to pull up turf and take out nails. They advise creating a frame around the perimeter as an alternative, then stapling turf to it. This installation is a lot safer. The majority of households continue to use nails, although manufacturers are not responsible for any turf damage.
4. Every two inches, stretch and secure the turf around the perimeter. In order to avoid wrinkles, it’s crucial to stretch the artificial grass. Ensure that the sides are securely fastened to the ground and that all nails are concealed. Dogs won’t be able to dig at the turf as a result of this. For additional security, we also advise nailing the surface every two feet. Any surplus on the edges can then be trimmed from there.
5. Fill the surface with antimicrobial sand. This will help keep the surface clean, free of microorganisms, and cooler for your dogs. Using 1 pound per square foot Sand infill is usually where people cut shortcuts, yet it’s crucial for the longevity of your new installation. Sand should be spread out evenly throughout the surface using a push brush.
Pet Turf Maintenance
Even while pet grass systems give additional drainage and ventilation below the surface, cleaning is still necessary. To keep the scent under control, pet turf needs to be often cleaned and sanitized. Prior to extensive cleanings, make sure to brush the grass to assist redistribute the sand infill and improve the flow of the cleaning solution. Read our other articles to find out how to defeat odor! Check out our page here to learn more about common cleansers.
Request a cost estimate for the best K9 turf materials below whenever you’re ready to get your project started and have a fresh clean and green lawn for you and your pets. We’ll help you get the ideal lawn for your needs and aid with all the installation-related accessories. We are eager to get going!
Which backing works best for dog-friendly artificial grass?
For proper drainage, the finest artificial grass for dogs ought to have a knitted backing. The turf strands are woven together to produce a knitted, mesh backing for K9Grass synthetic turf. Edge-to-edge drainage is guaranteed by the exclusive Flow-ThroughTM Backing’s design.
Lay your base
Disperse your base material using a shovel or wheelbarrow. In areas with mild climates, you can typically use the following: Any stones or rocks smaller than 3/8 inches may be used as a base, such as type 1 stone, gravel, crushed rock, decomposed granite, etc. To promote drainage and prevent slumping, the base material should be at least three to four inches thick.
Mega Tip: Sand is excellent for artificial grass drainage. Crushed rock is often used as the infill for artificial grass. Avoid covering your installation area with too much sand. Dips may result from using too much sand while installing your fake grass.
Water the whole area
Sprinkle water on the installation area using your hose. The rocks in your sub-base may be swept away if you overwater it. Along with creating uneven surfaces, this can squander some of your foundation material.
Compact your stones
To compact the surface, use a plate compactor or plate tamper. Use a hand tamper for regions with obstacles like trees. Alternately, you might place a 2×4 plank on top of the stones and hammer it into place.
In a perfect world, the base would be around 90% of its former depth, feel like concrete, yet still be able to drain. For optimal compaction outcomes, alternate between overlapping directions with the compactor or tamper.
The most efficient and time-saving solution is to rent or buy a vibratory plate compactor, if you have the money. Additionally, hand stamps are a cheap option that can be employed.
Level the entire place
Check your area again for high and low spots, and fill or level them out if necessary. Add more base as necessary. Rake out high places, then fill in low ones with base material.
Optional: Add a / another weed barrier.
A weed barrier can be put in place both before and after your sub-base. This is an additional layer of defense against pests and weeds.
There is your newly placed base, which will support your artificial turf for many years.
What is placed underneath artificial turf before it is laid?
We suggest using a layer of Lazy Foam underlay behind the artificial grass in order to correctly put it onto an existing hard basis, such as concrete or tarmac. Make sure to clean the area underneath the foam pad before you place it there. The additional cushioning and drainage offered by the foam underlay padding will guarantee that your artificial grass is of excellent quality all year long.
Can I Lay Artificial Grass On Soil?
Unluckily, it is not advised to install artificial grass directly on a dirt base. This is due to the fact that soil is easily damaged by weather-related wear and strain, leaving you with a weak base. It is crucial to put your artificial grass on a firmer base, such as a combination of MOT Type 1 and granite stone 6mm-dust, as doing otherwise may ultimately damage your artificial grass installation.
Can I Lay Artificial Grass On Concrete?
Concrete can be covered with artificial grass as long as the artificial grass is level and has good drainage. Nevertheless, whether the concrete is level or not, we advise putting an underlay to ensure that your artificial grass is properly cared for.
Can I Lay Artificial Grass On Decking?
Yes, to answer briefly. However, just as with concrete, you must first take the proper safety measures. Make that the wood is solid and new, not frail or moldy. To ensure that your fake grass stays in peak condition, be sure to utilize some form of underlay and weed membrane!
Does fake grass need to be layered with sand?
Prior to installation, sharp sand is spread over the area you’ve chosen to place your fake grass. We advise putting sharp sand to a thickness of 10–15mm while installing artificial grass, but there are a few things to do before before you lay and compact the sand! Learn more below.
The removal of the current lawn is obviously the first step, followed by the layering.
The first layer
Limestone that has been crushed makes up the subbase layer. This first layer serves as a sturdy, stable base and aids with drainage. We advise that this be up to 35/40mm thick for the greatest effects. 15–18 square meters can be covered by a cubic bulk bag.
What is sharp sand?
Sharp sand has bigger granules and a rougher texture than “soft” sand. Typically, it is utilized to create concrete. Although it is primarily used to produce concrete, this substance has a wide range of uses.
How much sharp sand should you use?
We advise spreading sharp sand 10 to 15 mm thick. The sand should be solid because its sole purpose is to obscure your sub-top. base’s (If you are unable to obtain sharp sand, granite dust is another option.) 20 to 25 square meters should be covered by a cubic bulk bag.
To create a surface that is as smooth as possible, you might wish to compact the sand down. The timber edging you have put around the perimeter should be level with the top of your leveled-off layer of sand.
If you apply too much sand, your grass will soon have dips, humps, and bumps. For this, you could want to lease a vibrating plate or utilize a powerful roller.
If artificial grass is placed on top of an uneven surface, it may eventually become bumpy and move.
After the layers are finished, cover the area with a membrane. This can help with water drainage and prevent weed growth, which could harm your new lawn.
