How to Install Artificial Grass Between Concrete Slabs
Installing artificial grass between concrete slabs may seem daunting, but it can be a relatively easy project with the right tools and instructions. In this blog post, we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to install artificial grass between concrete slabs, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process go smoothly. So if you’re considering installing synthetic grass in your home or business, keep reading for all the information you need!
First, make sure the surface of the concrete is smooth and clean. If there are any bumps or cracks in the surface, they will need to be fixed before proceeding. Next, use a level to ensure that the slab’s surface is perfectly flat. Then, install landscape fabric over the top of the slab to help keep the artificial grass in the place. Read on to learn more!
How to Install Artificial Grass Between Concrete Slabs: The Complete Guide
Step 1: Prepare The Ground For Drainage
The first step to installing artificial grass between concrete slabs is to prepare the ground for draining. This process includes digging the area around the border of your slab using a small shovel until you reach packed soil at approximately 1 to 2 inches below the surface. Next, remove all roots, grass, and stones that are visible.
Step 2: Build A Drainage System
Against one of the concrete edges, build a drainage system using hardware cloth. The mesh in the hardware cloth should be 1/4 inch (6mm) wide, and you will need to bend it around 90 degrees with pliers. This frame should be approximately 18 inches by 15 inches. Cover the hardware cloth with either rubber, fabric, or plastic drainage layer. Use a staple gun to attach the edges of the material to the mesh and fill it about halfway full of gravel.
Step 3: Fill The Area With Rubber Chips
In your artificial grass installation kit, you will have received some black rubber chips meant for compacting underneath your border. First, fill the space between your hardware cloth border and the concrete slab until the area is full. Then, tamp down with a shovel or walking foot attachment on a drill to pack it all together securely.
Step 4: Install Sub-Base And Base Material
Cover the chips with a sub-base material. For example, if laying artificial grass on top of concrete, use rubber chips. Otherwise, use sand or gravel to create an even surface for your border. Be sure that it is compacted well before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Roll Out And Lay The Artificial Grass
Lay down your border and unroll the artificial grass on top of it. Smooth out any air bubbles, and make sure to get right up to the edge. Then, cut off any excess material (if needed) and secure with adhesive tape .
Step 6: Trim The Edges And Shape The Artificial Grass
Use a sharp box cutter or a pair of scissors to trim the edges and shape your artificial grass. Make sure not to cut too close to the border as you don’t want it to fray; just get as close as possible without cutting into it.
Step 7: Nail The Grass Down
Use a hammer or stapler to nail the grass down around the border. Make sure that you are nailing in between blades of grass, rather than on top of them so that you do not damage your surface. If possible, pull the nails back out and fill in any holes with sand before it dries to ensure they are uniform.
Step 8: Secure The Edges With Grass Tape
After securing the grass down, use a wall seam tape to cover any visible seams. This will make your artificial grass look like one continuous piece instead of several pieces put together. You’ll want to overlap your seams about half an inch (12mm) and remove any air bubbles.
Step 9: Caulk The Seams
Once you have finished taping all of your seams, go back around and caulk any gaps that the tape doesn’t cover. This will help to keep water from getting underneath your border and make everything look a little nicer overall. Also, be sure to caulk behind the grass to meet the concrete.
Step 10: Allow Adhesive Tape To Dry And Trim Edges
Let the adhesive tape dry overnight and remove any excess artificial grass beside the border. If you’re satisfied with the results, stand back and enjoy your new lawn! If you’re not, fix any mistakes now before it sets into place permanently.
Some Tips and Suggestions
Here are some tips and suggestions on how to install artificial grass between concrete slabs.
1. Always layout enough turf for the installation before cutting and to allow for waste. If you do not, you will likely run short of turf.
2. Do not expose the grass to direct sunlight or extreme heat without protection such as snow cover or shade, until completely dried and rooted in place. Drying times depend on weather conditions and the type of product used.
3. When installing, prepare the soil by tilling to a depth of at least 6″ (15cm) unless it is already loose and friable with excellent drainage. This will allow the grassroots to go deep into the soil, where they can take heart; then, water will not settle on top of the turf and cause it to wash away.
4. Fill in the area around the turf with soil, sand, or other suitable material to give the turf a firm foundation that will prevent it from moving or floating out of place once installed. This also protects against sunlight which could dry and damage the grass blades.
5. If you choose not to use a solid and firm foundation, the grass blades may move out of place due to wind. If they do not, you will have an unrealistic impression of the appearance and beauty of the turf.
6. Start with a small area to become familiar with how easy or difficult it will be for you to install artificial grass between concrete slabs. This will indicate how difficult or easy it will be to complete the rest of your project.
7. Keep all seams at 90 degrees angles and lines straight with a string line before cutting them, so they match up correctly when installed. This, however, is very time-consuming and may not be practical depending on the size of your project or if you are doing this for a business rather than your own home.
How Does Artificial Grass Work?
False-front artificial grass is laid flat on the ground or slightly raised in some areas, with a black border outlining the perimeter. The false-front has green grass blades attached to green backing material made out of vinyl fibers. Water is then used to help hold all of the fabric together.
A black border then outlines the perimeter of this grassy area to help give it a finished look. The black frame can be made out of a material with an asphalt base to help prevent weeds from growing up through it. It also helps hold the grass in place, which aids in weed prevention. Weed fabric or ground cloth may be needed under the area covered by this false-front lawn product, depending on the specific product you choose to use.
How Do You Install False-Front Synthetic Grass?
False-front synthetic grass is designed to be laid over a flat surface between concrete slabs. Laying down weed fabric or ground cloth will help protect the false-front from punctures that could occur if a weed were to grow up through the grass and damage it. Also, laying down a layer of sand or bark will help protect the grass from puncture and add additional grip to the surface you’re laying it on and your shoes.
False-front synthetic grass is made by attaching three different components, with most false-fronts coming in an interlocking puzzle pattern. So you’ll need to determine how much surface area you’re putting the false-front on and then purchase enough pieces of grass to cover that area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where Can I Buy Synthetic Turf That Looks Like Real Grass?
A: A synthetic turf is an option for homeowners who do not want to maintain a real lawn and want the appearance of grass without all of the work, expense, and water usage. False-front synthetic grass is made from durable vinyl, and it looks genuine when laid down in a lawn or landscape setting between concrete slabs.
Q: How Can I Find Out Which Glue and Grout Are Suitable for This Kind of Installation?
A: Both glue and grout should be compatible with your artificial grass as well as the surface it is to be applied to. The glue must be suitable for the artificial grass and should also have good adhesion. The grout is necessary where there are gaps and earth between concrete slabs.
Make sure you purchase suitable grout for this purpose and can be used with your type of artificial grass. You will need to ask for advice from your glues and grouts supplier. When it comes to adhering the artificial grass to the surface, we recommend using glue suitable for use with fake turf.
You Can Check It Out To Change Cutter Blade
Conclusion
When you’ve finished, be sure to water your new lawn thoroughly. Allow the grass an hour or two to dry before walking on it. The turf will need at least a week of watering and sunlight for roots to grow deep enough into the ground that they can withstand seasonal changes in temperature without dying out.
You may also want to consider fertilizing after installing artificial grass between concrete slabs. Depending on how often you expect people to walk through your yard (if more than once per day, we recommend using fertilizer monthly). We hope this article on how to install artificial grass between concrete slabs has helped answer any questions about what is involved with installing artificial grass between concrete slabs! Feel free to comment below if you have any thoughts!
