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photo: Scott T. Kubo
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Installing
artificial grass carpeting is an easy do-it-yourself project to
brighten up pool and deck areas. The product is inexpensive and
requires a few basic tools, which can be found in home centers, such as
City Mill. The carpeting is sold in a variety of colors, in 6-foot- and
12-foot-wide rolls. The tools required are a measuring tape, flooring
adhesive, a notched spreader and a utility knife.
In
any carpeting project, the first step is to measure the area to
determine how many 6-foot- or 12-foot-wide pieces of carpet are needed.
Add six inches to the width and length of the space to be covered to
accommodate installation.
When
installing artificial grass outdoors, always choose a clear, sunny day.
The adhesive will need at least 24 hours to dry before it’s
weatherproof.
Artificial
grass carpeting can be laid over almost any dry, smooth surface. If the
carpeting will cover wood floors or decks, fill cracks and holes in the
wood with putty. Likewise, repair holes in concrete with concrete
patches. Then, sweep the floor.
Unroll
the carpet pieces over the floor. Allow about six inches of extra
carpet at each end of the roll for cutting and fitting. Make sure to
match the nap patterns, or direction of carpet fibers, in adjoining
pieces. Then, trim all the edges that will be joined to another piece
of carpet, using a straight edge and utility knife.
For
easier installation, glue just one width of carpeting at a time. With a
notched spreader, apply adhesive to the floor under the first piece of
carpeting, plus an additional foot on each side. Unroll the carpet onto
the adhesive, smoothing it with your hands. If the carpet bunches in
the adhesive, remove it. Re-spread the adhesive and reset the carpet.
Take your time and have patience.
To
install the second piece, hold one trimmed edge against the edge of the
first glued strip. You may need a helper to guide the second strip and
make it tight against the installed strip. Then, roll up this second
piece, except for the edge that is joined to the first piece. Spread
the adhesive underneath the second piece, plus one foot beyond for the
next joining section. Continue the same procedure to install the
remaining carpet. After the carpet has set, trim off the excess around
the entire perimeter.
For Hawaii Home + Remodeling magazine, this is Frank Suster saying, “You can do it yourself.” |
