Installing artificial grass in your garden is a relatively simple process of which you will reap many rewards throughout the following years, but if you fail to install your fake turf properly,the end resultwill be far from desirable.
What goes under artificial grass is arguablyone ofthe most important stepsbecause it willdrastically affect how long your lawn will last and the finishof it.This extends further than just your artificial turf underlay.
Sub-base is a hugely important step in the installation process, butit’sone that is little known amongst those laying their own lawn,andit ismadeeven more difficult bythe amount of falseadvicethat can be found ontheinternet.Ifyou’relooking to install your artificial grass yourself, or if you’re trying to learn more about the process as a whole, learning about sub-basefrom a reliable provider of artificial lawnis a crucial step.
We’veput together this handy guide to explain what sub-base is and why you need it; equipping you with the knowledge to confidently move forwards with your artificial grass project.We have over 20 years’ experience in installingfakegrass,and we believeour method is thebest wayto ensure anamazing artificial lawnevery time.
What is Artificial Grass Sub-Base?
Laying fake lawnis notquite as simple as placing it over the top of your existing turf.There isa whole host of preparation to undertake. So, what do you put under artificial grass? Afteryou’veremoved your turf (or whatever is currently covering the space) and thenroughlylevelled out the surface you want the grass to sit on top of, you will need to install a sub-base. A sub-base is a layer of aggregates and it is installed beneath your fake grass to create alevel,stable and structured surface for your grass to sit on top of.
Why Install a Sub-Base?
If youdon’tinstall a sub-base underneath your fake grass, your lawnwillhave muchlessstabilityandstrength which,couldin turn,cause it tosink under the pressure of people standing on it or furniture being placed on top of it. In addition, asub-base aidsthedrainage of your lawn which is essential to preserving the life of it and preventing the pooling of rainwater.
Types of Artificial Grass Sub-Base
There are a few different sub-base options, the most common being crushed granite stone.This is sometimes referred to asGranodust or 4-6mm dust.You can also use limestone and MOT Type 1, but here at Artificial Lawn Company, we mainly useour own special mix ofcrushed graniteaggregate.Our special blend is different to most as it consists of more stone and less of the finesanddust,giving it excellent drainagewhichimportant for pet ownersas it holds onto very little moisture.This is one of the reasons why when youchoose to use us for your artificial grass installation,it will be of the highest quality finish and should last at least 12-15 years.
What Artificial Turf Underlay toUse
There are different types of sub-base, butit’snot quite as simple as one-size-fits-all;it depends onthesurface you’re laying your fake grass on to and how much levelling out the surface needs.
As mentioned, we prefer to use crushed granite because itdoesn’tabsorb as much water and is far better for drainage, but if the area you are installing your turf on to was not real grass beforehand, you may need to use MOT Type 1 because it compacts into a harder surface and prevents sinkage.This is particularly important when raising the levels of the garden area as althoughcrushed granitecompacts into a hard surface, it will not be as strong as type 1 when installed to a depth greater than 50mm.
Crushed granite sub-base can be used:
- Wherenatural turf,pavingorshinglewas presentbeforehand
- On areas thatdo not need too much levellingand have only small lumps and bumps
- On areas that require a build-up or have adepth of 25mm-50mm
MOT Type 1 sub-base is used:
- Onareas witha depth of more than 50mm to fillor raise
- In new build gardensthathave not had adequate time for the soil to consolidate and compact(this can take many years)
- Wheninfillingan oldfishpond(it helps reduce the risk of sinkage asitfirmly consolidates the pond area)
- When coveringa flowerbedor an area where a large tree or bush has been removed(roots can take a while to decay and,as they doso,the soil can shift and soften,leading to sinking.Type 1 will help mitigate theseeffects)
If MOT Type 1 is used, we will always add a 25mm layer of crushed granite on top for drainage& levellingpurposes.In cases where lots of levelling is required,it is common to use the type 1 in the dips greater than 50mm and then crushed granite stoneforthe rest of the area. For all subbase options,the key to a greatandlong-lasting finish is thorough compaction using aWackerplate. When increasing the levels by large amounts,it is best to build-up in layers and compact as you go.
How to Install Sub-Base for Artificial Grass
Onceyou haveremoved the existing covering (natural grass, paving, shingle etc) it is best to loosely level off the area you would like to cover. You can then add your crushed granite stone subbase to a depth of 25-50mm and compactitthoroughly. A good quality weed membrane should then be added on toptoprevent weeds from coming through and penetrating your artificial lawn. If needed, you can then add an artificial turf underlay/shock pad and,finally, your synthetic lawn.
Talk to us
The process of installing artificial lawn and sub-base can be complicated depending on the surface you have to work with. For this reason, if you have any questions about fake grass, the types that are available and the installation process, pleasecontact usand we will be happy to help you.
Hopefully you will find this information useful when completing a DIY project or working as a Landscaper or Gardener
Installing artificial grass involves meticulous planning and precise execution. Sub-base preparation is a fundamental step crucial to the longevity and quality of your artificial lawn. As someone deeply familiar with this field, I can vouch for the significance of a well-laid sub-base in this process. Allow me to dive into the components and concepts outlined in the article.
The piece emphasizes the pivotal role of a sub-base in ensuring a stable foundation for artificial grass. It's essentially a layer of aggregates, such as crushed granite, limestone, or MOT Type 1, that creates a level and structured surface. The selection of sub-base material depends on factors like drainage needs, existing surface, and required depth.
The article highlights the advantages of crushed granite, particularly its superior drainage capabilities due to its composition, making it less prone to moisture retention—an essential feature for pet owners and longevity of the lawn.
Different scenarios dictate the choice between crushed granite and MOT Type 1. Crushed granite suits areas with minor undulations or when the depth required is between 25mm to 50mm. On the other hand, MOT Type 1 is preferable for deeper layers exceeding 50mm, aiding in consolidation, particularly in new gardens or areas with recent structural changes.
The importance of thorough compaction using tools like a Wackerplate is emphasized, especially when increasing levels significantly. Layered buildup and incremental compaction during installation contribute to a durable finish.
Additionally, the article stresses the significance of a quality weed membrane to prevent weed growth and damage to the artificial lawn.
As for the installation process, it involves several sequential steps: leveling the area, applying the sub-base material to the specified depth, compacting it thoroughly, adding a weed membrane, potentially including an artificial turf underlay or shock pad, and finally laying the synthetic lawn.
Lastly, the article invites inquiries from those tackling DIY projects or professionals in landscaping or gardening. It emphasizes the complexity of the installation process and encourages seeking guidance and expertise, underscoring the importance of understanding surface specifics for successful installation.
Understanding these nuances and following the prescribed steps with the right materials ensures a lasting, visually appealing artificial lawn.
