How to lay turf

Artificial turf is a great alternative

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Artificial turf Photo: Handyman

When you hear the term artificial turf, you imagine too-green, hard and unnatural-looking cricket pitches and tennis courts. But thanks to this new product by Ideal it’s actually a great outdoor alternative. From a distance this synthetic grass looks nothing like the name suggests. It’s a UV-stabilised product that’s stain-resistant, non-rot and carries a three-year domestic warranty. It can be laid over concrete, timber, metal or firmly packed earth. And best of all, it’s very simple to lay..

Download DIY Project Plan PDF on How To Lay Turf

Buying turf
Artificial turf costs from $33 per metre. It’s available as 1.8m or 3.7m widths and can be bought by the metre or on the roll (from 10m to 30m). It withstands the traffic of kids’ playing areas and sporting facilities. You could even use it to set up a mini golf course. Check out the range and more information at www.ideal-diy-floors.com.au
HINT: When ordering two or more rolls of turf be sure to ask for rolls with identical grain direction so it lays uniformly and appears more natural.

STEP 1

Preparing the surface
Remove all existing grass and weeds by scraping with a metal garden rake. Use a pick to dig out the tough weeds and any surface tree roots.

STEP 2

Clean up the edging
Scrape away the existing ground to about 20mm below the finished height of any adjoining paved areas or garden edging.

STEP 3

Compacting the soil
The subsoil should be dampened lightly with water before being compacted. Use a whacker packer or garden roller to do the job effectively.

STEP 4

4Adding the roadbase
Spread a layer of roadbase, or crusher dust, to about 15mm deep. Distribute it evenly with a steel rake then sprinkle with water before compacting with the whacker packer.

STEP 5

Laying the turf
Fill any surface dips or hollows with fine sand. Lay out the first roll of turf, allowing overhang at the ends. This will later be trimmed to match the contour of the paving.

STEP 6

Cutting to size
Trim the turf roughly around any garden edges and move it into position. Then use a utility knife, with a new blade, to trim accurately around the edges.

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