How to install the groundworks for an artificial grass lawn
By Gavin Hall
Professionally installed artificial grass groundworks
Having chosen a high quality artificial grass I will now walk you through how we install the groundworks for an artificial grass lawn
You have chosen the ideal artificial grass for your requirements. I will now explain how we install a perfectly level artificial grass lawn that drains well and is free from weeds. Our tried and tested installation method gives our customers a long lasting, great looking artificial grass lawn.
We assess the area and your requirements
We take a look at the area where you want to install the artificial grass and ask these questions:
What is the current drainage like?
If there is a boggy area which is prone to puddles then the irrigation will need to be improved. One way we do this is to dig a pit 2 to 3m² and fill it with rubble. These pits are often called soakaways and are fine for lawns with minor drainage problems. If the area has a major drainage issue a drainage expert will need to be brought in and install something like a large sunken tank.
Is there a severe slope in the garden that needs flattening out?
If this is the case I will position some 4″x 2″ Timbers (set in concrete) at the top of the slope which I will later fix the artificial grass to. This is done to prevent the grass from moving. Alternatively we add a small retaining edge i.e. railway sleepers so it can be slightly raised at one end to reduce the slope. Here I have written an indepth article on how we fit artificial grass on a slope.
Does the garden have a bad weed problem?
If the garden has a weed problem we use a Weedol Weed Killer to reduce the issue. If we do not eliminate the weeds at an early stage, weeds and real grass will eventually grow through the artificial grass. We have found that doing this reduces weeds by approximately 90%.
How much Type 1 aggregate will I need for the job?
As a rule of thumb the way I calculate how much Type 1 Aggregate I need: 7sqm = 1 tonne at 2 inches. If the lawn has particularly poor drainage I will double the depth of aggregate.
How much Granite dust will I need for the job?
To calculate how much Granite Dust I need: 14sqm = 1 tonne at 1 inch.
How much timber will I require for the perimeter of the artificial grass lawn?
I simply measure the distance around the perimeter with a measuring tape.
Clear the ground
To have nice clean, smooth foundations on which to lay your artificial grass I remove the turf, soil, vegetation and any large rocks or stones until I reach the natural sub base. This will generally require between 3-4 inches of excavation depending on the location. You will know when you have reached your substrate as the ground will be firm when you stand on it. We use a specialised turf lifter piece of machinery to speed this step up. We also use a mini digger / excavator if access allows. These Turf Cutters can be purchased second hand on Ebay. I dispose of all the old vegetation and stones etc in a skip. The skip is booked in advance and a suitable location for it is found.
Install a weed membrane
I don’t want grass and weeds growing through the artificial grass. To prevent this I add a thick Pro Tec Weed Membrane once I have cleared the soil. Note we always put the membrane on the bottom for these 4 main reasons:
- It is out of the way so doesn’t ruck up when pulling the grass across it
- It acts as a worm barrier to your base materials
- It stops the weeds at source
- If the lawn owners have dogs it is an absolute must for the weed membrane to be under the aggregate to prevent the urine trapping on the top.
There are other actions I take if the owners have dogs and want to make sure there is no urine odour issues in the summer months.
We take the membrane right to the edge of the lawn and use 40mm x 2.5mm Galvanised Nails to fix it in place.
Install the perimeter fixings
We lay 3″ x 2″ timber fixings around the perimeter of the area. To secure them I dig a trench a little wider than the timber. I then add concrete (a mix of ballast and cement) to the trench and set the timbers in it. I use plenty of concrete to make sure the timber will not move over time and I make sure it sits just below the level we wish the grass to be finished to, depending on the grass depth.
Prepare the sub-base
Add 2 to 4 inches of Mot Type1 aggregate
Just like in the preparation of roads professionally installed artificial grass requires a good sub-base so that the grass remains nice and flat. I start by using a 2-3 inch layer of Mot Type1 aggregate . I will only look to use chippings or Type 2 as an alternative if there is a drainage issue. These alternatives will be considered as there is less dust in the mix. To speed up the process and to save my back I use a Mini Digger where room allows to bring in and spread the Type 1 aggregate.
I then make sure the aggregate is evenly spread and compact it with a Wacker Plate to just below the perimeter timbers.
