Our materials cost from the supply store (inclusive of packing, delivery, turf cutting fees, and environmental charges) was about $3686, not including any necessary tools. So divided by 450sf, that's about $8.20/sf. We were able to make a couple hundred dollars back selling some of our leftover turf to someone that watched this video!
This was actually pretty helpful. Watching pros install makes it look intimidating, but your average homeowner installing it makes it look like something I can handle. I thank you for this, but more importantly, my dogs thank you for this - they're about to get a nice fake turf potty area.
I hated fake grass for the longest time but honestly it’s worth it. No need to worry about watering, weeding, mowing etc. Just the perfect lawn year round
Thank you so much for this vid it was sooo helpful and made me feel a lot more confident. Other vids scared me but I love how no matter the problems you came up on you just kept going and it looks amazing thank you so much
I would recommend that you get at least one furniture dolly at your local national chain store that sells them cheap. And a tarp would have helped in a pinch.
Really could have used this video a couple years ago when I was trying to figure out how to install turf. I went through numerous videos and ended up winging it with bits of information here & there. Now I know better for future projects! Also, through my experiences, I have learned that compromising on purchases is rarely a good idea. Sure you could have saved $800 but you have a yard that looks amazing & you likely won't regret your choice down the line. Great job!
Decomposed granite is not the greatest option as it doesn't allow much moisture through. Crushed roadbase 1/8 or 1/4 is recommended. Great work regardless!
Easily the most understandable DIY Turf video on YT :). Going to be taking on a ~1000 sq ft project ourselves. Appreciate the great step-by-step guide!
Nice job, fellas. We’re across the Bay in the hills and want to replace our front with faux grass to save water and eliminate mowing. We’ll need a gopher screen though, as the lil’ varmints are popping up here and there. Thanks for the just-right DIY info!
WOW this video was super helpful and easy to follow, esp for beginner DIYers!! Im also in SF and looking to start this project but so far its been a struggle so this really helps!! Ill probably hit up that store too!
I liked the video because you guys are adorable! Can't wait to try doing this project in our yard! We're fortunate that a delivery truck can drive straight to our yard to deliver. You guys really had to put in the extra effort to bring everything to the back. Great job! Thanks for this video
Checking to see how the turf has help up 2 years later and if you would have done anything different? I’m contemplating installing turf in a few months
I’ve been asked this question a bunch so I’m planning an update video for upload hopefully soon. But in short, this stuff looks the same as the day we first installed. I also wish I had done a different border design, but as far as installation goes I’m totally happy with it. It seems like it’s going to last a very long time.
@@ChristopherYee I have to really thank you again for this video. My wife and I bought all the materials for our project last week. We just moved 9 tons of DG to the workspaces finally! It took us like 5 days This weekend we are compacting and laying down half the turf. Your video has been helpful and I’ve probably watched it like 10 times to understand the procedure How long did it take you to install?
@@itskelvinn That's awesome! The whole project took us 5 days (after the site was leveled which didn't take us too long in our case), but our project is a lot smaller than yours probably because we definitely didn't have 9 tons of decomposed granite! Good luck with the rest of your project! I wish there was a photo feature here so you could share final results!
I've done this on much larger areas, my school for one and you didnt need to put anything under it. You don't want to kill the soil underneath it. Especially if there are trees and shrubbery around. Compost and other fertilizers can still go under the carpet. Though I would recommend pinning it down along its edges.
starting to install one myself, but after watching a Pro video (and seeing your seam issue) I would recommend 2 things 1) you DO need to wet granite down to compact it right. Pro like 3-4" of it, but I'm debating how much based on material I will need to take out and cost. I suppose the more the better for weed control as well (though roundup should take care of that). 2) don't cut the edges UNTIL you have your seam done and dry to pull/tuck on 3) the seam tape should be dull side up, AND it's best to use a gun and not put glue in the middle so it doesn't come out like you showed. see this for correct seams czcams.com/video/XwtrBJjnogE/video.html
None. We did have water intrusion in our basement for the first time ever but I think that was more due to the fact that the ground was over saturated and nothing to do with the turf.
Great video - very easy to understand the process. I have a question about your seams. Did you have to make any seams that were cut perpendicular to the direction of the rows of grass?
I think the main factor in terms of kids is that turf gets very hot (as in, so hot that you may not be able to be barefoot on very hot days). As I live in very shady/cloudy/cool San Francisco, this wasn't a concern for us.
