How to Install Artificial Turf for a Dog Run

Artificial turf, also known as AstroTurf or artificial or synthetic grass, is an affordable and efficient flooring solution for an outdoor dog run. With a porous design, artificial turf provides good drainage and can also be cleaned with a vacuum when dry. By installing artificial turf, your dog will enjoy a safe, comfortable surface in the dog run without your having to worry about digging or weather damage as you would with real grass.

Things You'll Need

  • Artificial turf
  • Cutting tool
  • Glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the area of your dog run to determine how much artificial turf you will need to buy. Artificial turf is sold by the square foot, so measure the dog run just as you would measure an indoor room for carpet installation.

    • 2

      Research the cost of artificial turf online. Some retailers sell artificial turf for as low as $1 per square foot, plus delivery charges. You may also purchase artificial turf for your dog run at home improvement retailers. Prices vary depending on the brand and quality of the artificial turf.

    • 3

      Wash and sweep the cement floor of the dog run prior to laying the artificial turf. Unfold the artificial grass onto the area and remove any wrinkles so the grass lies flat. Glue down the edges using the glue manufacturer̵7;s instructions. Allow the glue to dry before the dog run is used.

    • 4

      Place the seams together if using more than one cut piece of artificial turf. Attach the two pieces using 6- to 12-inch seam tape and glue. Apply the appropriate length of tape, sticky side up, halfway to the underside seam line of one piece. Add glue to the exposed tape. Press the seam line of the second piece of turf to the glue-coated exposed tape. Remember that you are gluing the two pieces of turf to the seam tape and not gluing the two pieces together. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the seamed pieces to the floor of the dog run.

    • 5

      Prepare the area to lay with artificial turf if the floor of your dog run is soil-based. Dig out existing sod and any rocks or debris using a spade or a shovel. Pack dirt to the desired grade. Cover the entire area with a layer of finely-crushed rock or gravel and pack it to form a hard surface. Stake or nail the turf edges at 18-inch intervals. More staking may be necessary in high wind areas. If using more than one piece of turf, follow seaming instructions from the previous step prior to laying the synthetic grass on the soil-based floor of your dog run.