Prepare a base for artificial grass installation

Grass installation

Base for artificial grass installations

If you lay synthetic turf on top of an unstable surface it can shift over time and the surface can become uneven. The look and stability of your grass over its lifetime is reliant on a suitably prepared sub base. Installing a fake lawn is a large investment so it’s important that it’s done properly.

Artificial grass is extremely versatile and can be laid on a wide variety of surfaces, from existing lawn area to wooden decking and hard surfaces. So if you’ve been wondering what to put under your artificial grass, below are the most commons bases and application methods.

Need assistance or information? Call 01825 729259 or email us

Aggregate base, concrete edge

Artificial grass installed on base with concrete edge

An aggregate base is always recommended for garden areas where natural turf is being replaced

Type 1 MOT and a suitable blinding surface, such as sharp sand or granite dust, provide a stable, porous base which is ideal for artificial grass. Depending on the sub soil and drainage in the area, you should lay 50 to 100mm of Type 1 MOT, thoroughly compacted, and apply a top surface of 10 to 15mm of sharp sand or granite dust

Below is a typical detail when using concrete haunch

Concrete edge detail

Aggregate base, timber or composite edge

Artificial grass fitted on base with timber or composite edge

If using a timber edge material be sure to use treated timber to maximise the durability of the material. Composite batten has a longer lifespan than timber but both are suitable for the life expectancy of the artificial lawn which is around 10 to 12 years

Below is a typical detail when using timber or composite batten

Sub base with timber frame detail

Artificial grass fitted on decking

Artificial grass laid on decking

Ensure that the decking is stable, clean, dry and newly treated.

Timber decking can provide a suitable base for synthetic grass but be careful to use a 10mm foam underlay to take up the 'gaps' between the slats, in order to avoid the grass being pushed down into the gaps as you'll see marks appear in the grass over time otherwise! Our 10mm Play Pad will provide a suitable underlay for the grass and also assist with drainage between the grass and the decking. Fix the play pad to the decking by trimming the pad and carefully screwing it down around the perimeter.

Once the decking has been cleaned and prepared, lay out the grass and allow it to settle - this is particularly important in the winter or during colder weather as the backing needs time to flatten completely. Then trim up the grass to suit the area, using a suitable knife, and fix around the edge using screws or glue as preferred.

Artificial grass on hard surfaces

Hard surface installation

Artificial grass laid on hard surfaces - patios and concrete

Ensure that the area is smooth, dry and clean. Check for any unevenness and smooth out any bumps, as these will be seen through the artificial grass over time. Our 10mm Play Pad is an excellent product to help provide a smoother surface and can be laid and fixed by simply applying a bead of glue around the perimeter of the area and adhering the underlay to it. Leave some gaps in the bead of glue to allow for rain water to drain.

If there is poor drainage, make some holes in the hard surface.

Once the 10mm Play Pad has been installed just trim the synthetic grass to the required shape and size, run a bead of glue around the top surface of the underlay and then apply the grass.

It's that easy.

Artificial grass fitted on balconies

Artificial grass on balcony

Artificial grass laid on balconies

Ensure balcony surface is stable, clean and dry. Apply 10mm Play Pad to provide cushioning, take up any unevenness and assist with drainage. Glue the underlay down with a bead of glue around the perimeter and fixing the grass to the underlay using the same method.

Using a suitable knife trim up the artificial grass, taking care to create neat and clean edges. Once the roll is trimmed to the correct size and shape just apply a bead of glue to the top of the 10mm play pad, around the perimeter.

Then carefully lay the grass down onto the play pad and press around the edge so that the underside of the grass roll adheres to the glue. Allow a few hours for the glue to set before using the area. It's very simple but if you have any questions just call us on 01825 729259 or email us

Why a Stable, Solid, and Porous Sub Base is Crucial for Artificial Grass Installations

When it comes to installing artificial grass in gardens, schools, and playgrounds, one of the most critical elements to ensure long-lasting success is the sub base. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional landscaper, understanding the importance of a stable, solid, and porous sub base is essential for achieving a high-quality, durable installation. We offer free planning assistance for your project.

The Role of the Sub Base in Artificial Grass Installations

Stability and Durability:

A well-prepared sub base provides the necessary stability for your artificial grass installation. Without a solid foundation, your synthetic turf could shift, sink, or develop uneven areas over time, especially in high-traffic zones like playgrounds or school yards. A stable sub base prevents these issues, ensuring that your artificial grass remains level and secure for years to come.

Proper Drainage:

A porous sub base is crucial for effective drainage. Fake grass, also referred to as Astroturf, is designed to allow water to pass through it, but if the underlying sub base doesn’t facilitate proper drainage, water can accumulate, leading to pooling, waterlogging, and even damage to the turf. By creating a sub base that is both solid and porous, you ensure that water drains away efficiently, keeping the surface dry, safe, and functional.

Preventing Weed Growth:

A well-compacted sub base helps to suppress weed growth, which can be a common problem in artificial grass installations without proper preparation. By using materials like crushed stone or gravel, you create a barrier that prevents weeds from emerging through the turf, maintaining the aesthetic appeal and low-maintenance nature of artificial grass. A material weed barrier is also recomemended.

Long-Term Performance:

For any artificial grass installation, especially in areas like schools and playgrounds where durability is paramount, the sub base is key to the long-term performance of the surface. A stable and well-draining base minimises the risk of surface damage, such as wrinkles or dips, which can occur if the sub base is not properly constructed.

Building the Right Sub Base

For DIY’ers and landscapers, the process of building the right sub base typically involves the following steps:

Excavation: Remove any existing turf, soil, or debris to the appropriate depth, usually between 50mm to 100mm, depending on the project requirements.
Installing a Sub Base Material: Lay down a layer of crushed stone, gravel, or other suitable aggregate. This material should be evenly spread and compacted to create a solid, stable base. The compacted base should be porous to ensure proper drainage.
Compacting the Base: Use a compactor to ensure the sub base is firm and level. This step is crucial for preventing any future movement or settling of the artificial grass.
Adding a Weed Barrier: For added protection, consider installing a weed barrier fabric over the compacted sub base before laying the artificial grass. This helps to prevent any weeds from penetrating through the turf.

Why Perfectly Green Recommends a Quality Sub Base

At Perfectly Green, we emphasize the importance of a high-quality sub base for all artificial grass installations, whether in residential gardens, schools, or playgrounds. A well-constructed sub base ensures that our artificial grass products perform at their best, offering a safe, attractive, and long-lasting surface.

By investing time and effort into preparing the right sub base, DIY’ers and landscapers can avoid common installation problems and ensure that the finished product not only looks great but also stands the test of time.