Artificial Grass DIY Guide
Balustrade Frequently Asked Questions
Will aluminium Balustrades corrode or rust? Aluminium balustrades are considerable less susceptible to corrosion or rusting. Aluminium, is a resilient and exceptionally resistant material, it will not rust as time passes. It is an ideal material for outdoor installations. Balustrades made with powder coated material, do they rust? The aluminium balustrades are given a thick powder coat finish, which ensures a durable and long-lasting appearance, this coating offers several advantages: It protects the aluminium material from scratches, fading, and the elements. Custom colors or finishes can be added to the powder coating, allowing for a unique and stylish look. By opting for powder coating, fewer volatile organic compounds are released compared to other finishing methods, making it more environmentally friendly. The heated spray application of the powder coating ensures an even finish across all surfaces, without any drips or visible traces of application, resulting in a smooth and seamless appearance. Can I have my aluminium balustrade in a non-standard colour? Yes, Grass Yard balustrades come as standard in black & anthracite however we can powder coat them in almost any RAL code. Can The Grass Yard balustrade system be installed on a balcony? Indeed, the Grass Yard Balustrade system is ideal for decking, balconies, patios, porches, verandas, and can even be utilized for certain indoor purposes. Can the balustrade be installed in concrete? Yes, the Grass Yard Aluminium Balustrade is capable of being installed on concrete by utilizing fasteners specifically designed for concrete applications. Do the balustrade gates come in different sizes? We produce a standard balustrade gate 750mm wide, but if you need a different size, we can create a custom gate. Do the aluminium balustrade gates come with the hinges and latch as standard? Yes all grass yard gates come with gate hardware. How do I clean my Grass Yard aluminium balustrade? Cleaning is simply, mild soapy detergent is generally enough to get the job done for more stubborn stains a light pressure wash is ok. How many designs of decorative balustrades are available? As standard we offer 8 different designs, should you have something specific in mind we can work with you to create a bespoke design for your balustrade. What are the advantages of aluminium balustrades over timber, composite etc? Aluminium delivers the best combination of appearance, strength, and durability. Unlike other balustrade options we can create a truly unique style to suit each installation. Easy to assemble, and low maintenance, the powder coated finish will continue to retain its beauty for many years and is backed by our 25 year limited warranty. What type of surfaces can The Grass Yard balustrade system be installed on? Our balustrade system is versatile and can be easily installed on various surfaces such as wood, concrete, and composite materials. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to mount balustrades directly onto walls or onto existing wood posts and columns. If I give you the measurements can you work out what balustrade is needed and quote? Kindly send an email to info@thegrassyard.co.uk containing a preliminary sketch of your project and the measurements. Our team will compile a quotation for you based on this information. Can The Grass Yard balustrade system be used on stairs? Yes our aluminium balustrade system can be used on stairs What is the minimum height of a balustrade? The Grass Yard ensures that all of their balustrades meet the height requirement of 1100mm as specified by UK building regulations.
Learn moreComposite Decking Faq
Can I fit the composite decking myself or does it need to be a professional? We would advise a professional installer however a competent DIY’er can certainly tackle some installs, we are happy to assist where we can and our online guides are available. How many boards will I need? The number of composite decking boards required will vary depending on which style you choose, there is a variation in width from 143-150mm, as a general rule though 2 boards per m2 will keep you right. Our online calculator can also work out board requirements and there is also the optional wastage calculator for both 3.6m & 5m decking boards. What is Composite Decking? Wood plastic composite commonly known as WPC decking is made up of recycled wood and plastic that would have otherwise ended up in landfill. What is the difference between composite decking and wood? Grass Yard premium composite decking is an engineered product offering significantly improved durability over wooden decking and as it requires virtually no maintenance, the difference is night and day. Why is composite decking more expensive than wood? Simply composite decking is a more expensive product to manufacture. How long will Grass Yard composite decking last? Composite decking is an incredibly durable product that with minimal upkeep will last for years all Grass Yard composite decking come with a minimum 10 year limited warranty, 25 year limited warranty on premier boards. What is the difference between your 3D Embossed & capped composite decking ranges? Grass Yard 3D embossed composited decking boards are made from a single moulded piece of WPC, our capped composite decking boards are made form the same WPC material which has a polymer shell applied to the exterior. This further improves the durability and performance of the composite decking board. While both our classic range and premium range offer impressive durability, easy installation and minimal maintenance requirements, the premium range provides additional weather protection, increased stain, mould and algae resistance along with added UV protection to reduce colour fade. What Is the difference between a bullnose edge and a corner trim? A corner trim covers the end of the standard decking boards to conceal the cavities, it has a slight lip and sits over the face of the decking, installed by pre-drilling and screwing through with our colour matched screws or an appropriate outdoor adhesive could be used. The bullnose is installed flush with the standard composite decking boards, no need for screwing through or adhesive, this would be the more popular option. What size are Grass yard composite decking boards? Our decking boards come in standard 3.6m & 5m lengths, 143–150mm wide and 25mm deep. Will composite