Hello @ChristopherYee , we're thinking of doing the same thing in our backyard in San Bruno. When you went to the store, were there people to help you out and explain what you would need? You mentioned the cost was $3668, did that include the decomposed granite as well? or Is that just the turf? Thank you!
Hi Alan, the folks were pretty hands off. I would come prepared with what you want. The cost included the decomposed granite - the granite was really inexpensive.
Hey Chris, Awesome video. I have some questions though. What product exactly did you do for the edging? I just need an edging to support the sub-base foundation and retain it so the turf base (type-2 or granite subbase) don't fall into the garden even with heavy foot traffic. I wanna lay an artificial turf that is pre-bordered on 2 sides by concrete, but the other two I have to edge it so the elevated subbase and then turf on top are supported.
Hi Amirhesam. Thanks! For the edging we used basic plastic bender board. Haven't seen any issues holding up to the granite. On the other side of the bender board is just dirt for our plant garden.
This looks great! I'm looking to install as well, so I'm wondering what turf did you end up using? What was the less expensive turf you had as a second choice? Thanks!
great video. How did you calculate how much you needed of decomposed granite and infill? some online calculators recommend 1 tonne of decomposed granite per100sqf of turf
We just went with online suggestions too. We had two tons of granite for 450sf which ended up being pretty perfect in our case. I think it would have been perfectly ok to use more but I wouldn’t have used less. The granite is cheap and it’s useful to use as a leveling material. The infill we went with 1lb per sf. again just according to the things I read online. It seemed like the correct amount.
You know, I'm not sure. I got mine from the turf supply store, so I knew they would be appropriate. They had a squiggly type shaft. But other than that, frankly they didn't seem too unique or special...
This video is super helpful! I've watched your video several times to prepare for my turf install this weekend (also bought from broadmoor) How's it holding up after a year? Anything you would have done differently after you've had it for while? PS: Hope you make more DIY videos, I love your video and narration style
It's holding up just fine! One thing though is that the weeds are able to get through the turf even with the weed cloth, so I might have gone an extra step and maybe used some weed killer had I known (I knew beforehand that we had a major weed issue in our yard). I also want a leaf blower to blow off all the darn leaves. Thanks for the compliment on my videos! I want to make more too. They just take me a while. Good luck with the install!
Our turf was $4.49 per square foot, but we had to buy more than 450 feet to get the cuts we needed to cover the 450 square feet. If I remember right, we bought about 600sf.
@@ChristopherYee Thanks for the information! We live the Bay Area as well, so I’m going to check out Broadmoor Landscape and Supplies! Thanks again for the helpful tips.😊
No it doesn’t, but it does matter which direction you lay the turf. As the blades point towards one direction and you want to make sure they point the way you want them to point.
Awesome video - doing the same job in the same city (also purchased from Broadmoor). How far below the surface of the concrete did you level your base & granite to?
It’s possible in combination with the weed barrier you installed and the turf it might be slow to drain if it rains really hard. Some turf has small holes punched every few inches and those are slow to drain. On my install I chose to not use a weed barrier only because my kids like to play with the water hose.
Yeah the S seaming tool would have been better. You cannot see the seams if the seam is in an S shape. Your brain seems to identify patterns like a straight line but for some reason with an S seam you cannot tell at all where the seam is. I don’t know why some installers still insist on using straight seems.
Going to broadmoor today. Do you happen to know the name of first and second choice turf so that I can pick the same. Thanks for this video BTW. So helpful and I am going to follow it.
This is just so sad. There was a pond and real grass there before this platic monstrosity was put down. All the nature that was there before just wiped out
what did it end up costing per foot?
Our materials cost from the supply store (inclusive of packing, delivery, turf cutting fees, and environmental charges) was about $3686, not including any necessary tools. So divided by 450sf, that's about $8.20/sf. We were able to make a couple hundred dollars back selling some of our leftover turf to someone that watched this video!
@@ChristopherYee Thank you nice job
What do you mean environmental charges
@@jarroddraper5140 Some kind of carbon emission fee. It was $10, so I didn't ask.
K
This was actually pretty helpful. Watching pros install makes it look intimidating, but your average homeowner installing it makes it look like something I can handle. I thank you for this, but more importantly, my dogs thank you for this - they're about to get a nice fake turf potty area.
Them dogs be shitting more high class then I do ha ha
I hated fake grass for the longest time but honestly it’s worth it. No need to worry about watering, weeding, mowing etc. Just the perfect lawn year round
Yup!!!
