Forum

Replies

• 

  Kieran Ray July 24, 2010 at 7:06pm

  I would go for the artificial grass. Mainly as you can rent it, but also because real grass could be a nightmare. If the base is at all spongy people could stumble in divets and dips made if people walk on it.
• 

  Joseph Lauder July 25, 2010 at 2:35pm

  So I went to see the site today, its block paving, which is better than just concrete.
  
  If you had to lay real turf over this so that it was good for 36 hours, would you just lay straight on top or on a bed of say 30mm sharp sand?
  
  

  
• PRO

  Phil Voice July 25, 2010 at 3:30pm

  "If you had to lay real turf over this so that it was good for 36 hours, would you just lay straight on top or on a bed of say 30mm sharp sand?"
  
  I would worry that the sharp sand would become soggy and unstable due to you having to water the grass. Why not lay an absorbent and reusable membrane (something that might be 3mm max. in thickness)?
  
  Looking at the shape you have to deal with, there will be cutting and wastage whatever option you choose.
  
  It's made me wonder, if your client wanted grass under their feet, why not choose a venue that has lawns?
• 

  Joseph Lauder July 25, 2010 at 3:33pm

  what kind of membrane? sounds like carpet underlay.
  
  I know! it seems ridiculous to me as well.
  
  Do you think laying straight on top of the block paving isnt an option... its all level and permeable..
  
  Philip Voice said:

  "If you had to lay real turf over this so that it was good for 36 hours, would you just lay straight on top or on a bed of say 30mm sharp sand?"
  
  I would worry that the sharp sand would become soggy and unstable due to you having to water the grass. Why not lay an absorbent and reusable membrane (something that might be 3mm max. in thickness)?
  
  Looking at the shape you have to deal with, there will be cutting and wastage whatever option you choose.
  
  I's made me wonder, if your client wanted grass under their feet, why not choose a venue that has lawns?
• 

  Kieran Ray July 25, 2010 at 3:34pm

  I would want to put ply boards all over the blocks too. Otherwise what ever you use shap sand or the soil off of the turf will make a total mess and probaly stain the paving.
  
  If you can hire in artificial grass.
  
  Joseph Lauder said:

  So I went to see the site today, its block paving, which is better than just concrete.
  
  If you had to lay real turf over this so that it was good for 36 hours, would you just lay straight on top or on a bed of say 30mm sharp sand?
  
  

  
• 

  Joseph Lauder July 25, 2010 at 3:38pm

  the problem is its 220m2, so thats a lot of ply!
  
  and with artificial grass, im not sure they would allow us to cut it to fit the awkward shapes. I guess I will find out tomorrow morning
  
  Joseph @ Joseph Lauder Design
• 

  Kieran Ray July 25, 2010 at 3:40pm

  It certainly is!
  
  I must admit my feelings echo that of Phils, why not a grass venue?
  
  Joseph Lauder said:

  the problem is its 220m2, so thats a lot of ply!
  
  and with artificial grass, im not sure they would allow us to cut it to fit the awkward shapes. I guess I will find out tomorrow morning
  
  Joseph @ Joseph Lauder Design
• PRO

  Phil Voice July 25, 2010 at 3:46pm

  If you do have to go with this, why not suggest that the edges are left angular so that they don't need to be cut and butted against the brick walls? The gaps could be filled with 10mm gravel.
  
  I think turf laid directly on the paving would survive as long as you have access to it and can water regularly (it would have to be closed off to foot traffic though) but, agreeing with Kieran, there's a possibility that there would be a lot of staining.
• 

  Andy Thorne July 26, 2010 at 11:23pm

  Hi Joseph
  Real turf will last for 36hrs on concrete, provided it doesn't dry out too much - if it does it will of course shrink!
  I have had leftover turf laid out on the yard, it tends to last up to a week before it starts suffering.
  I would go along the lines of laying landscape fabric, taping the overlaps and laying on that, this would prevent soil contamination of the block paving.
  
  Andy
• 

  Helen Redwood July 28, 2010 at 10:31am

  Rolawn have provided turf for temporary lawns on several occasions. The most recent one was to provide a green carpet of turf for the Garden Media Guild awards. This was only down for about 12 hours but streets have been turfed which was down for a few days or so.
  
  As others have mentioned the main problem with real turf is making sure it doesn't dry out, so the weather conditions at the time and access for watering will be the main factors to consider. If you do go with real turf I'd recommend you use a large roll format if possible, rather than standard 1sqm rolls, as these will allow you to lay the turf quicker and have fewer joins. This means they won't dry out quite as quickly and give a neater finish. They are usually used in large open spaces though, so may not be suitable if you can't get a long straight run in the area you're looking to turf.
  
  Helen Redwood
  Rolawn Limited