decking mark easily? Simple answer no not easily, they can be marked if miss treated we do recommend moving garden furniture etc with some care. What support is needed for composite decking? Every decking job should be well support especially composite decking due to the extra weight, as standard 300mm centres should be used, if using timber good quality treated timbers should be used along with frame tape to prevent water ingress otherwise composite or metal frame can be used. The composite decking frame should allow for drainage and good airflow. How do you fasten composite decking boards in place? Grass Yard composite decking boards come with hidden fixings this system ensures a strong, secure and aesthetically flawless finish. Simple and quick the first board is generally secured down with a hidden stainless steel starter clip then the black plastic T-Fixings are used for an even spacing for the remainder of the deck, the torx screws are stainless steel coated black to ensure they cant be seen within the spacing. The hidden fixings system does not require any specialist tools and the pack will contain a torx driver for the decking screws. What do we use to cover the ends of our composite decking? The Grass Yard supply colour matched edge trims and bullnose boards in both the 3d embossed decking & capped co-extrusion decking ranges. How much gap should I leave between composite decking boards? The Grass Yard hidden fixing system guarantees a uniform spacing across the full deck of 5mm this is important for drainage and board expansion during hot weather. On butt joints where the end of one deck meets the end of another we recommend a 7mm expansion joint. Which side up should the composite decking go? This one is purely down to personal preference it is possible to install Grass Yard composite decking boards either woodgrain or lined side up. How do I paint composite decking? You don’t! One of the biggest benefits of composite decking boards is the almost complete lack of ongoing maintenance, no painting or oiling is required. How do I clean my composite decking? Cleaning composite decking is very easy, a soft broom, mop or even a pressure washer can be used, no harsh chemicals are needed some warm soapy water will suffice for most scenarios, in the unusual case you have a more stubborn stain a light de-greaser could be used, always do a test patch on an area that’s not seen. Does composite decking get slippery when wet? All types of decking get slippery when wet, however composite decking will do so far less than timber decking because algae cannot penetrate the grain, preventing a terrible green and slippery surface. Additionally, the embossing on both types of our boards will provide significantly more traction than wood decking. How much care does composite decking need? As with all exterior hard landscaping It makes sense to remove any organic matter, such as leaves and twigs, not just in autumn but year round. It's really just the simple things, spill a drink, wipe up straight away, having a bbq likewise clear up any food that may have been dropped straight away. Can composite decking be cut? Yes there is no specialist tools required for cutting Grass Yard composite decking, similar to wood, the best finish requires a good, sharp blade that is suitable for the composite material. Be sure to wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves and a dust mask, when cutting composite decking boards. Can you screw down composite decking? Yes, you can screw through composite boards in the rare event that the hidden fixing system isn't able to be employed. Yard Works stainless steel screws that match in colour work best, and pre-drilling holes and counter-sinking are advised for a neater flush finish. Can composite decking hold a hot tub? Indeed, composite decking is a wonderful base for hot tubs. Just like with anything else, though, make sure the structure is built to support the added weight. Water won't soak into the boards like it would with timber, and it won't rot either. All in all, composite decking is a great option for areas surrounding pools and hot tubs. Can composite decking be pressure washed? Composite decking can indeed be pressure washed, similar to other outdoor surfaces. Utilizing the appropriate pressure level, power washing is an effective method for cleaning composite decking. It is crucial to maintain a distance of at least 10 inches between the nozzle and the surface of the boards during the cleaning process. Will composite decking rot? No unlike timber decking, composite decking boards will not absorb the water and rot out. Will composite decking burn? It is crucial to exercise caution when utilizing open flames or BBQs in close proximity to your composite decking, as the heat can potentially cause damage to the material. Composite decking boards are composed of a blend of recycled plastic and recycled wood, rendering them more fire-resistant compared to conventional timber decking. However, it is important to note that they can still be susceptible to burning. There is a drain in our garden that we occasionally need to access – does this mean that we cannot have a composite deck? Not at all a hinged panel can be fitted in the composite decking to cover the drain and allow access as and when needed. Can I use rock salt to melt ice on my composite decking? A good quality white rock salt can be used to melt ice and snow on composite decking. Care should be taken to rinse off when the weather makes this practical always use a plastic shovel, never ever metal, if attempting to break up a build up of ice on the decking, a metal shovel may chip the decking surface. Can decking be used on a roof, eg. on top of a garage? The durability and wide range of colors make composite decking a popular surface option for roof terraces. However, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer beforehand to ensure that the roof structure can support the added weight. Does composite decking get hot? As with all outdoor landscaping products if we are lucky enough to get some summer weather, composite decking can get hot in direct sunlight. Only in the most extreme conditions within the UK though will the deck be too hot to walk on barefoot. Is composite decking as strong as wood? Yes composite decking is just as strong as timber decking, as long as the frame has been built to the correct specifications there should be no issues with strength.
