Deciding to install artificial grass is just the beginning, as the decision about which grass to use is more challenging.
This article defines what artificial grass is made of and advises how to select the right product for the project needs.
It discusses the seven steps to be taken through the entire purchasing process, with some top tips.
What is artificial grass?
Artificial grass is essentially made up of three parts:
- The artificial grass fibre, also referred to as yarns or blades, are made from polypropylene, and are either manufactured into monofilament or fibrillated (also known as slit-film) structures. The design of the turf blade plays an important role in the performance characteristics of the synthetic turf pitch. The fibres are responsible for the comfort and safety of the player, durability, soft feel and natural grass-like appearance. Ideal fibres should reduce skin friction and skin abrasion, and offer superior durability, high resilience and temperature stability.
- The thatch layer is the curly yarn that gives added support and cushioning to the artificial lawn.
- Artificial grass backings are comprised of a primary backing and a secondary backing. They work together to provide dimensional stability to the entire system:
- Primary backing is comprised of woven polypropylene materials that allow the artificial turf fibres to be tufted into the material in rows and facilitate seaming between artificial turf panels.
- Secondary backing is often referred to as the “latex coating” or “polyurethane coating”, and it is applied to the reverse side of the primary backing to permanently lock the tufted fibres in place.
Some backings are non-permeable, while others rely on punched drainage holes and are currently evolving into complete porous backings using waterproof, recyclable material.
Artificial grass backings are comprised of a primary, and a secondary backing that work together to provide dimensional stability to the entire system. Credit: Arturf Africa
7 steps to success
Step 1: Ask the right questions
- Consider how the artificial grass should work for the project.
- Analyse the type of activity that the lawn will take daily to determine the best option for specific activity levels.
- The budget is usually the deciding factor when choosing the final type of artificial grass. It is important to remember that the once-off expense will be distributed over the years, making the initial investment seem way more reasonable. While the primary cost can be overwhelming, it guarantees fewer repairs and less wear and tear in the future.
Consider optional extras such as paving, cobbled edging, and various curbing, which adds character to the finished project.
Step 2: Discuss the application
- Decide on the type of artificial grass for the application, whether it will be landscaping or for sports.
- Sports surfaces include options that are approved and/or certified by the relevant sporting bodies, i.e. the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the International Rugby Board (IRB).
Step 3: Request a quote
When requesting a quote, include:
- Dimensions (length and width in metres).
- Choice of product.
- Current surface area.
Step 4: Request a site appraisal
- Arrange for a sales representative to present samples of the available products, assess the area, take final accurate measurements, discuss the cutting list and answer any questions.
- Consider optional extras such as paving, cobbled edging and various curbing, which adds character to the finished project.
Step 5: Identify the area surface
- The surface of the area will determine whether a sub-base drainage system or a ready-to-lay installation needs to be installed.
- Installation on a soft surface is for areas with soil/sand/mud/existing grass areas.
- Installation on a hard surface includes areas with a flat/concrete/level ready-to-lay surface.
A sub-base drainage system is required for installations on soil, sand, mud, or existing grassed areas. Credit: Arturf Africa
Step 6: Establish the cutting list
- Artificial grass is supplied in 2m and 4m widths, and it is always cut to the nearest 0,5m. For example, should the area size be 1,9m x 4,4m, the cutting list would then be 2m x 4,5m.
Step 7: Installation top tips
- Keep in mind that projects are weather dependent.
- Ensure that there is a site supervisor on site to liaise with the client and revert to the office.
- The site supervisor must have a job sheet with the layout and instructions for the installation and/or repair. This job sheet allows for changes to be made on site and signed for by the client.
- When the installation is complete, a sign-off sheet is brought by either the site manager or supervisor to the client for sign-off.
- Ensure that a workmanship warranty certificate and a general artificial grass maintenance guide are supplied.
The advantages and disadvantages of installing an artificial lawn.
Full acknowledgement and thanks go to https://artificialgrass.co.za for the information in this editorial.