A Complete Guide To Paving and Install Artificial Grass

Date: 07/01 2024 | Read: 1858

Artificial turf, with its aesthetic appeal, durability, and low maintenance, has become the preferred surface material for sports fields, landscape design, and commercial spaces. However, high-quality artificial turf installation relies not only on superior materials but also on a scientific construction process and precise execution. The following detailed guide, from initial preparation to post-construction maintenance, helps you create a durable, well-drained turf surface, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

I. Pre-construction preparation: Foundation inspection and treatment

A solid foundation is key to the successful installation of artificial turf. Improper foundation preparation will lead to uneven surfaces, water accumulation, and premature damage to the turf.

1.1 Site Cleanup

Remove all obstacles from the construction area, including gravel, tree roots, weeds, and loose soil.
using machines or manually to ensure there are no obvious bumps or unevenness.
Inspect and mark underground pipelines, cables, and other concealed facilities to prevent damage during construction.

1.2 Ground leveling and compaction

Fill low-lying areas with gravel and sand to ensure the ground is firm.
Set a drainage slope: 1%-2% is recommended for sports fields, and 0.5%-1% for landscaped areas, to ensure effective rainwater drainage.
Use a road roller or compaction equipment to compact the ground multiple times until there are no obvious depressions .

1.3 Drainage System Setup

Inspect the existing drainage system and clean and dredge the drainage pipes and ditches.
Lay a layer of highly permeable material (such as a layer of crushed stone) as an auxiliary drainage layer, with a thickness of approximately 5-10 cm.
For large areas, consider installing blind drains or drainage boards to form a complete drainage network.

II. Artificial Turf Installation Process

2.1 Turf Development and Adaptation

After the turf arrives, it should be fully unfolded in a cool, well-ventilated place and left to stand for 24 hours to release the stress generated during transportation.
When laying the turf , spread it out in the same direction to ensure that the grass fibers are facing the same direction.
Leave a 3-8mm overlap between adjacent turf to ensure a tight seam.

2.2 Cropping and Alignment

Use professional turf cutting tools to precisely cut along the marked lines, ensuring neat edges.
Cutting from the back of the turf allows for more precise control and cleaner edges.
After aligning the seams, temporarily secure them with heavy objects (such as sandbags) to prevent shifting.
For curved or specially shaped areas, pre-layout is performed, and the cutting follows the principle of "large areas first, details later".

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III. Turf Bonding: Joint Treatment Techniques

3.1 Preparation before bonding

Ensure that the back of the turf at the seams and the seam tape are clean, dry, and free of dust or oil.
The ambient temperature during construction should be above 5℃. Avoid working in rainy weather, high humidity, or low temperature conditions.
Prepare special glue , glue application tools, seam tape, and other necessary tools.

3.2 Glue application and bonding

Use a serrated scraper to evenly apply the special adhesive, ensuring it covers the entire seam area and seam tape.
The thickness of the glue application should be moderate: too thick and it will easily produce air bubbles; too thin and the adhesion will be insufficient.
After applying the adhesive, wait 10-30 minutes until it is semi-dry.
Align the turf seams precisely and press them together in one go (avoid repeated moving and adjustment). Press from the center outwards to expel air.

3.3 Pressurization and Curing

Use a rubber mallet or special pressure roller to repeatedly press along the joint to ensure a firm bond.
Apply appropriate weight (such as sandbags) to the joints and leave for 24 hours to ensure complete curing.

IV. Filling and Post-processing

4.1 Site Cleanup

After installation, clean the site and remove cutting debris, glue residue, and other debris.
Use a professional vacuum cleaner to clean the turf surface to ensure it is clean and dust-free.

4.2 Selection and laying of infill materials

Quartz sand filling:

Recommended particle size: 0.2-0.8mm; dosage: approximately 18-20kg/㎡ (suitable for turf with a height of 30-40mm).
After spreading the sand evenly, use a broom or a special combing device to fill the base of the grass fibers with sand.

Rubber granule filling (recommended for sports fields):

Particle size 0.5-2mm, resilience > 60%
Application rate: approximately 5-6 kg/m² (suitable for turf with a height of 30-40 mm)
Filling sequence: First lay quartz sand, then lay rubber granules to form a composite filler layer.

4.3 Combing the grass fibers

Use a specialized turf comber or stiff-bristled brush to comb the grass multiple times, keeping the grass fibers upright.
Comb the grass daily for 2-3 days after filling to help distribute the filling material evenly and promote the grass fibers to return to their natural shape.

V. Key Considerations and Best Practices

5.1 Turf transportation and storage

Avoid dragging during transport to prevent wear and tear on the edges of the turf.
Unlaid turf should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and damp environments.
The stacking height should not be too high to prevent the bottom turf from being deformed by pressure.

5.2 Cutting and Seaming Techniques

For large areas, paving should proceed from the center outwards to ensure accurate dimensions.
All seams should avoid major stress areas (such as the penalty area and goal area of the stadium).
The curved areas are cut in a radial pattern to ensure smooth and natural curves.

VI. Post-Maintenance Guide

Maintenance Project	Frequency	Operation Method
For routine cleaning	1-2 times per week	Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove surface debris.
Deep clean	Once a month	Use a dedicated lawn cleaner and rinse with water; avoid using products containing bleach.
Filler inspection	Once per quarter	Check if the filling material is even, and replenish it promptly if necessary.
Grass combing	Once per quarter	Use a specialized combing device or a stiff broom to comb the grass fibers and keep them upright.
Seam inspection	Once every six months	Check the seams for cracks or looseness, and apply sealant if necessary.
Drainage system	Once every six months	Clean drainage ditches and outlets to ensure unobstructed drainage.

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VII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Cracking at the seams of the turf

Causes: Insufficient adhesion, poor glue quality, or high humidity in the construction environment.

Solution: Clean the seams, reapply the special adhesive, and allow it to cure under pressure.

Q2: Water accumulation on the site

Causes: Insufficient drainage slope, blocked drainage system, or inadequate foundation compaction.

Solution: Readjust the drainage slope, unclog the drainage system, and add auxiliary drainage facilities if necessary.

Q3: Turf buckling or deforming

Causes: Uneven foundation, insufficient turf stretching, or temperature fluctuations causing thermal expansion and contraction.

Solution: Re-lay the cambered area, ensuring a level foundation and allowing for expansion and contraction.

Summarize

Artificial turf installation is a complex project that is "30% materials and 70% construction." Only through scientific foundation preparation, precise installation techniques , and meticulous post-installation maintenance can a beautiful and durable artificial turf surface be created.