Posted on December 15, 2015 January 20, 2022

The 10 Artificial Grass Tools you Need for your Installation

The Tools You Need for your Artificial Grass Installation

A complete list of the tools you need to install your artificial lawn yourself.

Whether you’re doing your research because you’re serious about installing your own lawn, or you’re just looking into it to see what it would involve, it’s important to make sure you’re aware of the right artificial grass tools for the job. From the tools you probably have already, to the tools that you need to hire, we’ve got the essentials to install a beautiful lawn that you can be proud of – and one that you can be proud of installing yourself. Make sure you’re fully prepped by heading to our installation page and watching our video!

Without further ado, here are the 10 artificial grass tools you need for your installation

Turf Cutter
Wheelbarrow
Flat Shovel
Rake
Hose
Compactor
Razor Knife
Joining Tape
Joining Adhesive
Broom

As specialist suppliers of artificial grass in the UK, here at Namgrass we want to share our knowledge, so that you can be prepared. So read on as we break down each of these artificial grass tools and accessories, and explain how they’ll come in useful during your artificial grass installation.

1. Turf Cutter

A turf cutter will cut your synthetic grass into strips that you can roll and get rid of, turning potentially back-breaking work into a much quicker and easier job. It will also leave the area level – which is difficult to do manually. This is something you can hire from your local DIY tool hire shop, though they may also call the same tool a sod cutter.

2. Wheelbarrow

Another tool that will save you from doing backbreaking work – a wheelbarrow will mean that moving old turf out and new artificial turf in will be a breeze. Without a wheelbarrow you’ll spend more time carrying rolls of turf in and out of your garden, than laying your new lawn!

3. Flat Shovel

A flat shovel will come in handy for distributing your base material across the lawn space before laying your artificial grass. It is a tool that most gardeners have in their arsenal already, but if you haven’t got one to hand ask a neighbour to lend you one for the afternoon.

4. Rake

Once your base material is down, you need to use a wide headed rake to spread it out evenly across the artificial turf to create a level base for your lawn. If you don’t have a rake already, it’s worth getting one for the future. A plastic rake comes in very handy for clearing your lawn of leaves and looking after your lawn in the years to come (but a metal one can ruin the artificial grass so it’s not recommended).

5. Hose

You need to give your base material a good soaking with a hose to keep the dust down whilst compacting; doing this with a watering can would take far too long for most lawns. Without a well-soaked base, you may struggle to get a stable, professional quality finish. You also need to hose your grass down after installation to clean dust from your new lawn and to help your top sand settle, if you’ve used it.

6. Compactor

Another specialist artificial grass tool you’ll likely need to hire from the tool shop; a compactor is a large piece of equipment that repeatedly strikes the floor beneath it with a large metal plate. This allows you to compress your surface material and create the perfect base for your new turf. It makes sure that your artificial lawn is stable, even, and looks its best for longer. These tools are also known as a plate compactors or a vibrating plate, depending who you speak to, so it’s best to speak with your local hire company to make sure you get the right tool for the job.

7. Razor Knife

Unless you want a completely square lawn, chances are you will have to cut some of your grass to size and shape. Ensure you have a sharp knife with a robust handle, and some spare blades, as latex backing can quickly blunt a knife.

8. Joining Tape

In most lawns, you’ll have to join two or more pieces of artificial grass together. To do this properly, you need joining tape and professional quality lawn adhesive. Artificial grass joining tape is used to secure two pieces of grass together, and if used correctly, you won’t be able to see the join. Our premium quality joining tape is made to last the lifetime of your lawn, you won’t have to replace it.

9. Joining Adhesive

You’ll need artificial lawn adhesive to apply alongside your joining tape to stick the artificial lawn together, and cement it in place. A cartridge gun can be used to evenly spread your adhesive along the joining tape for a neat and robust seal. Adhesive can also be used to secure the grass around the edges to concrete or steel edging, making it vital for indoor and decking installations.

10. Broom

A tough bristled broom will make sure that your sand infill is brushed to the bottom of the pile before you soak the lawn turf with your hose. You’ll also need your broom for cleaning your lawn on an ongoing basis, getting any mud or debris off the grass. And if you find a mark or crease in your lawn at any point, a solid brushing can help iron out any unwanted lines or creases too.

So there you have it – the 10 tools you need to be aware of for your artificial grass installation. Now you’ve got these, it’s time to think about the artificial grass – why not order some free samples? As suppliers of quality artificial grass in the UK, we have quite the range, so take your pick!

