Synthetic turf is an excellent option for property owners who value the tandem of natural appearance and easy maintenance. By installing artificial grass between pavers, you can give your yard a fresh new look without worrying about weeds and trimming.
A paved pathway decorated with artificial grass makes your property stand out from the crowd. However, to reap all the benefits, you need to install the turf properly.
The method you use for installing synthetic turf between pavers depends on the surface underneath. One method works for natural grass or dirt. The second one is for concrete and other hard surfaces.
Let's take a step-by-step look at these two methods.
How do you install synthetic turf between pavers on dirt?
To decorate paving stones with fake grass, you need the following tools:
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Putty knife
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Class II Road Base or Gravel DG Mix
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Gloves
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Landscaping rake
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Tamper tool
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Tape measure
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Turf infill
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Turf nails
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Hammer
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Seaming tool
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Shovel
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Stiff bristle broom
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Sharp utility knife
Step #1: Prep by Excavating Soil
The first step to installing artificial grass on dirt is removing the existing lawn and base. To make room for the new base layer, you have to remove between 2 and 4 inches of soil.
If the area you are working on is large, you would have to find out how to dispose of the excess soil. Alternatively, you can recycle it for other landscaping projects onsite.
Step #2: Install a Base Layer
After removing the soil, you can add the base layer. The most popular base materials are class II road base (made from rocks or recycled asphalt concrete) or decomposed granite (DG). This permeable material ensures proper drainage for your artificial turf.
Spread around 3 inches of the base layer between the pavers where you plan to add the artificial grass. Then moisten the area and compact by hand (a vibrating plate compactor is too large to reach dirt between pavers). The compactor can be used on the area surrounding the pavers.
Step #3: Unroll the Artificial Grass
Unroll your artificial grass, lay it over the pavers, and leave it under the sun for about an hour (if the day is cold, you may need to leave the grass for several hours). This "acclimatization" will make the installation easier.
During this time, the synthetic turf will expand. Make sure that all blades and stitch patterns are facing the same direction.
Step #4: Secure Turf Around Pavers with Nails
After acclimatization, you need to secure the turf. To do that, you have to nail the synthetic grass between the stepping stones or pavers. Nails should be around one inch apart from each other and centered between the neighboring pavers.
Step #5: Cut Excess Materials
Next, you need to use a sharp utility knife to cut away excess material between the pavers. Eventually, only thin artificial turf strips will remain.
Cutting around the flagstones requires attention and precision. If your turf ribbons end up being thin, the overall appearance will suffer. Don't cut large pieces away at once. Proceed inch by inch to make sure you have enough turf to cover the gaps.
You can leave about 1/8 of an inch between the paver and the turf. The synthetic gras blades will cover this space naturally.
Step #6: Adhere Turf Seams
Hiding artificial grass seam lines may be the hardest part of the installation process. A properly managed seam can make the difference between a natural-looking walkway and a visibly artificial appearance.
To make sure that the seam is invisible, you need to:
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Cut away three rows of stitches grass blades from the backing
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Make sure that all grass blades are facing the same direction
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Check if the space between stitched rows match
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Use seam tape and glue to secure the pieces
Allow the glue to dry for around 2 hours before proceeding to the next step.
Step #7: Add Infill By Hand
The final step is to add infill. Infill is an essential part of the artificial grass's appearance and longevity. It helps the blades stand upright, ensures proper drainage, and offers cooling properties. You can choose an infill that pairs best with your lifestyle.
Since the pieces of artificial grass are small, you would need to add infill by hand. After distributing the material, you have to brush the grass to help the blades stand up and look natural.
How do you install synthetic turf between pavers on concrete?
To install artificial grass between pavers on concrete, you will need the following tools:
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Tape measure
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Sharp utility knife
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Garden hose
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Plastic rake or power broom
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Drill with 16 mm bit
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Pea shingle (10 mm)
Step #1: Clean the Concrete
Whether you have new concrete on the patio or old and worn concrete on a walkway, you need to make sure it's perfectly clean before installation.
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Use a broom to remove dirt
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Hose the concrete down
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Fix minor cracks with self-leveling compounds
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Remove weeds
Allow the concrete to dry before going forward. Otherwise, the adhesive may not bond properly.
Step #2: Drill for Drainage
Check how well your concrete drains by pouring water on it and watching whether it pools on top of the surface.
If it does, you need to use a 16mm bit on your drill to make holes wherever the water pools. Place pea (10 mm) shingles into the holes.
Step #3: Treat the Turf
Unroll the turf and allow acclimatization under the sun for about an hour. This removes the creases and reveals any damage (if any). During this time, the synthetic grass can mold around the pavers, making installation easier.
Step #4: Secure Turf around Pavers with Glue
Push the grass away from the gaps between the pavers and apply the glue. Next, carefully place the turf back down and push it slowly inside the gaps. Allow the glue to dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step #5: Cut Excess Material
Cut the turf around the pavers carefully. The perfect gap between the paver and the grass is around 1/8 of an inch. To achieve this precision, you must move slowly and use a sharp utility knife. If the area is large, you may need to replace the blade midway.
Step #6 Adhere Turf Seams
If you have any places where one piece of synthetic grass joins another, you must work on the seams. To make sure they are invisible, you need to:
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Trim three rows of stitches from the edge of each piece
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Make sure the blades on both pieces are facing the same direction
Next, put the seam tape under the seam, add the glue, and apply pressure.
Step #7: Appy Infill by Hand
Since turf ribbons between the pavers are small, you would need to apply infill by hand. Choose the best infill for your needs and apply it to the grass. After that, you need to brush the blades to maximize the turf's natural appearance.
FAQ about Artificial Grass Between Pavers
Can you put synthetic grass between the pavers?
Yes, you can put synthetic grass between pavers even if they are installed on concrete.
Can you place pavers over artificial turf?
Yes, you can. However, this can damage the turf installation. Alternatively, you can install pavers on dirt or concrete and place artificial grass between them.
How do you cut artificial grass around pavers?
You can cut synthetic turf around pavers by using a sharp utility knife and going slowly to ensure a close fit. Ideally, you should leave a 1/8-inch gap between the paver and the turf.
