Sub-base. What is it? Who needs it? Well, if you’re installing artificial grass, you do! 

The base is the foundation that goes under your artificial turf. A properly constructed base can provide up to 30 years of use under several artificial turf installations. It is a large portion of your installation and it must be installed properly. Its primary job is to prevent the natural expansion and contraction of your yard’s native soil from affecting the turf, thus preventing wrinkles from popping up. Uneven surfaces can create dips in your lawn and cause accidents.

When installing artificial grass, the base isn’t always soil or dirt. Turf can be used in concrete, patios, decks, and pool areas. You can even use them as indoor carpet.

For soil and dirt, you will need a sub-base. The soil in most areas contracts and expands depending on temperature and climate. The best sub-base for artificial grass is one that functions like native soil. If artificial grass is installed correctly in your lawn, your turf will last longer!

DRAINAGE IS A MUST, ARTIFICIAL GRASS DOESN’T DRAIN ITSELF.

The quality of your artificial grass relies on the quality of your base. This is because the base for artificial grass acts as drainage. Even top synthetic grass won’t last long in a poor sub-base. The best base for turf is one that can absorb and drain water from the surface!

If your artificial grass does not drain well, water will build on the surface. This can lead to mold, mildew, and in the worst cases: accidents. Spores and bacteria could grow on your turf. The turf’s backing is designed with multiple drainage holes to let water freely pass to the base with no problems. But if it doesn’t lead to a drain or canal or waterway, your lawn could look like one big puddle.

Avoid this by carefully planning your drainage before artificial grass installation. Ensure that rainwater and other liquids (like dog pee) have somewhere to go. Otherwise, fluids will stay on your lawn and breed insects, weeds, other unwanted visitors, and will surely be a pain to deal with later on.

What are some sub-base materials for under your artificial turf?

Large Stones

Rocks ranging from three-eighths to three-fourths of an inch are perfect for artificial grass sub-base . The most common gravel materials used are crushed or decomposed granite, along with other aggregates. Decomposed granite works well with base constructions since its rock structure breaks down easily to conform to the ground’s unique surface contours. Keeping the stones less than one inch in diameter allows the grass to retain a relatively flat surface.

Fine Materials

It is imperative to have a filler material, called fines, to surround the larger crushed rocks for overall turf stability. Clay and lime are both common fine aggregates that easily move into the large rock gaps as the base is laid across the ground. Fines are typically no larger than one-fourth of an inch in diameter and may be as small as dust particles. In fact, some turf installations use silica, or sand, as an alternative aggregate to ensure a smooth grass appearance.

Ideal Mixture

Most outdoor applications require preparation of an aggregate base to allow proper water drainage. In general, the ideal ratio of large rocks to fine materials is 70:30, according to the Association of Synthetic Grass Installers. As the rocks mix together, the gaps slowly disappear so that you have a solid stone layer to support the turf above. Altering the ratio changes the turf’s overall stability and appearance. For example, excessive large rock amounts allow water to move too quickly to the ground below, creating underground erosion, and the turf becomes damaged from hills and valleys created on its surface. In contrast, using too many fines creates a water barrier and leads to turf upheaval and cracking.

Weed Fabric

Weed membrane be laid immediately under the grass, this stops any seeds finding their way into the sand and germinating. Overlap the membrane by at least 100mm and take right to the edge of the area.

Hire artificial turf proffessionals!

Allow the people who do this for a living to handle your project. Here at Artificial Turf Factory Outlet, we sell only top-rated artificial grass products. And we do our own installation. Our in-house crews have extensive experience working with your specific product. Every property has its own set of challenges, and we’re fully prepared to deal with that, too.

We arrive with all the tools and supplies needed. We’re efficient – fast without sacrificing quality workmanship. And we’re careful – tidy as we’re working, with full clean-up afterward. You get the highest quality, most reliable installation, without lifting a finger. The only preparation you’ll have to do is hit the store to stock up on snacks and beverages and other outdoor living necessities so you’re ready to start enjoying your new artificial grass as soon as we leave.