How to Install

Artificial grass with a shed in the background

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Posted on December 12, 2015 December 6, 2021

The ABCs for Building a Playground

Namgrass Living Colours fake grass in school play ground

The ABCs for Building a Playground

Playgrounds are an essential part of childhood, where kids learn social skills, get exercise and explore. However, for parents and teachers alike, it can be difficult to let children run riot without worrying about slips, trips and falls.

Accidents happen, and while it’s impossible to completely incident-proof your playground, there are a number of rules and regulations to keep in mind.

Sourcing the correct equipment and surfacing is essential. When it comes to surfacing, we’re the experts. Our high quality artificial grass has been installed across the UK to many happy customers. Explore our range of artificial grass for schools, or take a look at one of our previous projects.

For an overview of playground safety, we have created this easy-to-follow infographic to get you off to a great start.

Images coutesy of Nigel Abbey Design

Posted on December 1, 2015 December 6, 2021

3 Things to Think about for a Rustic Wedding

3 Things to Think about for a Rustic Wedding

A cookie cutter wedding is not for everyone.

If you’d prefer relaxed over formal, then a rustic wedding may be the theme for you – and you don’t have to sacrifice elegance or glamour either.

The Venue

A barn is the only way to go when it comes to a rustic wedding. Whether for the ceremony or the reception, a barn is the perfect romantic setting to tie the knot. Each barn venue is sure to be unique and full of charm, but you can always make it your own through decoration. Flowers and foliage bring nature to your big day, creating a country feel, and reflecting the season. Whether you hang them from the beams or you use them as cute centrepieces for your tables, you can’t go wrong with a fern or dried flowers. Festoon lights add a warm glow and drapes from the ceiling add drama and warmth to a potentially cold barn conversion. Pair with linen and lace tablecloths and industrial metal chairs for a gorgeous reception room.

The Outfits

The whole feel of the wedding should be relaxed and informal – which means your outfits too. The effect could be jarring if you turned up in a big meringue dress for a barn reception. Instead, opt for a simple, unstructured, flowing dress that goes with your theme. While traditional wedding attire for a groom is a morning suit, a rustic wedding doesn’t require anything so formal. Be sure to inject your personality into what you’re wearing – whether that’s through the colour of your suit or the cufflinks you pick. Tweed is always popular for a rustic wedding, or for an even more relaxed wedding, you could wear your smart jeans or chinos!

The Food & Drink

The world really is your oyster when it comes to food and drink. It also obviously comes down to your personal preference and tastes, but generally speaking, food that you eat with your fingers gives the day a very rustic vibe.

Everyone loves pizza, and handmade, wood-fired pizzas are definitely the way to go, especially if they’re cooked live in front of you. You could opt for a hog roast, served at the table along with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, coleslaw and salad. Take a look at what’s in season and create a menu around that for a true rustic vibe.

Drinks are equally important. Whether cocktails or beer is your pick, the containers need to have a rustic feel. Jam jars for cocktails are a classic choice, but the quirkier the better!

For a fairy-tale or woodland touch, you could even use a square of artificial grass to serve your food on or decorate your bar area with artificial grass and woodland flowers.

So here are just a few ideas to make your rustic style wedding your own. We hope you have a fabulous day whatever you choose to do!

Upside down boy doing handstand on artificial grass in the garden, helped by man behind him

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Outside space matters more

Outside space matters more

With the average British home shrinking by two square metres in a decade, families are forced to make their living space stretch more than ever. Despite the lack of indoor space, 80% of new homes bought in the past five years have a private garden. This makes outdoor space extremely valuable. Exterior spaces have now evolved to be an expansion of indoor living space. Many homeowners see their garden as a key entertainment space; doubling up as al fresco dining rooms, bars and even cooking spaces. Make sure you get the most of your space with our planning and design tips:

vibrant fake grass laid on balcony with view of farm land

Match your lifestyle.

If you want to make the most of your outdoor space, but don’t have a lot of time for gardening, go low maintenance.

Adding paving and decking gives you a great space for seating and furniture which can be a great dining and entertainment area.

If you want easy upkeep without compromising on your green spaces, why not try artificial grass?

You and the kids have a perfect lawn all year round with no mud, mess or mowing!

fake grass in garden with flower bedding

Bring the inside, outside.

Having shared spaces to socialise is important for friends and family. With housing shrinking year on year, these communal areas are compromised for storage space. Investing time and thought into planning your garden can provide you with a whole new social space. By adding French doors, you can create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor space, creating a whole new living space.

bright green artificial grass in garden with timber fencing

Get creative with space.