Add 1 inch of Granite Dust
Next I add up to 1″ of Granite Dust which I rake across the surface of the Type 1 and then compact several times with a Wacker Plate. The more times you Wacker the Granite Dust the less chance there will be of sinkage in the lawn as the air gaps in the dust can potentially fill with water. Granite dust is a great product to use as it binds together beautifully when slightly damp. It then goes rock hard once dry but still allows water through. (We don’t use sharp sand as it doesn’t bond as well). We make sure enough granite dust is around the perimeter to make sure the edges don’t sink.
A quick self-promotion: I was the first person in the UK to use granite dust.
Screed the area
I now get down on my hands and knees and with a piece of Timber Screed (3′ x 2″ timber cut to approx 1.5m) the whole area to make it as smooth as possible. If the Granno is dry I periodically spray it with water to reduce dust. I work around the edge so the base is completely level with the timbers and drag the granite dust back making sure it is left in a nice hard but smooth shape. I generally go in semi circular motions. The reason I screed is because the artificial grass will mirror what is beneath it i.e. if you have lumpy groundworks your artificial lawn will be the same.
Here are a list of tools I use to prepare our groundworks (and links to where you can find my recommended products):
- A Wacker Plate
- Turf Cutter / Lifter
- Mini Digger / Excavator
- Weed Killer
- Mot Type 1 aggregate
- Granite Dust
- Concrete mixer
- Cement for the concrete
- Ballast for the concrete
- A Screeding Tool (3″ x 2″ timber cut to 1.5 metres long)
- Bricklaying trowel
- 3″ x 2″ timbers
- 4″ x 2″ timbers (if laying on a slope)
- A Steel Rake
- Thick weed membrane
- Hammer
- 60mm x 2.5mm Nails for fixing membrane
- Spirit level
- Measuring tape
- Shovel for moving the aggregate
- Timber baton for pegging timbers in place
- Skip Hire
- Wheel barrow
- Bolster Chisel
- Club Hammer
- A Stiff Brush to clear up
Hopefully by reading how I install the groundworks for an artificial lawn you will see our attention to detail at this very important stage of laying artificial grass. I can’t stress enough the better the groundworks the better your artificial grass lawn will look.
In my next Blog post I will show you how we professionally fit the artificial grass on to the prepared groundworks.
It has taken me many years of hard work to be able to provide the type of artificial grass installation service we now offer. Because of the enduring attention to detail and the dedication of my team I am in the enviable position of receiving many requests from people all over the world looking for help with their artificial grass installations. Whilst this brings a huge smile to my face we are still only a relatively small family owned and run business with limited resources. We currently offer our services within Kent, South East London, Hertfordshire, Essex and parts of Surrey. Whilst I am happy to answer general questions in the comments section below from anyone it may take up to 1 week for me to get back to you. Please make sure you have read other readers questions and my answers first as your question may have already been asked.
Priority will be given to answering questions from people looking for Perfect Grass to fit and supply our own artificial grass products. Please fill out the quotation form or call us on 020 81664168
For others looking for a priority response to a specific question relating to their own installation a £50 consultation fee is charged. My goal is to respond within 48 hours in these circumstances. For this specific online assistance please email me at info@perfectgrassltd.co.uk with your questions. I often require photographs to accompany your question in order to provide the best answer.
Hi, thanks for the great info on the website, I have a particular query regarding making stepping stones from porcelain tiles, in my artificial grass, I was hoping to install a frame around the perimeter of each stepping stone tile slightly larger than the tile from 3×2” timbers. Lay the tiles in the frames on type 1 and mortar bed and nail the grass to the frames just like you would around the perimeter of the grass. Then tuck the grass between the tile and the frame, I’m concerned about seeing the frame over time, but if this does happen do you think I could top up the granite dust around these edges. Would greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks
Hi Jamie , firstly I would suggest setting the stepping stones first, as this can be a messy business and then fit the fixings to them.
There are couple of ways you can do this , firstly timbers 3 by 2s set like you would around the perimeter , leaving a small tuck gap and lip depending on grass depth (15-20 mm). This is a nice finish and if you bolster the grass down the back of the gap and nail it in, you wont have any issues seeing the wood.
