Meta Title: NetFloor Artificial Grass Installation & Maintenance Guide
Meta Description: Step-by-step NetFloor artificial grass installation: substrate prep, jointing, infill, drainage. Plus a maintenance schedule that keeps Fuxing-made turf looking new for 10 years.
Introduction: Most Turf Dies in Year Two—Because of the Install
Walk past any apartment block with “fake grass” on the balcony and you’ll see the same story: edges curling, bald patches, a faint ammonia smell after rain. The turf itself isn’t necessarily bad. The installation was.
NetFloor artificial grass—manufactured by Wuxi Fuxing and exported by Changzhou Qiode—is engineered for an 8–10 year service life. But that lifespan is only as good as the substrate, the jointing, and the first 30 days of care.
This guide walks through the exact process Fuxing recommends for every NetFloor turf installation, whether it’s a 15 m² balcony or a 1,500 m² hotel courtyard.
Part 1: Substrate Preparation (The Foundation)
The single biggest mistake contractors make is rushing substrate prep. Turf conforms to whatever is underneath it. Bumps, cracks, and soft spots will telegraph through within weeks.
For Concrete Substrates (Balconies, Rooftops, Courtyards):
- Clean: Pressure-wash the surface. Remove all loose debris, oil stains, and old adhesive residues.
- Repair: Fill cracks wider than 3 mm with flexible polyurethane sealant. Turf will not hide structural cracks.
- Slope Check: Ensure minimum 1–2% slope for drainage. Standing water under turf = odor and mold.
- Dry Time: Allow sealant to cure 24 hours minimum.
For Soil/Subgrade (Gardens, Playgrounds, Gateball Courts):
- Excavate: Remove top 100–150 mm of organic soil. This layer holds moisture and will rot under turf.
- Base Layer: Fill with 100 mm crushed stone (10–20 mm aggregate), compacted in two layers.
- Fine Layer: Top with 20–30 mm sharp sand, leveled and compacted.
- Weed Barrier: Lay geotextile fabric over the entire area. Prevents weed growth through seams.
For Wooden Decks:
- Gap Check: Decking gaps must be < 5 mm or turf will sag. Add plywood underlayment if needed.
- Ventilation: Ensure air flow underneath. Trapped moisture + PU backing = premature degradation.
Part 2: Laying and Jointing
Step 1: Acclimatize
Roll out turf in the installation area 24 hours before cutting. This allows the backing to relax and prevents post-install shrinkage.
Step 2: Orient the Pile
Run your hand across the turf. One direction feels smooth, the other rough. Always lay all rolls with the smooth direction pointing toward the primary viewing angle (e.g., from the entrance toward the courtyard).
For multi-roll installations, alternate roll direction every other row to create a subtle stripe effect—or keep all same-direction for a seamless monolithic look. Decide before you cut.
Step 3: Cut to Fit
- Use a sharp utility knife with a fresh blade (change every 3–5 cuts).
- Cut from the back of the turf, following the backing grid.
- For curved edges (around planters, columns), use a cardboard template first.
Step 4: Jointing
- Lay adjacent rolls with a 3–5 mm gap between edges.
- Place 4×25 cm joint tape (adhesive side up) under the seam.
- Fold turf edges back onto the tape, press firmly.
- Never use hot glue on leisure or landscape turf—it creates a rigid line that cracks with thermal movement.
Step 5: Secure the Perimeter
- Fix edges with 6 mm galvanized nails or turf staples every 150 mm.
- For concrete: use polyurethane construction adhesive in a 10 mm bead along the perimeter.
- Cover nails with a thin line of matching silica sand.
Part 3: Infill Application (When Required)
| Application | Infill Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony (residential) | None or light silica | 0–0.5 kg/m² |
| Commercial courtyard | Silica sand | 0.5–1.0 kg/m² |
| Sports / Gateball | Silica + optional SBR granule | 1.0–2.0 kg/m² |
| Playground (with pad) | None (pad provides cushion) | 0 |
How to Apply:
- Spread infill evenly using a drop spreader.
- Brush into the pile with a stiff broom (against pile direction first, then with it).
- Repeat brushing after 48 hours as infill settles.
Part 4: The Maintenance Schedule That Gives You 10 Years
| Frequency | Task | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Remove leaves/debris | Leaf blower or soft broom |
| Monthly | Brush pile against direction | Stiff broom or mechanical brush |
| Quarterly | Rinse with water | Garden hose (no pressure washer) |
| Bi-Annually | Check seams and edges | Visual inspection |
| Annually | Deep clean + re-spread infill | Professional turf cleaning service |
| Year 3 / Year 7 | Professional deep extraction | Hot water + mild detergent |
What NOT to Do:
- ❌ Pressure wash (damages backing, forces water into substrate)
- ❌ Use bleach or ammonia (degrades PU coating)
- ❌ Park hot BBQ grills on turf (melts yarn)
- ❌ Let construction debris sit on turf during nearby works
Conclusion: The Install Is Half the Product
A NetFloor 30 mm PU turf from Fuxing’s production line is a 10-year product—but only if the installation respects the substrate, the joints, and the first 30 days of care. Qiode’s export team includes these instructions with every shipment.
Request the full NetFloor Installation Manual (PDF, 12 pages, illustrated) from Changzhou Qiode.
Primary Keywords: artificial grass installation guide, how to install artificial grass, NetFloor turf maintenance
Secondary Keywords: artificial grass jointing tape, PU backing turf installation, balcony turf install steps, artificial grass infill guide