Tired of endless lawn maintenance? Artificial grass offers a low-maintenance, evergreen solution. But a flawless finish depends on the right foundation. What lies beneath is as important as the turf itself.

The best base for artificial grass is a properly prepared sub-base of compacted aggregate, like crushed rock or decomposed granite. This ensures excellent drainage, stability, and a level surface for a long-lasting, beautiful lawn. A solid foundation is key to preventing dips, puddles, and premature wear.

Sub-base preparation for artificial grass

A beautiful artificial lawn is a great investment for any property. But to get the most out of it, you need to make sure it’s installed correctly. And that starts with the base. Without a solid foundation, your new lawn could end up looking lumpy, uneven, and worn out before its time. I’ve seen it happen, and it’s a costly mistake to fix. Let’s make sure you get it right the first time.

What is the best base to put under artificial grass?

Choosing the right base for your artificial grass can be confusing. With so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? You want a base that will provide a stable, long-lasting foundation for your new lawn, but you don’t want to overspend or choose a material that is difficult to work with.

For most applications, a layered base of crushed rock¹, such as Class II road base or decomposed granite², is the best choice. This should be topped with a thin layer of sand for a smooth, even finish. This combination provides the perfect balance of stability, drainage, and affordability.

Layered sub-base for artificial grass

In my years as an artificial turf engineer, I’ve seen firsthand the difference a quality sub-base can make. I once had a client who insisted on cutting corners and installing their turf directly over their existing soil. Within a few months, they were calling me to complain about an uneven, lumpy lawn that was pooling water after every rainstorm. We had to pull up the entire lawn and start from scratch with a proper sub-base. It was a frustrating and expensive lesson for them, but it reinforced to me the importance of a solid foundation. A well-constructed sub-base is the unsung hero of a beautiful, long-lasting artificial lawn. It’s the difference between a lawn that looks great for a few months and one that looks great for years to come.

Sub-base materials comparison

What do you put underneath fake grass?

Wondering what goes between the sub-base and the artificial grass? You have a few options, each with its own set of benefits. The right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.

A weed barrier is an essential layer to put underneath fake grass. It prevents weeds from growing up through the turf, saving you time and effort on maintenance. A shock pad is also a great option for added comfort and safety, especially in play areas.

Weed barrier for artificial grass

When I was first starting out, I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of a good weed barrier. I installed a beautiful new lawn for a client, but within a few weeks, they were calling me to complain about weeds popping up through the turf. I had to go back and re-install the entire lawn, this time with a high-quality weed barrier. It was a valuable lesson learned, and now I never skip this crucial step. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in the long-term appearance and maintenance of your lawn.

Underlayment options

• Weed Barrier³: A non-negotiable layer for any artificial grass installation. It’s a permeable fabric that allows water to drain through while blocking weeds from growing.
• Shock Pad⁴: A layer of foam padding that can be installed under the turf for added cushioning. It’s a great option for play areas, providing a softer landing surface and reducing the risk of injuries.
• Geotextile Fabric: This is a heavy-duty fabric that can be used to separate the sub-base from the soil. It helps to prevent the sub-base from mixing with the soil, which can compromise the stability and drainage of the base.

Can you lay artificial grass on gravel?

Thinking about laying artificial grass directly over a gravel surface? It’s a common question, and the answer is yes, but with a few important caveats. You can’t just throw the turf down over any old gravel pit and expect it to look good.

Yes, you can lay artificial grass on gravel, but it must be properly prepared. The gravel should be leveled and compacted, and a layer of sand should be added on top to create a smooth, even surface. Otherwise, you may be able to feel the sharp edges of the gravel through the turf.

Artificial grass on gravel

I’ve installed artificial grass over gravel on many occasions, and it can be a great option if it’s done right. I once had a client who had a large gravel patio that they wanted to convert into a green space. We were able to lay the artificial grass directly over the existing gravel, but we had to bring in a plate compactor to level and compact the surface first. We then added a thin layer of sand to smooth everything out. The result was a beautiful, lush green lawn that looked and felt great underfoot. The client was thrilled, and I was happy that we were able to save them the time and expense of removing the existing gravel.

Preparing a gravel base

1. Level and Compact: The first step is to level and compact the existing gravel. You can use a rake and a shovel to level the surface, and a plate compactor to compact it.
2. Add a Layer of Sand: Once the gravel is level and compact, you’ll need to add a thin layer of sand on top. This will create a smooth, even surface for the artificial grass to lie on.
3. Install a Weed Barrier: As with any artificial grass installation, you’ll want to install a weed barrier over the sand to prevent weeds from growing up through the turf.
4. Install the Artificial Grass: Once the weed barrier is in place, you can proceed with installing the artificial grass as you would with any other type of base.

Conclusion

A successful artificial grass installation all comes down to the base. Whether you choose crushed rock, decomposed granite, or even gravel, the key is to ensure that the surface is level, compact, and well-draining. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can create a solid foundation for a beautiful, long-lasting artificial lawn.