Site Base Preparation
- Remove 2- 3 inches of existing sod and/or dirt.
- Cap and/or remove any sprinklers.
- Be sure to set a rough grade for drainage.
- Compact natural soil.
- Lay 2-3 inches of either class II road base or decomposed granite.
- Hose down and then compact to 90%.
- Make sure base surface is as smooth as possible.
- Create a slight grade for optimal drainage.
- Sculpt or create a crown for a more natural look
Turf Installation
- Turf should be rolled out under the sun at least 1-2 hours before installation. This will allow the turf to
acclimate and as a result make it easier to work with. - Lay out turf onto base and position where needed. Using a carpet knife/razor knife, cut turf (on backside)
to fit area. - Fasten one end with 60-D nails of 6 inches in length, spaced 3-4 inches apart along the edges. Stretch turf
and fasten with nails as you move across to the opposite end. Place a nail every 12-24 inches throughout
center and every 3-4 inches along the perimeter. - Fasten together any seams using 60-D nails spaced 2-3 inches apart and U shaped landscape staples. Do
not counter sink nails along seams. - After turf is installed, broom before applying infill. Apply infill onto turf using a drop spreader and spread
infill as evenly as possible. Note: Never use regular sand (masonry sand) for infill. - Broom again so that the blades are standing straight up. Use carpet scissors to trim off the excessive turf
blades. Clean the surrounding area with a blower or a broom.
Tips for a Professional-Looking Install
- Make sure to properly compact the base material using a vibrating compactor or roller
- One yard of base materials will cover 100 square feet at 3 inch depth (1 Yard = 1 Ton).
- Prior to installation, lay turf out under the sun for at least 1-2 hours to allow turf to acclimate. This will
make the backing less stiff and the turf easier to broom. - Always stretch and install turf taut.
- Do not overlap seams.
- Never drive nails into base too far because this will create a noticeable dip.
- Always broom prior to filling.
- Always run grain of turf in the same direction. Use a 2×4 (straight line installation) or 1×2 (curve line
installation) of synthetic or pressure treated wood bender board around the perimeter of turf area to
frame and protect the turf from soil and debris. - Use only sized screened silica sand or acrylic coated spherical sand for infill. Amount used will vary
depending upon pile height of turf and. A 50 lb. bag of infill will typically cover a 30 to 50 sqft. of turf.
Recommended Tools for Installation
- Wheel Barrow, Shovels, Picks, Grading Rake, Hammer
- Measuring Tape, Carpet Knife, Cutting Blades
- Drop Spreader (For Infill), Compactor (For Base), Broom (for clean-up)
Materials for Installation
- Drain Rock Decomposed
- 6″ common nails
- Landscape Staples
- InfiII Materials: Medium silica sand. Depending on the pile heights, infill amount may vary (1-2lbs per
square foot). - Bender Boards: May be used when needed.