How To Install Artificial Grass – The Right Way
Installing artificial grass yourself is a rewarding weekend project that can save you money. However, Canberra's clay-heavy soil and extreme seasonal temperature shifts require specific preparation. This guide covers the essential steps—from using the right cracker dust base to ensuring proper drainage—so your DIY lawn survives the frost and heat for years to come.
Canberra DIY Guide: Preparation is Key
We've seen a huge spike in Canberra homeowners taking on DIY synthetic turf projects to save on water bills and create mud-free play areas for the kids and dogs. Whether you live in a new estate in Gungahlin with rocky soil or an established block in Tuggeranong, the principles remain the same: the base is everything.
Canberra Synthetic Grass supplies top-quality wholesale turf specifically manufactured for our climate. We want your project to succeed, so we've compiled this step-by-step guide based on our years of local installation experience.
Must-Haves for the Job
Don't start without these. Most heavy equipment can be hired from Kennards or Coates Hire in Fyshwick/Mitchell.
- Turf Cutter (Essential for large areas)
- Vibrating Plate Compactor
- Wheelbarrow, Shovel & Rake
- Leveling Bar or Screed
- Sharp Utility Knife + Spare Blades
- Tape Measure
- Cracker Dust (Blue metal dust)
- Synthetic Turf Joining Tape
- 150mm Flathead Nails/U-Pins
- Kiln-Dried Silica Sand (Infill)
- Stiff Bristle Broom (or Power Brush)
- Hammer
Removing Existing Turf
Clear the area completely. For small courtyards, a spade is fine, but for an average Canberra backyard, hire a Turf Cutter. You need to excavate to a depth of 70-100mm below your desired finish height. This allows room for the sub-base which provides drainage—crucial for our clay soils to prevent waterlogging.
Prepare the Base
This is the most critical step. Fill the excavated area with Cracker Dust (fine crushed rock). Spread it evenly using a rake and leveler.
Lightly wet the base with a hose (this helps bind the dust) and run the Plate Compactor over it multiple times in different directions. You want a surface that is rock hard and smooth—like a tennis court. Any bumps here will show through your grass later.
Laying the Grass
Roll out your synthetic turf. Crucial Rule: Ensure the "grain" (the direction the grass blades naturally lean) is facing towards your main viewing point (usually the house or patio). This ensures the grass looks lush and green, rather than shiny.
Leave the grass in the sun for an hour before cutting. Canberra's sun will warm the backing, making it pliable and reducing wrinkles.
Joining & Securing
Cut the selvage (the factory waste strip) off the edges carefully. If joining two rolls, butt them together so the gap is minimal but they don't overlap. Use joining tape underneath the seam.
Secure the perimeter using 150mm flathead nails or U-pins every 30-40cm. In our windy climate, don't skimp on pins along the edges!
Adding Sand Infill
Never skip the sand! Spread 10-15kg of Kiln-Dried Sand per m². The sand weighs the grass down (preventing wrinkles), protects the backing from UV rays, and helps the blades stand upright.
Power Brushing
Using a stiff broom or a hired Power Brush, brush the sand deep into the fibers. Brush against the grain to lift the blades. Step back and admire your new maintenance-free lawn!
Need Wholesale Grass?
We supply premium, Australian-made cuts directly to DIY enthusiasts.
Get a Supply Quote (02) 5117 4510Too hard basket?
DIY isn't for everyone. If you've started digging and realized it's tougher than it looks, we can take over.
Request Professional InstallDIY Common Questions
Answers to the most frequent questions from Canberra DIYers.
Yes, absolutely. Canberra's soil can shift with frost and heat. If you don't compact the cracker dust base properly with a vibrating plate, your lawn will develop dips, holes, and drainage issues within months. Hand tamping is rarely sufficient for a long-lasting lawn.
We recommend 10-15kg of kiln-dried silica sand per square metre. This weight holds the grass down (preventing wrinkles on hot days) and protects the backing from UV exposure. It also helps the blades stand up straighter.
No. Organic matter in topsoil will decompose over time, causing the surface to become uneven. Weeds will also grow through it easily. You must excavate the topsoil and install a proper crushed rock sub-base (cracker dust) to ensure stability and drainage.
The blades of artificial grass naturally lean in one direction. Always install the turf so the grain points towards your main viewing area (usually looking out from the house or patio). This ensures you see the lush green face of the blade rather than the shiny backing, which can look artificial.
Feedback
Did you find this guide resourceful? Have you any thoughts on how to make it better? We are always happy to hear feedback from our DIY clients to help us provide the best experience for everyone.