Installation is often more important than consumers expect.
Step 1: Inspect the Substrate
Before installation:
- Remove dust, debris, oil, and loose material.
- Check the substrate for cracks or movement.
- Confirm adequate drainage.
- Correct significant uneven areas.
- Ensure the substrate is sufficiently stable.
For outdoor applications, drainage should be designed according to the site and local construction requirements.
A turf surface cannot compensate for a poorly constructed substrate.
Step 2: Allow the Turf to Relax
Artificial turf is commonly supplied in rolls.
After transportation and storage, the roll may retain temporary deformation.
Before final installation, allow the material to relax under appropriate environmental conditions.
Depending on the product and manufacturer instructions, several hours of relaxation may be appropriate.
The exact duration should follow the supplier’s installation manual rather than applying one universal time to every product.
Step 3: Avoid Excessive Stretching
One common installation mistake is pulling the turf excessively tight.
It may initially look perfectly flat, but excessive tension can create stored stress inside the system.
When the surface temperature later rises, the material expands and the stored stress may contribute to:
- Rippling
- Seam stress
- Edge movement
- Localized buckling
The goal is controlled installation tension, not maximum tension.
Step 4: Install Seams Correctly
Seams are one of the most vulnerable areas.
The installation team should ensure:
- Correct alignment
- Consistent grass direction
- Clean backing surfaces
- Appropriate adhesive coverage
- Adequate curing time
- Proper pressure during bonding
Before the adhesive has reached sufficient curing strength, the turf should not be subjected to significant traffic.
Step 5: Secure the Perimeter Correctly
Edges need to be secured, but the installation should also account for thermal movement.
Depending on the application, possible methods include:
- Adhesive bonding
- Edge strips
- Mechanical fixation where appropriate
- Combination systems
For waterproof roofs and terraces, unnecessary penetration of the waterproofing layer should generally be avoided.
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