Even the smallest gardens have great potential. There may be more space to work with than you initially realise. Even old decking, tarmac or concrete can be turned into a luscious lawn with artificial turf. If you enjoy gardening, but don’t have the room for a full flower bed, add some plant pots. What about your vertical space? Climbing plants on a trellis create a beautiful natural look.

Shelter from the elements.

So you have a perfect lawn and beautiful garden furniture but the Great British weather is stopping you from setting foot outside. Make sure you add some sheltered areas that allow you to enjoy your garden all year round. This can be anything from an awning to a full gazebo. This creates a fantastic space to kick back and relax or entertain and socialise.

artificial grass next to pond and paved dining area

Add focal features.

Garden features can add a lot of interest to the overall design. From simple to complex, there are options for all styles and budgets. For example, a smaller garden would look great with a rockery, as they are easy to fit on slopes or rough ground. If you have a large space, a water feature such as a pond or fountain can be enjoyed by all the family.

Heat things up with a fire pit.

Fire pits are one of the most popular outdoor living designs trends at the moment. They add a unique, social and relaxing atmosphere to any outdoor space. There are many styles to choose from, including in-ground and above ground as well as decorative paving to line the exterior.These pits add a key focal point to your garden to stunning effect. Whatever your choice regarding designs, you’re sure to enjoy many hours of conversation around this season’s hottest design trend.

Create an al fresco kitchen.

Another emerging outdoor trend is the addition of a wood fire oven. From home fired pizza to meat stews and slow roasted meats, you can create restaurant standard dishes in your back garden. They can also be stunning additions to an outdoor space, providing a visual centrepiece for an alfresco kitchen.Although it can be an expensive installation, there are many resources and guides available for a DIY oven if you’re up to the challenge.

However you choose to enhance your outdoor space, some careful planning and design will create a haven that you can enjoy all year round

Posted on November 12, 2015 December 16, 2021

10 Step Guide to Creating A Garden Putting Green

10 Step Guide to Creating A Garden Putting Green

Whether you’re a pro in training, or just like to hit the golf club on the weekend, I’m sure you’ve dreamt of having a putting green right outside your house. By following our step-by-step guide, that dream can become reality. Artificial turf will give you year round perfect putting; and all in your back garden – bliss! Before you get started, take a look at our video on how to install artificial turf. This will give you an overall idea of the process before you get going on our step-by-step guide to creating a unique putting green.

TOOLS NEEDED

Sod Cutter
Compacter
Round tip and flat shovels
Large rake
Hard bristle broom
Wheelbarrow
Concrete trowel
Utility knife
Spray paint

LAWN LAYOUT AND GROUND PREPARATION

Step 1 – Choosing the design

First of all, you need to map out your putting green.
Take some rope and lay it down roughly to create the design.
When you have the size and shape mapped out, have a little practice to see if it works for you.
Use spray paint to mark the entire outside perimeter of the shape. This will be used as the perimeter for your basing and edging.

Step 2 – Preparing the ground

Now you have your shape laid out, it’s time to remove the existing turf.
Hiring a sod cutter will make this a lot easier, and will allow for a more even surface than a shovel.
Once the old grass is gone, we recommend compacting the damp soil using a plate compactor to ensure a solid foundation for the crushed stone base.

Step 3 – Edging

Add an edging as a border along the entire outside perimeter of your putting green.
This will stop the base material from going outside of the area desired.
Our artificial grass comes in varying pile heights. Your edging needs to account for this.

BASE INSTALLATION

Step 4 – Add your base

Now you have edged your design, it’s time to lay the base material (for example, ‘Grano dust’).
Take your design and measurements to your local building suppliers and they will help you with this.
Make sure to distribute the material evenly. Use a large rake spread out the base so that it even and flat.
Now compact.
Follow this process until you have a layer between 40-60mm deep, with a 20mm between the base and the edging.
Lay out the weed membrane across the base and cut it to fit around your edging.

Step 5 – Install the cups

Arrange the cups on the base.
Mark the place where the cup will be by pressing it into the surface.
Using a small hand shovel, dig a hole that is at least 2 inch larger around than the cup than and deep enough to fit the cup (leave 1 inch of the cup exposed).
Add fast drying concrete mix powder around the cup and add water until the mix is saturated.
Run the compactor over the cup. This will make it level with the top of the base.

TURF INSTALLATION

Before installing your turf, unroll it and lay it out flat on top of the base to let it relax from being rolled up. It is likely that you will need to join pieces together to achieve your design.

