If you didn’t know, artificial grass isn’t installed directly on the soil. Instead, there is a long and complicated installation process packed with numerous activities. Along with many other materials sand too is used. What sand you put under artificial grass is also a serious concern.
Usually, green silica sand is used vastly for the base. This provides a stable ground for the synthetic turf to rest. It offers stunning drainage capabilities, letting the turf dry itself up faster after rain.
What Sand Do You Put Under Artificial Grass
Silica sand is the best type of sand you can use as a sub-base under the fake grass that lasts a good deal of time.
In the following sections, we’d go deep into the discussion particularly focused on the type of sand being used under the artificial grass.
How Much Silica Sand for Artificial Grass
As we mentioned, earlier there is a special variety of sand that is often used for synthetic turfs. This is known as silica sand. Because of its texture, it’s highly used for drainage.
Sub-base
Before constructing the base, the sub base is built using crushed limestone which offers a solid ground for the base.
Silica Sand
After forming the sub-base, it’s time to add the second layer and where the sub-base comes into light. Unlike the finer soft sand, sharp sand comes with a larger grain texture. Using this sand is a regular practice among synthetic turf installers.
The Amount of Silica Sand to be Used
Usually, you can use 10/15mm thick silica sand to have proper base support for the work. Following the above-mentioned measurements are crucial for successful base construction. If adequate resources are supplied then you’d get satisfying long-term support from the turf.
On the other hand, if you’re not following expert guidance, chances are that the base may fail.
FAQs
What kind of sand do you use for artificial grass?
Silica sand would be the best option as it has weed growth reduction capabilities. Even, silica sand is cleaner than sharp or building sand which makes them ideal for use against weeds. You can also use silica sand infill for your turf.
What should you put down before laying artificial grass?
It is always better to have a concrete base before laying artificial grass. However, you can also use tarmac.
Why do you use silica sand on artificial grass?
Silica sand is often used for synthetic grass because it makes your turf blades more stable. As a result, the blades will stay upright instead, giving a natural appearance.
Can I lay turf on sharp sand?
You can lay turf on sharp sand but it may not be the ideal sand for your turf.
How much is a bag of silica sand?
A 50 lb silica sand bag may cost you somewhere around $20-$30.
How many bags of sand do I need for artificial grass?
The basic rule of thumb is that you’d require 2 lbs of silica sand per square foot surface. So, if your turf is around 500 sqft, you will need 20, 50 lb sandbags.
Is play sand the same as silica sand?
Play sand and silica sand are two different things. Silica sand is usually used on fake grass, while play sand is used primarily for children’s play. Silica sand is finer than play sand.
What sand is best for drainage?
Silica sand offers quality drainage for artificial grass. It is fineer and lighter than other sands, which helps water to quickly drain through the sand pockets. Silica sand doesn’t influence the soil pH levels either, maintaining the naturalness of the soil.
Does silica sand absorb moisture?
Yes, silica is renowned for absorbing moisture. Being outstandingly fine sand, it has small pores which suck up water fast.
What can silica sand be used for?
Silica sand is used for numerous activities including artificial grass, asphalt construction, roofing, and flooring.
Final Thoughts
Well, we have gone through the issue of sand with the utmost detail. The base is perhaps the most important structure you’d have to build while installing the new synthetic turf.
Moreover, the quality of the base determines the performance of the turf to a great extent. That’s why we’d ask you to be precise with the base structure.
Especially, the materials that are going in for the construction, should be checked and inspected thoroughly. If you end up with poor base construction it will result in extreme challenges in the future that you may have to reinstall the turf all over again costing both the time and an expense.
You now know what sand you put under the artificial grass. So, move on with a pure installation and get the stunning, lush-green synthetic turf you always wanted!
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