Fake Grass Installation: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to the Top Tier Turfing Solutions blog, your go-to source for high-quality fake grass installation in Sydney. If you’re tired of the constant maintenance and upkeep of natural grass, synthetic grass or fake grass could be the perfect solution for your lawn.

This comprehensive guide will cover all the essential aspects of fake grass installation, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, hassle-free haven.

Key takeaways

• Fake grass is manufactured turf made from synthetic fibres that are designed to look and feel like real grass.
• Sydney’s hot summers, unpredictable rain and water restrictions make artificial grass a practical option for many homes.
• Key benefits include less maintenance, no mowing, lower water use and a green appearance year-round.
• When choosing turf, consider pile height, density, UV resistance, drainage, and the backing quality.
• Artificial grass can be used for more than just lawns. It works well in courtyards, balconies, pet areas, pool surrounds and rooftops.
• Proper ground preparation and professional installation can help your turf look better and last longer.

What is artificial grass or fake grass?

Artificial grass, also known as synthetic or fake grass, is made from synthetic fibres attached to a backing material. It is designed to look and feel like a healthy natural lawn without soil, roots, or regular watering.

Unlike natural grass, artificial grass doesn’t grow, so it does not need mowing or fertilising. It stays the same length and colour year-round. However, products can vary in pile height, density, colour and overall quality. A cheaper, thinner product may look and perform quite differently from a denser, better-quality product.

Artificial grass vs natural grass

There is no clear winner between the two; it depends on your property and your needs. Natural grass is usually cheaper to install and gives you the traditional feel of a real lawn. However, it needs regular mowing, watering, and fertilising to stay healthy and may struggle in Sydney’s dry weather or in shaded areas.

Artificial grass has a higher upfront cost and requires proper ground preparation. However, once installed, it needs very little ongoing care and looks consistent year-round. It is a practical choice for people looking for a low-maintenance, durable lawn. Natural grass, on the other hand, is a good option for those who prefer its natural feel and don’t mind maintaining it.

Benefits of Synthetic Grass

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s take a moment to understand the numerous benefits of synthetic grass. Installing artificial lawn offers several advantages over natural grass, including:

• Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to mowing, watering, and fertilising. You can enjoy a beautiful lawn with fake grass without constant upkeep.
• Water Conservation: Synthetic grass doesn’t require regular watering, making it an eco-friendly choice and helping you save on water bills.
• Durability: Unlike natural grass, which can become patchy or worn in high-traffic areas, fake grass maintains its lush appearance year-round.
• Allergy-Friendly: For individuals with grass allergies, synthetic grass provides a hypoallergenic alternative that eliminates discomfort and allergic reactions.
• Versatility: Synthetic grass can be installed in various locations, including residential lawns, commercial spaces, rooftops, and play areas.

Why is Sydney perfect for artificial grass?

Sydney’s weather is one reason many artificial grass Sydney homeowners choose synthetic turf so often. Hot, dry spells can leave lawns looking brown and patchy, while heavy rains can quickly make them muddy. A well-installed synthetic lawn can hold its colour through both conditions without becoming muddy after rainfall.

It also suits busy Sydney households. With water restrictions and outdoor entertaining being common, a lawn that stays green without regular watering can be a convenient option that saves time and effort.

Different applications

Fake grass is not just for regular backyard lawns. Common uses include:

• Artificial grass in Front and back yards and courtyards
• Balconies and smaller outdoor areas
• Pet areas synthetic turf, as the surface is easy to clean and drains well
• Schools synthetic grass for children’s play areas with a suitable soft underlay
• Fake turf for pool surrounds, where it stays cooler underfoot than some hard surfaces and helps avoid muddy areas
• Rooftops and terraces, using lighter-weight systems suited to the setting
• Sports synthetic turf like soccer, cricket and also tennis court artificial turf installation.

The best option depends on how the area will be used day to day.

Now, Let’s Explore the Step-By-Step Process of Fake Grass Installation

1) Consultation

Before installing artificial turf, talk about your wants and requirements. Considerations include the day of installation, measurement, price, and when to plant the synthetic grass.

Help your installer or contractor draw the blueprint for the grass’s structural layout. Your grass should be gorgeous! Hiring a local fake grass installer can help you save on the onsite-visit quotation cost.

2) Surface Measurement

Measuring the area before quoting the job gives you a fair idea of the turf required. You must consider waste while grinding the region in rolls with a four-meter permanent width or four-meter widths. Rolls are often produced to a height of four metres by twenty-five metres.

Installing artificial grass should be done in the same direction. This phase is essential for determining the million-dollar question, “How much does synthetic grass installation cost?”

3) Get Rid of Old Grass

Cut the turf with a mechanised turf cutter or a sharp spade. Set between 30 and 35 millimetres below the edges of the perimeter. Any horns that are too high should be cut back to ensure a sharp edge.

Before placing the stone base, use a rake to level the surface off to any natural falls. You don’t want any lumps or bumps. Install an edging system in areas without an edge to insert into.

4) Levelling

Use a rake or dummy rake to remove the material and create a crowned profile. Raise the core portion of the installation above the outer edges, giving it a more natural appearance and allowing for future settlement.

To place the fine granite stone on the soft, unstable ground, use a type 1 stone base. Soaked the area first before beginning the compaction process, working our way towards the middle. To maintain a smooth surface, scrape away any ridges that the compactor plate leaves behind.

5) Setting Up The Membrane

Install the weed membrane right away. Stretch this out and secure it with 4-inch nails around the boundaries. Trim the edges of the perimeter as well. In the rear gardens, the pile should run towards the house, and in the front lawns, the pile should go the other way, with the fluff facing out.