The only issue I find is the gap in-between the stones can be liable to sink and this spoils the affect if they are close . I would maybe suggest in filling this with concrete all the way across the stones if they are close set and around the stone edge like a concrete shelf, again have this lower than the stones dependant on the depth of the grass (15-20mm) . This will enable you cut the grass careful around the stones and glue in place . regards
Hi Gavin thankyou for your prompt and detailed reply, thats great thankyou. I will have about 230mm gaps between 600 x 900 tiles where I was hoping to lay the normal sub base between (type 1 and granite dust)
Hi you can do, but they tend to drop off as they get all the water run off the tiles . regards
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for the great advice. I am laying artifical in my garden as the poor drainage has ruined the turf I put down 2 years ago. I am covering 12m², and trying to work out how deep I need to dig out and how much type 1 and chippings I need. Could I do 2 jumbo bags (about 1.5t) of type 1 to give me around 65mm and then 1 jumbo bag of granite dust to give me around 40mm? Or for drainage would it be better to do 100mm of granite dust instead and lay the grass straight on to that? I didnt know if the large depth granite dust would be too soft and leave dips after sitting on the lawn etc? Thanks in advance!
Hi there Callum , always use the heavier stone as this will give you the solid base. So 2 bulk bags will be spot on for your sub base 50-75 mm , then top off with granite you will probably noy need a whole bag 15-25 mm works simply to get the surface smooth/level for your grass.
regards
Thanks very much Gavin!
I was going to use the whold bag of granite dust on the top to about 40mm to aid with the poor drainage, will having this depth do more harm than good? Thanks again for the help and advice!
Hi you can do it wont help much as you need to compact all the air out of it , if you are worried about drainage i would go for some broken hardcore under the type one regards
Hi Gavin
I want to lay astro turf on a back yard of flag stones, as some are uneven would using the grano dust to make level work ?
The flags drain well so no issues there just want the area to be flat as possibel to lay the grass onto
thanks
Gareth
Hi there unfortunately this is a massive NO, any fine aggregate on the surface will simply wash away very quickly and if you put fixings in around the edge it will become waterlogged and soft. The only way would be to either lift the flag stones and put in normal groundworks as mentioned on this site (you may be able to use the mortar bed as a sub base) or use an underlay, however these do make it spongy and will show lumps after a time. Regards
Thanks Gavin, really appreciate your help
Hi, I’m installing artificial grass soon at my home and just wondering what is the best sub base for a house with a dog. Just I have read else we’re MOT type one is not sufficient for drainage and should use 20m granite or limestone at a 50mm depth then grano dust up to 25mm. Is this correct information just I want to get the sub base right would hate for it to start smelling of urine. Kind regards, Tony M.
Hi Tony, I have done a lot of investigation on this, on my hands and knees smelling areas where my dogs used to wee in my garden. I found the smell is held in one place only and that is the grass backing. Up to 2 years ago most grasses had a latex back, which is an absorbent. The backing is damp a lot of the time as its underneath and out of the sun light, then add dog urine several times a day. The backing then heats up in the sun and emits this horrendous smell, the infills on the market don’t solve this issue they just delay the problem. Make sure you use a PU backed grass, this means the backing is sealed and non absorbent, it can be easily washed through weekly with a sprinkler in summer months and easily washed with disinfectant if required. I always use type one underneath as its the only product that does the job you need to keep a stable base and I have never had an issue since changing the grass backing. Granite chippings are ok, but you will find some movement and crunching and all that will happen is the granite dust will drop through them over time effectively creating type one. Regards
Thanks for the advice. I will pay the bit extra for PU backed grass and save on the cost of sub base using MOT Type 1. Is 50mm depth still a sufficient depth for MOT Type 1.
Kind regards,
Tony.
No worries at all, I have had my PU grass in for 18 months and it really does work, 2 dogs on a 15 sqm area!!
Type one 50-75 mm is fine. Regards
Hi, thanks for the advice on here.
Is granite dust the sand as grit sand?
Thanks
Hi there unfortunately I have never heard of grit sand so I don’t know I’m afraid , granite dust is grey and the particle size is 0-6 mm regards
Thanks for your reply, I’ll ask the builders merchants
Cheers
We use artificial grass in the base of the ditches on the perimeter of our lawn bowls green. This tends to generate moss on the surface over the winter which we then have to scrape off and power wash. These strips of artificial grass are about 10 meters by 0.5 meters and, as they can be lifted out of the ditch, what would be the best way of storing them over the winter? Can they be rolled up and stored in a covered, sheltered open area or should they be kept flat and stored in a shipping container we use for storing equipment?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Regards
Jeff
Hi , I would roll them up carefully and store them (they dont need to be inside) , make sure you have the backing on the outside! Then in the spring lay them out in the sun for a few days before refitting. regards
Hi Gavin,
Awesome website, and tons of information thank you.
I am thinking of installing 4x3m artificial turf, over an existing concrete pad in front of a garage door for a doggy area.
The concrete angles slightly towards a soak away.