Your video makes my life a lot easier!!!! Thank you!!!!
Thank you so much for this vid it was sooo helpful and made me feel a lot more confident. Other vids scared me but I love how no matter the problems you came up on you just kept going and it looks amazing thank you so much
I would recommend that you get at least one furniture dolly at your local national chain store that sells them cheap. And a tarp would have helped in a pinch.
Really could have used this video a couple years ago when I was trying to figure out how to install turf. I went through numerous videos and ended up winging it with bits of information here & there. Now I know better for future projects!
Also, through my experiences, I have learned that compromising on purchases is rarely a good idea. Sure you could have saved $800 but you have a yard that looks amazing & you likely won't regret your choice down the line. Great job!
Great video gents. About to take on this project at my home here in NC.
Good luck!
Super helpful video for regular people!
You guys did a great job. I’m planning on doing turf in my new dog run we’re building. Thanks for the helpful info!
Decomposed granite is not the greatest option as it doesn't allow much moisture through. Crushed roadbase 1/8 or 1/4 is recommended. Great work regardless!
Easily the most understandable DIY Turf video on YT :). Going to be taking on a ~1000 sq ft project ourselves. Appreciate the great step-by-step guide!
1000 holly molly lol good luck to you sir that’s a big project
I always wanted to do this on my own as in a diy task. Not hiring workers. Looks like a fun project.
Nice job, fellas. We’re across the Bay in the hills and want to replace our front with faux grass to save water and eliminate mowing. We’ll need a gopher screen though, as the lil’ varmints are popping up here and there. Thanks for the just-right DIY info!
I really appreciate this version of the installation vs the professional one
Thank you for posting it !
Google and CZcams for everything! 🙌🏼👌🏼
WOW this video was super helpful and easy to follow, esp for beginner DIYers!! Im also in SF and looking to start this project but so far its been a struggle so this really helps!! Ill probably hit up that store too!
Good luck, and let me know if you need any help along the way.
Have you ever install your turf ??
I liked the video because you guys are adorable! Can't wait to try doing this project in our yard! We're fortunate that a delivery truck can drive straight to our yard to deliver. You guys really had to put in the extra effort to bring everything to the back. Great job! Thanks for this video
Gee, thank you! Good luck with your project!
Great video, much better then some of the pro videos.
Wow, thanks!
Wow! that's a great installation. This was perfectly executed and thorough.
This is soooo helpful and the yard looks great! Thank you for sharing!
Love it❤ please more videos!
U guys are so funny. U made it seem so easy to do but I know it was hard work. 👍
You guys are funny. Thanks for this "non pro" diy video. Gonna tackle my small patio this weekend. Wish me luck.
Good luck!
This was so beginner and budget friendly, wait I live in an apartment nvm
Turf your apartment
Super informative video and very well edited! Great job to you both!!!
That looks like so much fun 😹
Haha. It was! But not something I’d do JUST for fun ;)
Alot of good info! Thanks guys
Checking to see how the turf has help up 2 years later and if you would have done anything different? I’m contemplating installing turf in a few months
I’ve been asked this question a bunch so I’m planning an update video for upload hopefully soon. But in short, this stuff looks the same as the day we first installed. I also wish I had done a different border design, but as far as installation goes I’m totally happy with it. It seems like it’s going to last a very long time.
Update video posted!
BEST VIDEO ON THIS SUBJECT I'VE SEEN THANK YOU SO MUCH!
awesome work Chris & Mayo!!! Can't wait to check it out
Thanks for the video. Learned alot.
Very helpful....thanks!!
Beautiful work! love the results
thanks!
Looks fantastic! 👏 great video
This man only has 172 subs? He deserves 172k. Good video, I’m using this as inspiration for my bsckyard
I am so flattered! Thank you!
@@ChristopherYee I have to really thank you again for this video. My wife and I bought all the materials for our project last week. We just moved 9 tons of DG to the workspaces finally! It took us like 5 days
This weekend we are compacting and laying down half the turf. Your video has been helpful and I’ve probably watched it like 10 times to understand the procedure
How long did it take you to install?
@@itskelvinn That's awesome! The whole project took us 5 days (after the site was leveled which didn't take us too long in our case), but our project is a lot smaller than yours probably because we definitely didn't have 9 tons of decomposed granite! Good luck with the rest of your project! I wish there was a photo feature here so you could share final results!
