Artificial grass is a popular choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, green lawn all year round. But when it comes to installing artificial grass, one important consideration is the type and size of nails to use.
Nails are essential for securing the artificial grass in place and preventing it from shifting or wrinkling. In this article, we’ll explore the different sizes of nails available for artificial grass installation and which ones are best suited for your project.
So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional landscaper, read on to learn more about what size nails to use for artificial grass.
What Size Nails For Artificial Grass
When it comes to choosing the right size nails for your artificial grass installation, there are a few factors to consider. The size of the nails will depend on the shape and size of your installation, as well as the amount of seaming required.
For perimeter installation, 5-inch, 40DD, 4GA bright common nails are generally recommended. These should be installed every 3-6 inches along the perimeter and every 2 feet on center in the field. The amount of nails used will vary depending on the size and shape of your installation.
For larger installations, a 50 lb. box of nails is recommended for up to 1,000 square feet in size, while a 25 lb. box is good for up to 500 square feet and a 10 lb. box is good for up to 200 square feet.
It’s important to note that bright common nails are recommended over galvanized nails in this case. A little rust is actually beneficial as it causes the base of the nail to expand and bond with some of the sand or gravel in the base. This effectively makes the nail larger than the hole it was originally pushed through.
For landscaping artificial grass installation, 6-inch straight nails are typically used, while 3-inch straight nails are more commonly used for putting green grass installation.
Regardless of the size of your installation, it’s important to use high-quality nails made from hot-dip galvanized steel wire with high-gloss features. This will ensure that your artificial grass stays securely in place for years to come.
Why Nails Are Important For Artificial Grass Installation
Nails are an essential component of artificial grass installation as they play a crucial role in securing the perimeter and field of the turf. They are used to stretch the turf tightly, without any undulations or wrinkles, and to secure the joints of two pieces together. Nails are also necessary for holding down the edges of the turf and preventing it from shifting or moving.
Using nails in combination with seaming tape and glue helps to ensure a seamless and secure installation. The seaming job can be tricky and requires skills and experience for a perfect result. Therefore, it’s recommended to hire professional installers to perform artificial grass installation work, especially for more complicated installations with slopes or off-shapes.
It’s important to use nails of the appropriate size for your installation, as using nails that are too small or too large can cause dips and divots in the turf. Additionally, using low-quality nails can lead to rusting and deterioration over time, which can compromise the integrity of the installation.
Types Of Nails For Artificial Grass Installation
When it comes to choosing the right nails for your artificial grass installation, there are several types to consider. The most common types of nails used for artificial grass installation are galvanized, spiral, and bright common nails.
Galvanized nails are coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. While these nails can last a long time without rusting, they may not be necessary for most artificial grass installations. In fact, non-galvanized nails are often preferred for artificial grass because as they rust, the rust fuses with the surrounding substrate to create an even stronger bond.
Spiral nails, also known as turf spiral nails, have a spiral design that helps to secure the artificial grass in place. These nails are typically made from galvanized steel and come in various lengths.
Bright common nails are made from hot-dip galvanized steel wire with high-gloss features. These nails are recommended for most artificial grass installations because they provide a strong hold and a little rust can actually benefit the installation process.
When choosing the length of your nails, it’s important to consider the thickness of your subfloor and the height of your artificial grass blades. For perimeter installation, 5-inch, 40DD, 4GA bright common nails are generally recommended. For landscaping artificial grass installation, 6-inch straight nails are typically used, while 3-inch straight nails are more commonly used for putting green grass installation.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Nail Size
When choosing the right size nails for your artificial grass installation, there are a few important factors to consider. These include the size and shape of your installation, the amount of seaming required, and the type of nails that are best suited for your specific application.
First and foremost, it’s important to choose nails that are the appropriate length for your installation. For perimeter installation, 5-inch, 40DD, 4GA bright common nails are generally recommended. These should be installed every 3-6 inches along the perimeter and every 2 feet on center in the field. For larger installations, a 50 lb. box of nails is recommended for up to 1,000 square feet in size, while a 25 lb. box is good for up to 500 square feet and a 10 lb. box is good for up to 200 square feet.
It’s also important to consider the type of nails that are best suited for your application. Bright common nails are recommended over galvanized nails in this case, as a little rust can actually be beneficial. This is because it causes the base of the nail to expand and bond with some of the sand or gravel in the base, effectively making the nail larger than the hole it was originally pushed through.
For landscaping artificial grass installation, 6-inch straight nails are typically used, while 3-inch straight nails are more commonly used for putting green grass installation. Regardless of the size of your installation or the type of nails you choose, it’s important to use high-quality nails made from hot-dip galvanized steel wire with high-gloss features. This will ensure that your artificial grass stays securely in place for years to come.
Recommended Nail Sizes For Different Types Of Base Materials
The size of the nails used for artificial grass installation will also depend on the type of base material being used. For installations on a concrete or asphalt base, 5-inch, 40DD, 4GA bright common nails are recommended. These should be installed every 3-6 inches along the perimeter and every 2 feet on center in the field.
For installations on a wooden base, it’s important to use longer nails to ensure a secure hold. For a wooden base with plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), 2-inch long, 8-gauge nails are recommended. For a wooden base with dimensional lumber, such as 2x4s or 2x6s, it’s recommended to use 3-inch long, 10-gauge nails.
It’s important to note that using nails that are too long can cause damage to the artificial grass backing or even puncture through the surface of the grass. It’s always better to use a nail that is slightly shorter than too long.
Tips For Properly Installing Nails For Artificial Grass
Proper installation of nails is crucial for ensuring the longevity and appearance of your artificial grass. Here are some tips to keep in mind when installing nails:
1. Always stretch and install the turf tight before nailing it down. This will help to prevent wrinkles and undulations in the turf.
2. When nailing, make sure that no blades or thatch are stuck under the nail head. This can cause the nail to lift the turf and create a noticeable bump.
3. Be careful not to drive the nails into the base too far, as this will create a dip or divot in the turf. Instead, make sure that the nail is flush with the surface of the turf.
4. Always run the grain of the turf in the same direction when installing nails. For example, if you are installing turf in a front yard, point the grain toward the street for the best appearance.
5. If you are installing nails near seams, be extra careful to avoid overlapping them. Overlapping seams can cause bumps or unevenness in your lawn.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your artificial grass installation looks great and lasts for years to come.
Alternative Methods For Securing Artificial Grass
While nails are a popular and effective method for securing artificial grass, there are alternative methods that can be used as well.
One option is to use landscape staples, which are U-shaped metal stakes that can be easily pushed into the ground. These staples can be used to secure the edges of the artificial grass to the ground, as well as to hold down any seams in the grass. While landscape staples are not as strong as nails, they can still provide a secure hold for smaller installations or areas with less foot traffic.
Another option is to use adhesive tape or glue to secure the seams of the artificial grass together. This method is typically used in conjunction with nails or staples for added security. However, it’s important to note that using adhesive alone is not recommended as it may not provide a strong enough hold over time.
Lastly, some installers may choose to use a combination of sand and rubber infill to help hold the artificial grass in place. This method involves spreading a layer of sand and rubber infill over the base material before laying down the artificial grass. The weight of the infill helps to hold the grass in place, while also providing additional cushioning and support.
While nails are often the preferred method for securing artificial grass, these alternative methods can be useful in certain situations. It’s important to discuss all options with your installer and choose the best method for your specific installation needs.
