Dog Run Artificial Grass

Question

I have a doggie potty area that my dogs can use 24/7 by using doggie door. The artificial grass is over 10 years old and I've decided to replace it. What do I need to know before I purchase it. It was installed professionally but we want to do it ourselves. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

Sherrie, this is not something I have any familiarity with, but the DIY Network has installation instructions here: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-lay-artificial-turf/index.html

Sherrie S · Answer

Oh I think I worded this wrong - I need to know about what to look for because I want a good quality fake grass. The one I have was excellent and the ground is already properly prepared but I will read the instructions for laying the grass. Thank you.

Leida R · Answer

This is a wonderful idea.

Sherrie S · Answer

Hi @Leida R - I am just upgrading it because it is over 10 years old. It is wonderful for the dogs because they can walk out anytime. Sometimes they just go out and rest themselves or walk around & watch the wildlife.

Jennifer G · Answer

You can try these guys - they send out FREE samples :) http://www.turffactorydirect.com

Sherrie S · Answer

The prices were great as was the quality but the width is 15' and cutting that stuff would not be easy. This is just a dog run. It is 40+ feet long but only 4-5 feet wide. Thank you @Jennifer G

Jennifer G · Answer

I wonder if they 'cut to fit' or have remnants available for your narrow space...

Douglas Hunt · Answer

Sherrie, there are several Hometalk members who are affiliated with SynLawn. They make a number of types of artificial turf specifically designed for dog runs. They supposedly contain some type of crystal that helps reduce the ammonia smell in dog waste. They'll send samples and give DIY instructions, so I don't think you would have to have them install: http://www.synlawn.com/artificial-grass-products/dog-pet-products/

Elaine51 · Answer

Doug..i notice that synlawn seems to be only in Canada. Are there stores in US?

Sherrie S · Answer

I sure wish I could find what product my original installers used. My understanding of this grass is there is no reason for special chemicals in the product . I know mine installation has at least 6 inches of crushed stone under it. I use a hose to wash it down. I have 2 large dogs, one is 105 lbs and the other 89. Still trying to learn more before purchase.

Monday West · Answer

I think instead of grass you should look for some paving thing done to that area. Hardscpae paving would be a better idea if you are thinking to make it last longer. If you still think of grasses then astro turf is the best option but you need to have sprinklers for their maintenance.

Sherrie S · Answer

Paving would NOT work because it is a dog run potty. The fake grass has lasted for over 10 years and worked well. I have a stamped concrete deck surrounding the dog run @Monday West - no sprinklers needed for dog run. Just a hose to wash it down.

Tegma · Answer

I sure am curious about the cost of that faux grass..... I never knew it could be used as a potty without having the odor to deal with. Are you not able to contact the original installers for your replacement? It must have been great quality to have lasted for 10 yrs. I'm sure many others, like myself, would like to know the details should you find what you are looking for. I'm amazed!

Tegma · Answer

Another question..... Since this run has gravel underneath, what is the carpeting attached to? Does it have some sort of a grate under the carpet?

Sherrie S · Answer

The original installers were the people who installed my Koi Pond and deck. Unfortunately they went out of business. This faux grass was one of the few that was made specifically for potty time (10 years ago). I do believe there is a big difference between it and faux lawn grass. I checked the attachment and it is long metal things that hold it in place. You cannot see them without pulling up a corner of the grass @tegma No grate.

Tegma · Answer

Just found something for you..... If you just type in 'artificial turf for dogs' under your search engine, you will find a ton of places which specialize in it. (News to me!) Even eBay has a number of people selling it for potty runs. It's expensive, but at least doing it yourself will save you the labor. For the 40' you have, you can get it on eBay for about $300 or so. Check it out!

Sherrie S · Answer

I did find a lot of places with fake grass for animals. I'm just reading to learn more about the backing and the weight of the product and the # of drainage holes. I've picked out a couple of them so I will compare them & hope I find something comparable to what I have.

Tegma · Answer

Sherrie, did you see my message about where to find your potty turf online? Also, that it is sold on eBay, in 4' -6' x 15' strips? You'd need to use 3 strips that way, but it wasn't too expensive there on eBay.

Sherrie S · Answer

Yes, I did see the message. I have spent a lot of time on this issue and also learned a lot. I'm not done yet but appreciate any information I'm provided @tegma

Sherrie S · Answer

@tegma I took your advice and went to eBay. I found excellent prices and the quality & sizes I need. It is somewhat different than what I had but it made a lot of sense how it was designed for a dog poop/pee run. I'll be ordering it next week. Thank you so much. I'll be sure to report back after install.

Tegma · Answer

'Glad it worked out for you! I had never heard of this type of grass before, so you helped me, too! Do let us know how it turns out.... maybe even with some pictures when it's done! Thanks!

Sherrie S · Answer

I've got everything we need to install the 'new' fake grass except some small stone that will level out the dog run. We will be installing it next week. I laid it on the floor to see what the dogs thought about it. They approved it so I rolled it up so they don't use it until it is installed outside.

Judy · Answer

@Sherrie S please share pic's of your project. And are you installing yourself? I have a side yard that is 7' by 75' and I'm wanting to do maybe a 7' x 10' for a potty area. Curious to know how hard it will be to do myself. Thanks. Going to check out Ebay right now. Do you have the name of person you bought yours from.

Sherrie S · Answer

Hopefully we will get this done next week & I will post. The hardest part is getting the underlying base (stones) done correctly. I don't have to do that because my original installation 10 years ago was done properly. Below is the link to the company (on EBAY) that I purchased it from http://stores.ebay.com/All-Turf-Mats/Landscaping-Turf-/_i.html?_fsub=321889015&_sid=443830795&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322. I emailed the vendor to find what was the BEST grass for a dog POTTY. He said the Acrylic backed one which wasn't available (as far as I know) 10 years ago @Judy

Envy Lawn · Answer

Feel free to look up 'EnvyLawn, Installation' online to see how pros do artificial grass installation. It could provide helpful tips for you as your DIY!

Sherrie S · Answer

Thank you @Envy Lawn

Sherrie S · Answer

@tegma I hope I can post these pics. Sometimes it doesn't work.

Sherrie S · Answer

Dog looking at new grass

Sherrie S · Answer

Guess I will have to make a new post for Artificial Grass. Let's see if that works.

Tegma · Answer

No pictures, unless I'm not looking in the right place.....

Dog Run Artificial Grass

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