Measuring, cutting, and seaming artificial turf are the skills that separate a professional-looking installation from an amateur one. Done right, seams are invisible and the turf lays flat and natural. Done wrong, they stick out and the whole installation looks off. Here is how to get it right.
Measuring
Measure the installation area carefully and add a minimum of four to six inches of overage on every edge. You trim to fit after laying, not before. Running short of material on any edge is a much bigger problem than having extra to trim.
For irregular shapes, sketch the area on paper and identify the largest rectangle that covers it. That is your starting point for calculating material needs. Account for the turf pile direction: all sections of turf in an installation should run in the same direction.
Pile Direction
Artificial turf fibers have a directional lean. When you look down the length of a roll, the fibers lean either toward you or away from you. For the most natural appearance, lay the turf so the pile leans away from the main viewing angle, the direction you look when entering or viewing the space from its primary sightline.
When multiple pieces are used, all pieces must run in the same pile direction. Seams between pieces with opposing pile direction are obvious and cannot be hidden.
Cutting
Cut turf from the back with a sharp utility knife. Working from the face of the turf risks cutting the fibers, which creates visible seam lines. Use a straight edge for long cuts. Change the blade frequently as dull blades drag and create ragged edges.
For curved cuts, score the backing first with a light pass, then complete the cut with a second pass. A clean, single-stroke cut is better than sawing back and forth.
Seaming
Seams require seam tape and turf adhesive. Lay the seam tape centered under the joint, apply adhesive according to the manufacturer's specification, and press both edges of turf firmly into the adhesive. Weight the seam until the adhesive cures.
The best seams have no gap between pieces and no overlap. The fibers from both pieces should intermingle naturally along the seam line so it disappears when the installation is brushed. Practice on scrap before seaming in a visible location.
For product help and supply, visit Summit Turf Supply in Fort Collins.
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