• Setting the standard one yard at a time | Genaro Lopez President

How to Install Turf: A Practical, Expert Guide for Bay Area Homes

If you’re researching how to install turf, you’re not alone. Artificial turf has become one of the most sought-after landscaping upgrades in the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly for homeowners seeking to reduce water usage, eliminate mud, or create a clean, low-maintenance yard.

 

At GLscape Inc., we install turf alongside custom paver solutions, so we see firsthand what works and what causes problems later. This guide breaks down how turf is installed, what you need underneath it, whether DIY makes sense, and how turf performs in real-world scenarios people often ask about on Reddit, Quora, and homeowner forums.

We’ll explain it simply, like we would to a friend planning their first project.

What Is Artificial Turf (and Why It’s So Popular in the Bay Area)

Artificial turf is a synthetic grass system installed over a prepared base. When done correctly, it looks natural, drains well, and holds up to heavy use even with pets.

Bay Area homeowners choose turf because:

 

  • Water restrictions make natural lawns costly
  • Clay-heavy soils struggle with drainage
  • Maintenance is minimal compared to real grass
  • It pairs well with pavers and modern landscapes

Can You Install Turf Yourself?

Yes, you can install turf yourself, and many people attempt DIY turf installation. However, the success of the project depends almost entirely on ground preparation.

 

DIY works best for:

  • Small, flat backyard areas
  • Temporary or low-traffic zones
  • Homeowners are comfortable with excavation and compaction tools.

 

Professional installation is strongly recommended for:

  • Sloped yards
  • Dog runs
  • Turf between pavers
  • Putting greens
  • Large areas or drainage-sensitive zones

 

Most turf failures we fix weren’t caused by the turf itself — they were caused by poor base prep.

What Should You Put Down Before Laying Turf?

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

Before laying turf, you need a stable, well-draining base, not bare dirt.

 

A proper turf base typically includes:

  • Excavated soil (3–5 inches deep)
  • Weed barrier fabric
  • Crushed rock or decomposed granite
  • Mechanical compaction
  • Fine grading for drainage

 

Skipping these layers leads to ripples, sinking, weeds, and drainage problems.

How Do You Prepare Ground for Artificial Turf?

Ground prep is the most important step when learning how to install turf in a backyard or yard.

Basic ground preparation steps:

  1. Remove existing grass, roots, and organic soil
  2. Excavate to the required depth
  3. Install wa eed barrier
  4. Add base material (crushed rock or DG)
  5. Compact thoroughly
  6. Grade with a slight slope for drainage

 

Bay Area tip: Always slope turf away from buildings to prevent water pooling near foundations.

Can You Lay Turf Directly Over Dirt?

Short answer: No — you shouldn’t.

While some DIY guides suggest laying turf on dirt, it almost always results in:

  • Uneven surfaces
  • Poor drainage
  • Weed growth
  • Shortened turf lifespan

This applies whether you’re learning how to install turf on dirt, for dogs, or in a backyard. Dirt alone simply isn’t stable enough.

How to Install Turf: Step-by-Step Overview

Here’s a simplified overview of how to install turf yourself or understand the professional process:

 

  1. Plan the layout (yard, between pavers, dog run, etc.)
  2. Excavate & prep the base
  3. Install edging or paver restraints
  4. Lay and secure turf
  5. Trim seams carefully
  6. Secure with nails or adhesive
  7. Infill with silica sand (if required)
  8. Brush fibers upright

 

This process applies whether you’re installing turf in a yard, backyard, or custom space.

Installing Turf in Different Scenarios

People search for turf installation in all kinds of places — here’s how those situations differ:

How to Install Turf for Dogs
  • Use pet-specific turf with antimicrobial backing
  • Ensure excellent drainage
  • Proper infill reduces odor
How to Install Turf Between Pavers
  • Requires precise cutting
  • Strong base and edging are critical
  • Common in modern Bay Area landscapes
How to Install Turf on Concrete
  • Turf can be glued to concrete
  • Drainage holes or slope are essential
How to Install Turf on Gravel
  • Gravel must be compacted and leveled
  • Weed barrier still required
How to Install Turf on a Slope
  • Requires additional anchoring
  • Drainage and erosion control are key
  • Often best handled by professionals
Indoor Turf (Basement, Garage, Indoors)
  • Turf can be installed indoors for gyms or play areas
  • No drainage needed, but moisture control matters
Putting Greens & Turfstone Pavers
  • Putting greens require ultra-flat grading
  • Turfstone pavers combine grass and concrete support
What Do You Need to Install Turf?

At a minimum, turf installation requires:

  • Artificial turf rolls
  • Crushed rock or DG
  • Weed barrier fabric
  • Compactor
  • Utility knife
  • Landscape nails or adhesive
  • Infill material

 

This is why DIY turf often costs more than expected once tools and materials are added.

How Long Does It Take to Install Turf?

For professionals:

 

  • Small yard: 1–2 days
  • Medium backyard: 2–3 days
  • Large or complex projects: 3–5+ days

 

DIY projects usually take longer, especially for first-timers.

Who Can Install Artificial Turf?

Artificial turf can be installed by:

 

  • Experienced DIY homeowners
  • Licensed landscapers
  • Hardscape specialists

 

At GLscape Inc., we install turf as part of complete outdoor designs — often integrating turf with pavers, walkways, patios, and drainage systems for a seamless, long-lasting result.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to install turf isn’t just about rolling out grass — it’s about building a stable base, planning drainage, and matching the installation to how the space will be used.

If you want turf that looks great, drains properly, and lasts for years, proper preparation matters more than anything else.

 

If you’re considering turf for your Bay Area home — whether in a backyard, between pavers, for pets, or on a slope  GLscape Inc. is here to help you get it done right the first time.

Contact GLscape Inc. today for expert turf and paver solutions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.