64 MARCH 2007 Handyman

1Preparing the surfaceRemove all existing grass and weeds by scraping with

a metal garden rake. Use a pick todig out the tough weeds and anysurface tree roots.

2Clean up the edgingScrape away the existingground to about 20mm

below the finished height of any adjoining paved areas orgarden edging.

When you hear the term artificial

turf, you imagine too-green, hard

and unnatural-looking cricket pitches

and tennis courts. But thanks to this

new product by Ideal it’s actually

a great outdoor alternative. From a

distance this synthetic grass looks

nothing like the name suggests.

It’s a UV-stabilised product that’s

stain-resistant, non-rot and carries

a three-year domestic warranty. It

can be laid over concrete, timber,

metal or firmly packed earth. And

best of all, it’s very simple to lay.

3Compacting the soilThe subsoil should bedampened lightly with water

before being compacted. Use awhacker packer or garden roller to do the job effectively.

9 Anchoring the turfUse 150mm irrigation pinsaround the perimeter of the

turf, and space them throughout thearea in a 600mm grid. Push fibresof turf away from under the pins so they sit flush with the surface.

7Laying the second roll Lay out the second roll of turfand trim to size. Fold back

the edge and apply an even coat ofadhesive, such as Bostik SyntheticTurf Adhesive, to the seamingmaterial. Use a 3mm notchedtrowel for uniform coverage.

8Invisible seamsWait for the adhesive tobecome slightly stringy, then

bring the two sheets together. Make sure there are no turf fibrestrapped in the seam as you smooththe sides down.

Step 1 Laying turfA BUNNINGS PROMOTION

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65Handyman MARCH 2007All supplier links – www.handymanmagazine.com.au

4Adding the roadbase Spread a layer of roadbase, or crusher dust, to about

15mm deep. Distribute it evenlywith a steel rake then sprinkle withwater before compacting with thewhacker packer.

5Laying the turfFill any surface dips orhollows with fine sand. Lay

out the first roll of turf, allowingoverhang at the ends. This will later be trimmed to match thecontour of the paving.

10Casting the sandCast a layer of dry, white,washed sand over the turf

with a shovel. This weights the turfto keep it in position, and assistswith drainage.

11Sweeping in the sandDistribute the sand evenlywith a yard broom, sweeping

against the direction of turf fibres.Cast more sand and repeat theprocess until the sand is about 10mm deep. This is also the perfecttime to practice your chipping!

6Cutting to size Trim the turf roughly aroundany garden edges and move

it into position. Then use a utilityknife, with a new blade, to trimaccurately around the edges.

12Forget wateringPut away the watering can, as the natural-looking

turf will stay this way for years. Just use a rake, broom or outdoorvacuum to keep it tidy.

Tu

Buying turf Artificial turf costs from $33 per metre.It’s available as 1.8m or 3.7m widthsand can be bought by the metre or onthe roll (from 10m to 30m). It withstandsthe traffic of kids’ playing areas andsporting facilities. You could even use it to set up a mini golf course. Checkout the range and more information at www.ideal-diy-floors.com.au

HINT When ordering two or more rollsof turf be sure to ask for rolls withidentical grain direction so it laysuniformly and appears more natural.

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