Every installation follows the same proven 5-step system. No shortcuts, no substitutions. This is how we deliver turf that performs for 15+ years in Austin's toughest conditions.
Every Austin Turf & Stone installation follows these five steps. No exceptions, no shortcuts.
We visit your property, take precise measurements, assess drainage and soil conditions, and discuss your goals. You'll receive a detailed written quote with product specs and a 3D mockup showing exactly what your yard will look like. No obligation, no pressure.
We remove all existing grass, sod, and organic material down to bare soil. The area is graded to establish proper drainage slope (minimum 1% grade away from structures). Tree roots are addressed, sprinkler heads capped, and all debris hauled away.
We spread 4+ inches of crushed limestone (never decomposed granite), then compact it with a plate compactor in multiple passes to 95%+ compaction. A commercial-grade weed barrier is laid over the compacted base. This step is the foundation of the entire system.
Turf rolls are positioned with grain direction aligned, seamed together with industrial adhesive and seaming tape, trimmed precisely to edges and borders, and secured with galvanized landscape staples every 6 inches along perimeters and seams.
We apply 2.75+ lbs/sqft of silica sand or specialty infill (T-Cool, ZeoFill, or OptiFILL+ for pet areas), power-brush to distribute evenly, then do a final walkthrough with you to inspect every seam, edge, and surface.
The base layer is the single most important component of any artificial turf installation — and it's where budget installers cut corners first. If the base fails, everything above it fails: the turf wrinkles, seams separate, drainage backs up, and you end up with a lumpy, waterlogged mess that needs to be completely redone.
We use a minimum of 4 inches of crushed limestone for every residential installation. Limestone is angular and irregular in shape, which means the pieces physically interlock when compacted. This creates a rigid, unified surface that resists shifting even when the clay soil underneath expands and contracts — which it does constantly in Central Texas, sometimes moving 2-3 inches seasonally.
Decomposed granite (DG), which many budget installers use because it's cheaper, is smooth and rounded. It doesn't interlock. Under compaction, it feels solid initially, but water migration and soil movement cause it to shift and settle within months. The result is uneven surfaces, standing water, and turf that looks terrible within the first year.
We compact our limestone base in multiple passes with a professional plate compactor, achieving 95%+ compaction density. This is the same standard used for commercial paving projects. It takes longer and costs more than spreading DG and calling it done — but it's why our installations still look and perform like new a decade later.
We only install turf that meets these minimum specifications. Every product is tested and certified for safety, durability, and UV resistance.
| Fiber Material | Polyethylene (PE) — all residential and pet tiers. Nylon available for putting greens. We do not install polypropylene (PP) for primary turf surfaces. |
|---|---|
| Pile Height | 1.5" – 1.75" for residential lawns. 1.25" – 1.5" for pet areas (easier cleaning). 0.5" – 0.75" for putting greens. |
| Face Weight | 60 – 80+ oz/sqyd depending on tier. Higher face weight = more fibers per square inch = better appearance and durability. |
| Drainage Rate | 30+ inches/hour for standard turf. 50+ inches/hour for pet-optimized flow-through backing. Exceeds Austin's maximum recorded rainfall intensity. |
| UV Stability | Minimum 3,000 hours UV resistance per ASTM testing. All products include UV inhibitors rated for full-sun Texas exposure. |
| Infill Type | Silica sand (standard) at 2.75+ lbs/sqft. T-Cool, ZeoFill, or OptiFILL+ antimicrobial infill available for pet and premium tiers. |
| PFAS Certification | All turf products are independently tested and certified PFAS-free. We can provide certification documentation upon request. |
| Backing Type | Dual-layer polyurethane backing (standard). Flow-through polyurethane backing for pet tiers — allows drainage across 100% of the surface area. |
From your first call to walking on your new yard — here's how the timeline typically plays out.
Call or submit a request online, and we'll schedule your free on-site estimate within 3-5 business days. During busy season (spring/summer), we may book out 1-2 weeks for estimates. The estimate visit itself takes 30-45 minutes.
You'll receive a written quote within 48 hours of the estimate visit. This includes an itemized breakdown of costs, product specs, and a 3D rendering of the finished design. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
Once you approve the quote and sign the contract, we schedule your installation. Typical lead time is 1-3 weeks depending on season and material availability. We order all materials in advance so everything is ready on install day.
Installation typically takes 1-3 days for residential projects. Small yards (under 500 sqft) are usually done in a single day. Medium projects (500-1,500 sqft) take 1-2 days. Large or complex projects may require 3-5 days. We work 7:30 AM to sundown and clean up fully each day.
Schedule a free estimate and we'll walk you through exactly what your project involves.
Answers to the questions we hear most from Austin homeowners about the turf installation process.
Most residential installations take 1-3 days depending on project size and complexity. A typical 500-1,000 sqft backyard is usually completed in 1-2 days. Larger projects (2,000+ sqft) or those requiring significant grading, drainage work, or custom features may take 3-5 days. We'll give you a specific timeline during your estimate.
You don't need to be home for the entire installation, but we do ask that you or a representative be available at the start for a walkthrough and at the end for the final inspection. We'll coordinate access to your yard and keep you updated with progress photos throughout the day.
We fully remove your existing grass, sod, and organic material down to bare soil. This is essential — installing turf over existing grass causes settling, drainage failure, and pest problems. All removed material is hauled away as part of our standard installation price. We also cap any existing sprinkler heads in the turf area.
Crushed limestone interlocks under compaction to form a rigid, stable base that resists shifting — critical in Austin's expansive clay soil, which swells and contracts with moisture changes. Decomposed granite does not interlock, washes out in heavy rain, settles unevenly, and creates bumps and low spots within the first year. Limestone costs more upfront but is the only base material we trust for long-term performance in Central Texas.
You can walk on your new turf immediately after installation. We recommend keeping heavy furniture and equipment off the turf for 24-48 hours to allow the infill to fully settle into the fibers. After that, it's ready for full use — pets, kids, parties, everything.
Very little. We recommend occasional rinsing with a hose (especially in pet areas), brushing high-traffic zones once or twice a year with a stiff push broom to keep blades upright, and removing any leaves or debris. There's no mowing, watering, fertilizing, or chemical treatments required. Total annual maintenance time is typically 2-3 hours for the entire year.
Schedule a free on-site estimate and we'll show you exactly what's involved in transforming your yard. No sales pitch — just expertise.