1. Planning & Preparation
Site Assessment
Before beginning any artificial grass installation, a thorough site assessment is crucial for project success.
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1
Measure the Area
Accurately measure the installation area, including length, width, and any irregular shapes. Add 5-10% extra material for cuts and waste.
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2
Check Drainage
Assess existing drainage patterns and identify any areas prone to water accumulation. Proper drainage is essential for artificial grass longevity.
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Identify Utilities
Mark all underground utilities including water, gas, electrical, and telecommunications lines before excavation.
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Soil Analysis
Test soil composition and compaction levels to determine the appropriate base construction method.
Professional Tip
For sports facilities requiring FIFA or FIH certification, engage a certified testing laboratory early in the planning process to ensure all specifications are met.
3. Site Preparation
Excavation Process
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Mark the Area
Use spray paint or stakes to clearly mark the installation boundaries and any features like drainage points.
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Remove Existing Surface
Strip away existing grass, weeds, and topsoil to a depth of 100-150mm depending on base requirements.
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3
Grade the Surface
Create proper slopes for drainage (minimum 1:100 gradient) and ensure the surface is level and smooth.
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4
Compact the Subgrade
Use a plate compactor to achieve 95% standard Proctor density on the exposed subgrade.
Important Warning
Always call your local utility marking service before excavation. Hitting underground utilities can be dangerous and expensive.
4. Base Construction
Drainage Installation (if required)
For areas with poor natural drainage or sports facilities, install a drainage system:
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Install Drainage Pipes
Lay perforated drainage pipes in trenches at 5-10m intervals, sloping toward collection points.
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Surround with Gravel
Wrap pipes in geotextile fabric and surround with 20mm clean gravel.
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Connect to Outlet
Ensure all drainage connects to an appropriate outlet or soakaway system.
Aggregate Base Layer
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Install Geotextile
Lay geotextile fabric over the compacted subgrade to prevent contamination and improve stability.
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Place Aggregate
Spread crushed stone aggregate in 50mm lifts, maintaining proper grades and slopes.
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3
Compact Each Lift
Compact each 50mm lift to 98% standard Proctor density using appropriate equipment.
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4
Final Grading
Achieve final grade and smooth surface ready for sand layer installation.
Sand Bedding Layer
Apply a 25mm layer of sharp sand, screed to achieve a smooth, level surface. This layer provides the final grade adjustment and smooth base for the artificial grass.
5. Artificial Grass Installation
Grass Laying Process
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1
Acclimatize the Grass
Allow artificial grass rolls to acclimatize for 2-4 hours in direct sunlight before installation.
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2
Plan the Layout
Ensure all grass pile runs in the same direction and plan seam locations to minimize visibility.
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3
Roll Out the Grass
Carefully unroll each section, avoiding wrinkles and ensuring proper alignment.
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4
Trim to Fit
Use a sharp utility knife to trim grass to exact dimensions, cutting from the backing side.
Seaming Process
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1
Prepare Edges
Ensure clean, straight edges on both pieces to be joined, removing any loose backing material.
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Position Seaming Tape
Place seaming tape under the joint, ensuring it's centered and flat.
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3
Apply Adhesive
Apply adhesive evenly to the tape using a notched trowel, working in manageable sections.
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4
Join the Pieces
Carefully lower both edges onto the adhesive, ensuring perfect alignment and no gaps.
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5
Apply Pressure
Use a seaming roller or walk on the seam to ensure proper adhesion and eliminate air bubbles.
Professional Tip
For sports applications, seams should be positioned away from high-traffic areas like goal mouths and center circles whenever possible.
6. Finishing & Infill
Edge Securing
Secure the perimeter of the artificial grass installation:
- Nail/Staple Method: Use 150mm galvanized nails every 150mm around the perimeter
- Adhesive Method: Apply adhesive strip along edges for permanent installation
- Mechanical Fixing: Use specialized edge restraint systems for sports facilities
Infill Application
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Calculate Infill Requirements
Determine the correct amount and type of infill based on grass specifications and intended use.
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Apply Base Infill
Spread silica sand evenly across the surface using a drop spreader or by hand.
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3
Brush In
Use a power broom or stiff brush to work infill down into the grass fibers.
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4
Apply Performance Infill
For sports applications, apply rubber granules or performance infill as specified.
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5
Final Brushing
Complete final brushing to achieve proper pile height and infill distribution.
Quality Control Checks
- Verify all seams are invisible and secure
- Check infill levels are consistent across the surface
- Ensure proper drainage function
- Confirm pile direction is uniform
- Test surface hardness and ball bounce (for sports applications)
7. Maintenance Guidelines
Daily Maintenance
- Remove debris and litter
- Check for and repair any damage
- Monitor infill levels in high-traffic areas
Weekly Maintenance
- Brush the surface to maintain pile height
- Check and clean drainage outlets
- Inspect seams and edges for integrity
- Remove stains and spills promptly
Monthly Maintenance
- Deep clean the surface with appropriate equipment
- Top up infill material as needed
- Check and adjust surface levels
- Inspect and maintain drainage systems
Annual Maintenance
- Professional deep cleaning and sanitization
- Comprehensive surface testing (for sports facilities)
- Infill redistribution and top-up
- Seam and edge inspection and repair
- Drainage system maintenance
Maintenance Tip
Regular maintenance extends the life of artificial grass significantly. A well-maintained surface can last 15-20 years compared to 8-10 years with poor maintenance.
8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Visible Seams
Causes: Poor alignment, inadequate adhesive, pile direction mismatch
Solutions: Re-seam with proper technique, ensure pile direction consistency, use quality seaming materials
Poor Drainage
Causes: Inadequate base preparation, blocked drainage, insufficient slope
Solutions: Install additional drainage, clear blockages, adjust surface grades
Infill Migration
Causes: Incorrect infill type, insufficient brushing, high traffic
Solutions: Use appropriate infill, regular maintenance, install traffic management
Surface Hardness Issues
Causes: Over-compaction, insufficient shock pad, wrong infill levels
Solutions: Install shock absorption layer, adjust infill quantities, modify base construction
9. FIFA/FIH Certification Requirements
FIFA Quality Programme
For soccer facilities seeking FIFA certification:
- Surface Testing: Ball bounce, ball roll, vertical deformation, rotational resistance
- Player-Surface Interaction: Force reduction, vertical deformation, energy restitution
- Durability: Weather resistance, wear resistance, seam strength
- Installation: Must follow FIFA guidelines and use approved materials
FIH Global Certification
For hockey facilities seeking FIH certification:
- Ball Behavior: Ball roll distance, ball bounce height, ball pace
- Surface Properties: Hardness, friction, water retention
- Safety: Skin friction, impact absorption
- Maintenance: Regular testing and maintenance protocols
Certification Note
Certification requires testing by approved laboratories and ongoing maintenance. Contact SynGrass for guidance on certification processes.