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STEP 2 STRIPS: Place Turf Strips
For our tutorial, we will be using 3" wide and 1.75" tall pre- cut turf strips with .78" thick porcelain tiles. These are important details to note since there are several variables and this will affect some of the steps and overall materials needed. With the above combination, the turf fibers will stick up above the tile about an inch. This is on the higher or fluffier side and NO additional base material is needed in the grid lines to build up the final turf height. The finished levels end up being a personal aesthetic decision for most. A shorter turf height can be used, as low as 1.25", with this thickness paver for a more streamlined look if desired. Choose the paver tile or hardscape material first, which is the majority of the footprint, then choose your turf accordingly.
We recommend a minimum 1/2" and maximum 1" of turf fibers showing above the paver material for stability and ballast. You do not want to create any tripping hazards. Good planning makes a good install. You can choose the turf pile height and/or add base material to achieve the desired finished look depending on the paver thickness. A common 1.75" thick paver will require adding base material in between all of the pavers prior to adding the turf strips. This will help raise the final turf height to the desired level. Make sure to level and compact the extra base material as best as possible prior to installing the turf strips.
TURF FIBERS LEANING LEFT
Next, determine the direction or lay-out of the grid (which sides - length or width, will have the longer strips or runs and the smaller pieces or cross-cuts). A couple of important things to consider... You will need to keep the turf fiber direction consistent throughout the whole install. So make sure that all the long strips are facing the same direction (see pic above of turf fibers) and again with all the short cross strips. The turf fibers will be leaning a different direction at the short piece crossings which is normal with this method. Try to face the turf fiber direction towards the focal points, if possible. This would be the most common direction you will be viewing the space or entering/using the space.
LONG RUNS
LONG RUNS
CROSS CUTS
Start with laying out all longer strips first. Butt together all connections in place for now and trim any edges to fit as necessary. You will need a sharp utility or carpet knife to make any cuts (a heavy duty pair of scissors could work as a last resort). Next - measure, trim and place all shorter cross connection pieces fitting as tight as possible. You can use a straight edge as a trim guide to help make a straight cut. Do not overlap the turf backing as this will cause a crease or pucker in the turf seam. Try to trim the pieces to just barely touching or to within 1/16" if possible. Double-check that all turf fiber direction is consistent. You are now ready to glue everything.
