Best Sub Base for Artificial Grass to Infill the Surface

Do you want to lay artificial grass on a stable surface? If you want outstanding drainage and maximum stability while installing your synthetic turf you must find out the best sub-base for artificial grass. 

A sub base can replace the native soil with a surface that will ensure a solid artificial grass installation

The soil has clay in it. Which makes the soil expand while wet and cataract when dry. As a result, wrinkles and soft spots start appearing on the artificial grass and make it uneven, completely tarnishing the looks. 

That’s why laying artificial grass directly on the soil is never a good idea and a stronger, more stable sub-base should be used 

Best Sub Base for Artificial Grass to Ensure Solid Installation

Today, we’re going to talk about the best sub-base you can use for laying your synthetic turf in an ideal manner. Let’s not waste more time and get straight to the discussion. 

Southwest Boulder & Stone Landscape – Decomposed Granite Sub Base

We are going to talk about Southwest Boulder’s decomposed granite right now. It is the overall best choice for a synthetic turf sub-base. Let’s learn more about it. 

Specifications 

• Versatile application 
• Water-saving technology 
• Reduces maintenance 
• Water permeable
• Dense compatibility 

This will provide your artificial grass structural stability and can prevent shrinkage in the case of footsteps or furniture being placed on top. 

A thinner layer of granite dust will help to prevent drainage issues and is especially recommended for houses. Further, the added water-permeability of the decomposed granite makes it easier for water to channel through and maintain a dry and healthy artificial turf.

It also allows you to create clear outdoor spaces without relying on expensive concrete or pavers. Again if you have pets or existing drainage issues, you are highly recommended to use granite in your turf because of its inherent drainage capabilities. 

It will provide an excellent foundation for your artificial grass and ensure you get the most out of your investment. You’d get a solid base on which you can lay the grass, making the entire installation a lot easier. 

Some units may have an increased amount of dust present in them. But considering the exceptional features, it’s offering, if you’re looking for the best base for artificial grass, this should surely be an option worth trying. 

Pros

• Offers exceptional drainage 
• Prevents flooding and sloppy surface 
• Maintains long term turf health 
• Provides a strong base for artificial grass 

Cons 

• Some units may have increased amounts of dust 

Sub Base Types for Artificial Grass 

There are three different types of artificial grass base material. The three types of sub-bases are as follows: 

Crushed Miscellaneous Base (CMB) Sub Base 

It is a mixture of recycled concrete or asphalt which consists of a mixture of sand of varying particles up to the third-fourth of an inch in size. Actually, it is an aggregate material featuring gravel, sand, asphalt, and concrete. 

It’s also non-porous, which means drainage will be slower and retain some moisture on the grass, which could in fact be a benefit in some contexts. 

Because of its’ exceptional turf enhancing capabilities, CMB is often considered the best choice for artificial grass.

Road Base

If you’re looking for a rock-solid sub base and money is not an issue you can go for this expensive base type. Usually, this type is used for advanced, large-scale commercial base installation jobs. 

Decomposed Granite (DG)

If you want to install a putting green, Decomposed Granite can be the best choice as a sub-base. It is a popular artificial grass base material and also has permeability. On the other hand, it has a gravel structure so that it can break down easily and conform to the ground structure. 

What Benefits You Can Get if You Have a Good Quality Sub Base for Artificial Grass

There are plenty of benefits to having a properly installed sub-base. Here we’ve mentioned some of the reasons why they’re so important:  

• Offers exceptional appearance for artificial grass
• Works as a solid foundation 
• Offers outstanding drainage 
• Can be used for other purposes 
• Provide a perfect mix of stability and good drainage as well as long-term durability and resilience.
• Provide a maintenance-free beautiful all year round
• Tremendously environment-friendly option saving water, money, and time.
• Replace the traditional soil base with a stable, non-expensive layer. 

Installing a Sub Base for Artificial Grass

You may have different types of surfaces, whether that be soil, sand, or concrete, they aren’t ideal for laying artificial grass. 

Usually, people use a sub-base on soil or dirt surfaces because installing a sub-base on a concrete surface is very hard. 

Here is a complete guide as to how you can install a sub for your synthetic turf:

Laying the Base 

First, you’d have to scatter your base material by using a wheelbarrow. If your area is in a place with a mild climate, you can use these materials: 

• Type 1 stone
• Gravel
• Crushed rock 
• Decomposed granite
• Any stones or rocks smaller than 3 inches

The base should be made 3-4 inches because this layer is needed to improve drainage and avoid slumping.

Adding Sharp Sand

Sharp sand is coarse and has larger grains. To lay sharp sand you have to use a shovel or sand spreader for making a 10-15 mm thick layer on the top of your sub-base that can help it to be firm.

Apply Water to the Whole Area

At this stage of artificial grass installation, you must sprinkle water into the entire area. Use the hose pipe for this but be careful about not overwatering your sub-base. 

Overwatering your installation may cause the rocks to get washed away and will make an uneven surface. It can also put portions of your base to complete waste.

Compacting the Stone

Compact the surface using a plate compactor or plate tamper. You can also use a hand tamper for areas with an obstruction like trees. You can also rent or buy a vibratory plate compactor if you have enough budget which would be a time-saving option. 

Basically, the base should be reduced to around 90% of its original depth. Then switching back and forth with the compactor in an overlapping direction is very important for best compaction results.

Level the Area

Double Check your area to find out if there is an uneven area like high and low, fill or flatten. For low spots, add some base and take down the high areas with a rake.

Add a Layer of Weed Membrane

This is an additional layer of protection to avoid weeds or pests. Layout a geotextile layer at the bottom of the dug-up area. Before the artificial grass base material. You also can install a weed barrier before and after your sub-base.

FAQs

Do I need to install an underlay for my artificial grass?

You should install an underlay for your artificial grass. Underlay will help you have an extra layer underneath the grass and will keep the turf as perfect as possible. Artificial grass underlay would also offer stunning drainage. 

What is the best sub-base for artificial grass? 

Though it comes at a higher cost, Decomposed Granite (DG) is the best sub-base for artificial grass. The surface of the base is smoother and ideal for putting synthetic grass.

How deep should my artificial grass be?

Usually, the typical depth of your artificial grass should be 30 mm.

Do you need professional help with laying?

It is always better to have professional artificial turf installers do the installation. However, you can do the job yourself too, given that you have a thorough understanding of how it is done.  

How much sub-base is required?

If you want a hard and compacted surface that still allows for drainage then it is a must to keep the stones less than one inch in diameter that allows the grass to keep a flat surface. You need around 4 kg of sand or sub-base per square meter area if you want a quality installation.

Bottom Line 

Well, after a highly comprehensive discussion on the sub-base we’re at the final parts of our long guide. 

You may have already understood by now, that it’s absolutely not possible to lay artificial grass without a sub-base. 

They help drain the rainwater away fast and offer a strong foundation underneath your synthetic turf. 

So, let’s not wait any more, get the best sub-base for artificial grass and start working on your project right now!