Learn moreLaying Artificial Grass on Concrete/Stone
Overlaying an existing patio or concrete hardstanding with artificial grass is becoming increasingly popular. There is usually no need for a major dig or screeding work, as it’s quicker than landscaping from scratch and really brightens up a tired and dated area of the garden. Best of all, it’s cost-effective - even opting for one of our premium artificial grasses can work out easier on the pocket! Tools & Equipment Required to Lay Artificial Grass On Concrete: Sharp knife and spare blades Tape measure and/or straight edge Spirit level Shovel Joining tape (e.g. Envirostik) Artificial grass adhesive (e.g. Envirostik) Gloves and knee pads (or a garden cushion) Stiff broom Compactor plate or roller Your chosen artificial grass Good quality foam underlay Now you know which tools and equipment are required to lay artificial grass on concrete, here are some of the best practices for surface preparation and what key elements to look out for: Surface cracks & damaged areas Drainage Levels Loose or uneven pavers Let's go into more detail on some of the above best practices: Surface Cracks & Damaged Areas: The condition of your surface is the most important factor when laying artificial grass. Cracks of less than 15mm wide can be filled with mortar or an epoxy resin, while cracks greater than 15mm may need to be dug out and repaired as there is likely to be problems with the base causing movement. If there is an area of damaged concrete (possibly from something being dropped on the surface) this area should be cut out and levelled with a strong mortar mix or self-levelling compound. If there are any wobbly/uneven slabs, flags, or pavers, these should be lifted and re-set. Is the surface even? Often, concrete hard standings are laid in sections; occasionally, a section may settle lower or differently from others. A self-levelling compound can be used to correct this. Small undulations on the surface shouldn't be an issue; however, it should be noted they may be visible through the artificial grass once laid if not repaired at this stage. Drainage: Good drainage is essential. If there are areas of hardstanding that hold large puddles, holes can be drilled, or small channels cut in the surface, to allow the water to drain effectively. How to Lay Artificial Grass on Concrete? A clean surface is required. Pressure washing is great if you have one available, but a stiff brush and even a leaf blower will work to clear debris. Any stubborn moss should also be scraped. Once the surface has been cleaned and dried out, the shock pad can be laid. A shock pad is a foam material that is lightweight and easy to cut and shape with a sharp knife. The shock pad will act as a cushion between the artificial grass and hard standing and allow for drainage. The shock pad can be glued to the surface with artificial grass adhesive. Depending on how the area will be used will determine the amount of adhesive required. A light use area should be fine with spot-fixing; if the area will have high footfall or has been used for lots of activities, then consider a fuller bed of adhesive. Be mindful of drainage when applying adhesive - do not use adhesive in an area where it may prevent drainage. Once the underlay is secure, roll out the artificial grass with the pile in the preferred direction. For the best presentation, you should be looking into the pile from your most common vantage point. Usually, this is the view from inside your house, since this is the most common view of the grass most of us in the UK have! It’s a good idea to roll the artificial grass out the day before you plan to lay it, if the temperature is reasonable this will help it settle and soften which should make cutting and shaping easier. When cutting the artificial grass always use a sharp blade and cut from the back of the grass between the stitch lines. Once cut the artificial grass can be glued to the shock pad to secure it in place. Again, be mindful not to cover drainage points with the adhesive. Pay attention to the instructions with your glue and let the adhesive dry according to the manufacturer’s guidelines before use. How to Join Artificial Grass: If you’ve got a large garden (you lucky thing!), you may need to join two pieces of artificial grass together. To do this, you need to buy joining tape and adhesive that is suitable for outdoor use, then follow these simple instructions: Unroll your artificial grass into the correct position on the ground Line up your two pieces of artificial grass and cut away any excess so the stitching is as close to the new edge as possible – you want to try to recreate the same distance as the stitch pattern in your join, so may need to trim to achieve this Offer up the grass and create a dry join to check the fitting Roll the joining tape out underneath, as central as possible so that it covers equal amounts of each piece of turf Roll the turf back temporarily and apply the adhesive to the tape. Apply in a zigzag fashion and use a spreader to ensure the tape surface is covered evenly Work your way down the seam, pushing the two pieces of turf together, making sure you’re not trapping fibres or anything else between the joins Once you’re happy with the join, lightly brush over it to seal it and allow it to dry Now have a cup of tea and admire your new lawn! Artificial grass should last decades with proper installation and care, so have a look at our rather handy artificial grass care guide for our top care tips.
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