Step 1: Inspect the Sub-Base Before Unrolling
Pre-laying should begin only after the installation area has been properly prepared.
The sub-base should be checked for:
- Surface flatness
- Compaction
- Drainage
- Standing water
- Loose aggregate
- Sharp objects
- Localized depressions or high spots
For sports applications, the finished base should normally be designed and verified according to the requirements of the relevant sports facility and synthetic turf system.
A practical tolerance sometimes used for artificial turf installation is approximately ≤5 mm over a 3 m straightedge, although project specifications may require tighter tolerances.
The key principle is simple:
Pre-laying cannot correct a defective sub-base.
If the foundation contains significant depressions or high spots, these defects may remain visible after the turf is installed.
Step 2: Unroll the Turf in the Correct Direction
The turf should be unrolled according to the planned fiber direction.
All rolls within the same visible playing or landscape area should be aligned consistently.
This is particularly important because synthetic fibers can reflect light differently depending on their orientation.
Incorrect alignment may produce a visible difference between adjacent rolls, sometimes described as a shading or “directional” effect.
Before cutting, installers should therefore confirm:
- Fiber direction
- Roll sequence
- Seam location
- Field markings
- Color and batch consistency
Step 3: Allow the Turf to Relax Naturally
Once unrolled, the turf should be allowed to relax without excessive stretching.
Installers should avoid attempting to force the material completely flat by aggressively pulling it.
Excessive tension can create unnecessary stress within the backing and seams.
A better approach is:
Unroll → Allow natural relaxation → Inspect → Make controlled adjustments
rather than aggressively stretching the entire roll.
Step 4: Perform Final Cutting After Relaxation
Final cutting is preferably performed after the turf has had adequate time to relax.
This helps reduce the possibility of:
- Oversized or undersized seams;
- Excessive seam tension;
- Insufficient perimeter material;
- Uneven roll alignment;
- Repeated cutting and adjustment.
For perimeter areas, installers should normally maintain sufficient material allowance for final trimming.
The exact allowance should follow the turf manufacturer’s installation specification rather than applying a single universal dimension to every product.
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