Artificial Grass Installation - DIY

Im just in the process of doing my own (plus small paved patio and shed base)
I've laid a few roll out lawns and done bits of concreting in the past.

Out of the 3 things i've to do, I think the artificial grass will be the easiest... or should I say most forgiving...

re the price you got it depends on
1. the type of grass... I've had a few samples sent and they really only start looking realistic at about 30 euro per sqm.
2. What is there already and the access to it.... I assume you're putting it down where there was real grass already. Basically they have to remove about 125mm layer and replace it with hardcore and sharp sand, level it off and put down the grass. Also provide whatever edging if needed.

If it was decent grass in this price range (someone in the business will prob get it cheaper than you or I) I think the price is probably fair. How long did they say it would take?...I'd say it would take 2 guys 2 days to clear it out and then fit it.

Re DIY
I've seen varying guides on the web... but I always refer to www.pavingexpert.com
http://www.pavingexpert.com/grass_01.htm
Also see the separate sections on sub base and bedding.
If you can - i would plan to move the play centre around the grass from time to time.

I did a similar sized area and the quotes I received for supply and fit, particularly because the groundwork was already done were IMO ridiculous.

I eventually went with buying from www.cheapgrass.co.uk.
Got in touch with them and they forwarded me a few samples, picked the one I liked and straight forward ordering process.
Bought 8.5 X 4mtrs of grass for if memory serves @£;280stg including delivery to parcel motel.

Parcel motel delivery to their local to me depot as another €80, add on the adhesive and ground nails, and weed membrane I did the whole lot for less than €550.

I did have to order the grass in 2 MTR rolls as I couldn't find a courier to deliver 4mtr rolls to Ireland.
But other than that if you are prepared to do the ground work yourself there is a massive saving to be made buying from the UK.

Irish prices for artificial grass are astronomical, makes it seem like astro-turf really does come from space

You're very welcome, I got a few different samples from them in the the 25-35mm range and went with their "luxury" grass.
It is a great product IMO and the lads over were really helpful when I was trying to source a courier too.

I know it sounds like I'm shilling for them there are other suppliers and probably cheaper too.
But what swung me was their reviews on Amazon and trustpilot, their helpfulness when trying to sort an out of country delivery ( they could have just said no) along with a 10yr guarantee from a well established company.

I'll share some pics of mine later if you want?

Here ya go, hope the images help you make a call on what way to go.

The full garden shot was taken the of the install and sanding.
The other 2 were taken today, included a close up so you can see what the pile is like.

Rugger13 wrote: »

Wow looks great, grass looks realistic and thick... you done a super job with it. Are you available to start next week? Haha

Thanks again for all your assistance and the trouble you went to upload the pics. You've been a great help.

Must get the wheels in motion now, wish me luck !

Thanks I'm quite happy with how it turned out.
The seam/join is the hardest part but it turned out ok, plenty of videos available on how to do it.
My main piece of advice for that part of the job, would be stay away from self adhesive tape.
Use broad joining strip and separate adhesive as it allows scope to butt up and minimise the join completely.

I'd help if I could but I'm currently incapacitated
On the bright side for me, that does mean I'm on copious amounts of opiods at the mo
So it's swings and roundabouts really :pac:

The grass looks really well, much more natural than I ever thought it would be.
The grass pile has multiple colours between brown and green to give a realistic look.

I actually have some of the grass I used left, if you want I could certainly stick a sample sized piece in the post to you?
If you want to PM me your address I'll send it on.
I only have the "luxury" as I binned the other samples when I chose. You can see the backing too, whatever supplier you go with the backing is vital.
The backing is IMO as important as the pile, it needs to combine strength, permeability and flexibility to make it work.

Best of luck with your garden!

Rugger13 wrote: »

Your very kind banie01 but I ordered a few samples from the site you recommended last night so im all good

Thanks again!

I'm jumping on this too!
I emailed them and they said the cost to courier to Ireland is excessive so they dont do it anymore, anyway around it? They were extremely helpful btw.

banie01 wrote: »

The site my friend used is grass247.co.uk .
They did deliver to the ROI for £70stg.

He works in QS and cost management, so I'm going to assume hie got the best all in price for what he was after

Hope that helps.

Thanks will try them too!

banie01 wrote: »

The site my friend used is grass247.co.uk .
They did deliver to the ROI for £70stg.

He works in QS and cost management, so I'm going to assume hie got the best all in price for what he was after

Hope that helps.

FYI - I'm only getting round to this now...
I rang them and the lady on the phone told me they don't deliver to Ireland at all, north or south. She said they used to offer that service, but stopped doing it.

I'm going with the original crowd, cheapgrass.co.uk - they deliver to NI (parcel motel) for 20GBP - then using parcel motel for onward delivery to dublin. Had to ring grass ppl in the uk to get dimensions/weight - very helpful as mentioned before.

jmBuildExt wrote: »

FYI - I'm only getting round to this now...
I rang them and the lady on the phone told me they don't deliver to Ireland at all, north or south. She said they used to offer that service, but stopped doing it.

I'm going with the original crowd, cheapgrass.co.uk - they deliver to NI (parcel motel) for 20GBP - then using parcel motel for onward delivery to dublin. Had to ring grass ppl in the uk to get dimensions/weight - very helpful as mentioned before.

Excuse the daft question but how does Parcel Motel work for items this large. I see from their website the extra charges but do they go to a collection depot instead of the lockers?

jmBuildExt wrote: »

Yeah exactly...
They work out a price based on its size and weight.

Great, thanks. How do you arrange onward delivery through PM?