Step 6 – Cutting

Lay out your grass, in the shape of your design (with any curves carefully marked out).
Identify the third and fourth rows of stitching.
Using a sharp utility knife, cut along the latex layer in between the rows.
Repeat this along the edge of the joining length.

Step 7 – Joining the lengths

It is essential that you get this bit right to achieve a perfect putting green. Check out our easy to follow video to help you:

Align the cut lengths of grass and fold back the edges.
Lay the joining tape out flat between the two lengths.
Use a glue gun to apply the adhesive along the edge of the tape.
Gently fold the lengths over so they stick securely.
Press the sides down by walking along the entire length.

Step 8 – Add the infill

To help settle the grass and improve drainage, we recommend you fill it with a layer of kiln-dried sand.
We recommend around 5 kilos per square metre.
After spreading the sand, brush the grass with a stiff broom to lift up the fibres,

Step 9 – Cut the holes

Locate the cup hole under the turf.
Using a utility knife (with another new blade!), carefully cut the holes out of the turf.
Trim any loose fibres carefully with scissors.

Step 10 – Enjoy

Phew! Now your personal putting green is ready for action. Enjoy a few test shots (if you have any energy left!). Want all the benefits without the hard work? We can do it for you! Contact one of our installers and we’ll be happy to assist you from design to fitting.

Posted on September 12, 2015 October 26, 2021

How to create an indoor oasis

How to Create an Indoor Oasis

If you have little to no outdoor space in your home, it’s time to start thinking about how to bring the outdoors in. House plants have become all the rage recently, so we thought it was the perfect time to look at how you can create your own indoor oasis.

Why Create an Indoor Oasis?

A pink beanbag chair surrounded by furniture and big plants, including a monstera

Extending nature indoors is both aesthetically pleasing and good for your health. According to NASA, houseplants help create healthy environments by purifying the air.

Working in the presence of greenery improves concentration, social interaction, productivity and memory. The University of Michigan found that memory retention can increase by 20 percent, simply by working in a plant-filled environment.

We are all becoming increasingly aware of our wellness, and the effects that stress has on our bodies. Surrounding yourself with nature is proven to reduce stress, boost your mood and make you generally happier!

Indoor Greenhouse

If it’s your dream to own a conservatory one day, but you don’t have the space just yet, then this theme could be the one for you.

Pick a room with lots of natural sunlight, as most plants will thrive better in natural light over artificial. Take up those carpets and get to know your wooden floors – they’ll mean that any mess you create while potting plants will be easy to clean up.

Go for a mixture of different plants – herbs, succulents and cacti to start with if you’re not the most confident of gardeners. Palms and trailing plants can add to the variety and depth of your oasis too.

Maximalism

Starting with a dark base – dark walls, floors and ceilings – and adding layer upon layer upon layer is a particular style of maximalism that is really lifted by greenery, and it can definitely feel like an indoor oasis of a slightly different kind.

Use different hues, furniture from different eras, combine textures, patterns and embellishments, and add in your favourite plants too. From giant cacti to make a statement to lots of cacti or ferns, there’s no such thing as too much!

Lush and Green

Living walls are a key trend loved by green-fingered urbanites as they provide a perfect solution for those with little or no outdoor space – if you can’t grow out, grow up!

Living walls are a great way of bringing the outdoors in, whilst also providing a contemporary focal point to your home. They can be created on all scales, whether that’s a jaw-dropping full wall piece or a living picture frame hung on a wall. Creating a living wall is achievable regardless of your gardening experience with stackable planters that can be tailored to suit your chosen design. For the novices among you, the same aesthetic can be achieved by using artificial plants and grasses.

A living room with green cushions, a living wall of green, with more plants on the bookcase, and some ivy in the foregound

Peaceful Japanese Garden

loft style living room with three bonsai trees on the window sill

Experiment with the Japanese trend of ‘wabi-sabi’ by embracing the natural imperfections of your green space. The balance of nature and nurture is at the heart of this theme, recreate through overgrown perennials, weathered pots and moss-covered stones. This theme is perfect for the gardening beginner wishing to inject some zen into their life.

Fake it ‘til you Make it

Not sure you can handle real plants but still want the look? That’s where fake plants and grass comes in! Artificial plants have come a long way, and they can look just like the real thing. Whatever your style, there’s an artificial plant to help you achieve your look.

From a grass wall to a desert style cactus, artificial plants can recreate that oasis feel without the upkeep of figuring out how each plant likes to be looked after, buying all the stuff to look after them properly, and then remembering to actually get it done as well!

a series of box shelves with artificial plants on a dark wall

Which style would you choose for your home?

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