Make sure the grass complies with the boundaries. Fold the grass back where a tree or a post is present, then choose the quickest path through the obstacle. Following that, make cuts between the toughs, being careful not to clip any of the grass blades as this will result in a weak seam.

6) Nailed it

After, the weed membrane will be installed by being stretched out and secured with 4-inch nails around the boundaries. Trim the edges of the perimeter. The fake grass will then be spread out and positioned, with the pile ideally facing the house in the back gardens and the other manner on the front lawns, facing the fluff out. It is crucial to ensure that the grass complies with the exterior requirements.

When faced with an obstruction like a tree or a post, we will fold the grass back and choose the shortest path. Be careful not to trim any grass blades, which could result in a poor seam when cutting between the tufts.

7) Alignment Setting

It’s time to insert a thick layer of kiln-dry sand into the perimeter after seaming and nailing the grass to permanently colour the pile open and guarantee that the perimeter edges are entirely loaded with sand. If a hopper, mechanical brush, or blower is unavailable, we can still distribute the sand uniformly by punching holes in the bags.

Per square metre, we advise using 6 to 8 kilogrammes of sand. The sand will next be brushed into the pile, constantly touching the open bank, using a stiff garden brush. We’ll spread the current sand using a mechanical brush to brush the hair about the parameters.

8) Put the sand down

It’s starting to look good now! The final step is properly distributing the newly graded dry sand over the recently created synthetic grass area. To ensure no sand is visible on top, evenly sweep this around the surface again using a push or power broom made for artificial grass.

The grass will be weighed down, and the blades will remain upright thanks to this final process. For this phase, all you need is a stiff broom or a power broom. Handy Hint: Try to accomplish this on a sunny day. The grass will naturally spread out and stand up due to the sun.

Why choose professional artificial grass?

A good artificial grass installation starts with proper preparation. Before the turf is laid, it’s essential to remove the existing grass and soil, level the ground, and prepare a compacted base. This helps keep the surface stable and reduces the risk of the turf shifting or sinking over time.

It’s important to incorporate proper drainage into the base so rainwater can flow away instead of pooling under the turf. Once the base is prepared, the turf is carefully joined together, and the edges are secured with pins to maintain a tidy, even surface. Rushing these steps can cause problems such as poor drainage, visible joins and faster wear. This is why it’s worth choosing an experienced team for fake grass installation.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Lower maintenance is one of the primary reasons homeowners choose artificial grass. There is no mowing, and you spend less time fertilising or fixing bare patches. It also uses much less water, making it a practical option during Sydney’s water restrictions.

Unlike natural grass, artificial grass is not affected by weather. It can keep a consistent look during both dry periods and heavy rain. Quality turf can also handle regular use, making it a practical choice for families with children or pets. It can also work well in areas where natural grass struggles, including shaded or high-traffic spaces and areas with poor soil.

Synthetic turf maintenance tips:

• Regular Brushing: Use a stiff brush to prevent the grass fibres from matting and keep them looking upright.
• Cleaning: Remove any debris, leaves, or pet waste using a leaf blower or a gentle spray of water.
• Weed Control: Although synthetic grass prevents weed growth to a large extent, occasional spot checks and removal may be necessary.
• Pet Care: For pet owners, quickly remove solid waste and hose down the area to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

What should you look for?

Choosing the right turf is just as important as the installation itself. Here are some things to check before you buy:

1. Pile height – Longer fibres generally look lusher, but the ideal height should depend on how you plan to use the area.
2. Density – A denser turf usually looks fuller and can handle regular foot traffic better.
3. Drainage – A perforated backing allows rainwater to pass through instead of sitting underneath the turf.
4. Colour and finish – A mix of green shades often looks more natural than a single colour.
5. UV resistance – Important for Sydney’s strong sun to prevent fading.
6. Durability and backing – A good-quality backing is less likely to wear out quickly, especially in busy areas.
7. Intended use – The right turf can vary depending on whether it is for a backyard, pets, children, heavy foot traffic or a low-use area.
8. Warranty – Review the details of the warranty to understand what it includes and its duration before finalising your decision.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Fake Grass?

The professional installer will consider the size of the space, the kind of pile you desire, and the amount of preparation the site needs.

Everything from extremely short putting green turf to opulent multi-toned 40mm tall landscaping grade grass is available.

The grass’s complexity, colour, density, and form will affect the cost. On average, artificial grass costs range from $100 to $150 m2, including materials and installation.

Smaller installations or artificial grass of lower quality may have a lower cost, whilst more intricate installations or artificial grass of higher rates may have a higher cost. Materials like base materials, edging, and infill may come at an additional cost in addition to the price of the fake grass itself.

Recognise that operating a firm involves some overhead expenses for big businesses. These business costs, such as insurance, payroll, bookkeeping, marketing, and vehicle upkeep, are included in every price they offer.

But here are a few essential things you can keep in mind. Your installer can cut corners during the process of laying artificial turf.

• Using turf on sale
• Use too much patching.
• Using less material
• Bad pre-installation for saving hauling cost
• Cheap infills
• A lowgrade quick job to save labour cost

With this guide, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision about installing FAKE GRASS on your property & also the complexity related to it.

A slight mistake can cost hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars. With so much investment, it’s better to call a professional. Top Tier Turfing Solutions can meet all your requirements regarding Synthetic Grass Installation.

Contact us today to request a free quote or expert advice.