How to Replace Natural Grass with Namgrass Yourself

1) The existing grass should be dug off and removed.

A turf cutter makes quick and easy work of this task; it also leaves a good clean level base with which to work from.

2) Mark out the shape and dimensions of the proposed artificial grass area figure 1

Using marking spray or even rope, lay out the area(s) on the ground, and adjust as necessary. It's worth bearing in mind the 4m roll widths at this point to enable you to assess any jointing that will be required.

3) Install edging if required

Some areas may already have walls, patios or deck areas which the grass can be laid up against. There are a huge variety of edging systems available, wood, metal, concrete etc… which ever system you have chosen, the key is to make sure it is secure, and laid to the correct levels along the perimeter, taking your time here ensures a high quality finish.

4) Stabilise and level the ground figures 2

Once again, taking your time here will ensure the finished look of your grass look first class. Using either coarse grit or type1 5mm to dust (preferably type1) level the proposed lawn area over, filling in any undulations or holes, using a vibro plate compact this initial layer in.

For the final level, blind the area over once again, ensuring the finished level is no more than 5 – 10mm shallower against the edge than the pile height of the artificial grass you are using (in other words, make sure the pile of the grass sticks above the top of edging by approx 5 – 10mm) once again vibro plate the area. You should now be left with a clean level and stable base. If there are any real 'soft spots' it maybe worth excavating these and backfilling with type1, to avoid any problems later on.

5) Lay the Geotex Membrane

The geotex membrane can now be laid, cut and pinned into position.

6) Install the Namgrass artificial grass figure 3

Your Namgrass artificial grass can now be rolled out and positioned accordingly, be sure to make 100% sure the grass is in the correct position, with no creases before you start cutting in. Once positioned correctly, using a sharp knife, cut the artificial grass in tight up to the edges, take your time here, so as not make any mistakes.

7) Joining the artificial grass sections

On larger areas it maybe necessary to have one, or a number of joins to complete the area. The joining process is simple; the most important thing to remember here is that the pile direction of the two pieces of artificial grass are facing the same way. The next step is to cut the two faces ready for the join.

8a) Cut between the third & fourth stitch lines (option a) figure 4

If you are working in the same direction as the stitching lines: this is easy. Fold the face over. Count three stitches in along the back of the grass; then cut neatly along between the third and fourth stitch lines. This process needs to be done to both pieces being joined.

8b) Cut across the stitch lines (option b)

If you are working across the stitch lines: again, working from the rear of the grass, slowly cut across the stitch lines in-between the position where two tufts enter the backing, taking your time to ensure a good, clean, straight cut. This process needs to be completed on both pieces being joined.

9) Line up the two pieces

Now offer the two pieces of grass up to each other, leaving a 2-3mm gap between the two pieces (it may be necessary to trim some areas here in order to ensure a neat fit). Once again take your time here to ensure the two pieces line up. The join should be invisible once lined up correctly.

10) Fold back and tape

Once positioned, fold the two faces back and roll out the tape in-between, ensuring an equal amount of tape under each of the pieces of artificial grass.

11) Apply glue figure 5

Glue can now be spread along the jointing tape in a zig-zag fashion. Carefully lower each side of the grass onto the tape, ensuring no glue gets onto the grass.

13) Finishing figure 6 & figure 7

Finally, walk along the joint compressing the glue and joint together.

With the grass now laid, cut in and joined (allow the glue to set), if required the area can now be partially sand filled using kiln dried sand. Make sure it is spread evenly over the entire area, with a stiff brush (ideally a mechanical brush). This will allow the fibres of the grass to stand upright and complete the installation.

If you are not in-filling with sand, spray the area over with water then brush over the grass with a stiff broom (ideally a mechanical brush) to allow the pile to stand upright.