The tools required to install your Tauro Turf will all depend on your area of installation. If you have a new build, there may be little need for excavation. However, if you are not a new build and have existing natural grass or sand, then excavation will be required. We recommend digging 70-100mm down in order to fill the area with 50-80mm of cracker dust. This can be done either by hand or hiring a bobcat.
Ensure the soil is level before laying the cracker dust because this will give the best results. To do this we recommend using a soil leveler, but the back of a rake will also do the trick. Evenly distribute the cracker dust over the excavated area. Once you have evenly spread out the cracker dust, we recommend wetting it down with a hose before using a compactor to create a firm base. A plate compactor compacts the cracker dust thoroughly and evenly and can be hired. Once you have created a firm base your area is ready for artificial grass.
Roll out your piece of artificial turf, laying it out and roughly pulling it into place. You might need a few pegs to hold it in place before you start the job of cutting. When cutting in your artificial grass we recommend using a fixed blade trimming knife. You will find your blade will become blunt after excessive use. If you do notice that it is difficult to cut the grass, you might need to replace the blade. Once you have trimmed all around the edges, we recommend using turf pegs every 30cm around the edge and down the join. We sell our bags of U-shaped pegs in 50 and 100 packs, we also sell boxes of 14cm long nails. The option is yours whether you use pegs or nails, but we recommend the U-shaped pegs. We find that they can actually hold more of the grass and are great for connecting the joins on both sides.
When installing a join, we recommend a self-adhesive joining tape. We have two different joining tapes that we use to install and also stock in our shop. Our cheapest tape is $22 for a 10m length. It is a fabric tape which is very sticky once the backing has been removed. This tape is difficult to install on your own and is easier with more than one person. To start, lay the joining tape down where the join will be and peg it in place. Pull the grass together and make sure the join is sitting nice and not mohawking in the middle. Pull the edges of the grass back and remove the joining tape backing. As you do this, pull the grass together in a zipper-like motion. Ensure that the grass is secure along the whole length of the join.
The other tape we have is a self-adhesive, butyl tape with a split backing. We sell this tape in store and it is $30 for a 10m length. The split backing of this tape makes it easy to install on your own. Just lay the tape out on the cracker dust where the join is going to be. Lay the grass on top and match the two pieces together nicely. Then, flip the grass back and pull one side of the tape back off and match the grass back down, sticking it to the tape. Once you have the join looking nice, peel the other side of the backing out from underneath slowly. Push the other side of the grass join down onto the tape. Once the join is in place we recommend securing it with pegs. Hammer in U-shaped pegs every 30-40cm connecting both sides of the join as an extra reinforcement.
Some other tools that are worthwhile are a chisel and hammer to tuck all the edges in nicely. A carpet stretcher is also useful to make sure the grass is sitting nice and taught as the grass may expand and compress slightly in the hot and colder months. If the grass is stretched out well and has a sufficient number of U-shaped pegs holding it in place, then changes in the weather shouldn’t make a difference.
We recommend using kiln dried silica infill sand over the top of your turf. We sell 25kg bags of sand for $9.90 per bag. We usually recommend using 1 bag per 10m2. Finally, you will need a tool to evenly spread the infill sand over the grass. Although a drop spreader is most effective in distributing the sand evenly, it's unlikely you have one lying around at home. So, cutting slits into the bottom of the bag will also get the job done. To brush up the grass after applying sand, we use a rotary brush. If you can’t get access to one of these then a stiff broom/brush should do the job.
If you are installing grass on a hard surface, then we recommend preparing the area first by hosing and sweeping the area thoroughly. Lay the grass out where you would like it to go. You can apply an artificial grass glue around the edges and along any joins to stop the grass from flipping up or getting tripped over. The artificial grass glue can be purchased from bunnings in a caulking gun style, which makes it easier to apply along the edges. Any trimming of the grass around walls or patio posts can be done the same way with the fixed blade trimming knife. Once the glue has dried (4 hours to cure before water resistant and 48 hours before waterproof) you can spread out some of the kiln-dried silica infill sand. This isn’t necessary but it will help the blades to stand up and stay up if the grass is not in a warm area.
For more information and tips on DIY installation take a look at our Installation Guide, or have a chat with our friendly team!
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