Professional synthetic turf installers know that one of the most difficult aspects of installing artificial grass is effectively preventing and hiding any seams. Not only are seams an eyesore, but they’re also a dead giveaway that your new landscaping is synthetic. 

However, with the right techniques, you can easily hide visible seams and achieve a seamless and professional artificial grass installation. Whether you’re trying to DIY your turf backyard or you’re an artificial grass installer looking to improve your skills, try these simple tips for preventing visible seams during your synthetic grass installation.

Pay Attention to Grain Direction

One of the most crucial factors in hiding visible seams is the direction of the grain. Artificial grass comes with a uniform grain direction, similar to natural grass, which gives it a natural and realistic appearance.

During installation, it’s important to make sure that the grain direction is the same for both pieces of turf that will be joined together. If the grain is facing in different directions, it will be virtually impossible to disguise the seam, revealing your lawn to be synthetic. To further ensure a seamless and natural appearance, lay the turf in the same direction as any nearby natural grass or in the direction of the most common flow of foot traffic.

Prepare the Edge

Once you’ve determined the direction of the grain, you’ll need to prepare the edges of both pieces of turf. Virtually all synthetic turf products will have a manufacturing edge strip that needs to be removed to allow two pieces of turf to sit flush next to each other. Using a sharp knife or turf cutter, carefully trim the edges of your turf to create smooth and even edges.

It’s crucial to cut the edges of the turf to fit together perfectly without overlapping or leaving gaps. For best results, cut as close as possible to the stitch, but do not cut the stitch itself. Take your time with this step, as any inconsistency in the edges will result in noticeable seams. Once the edges are prepared, position the two pieces of turf next to each other in their designated location to ensure they align correctly.

Use Appropriate Adhesive

Once your synthetic grass is laid out where you want it, you’ll need to adhere it to complete the installation. It’s important to keep in mind that when securing your synthetic grass, you need to adhere the synthetic turf pieces not only to the sub-base underneath but also to one another. Use high-quality joining tape and adhesive to achieve this. 

To apply the adhesive, fold the grass back and weigh it down. Make sure your turf pieces line up perfectly before adding the glue. When applying the adhesive, make sure you apply it in a zig-zag pattern to help blend the seams and ensure a secure result. Once it’s applied, fold back the turf and allow it to cure for 24 hours.

Adjust the Artificial Turf

After applying the adhesive, you’ll need to fold the artificial grass back to its original position to allow the glue to dry. This is a delicate process that requires precision to ensure that the adhesive doesn’t cause a mess or result in misaligned turf.

Ideally, have one person stand in front and hold the turf to prevent it from folding. The second person should stand behind them, carefully placing the two pieces of turf together to ensure the spacing is perfect as they move down the join. Avoid pushing the edges together too hard, as this can disrupt the adhesive and result in visible seams. Work your way down the entire seam, adjusting and blending the turf until it appears as one continuous piece.

Weigh the Seam

To ensure a secure hold as the adhesive dries, it’s always a good idea to weigh down the seam. Walk down the length of the seam to ensure good contact between the adhesive and the pieces of turf. Use heavy objects, such as bricks or infill bags, to weigh down the seam until the adhesive has fully dried.

Weighing down the seam will prevent movement and ensure the edges blend together. It can also help extend the lifespan of your artificial grass installation by avoiding premature lifting or moving due to foot traffic and weather conditions over time.

If you need guidance in choosing the right artificial turf installation accessories, speak to your installer or contact your local SGW Las Vegas location. We can help you find the perfect synthetic grass products for your home or business. SGW Las Vegas has been an industry leader for more than 20 years, helping distributors, installers, and homeowners alike with all of their artificial grass installation needs. To find out more about artificial grass wholesale or to receive guidance with your next turf grass installation, contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse facility today.