@@ChristopherYee thanks for the info! I’ll start leveling today and hoping to get it done in 2 weeks (it’s 900sq ft) :)
Such a great video thank you!!
I noticed you didn't use a carpet stretcher tool that I've seen in other videos. Did you have an issues with wrinkles or bumps?
It’s very heavy!! Omg lol I agree
I've done this on much larger areas, my school for one and you didnt need to put anything under it. You don't want to kill the soil underneath it. Especially if there are trees and shrubbery around. Compost and other fertilizers can still go under the carpet. Though I would recommend pinning it down along its edges.
So you recommend not to use decomposed granite? Just weed control fabric and the turf? 🤔
This is a great video - super informative.
Thanks for the feedback!
so what is the name of the artificial turf that was installed?
How do I calculate how much base gravel I need if I know my square footage and inches I want in depth.
2 tons for 450 square feet got us about two inches.
starting to install one myself, but after watching a Pro video (and seeing your seam issue) I would recommend 2 things
1) you DO need to wet granite down to compact it right. Pro like 3-4" of it, but I'm debating how much based on material I will need to take out and cost. I suppose the more the better for weed control as well (though roundup should take care of that).
2) don't cut the edges UNTIL you have your seam done and dry to pull/tuck on
3) the seam tape should be dull side up, AND it's best to use a gun and not put glue in the middle so it doesn't come out like you showed. see this for correct seams czcams.com/video/XwtrBJjnogE/video.html
good job 👍🏻. Wish me luck
Good luck! :)
Did you end up with any drainage issues with the crazy rain this year?
None. We did have water intrusion in our basement for the first time ever but I think that was more due to the fact that the ground was over saturated and nothing to do with the turf.
Great video - very easy to understand the process. I have a question about your seams. Did you have to make any seams that were cut perpendicular to the direction of the rows of grass?
Yes, for the edges. The turf is woven in regular rows at regular intervals, so it’s simple to cut straight in either direction.
Great video! What was the cost of just the turf? 15ft x ?ft = $?
$4.49/sf plus tax.
Material?
Is turf safe for kids?? we planned to have turf but when I read in google they have mixed responses. Do I need to go with turf or not?
I think the main factor in terms of kids is that turf gets very hot (as in, so hot that you may not be able to be barefoot on very hot days). As I live in very shady/cloudy/cool San Francisco, this wasn't a concern for us.
Would that ruin the wood if I use the artificial grass? We have snow and rain here in Wisconsin
Laying on top of wood?
Hello @ChristopherYee , we're thinking of doing the same thing in our backyard in San Bruno. When you went to the store, were there people to help you out and explain what you would need?
You mentioned the cost was $3668, did that include the decomposed granite as well? or Is that just the turf? Thank you!
Hi Alan, the folks were pretty hands off. I would come prepared with what you want. The cost included the decomposed granite - the granite was really inexpensive.
Hey Chris, Awesome video. I have some questions though.
What product exactly did you do for the edging? I just need an edging to support the sub-base foundation and retain it so the turf base (type-2 or granite subbase) don't fall into the garden even with heavy foot traffic. I wanna lay an artificial turf that is pre-bordered on 2 sides by concrete, but the other two I have to edge it so the elevated subbase and then turf on top are supported.
Hi Amirhesam. Thanks! For the edging we used basic plastic bender board. Haven't seen any issues holding up to the granite. On the other side of the bender board is just dirt for our plant garden.
(sorry, my reply above is using my other youtube account) ;)
It's amazing! Thanks for sharing the video.
I'd like to ask you something about tips when I will do the same job in my backyard.
Sure thing!
This looks great! I'm looking to install as well, so I'm wondering what turf did you end up using? What was the less expensive turf you had as a second choice? Thanks!
We picked SuperNatural-80 for $4.49/sf. Second choice was Cashmere-70 for $3.29/sf. Good luck!
great video. How did you calculate how much you needed of decomposed granite and infill? some online calculators recommend 1 tonne of decomposed granite per100sqf of turf
We just went with online suggestions too. We had two tons of granite for 450sf which ended up being pretty perfect in our case. I think it would have been perfectly ok to use more but I wouldn’t have used less. The granite is cheap and it’s useful to use as a leveling material. The infill we went with 1lb per sf. again just according to the things I read online. It seemed like the correct amount.
hi! Are there specific galvanized nails for turf, or just any would do? love your video
You know, I'm not sure. I got mine from the turf supply store, so I knew they would be appropriate. They had a squiggly type shaft. But other than that, frankly they didn't seem too unique or special...
