Can You Turf A Wood Deck?

Originally posted on February 8, 2021 @ 11:23 pm

Artificial turf isn’t just for soccer fields, putting greens, lawns, and indoor gyms. It’s also a great surface for a number of different materials, including concrete and wood decks! Start browsing our vast inventory of high quality turfs, or continue reading to find out why you should put turf on your deck.

Why put turf on a wood deck?

The idea of putting artificial grass on a deck may seem unusual to some, but there are actually a lot of good reasons one may one to put turf on their deck. Many people also just like it as a fun project!

Turf is Safe

Some wood surfaces can be hard and unyielding. Artificial turf on top of them is a popular option for families and retired couples or individuals. Wood decks can get slippery; turf helps prevent trips, slips and falls, and it hurts less if you do fall down. Turf is great for families with kids and pets, because turf is shock-absorbent, non-abrasive, nontoxic, durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t splinter. Pets can play, sleep, or do their business on turf without worry of them digging it up or trying to eat it.

Turf is Low Maintenance

Decks don’t require as much maintenance as a grass lawn, but artificial turf can cut back on that maintenance even more. If the deck is discolored or damaged, save yourself time and effort of repairing or replacing it by installing turf. Cover decks and patios with turf so you don’t have to sand, laminate, paint, finish, seal, or whatever else you might need to do to your deck to make it presentable.

Turf is Attractive

Wood decks look nice and can have a natural feel, but turf’s green and soft texture is attractive and brings your lawn all the way up to your door. But not everyone has a backyard or a lawn. Turf is a great way for people with limited space or balconies, like condos and apartments, to create a green space without having to grow one. Turf is a great surface for balconies and small patios because it’s soft to lounge on without fear of splinters of a wood deck, or bugs from a natural lawn.

Turf is Durable

Wood surfaces can fade, warp, splinter and crack; concrete surfaces can crack, crumble, sink, or rise; this prompts the need for expensive and labor intensive maintenance, repairs, and replacement. Turf is the solution.

Unlike wood and cement, turf resists wear and tear from foot traffic, UV rays, moisture, and extreme temperature fluctuations. With an artificial grass surface, you can enjoy your deck to the fullest extent with the added benefits of turf’s soft surface. Even if you spill your tropical drink while you’re relaxing, it’s easy to clean.

Important Considerations Before Putting Turf on a Deck

There are two main considerations when installing turf, especially on a deck: drainage and weight.

Drainage

Turf has excellent drainage, but there are some instances when it needs a little help. While this is not a huge concern for wood and composite decks because they offer enough drainage, it can be a concern for:

Large surface areas
Unlevel surface areas
Concrete patios
If the deck or patio has a wall, lip, or barrier that prevents liquid from draining off the edge
If pets will be regularly peeing on the turf

To be extra safe, you can install drainage tiles under turf to combat any potential pooling.

Weight

Weight is not a big factor, but it is something to consider for large balcony or rooftop decks that might have weight limits or concerns. The weight of turf and infill can become heavy on large surface areas, so proper support is important. An unsafe deck is not made safe by installing artificial turf on it.

How to Install Turf on a Wooden Deck

The Tools to install turf on a deck

You’ll need a few tools before you can get started:

Artificial lawn, measured to fit your deck
Utility knife
Turf adhesive
Deck cleaner
Garden hose
Scrub brush
Measuring tape
Trowel
Seam sealer
Weighted lawn roller

Deck Preparation for Turf Installation

Clear the deck of all objects, including any furniture or chairs.
Measure the dimensions of the deck with a tape measure. Add 2 inches to allow for some extra wiggle room.
Wet the entire deck by spraying it with a garden hose. The wood should absorb some of the water and feel damp to the touch.
Mix water and deck cleaner in a 1-to-1 ratio in a pump sprayer until it is full. Pump up the pump sprayer to pressurize it and spray the deck liberally. You want the cleaning mixture to seep into the wood.
Clean the deck using a scrub brush. If the deck is extremely dirty it may be necessary to respray the deck a few times.
Rinse the deck cleaning mixture off of the deck with the hose. Wait 48 hours for the deck to dry and the chemicals in the cleaner to completely leave the wood.

Turf Deck Installation

Unroll the turf and let it lay out for at least at least an hour.
Cut sections of the artificial turf to cover these dimensions using a utility knife.
If installing an additional layer of padding or drainage, follow those instructions and then proceed with turf.
Start at the far end of the deck and spread a layer of turf adhesive. Use a notched trowel held at 45 degrees to lay the correct amount of adhesive.
Lay the first section of turf on top of the adhesive and firmly press it into place.
Apply adhesive for the next section Place the second section and butt it against the first.
Apply a bead of turf seam sealer along the entire seam. Continue laying adhesive, installing turf sections and applying seam sealer to all joints until the entire deck is covered.
Trim off any excess turf along the edges of the deck with the utility knife.
Flatten the artificial turf by rolling a weighted lawn roller over it. Allow 24 hours for the adhesive to set.

Turf lawns require infill, but turf on wood decks don’t. Infill normally weighs turf down and helps the individual fibers stand upright like grass, but in this case, the turf is glued to the deck. The small area of a deck and the type of foot traffic it has means turf usually doesn’t need the help standing upright.

Maintain turf by sweeping or raking it, cleaning messes and debris as the occur, and occasionally spraying and wiping it with cleanser.

You Can & Should Install Turf on Your Deck & Everywhere Else!

Once you install turf on your deck, you’ll want to install it everywhere; put turf on the lawn, turf on the roof, and even put turf on the walls.

Turf saves water, it’s low maintenance, and it’s versatile and durable. Whether you’ve got a deck, roof, patio, balcony, indoor gym, soccer field, playground, or batting cage, artificial turf is the solution you’re looking for. At Turf Factory Direct, we sell high quality turf at low prices, and our staff is the most knowledgeable in the business. Get in touch with us to learn more.