Artificial Turf Edging That Stays Down
The perimeter is where turf lifts, curls, and lets dogs and weeds in. Here is how each kind of edge gets anchored.
Artificial turf edging is whatever the perimeter of the turf is anchored to. Against concrete, pavers or a curb, the turf is cut tight and nailed into the base every 4 to 6 inches. On an open edge with nothing to butt against, install a bender board or a pressure-treated nailer board flush with the finished grade first, then nail the turf edge into it. Every open edge needs one; nails into loose base alone pull out within a season.
Edge types and how to anchor each
| Edge | Anchor | Nail spacing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio, sidewalk, curb | Cut tight, nail into base at the edge | 4 to 6 in | Cut after the turf relaxes so the edge does not shrink back |
| Pavers, stepping stones | Cut to outline, nail around | 4 to 6 in | Turf sits about 1/4 in above the paver so blades stand over the joint |
| Open edge to gravel, mulch or dirt | Bender board (composite or plastic) set on stakes at finished grade | 3 to 4 in into the board | Cheapest open-edge solution; hides completely under the pile |
| Open edge, high traffic or pets | Pressure-treated 2x4 nailer board set in the base | 3 to 4 in into the board | Dogs cannot lift it; standard on dog runs and play areas |
| Planter bed, garden | Steel or aluminum landscape edging | 4 to 6 in into base behind the edging | Keeps soil and mulch off the turf; the metal lip should sit just below blade height |
| Wall, fence, house | Cut 1/4 in short and tuck | 6 in | Leave a hairline gap at stucco so water drains; never glue turf to a wall |
The nailing schedule
Perimeter nails are 5-inch, 40D galvanized turf nails, ribbed or spiral shank. Standard spacing is every 6 inches, tightened to 3 to 4 inches on high-traffic edges, dog runs, and anywhere the turf meets an open edge. Seams get their own nails every 4 to 6 inches on top of the tape. The interior takes a loose grid every 12 to 24 inches, closer on softer base. Set each head just below the blade surface and tuck a few fibers over it. A nail head left proud shows as a bald dot and catches feet; a nail driven too deep dimples the turf.
Why edges fail
- Nails into loose base. Base that was raked and not compacted does not hold a nail. Fix the base, not the nail count.
- No board on an open edge. The edge has nothing to bear against, so it creeps outward and curls. Add bender board or a nailer.
- Cut before relaxing. Turf cut tight while still cold from the roll shrinks in the sun and pulls off the hardscape. Let it sit 30 to 60 minutes first.
- Pets. A dog finds the one loose corner. Nailer board at 3-inch spacing on every open edge of a run.
- Weeds. Weeds come in at the edge, not through the turf. Run the weed barrier past the perimeter and under the edging.
Edging and drainage
Water leaves the turf through the backing into the base and then out the low side of the drainage fall. Edging must not dam it. Bender board and nailer boards sit at finished grade, not above it, and steel edging gets its lip set just below blade height with the base graded through underneath. Against a house, leave a hairline gap at the stucco or foundation so water drains rather than wicking. The sub base guide covers the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you edge artificial turf?
Against hardscape, cut tight and nail into the base every 4 to 6 inches. On an open edge, set a bender board or nailer board at finished grade first and nail the turf into it every 3 to 4 inches. Every open edge needs a board; nails into base alone pull out.
Do you need bender board for artificial grass?
Only on open edges where the turf does not meet concrete, pavers or a wall. There it gives the perimeter something to bear against and nail into. Against hardscape you do not need it.
How far apart do you nail artificial turf edges?
Every 6 inches on a standard perimeter, 3 to 4 inches on high-traffic edges and dog runs, and 4 to 6 inches along seams. Use 5-inch galvanized turf nails with a ribbed or spiral shank.
Why is my artificial turf lifting at the edges?
Nails in uncompacted base, an open edge with no board, or turf that was cut tight before it relaxed and then shrank. All three are fixed at the edge: compact, add a nailer, re-cut and re-nail.
SourcesSynthetic Turf Council
Nails, Barrier and Gopher Wire With the Rolls.
5-inch galvanized turf nails by the 50-pound box, weed barrier and gopher wire, on the same order as the turf.
Request the Wholesale SheetOr call 888-9-MIGHTY