Before starting the installation process, make sure you have prepared a sub-base that is level and free of any dirt and debris. You will need to prepare the sub-base if you want to lay synthetic turf, but you can hire a professional if you don’t feel comfortable doing the installation. Follow the steps below to ensure that your turf installation goes as smoothly as possible. Read on to learn more about the installation process and the different techniques.
Preparation of sub-base
If you plan to install a green lawn or artificial turf on a commercial property, you must first prepare the sub-base for the project. There are two types of sub-bases, DG and CMB. Both have benefits and drawbacks, but CMB is typically the best choice for commercial purposes. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to compact. It also provides an ideal surface for the installation of artificial grass.
Soil is the traditional base material for artificial grass. However, the soil expands and contracts depending on the moisture content. When wet soil expands, it creates wrinkles, soft spots, divots, and pits in the artificial grass. Moreover, wet soil may produce air pockets and harbor mold and bacteria. Sub-base is ideal for these issues and offers a durable and long-lasting installation.
Techniques for installing artificial turf
When laying artificial turf, you must start by creating a level base. First, spread one-half inches of builder’s sand on the area you intend to lay the turf. Then, using a tamper or plywood, compact the sand into the base. If you don’t have a tamper, use a rubber hammer to compact the sand.
Next, roll out the artificial turf on the prepared base. The fibers should run in the same direction. Next, trim the selvage (the un-tufted edge) to ensure a proper seam. Once this is done, lay the second roll adjacent to the first. If the turf overlaps, use a carpet knife to trim it to level it. This step will make the artificial turf adhere to the ground evenly.
Once the surface is level, the installation process can begin. The first step is to remove any existing materials from the area. If necessary, move any sprinklers or sandboxes. Next, apply a unique base mix, usually sand and gravel. When complete, compact the material thoroughly. This will ensure that the artificial turf is stable for years to come. It may be necessary to place weed fabric before the rest of the materials to ensure that the surface is level and firm.
Cost
When determining the turf installation cost, you must consider how much work the installation process will take. Turf installation is not a DIY job; it requires a professional landscaper with the requisite equipment and knowledge. Before hiring a professional to install turf, you should research the different options. If you can’t afford a high-quality installation, it may be better to opt for a less-expensive material.
The costs of installing turf depend on various factors. The most significant of which is the quality of the material used. The cost of a road base varies widely depending on your location, but a cheap gravel base is around 35 cents per square foot. There are several different types of turf infill, such as flex sand, silica sand, and acrylic-coated temperature-reducing sand. In addition to the quality of the materials, turf installation costs about $10 per square foot.
The necessity of hiring a professional
If you are planning to install a new sports field or landscape on your property, you should seek the services of a professional. Unlike the average do-it-yourself project, turf installation requires proper planning and knowledge. Several steps are involved, including soil testing, a thorough understanding of turf type, and proper weed and pest control. Besides, you need to ensure that the turf installation contractor has a good reputation. To do that, you must ask for a case study or two from their previous customers.
Moreover, hiring a professional for turf installation saves you time and money. Although installing a turf is not an easy task, it requires considerable knowledge and expertise. You may not have all the right tools, resulting in a damaged yard. Also, you may be too busy with work or other obligations to devote sufficient time to the job. Hiring a professional will allow you to enjoy your new lawn much sooner.