This video is super helpful! I've watched your video several times to prepare for my turf install this weekend (also bought from broadmoor)
How's it holding up after a year? Anything you would have done differently after you've had it for while?
PS: Hope you make more DIY videos, I love your video and narration style
It's holding up just fine! One thing though is that the weeds are able to get through the turf even with the weed cloth, so I might have gone an extra step and maybe used some weed killer had I known (I knew beforehand that we had a major weed issue in our yard). I also want a leaf blower to blow off all the darn leaves. Thanks for the compliment on my videos! I want to make more too. They just take me a while. Good luck with the install!
Update video posted!
Do it hold water or drain
It drains :)
5:08 dude! Watch your fingers!!!
Roughly how much was your artificial turf for 450 feet?
Our turf was $4.49 per square foot, but we had to buy more than 450 feet to get the cuts we needed to cover the 450 square feet. If I remember right, we bought about 600sf.
@@ChristopherYee Thanks for the information! We live the Bay Area as well, so I’m going to check out Broadmoor Landscape and Supplies! Thanks again for the helpful tips.😊
Nice video man thanks I will try this to marrow wish me luck lol also does it matter witch way yiu brush the grass when you out the sand ? Thanks
No it doesn’t, but it does matter which direction you lay the turf. As the blades point towards one direction and you want to make sure they point the way you want them to point.
@@ChristopherYee thanks so much man blades meaning ? The way the grass faces?
@@franknava4771 yup! the light will reflect differently depending on which way the turf is oriented.
What was the sand part for at the end?
It's a little soft padding, otherwise you'd feel the hard granite below.. It also has to act as drainage for water. Some people use recycled rubber.
@@ChristopherYee ok thank u
Awesome video - doing the same job in the same city (also purchased from Broadmoor). How far below the surface of the concrete did you level your base & granite to?
Probably about 2 inches. It was pretty easy to adjust just the edges when I needed to (see clip starting at 4:30). Good luck!
@@ChristopherYee Wonderful - thanks much!
What’s gonna happen if it rain hard?
Not much. It's porous so the rain goes through.
It’s possible in combination with the weed barrier you installed and the turf it might be slow to drain if it rains really hard. Some turf has small holes punched every few inches and those are slow to drain. On my install I chose to not use a weed barrier only because my kids like to play with the water hose.
How much do you have left? We a little bit for our backyard!
Haha. Probably about 200sf.
You should most likely save some in case you need to make repairs.
Hello, thanks for the video. How much on material?
$3800
May I ask your square footage please? Trying to rough estimate is tough. Great job too! Looks fantastic.
It's about 450sf. Ours was pretty easy to measure because it's mostly square angles. Thanks!
@@ChristopherYee Thank you!
Yeah the S seaming tool would have been better. You cannot see the seams if the seam is in an S shape. Your brain seems to identify patterns like a straight line but for some reason with an S seam you cannot tell at all where the seam is. I don’t know why some installers still insist on using straight seems.
6 nails go every 6 inches across the entire turf not just on the edging
Just the edging. The sand keeps the rest of it down in the middle
Thanks for sharing the cost of material. How many square feet was your project?
You’re welcome! 450 square feet.
Going to broadmoor today. Do you happen to know the name of first and second choice turf so that I can pick the same.
Thanks for this video BTW. So helpful and I am going to follow it.
We liked the SuperNatural-80 (the one we chose) and the Cashmere-70. But go see what works for your own needs :)
@@ChristopherYee many thanks!
Doing this. Does the seam tape go plastic shiny side up or down? Ugh no instructions. Love the video!
Hmmm...I don’t remember one side being that different from the other on ours. I’m inclined to say it may not matter because the glue is so strong...
Looks great! What type of sand did you use?
Thanks, Caleb. It's just playground sand.
Sell the left overs on marketplace
Someone messaged me directly on CZcams to buy most of it!
here's the thing. it's fake grass.
I fucking can't.
This is just so sad. There was a pond and real grass there before this platic monstrosity was put down. All the nature that was there before just wiped out
It was a dirt pit since since the day we moved in (though there were a lot of clovers!)
Yikes
Very good video with great information and tips. Looks great! Wish me luck in the Arizona heat doing this haha
Wait 'til it cools down! Haha. Good luck!