I was initially just going to lay the turf over the concrete, but I am concerned about the turf holding water/dog odour.
Unfortunately, due to the garage door opening, I cannot build a deep base.
I was wondering what you would advise?
My initial thoughts, personally was to build a 25 mm timber edging, and fill it with 6–10 mm chippings.
Hi there Kevin, first of all grass on concrete is a no no for dogs as the urine will sit under the backing and above the hard surface and stink, whatever backing you have. The above is possible as long as you have no plans to ever use the garage or area for a car or anything reasonable heavy as this will destroy it! However if you aren’t using it for anything heavy it should be fine however, granite chippings do crunch a lot under feet. Regards
Hi Gavin
What a helpful website this is.
I am hoping to do my own project early spring and was after a bit of advice.
Firstly my artificial turf is to be laid up to exiting drive block edging that runs around while garden. I am thinking the best option here is to make a flat concrete shelf to glue turf to? What adhesive shall I use?
Also the garden is 8 by 14m so will need joining. I’ve seen you mention when joining to cut a couple of seams in? What does that mean and is that on both pieces?
I have a dog so am going for a 30mm pu backed turf. Can you recommend one that has a nice natural appearance?
Thanks in advance Neil
Hi Neil , yes spot on a simple concrete shelf works around edge , leave it 15 mm below if fitting a 30 mm grass. We use you aquabond adhesive to stick the grass , however most exterior glue will suffice.
When you lay the grass out , it has seamlines on the back , so you need to go in 3 from the edge or more if needed and cut a clean line in between the stitching.
Grass wise there are quite a few on the market we currently sell 3 products in this range but we are based in Bexley and we will only deliver locally im afraid.
best regards
Thank you for your replies. Really helpful.
Looking forward to starting the project now
Hi Gavin
Sorry to bother you again.
Last question I promise. How many square metres do the mot and granite dust do each?
I don’t want to over/under order once I am ready to get going.
Thanks Neil
Hi Neil , 10 sqm = 1 tonne of type one 75 mm deep ish , granno is approx 1/2 that
Hi Gavin
I’m about to order my materials
You said I need 1 tonne of mot per 10sqm and half that for grano dust. Is that 1 tonne for 5sqm or 1 tonne per 20sqm of granno dust?
Thanks in advance
Neil
Hi there yes , thats type one 50-75 mm granno upto 25 mm cheers
Sorry Gavin
So 1 tonne of granno dust for 20 sqm?
Sorry to be a pain
Hi yes. Half the amount. Regards
Hi Gavin,
Lame and rookie question here, how do you detect the soil or the place you are going to be installing astro turf has draining issues? Would you just throw water at it and see if it goes aways? Much appreciated.
Just another question, if I may – Will the timber on the edges not rot? Much appreciated
Hi there , the wood sits about the water table so rotting will be delayed, 3 by 2 will rot at approx 8-10 years , by this time the grass is so heavy it wont move, regards
Unfortunately no , it would need to be monitored over a period of time to see if water is retained. The drainage depends on soil type and if the area is at a low point to surrounding areas. I suggest if you have moved to a new house and are unsure, ask your neighbours, regards
Hi Gavin,
I think it’s incredible of you to respond to these messages! Thank you!
In my garden I have mostly old uneven paving stones laid and then some areas of soil where flower beds were. I want to put artificial grass on the whole garden. I want to add something on top to level it all out. What would you recommend? MOT type 1? Go straight to granite dust? Do I still need to wacker plate what I put over the slabs?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Ross
Hi Ross , no worries at all. I would firstly decided what level you are trying to achieve , if you have enough room to build up great , however if not you will have to dig it down. If you can build up 75-100 mm , smash up the slabs to improve drainage , membrane , 50-75 mm type one ,concrete in fixings( this is optional but something we always use as a professional company to keep the grass in place and stop any issues around the perimeter) , top with granno. You will need a wacker plate to compact each layer otherwise it will sink .regards
Thanks Gavin!
I have plenty of space to build up and would prefer to in fact. I will take this advice – Thanks again!
Aw, also, do I need to lay a grass underlay? Does it actually make it more spongy?
Thanks!
No probs, grass underlay is an utter waste of money and really only be used if trying to sponge an uneven surface or shock padding around climbing frames. regards
we have taken top soil away and leveled out, but it is still very stony, we cant afford to have the soil taken away so we cant dig down anymore, however we cant put type 1 on this as it will then be too high 🙁 is there a way to lay a membrane, whack the soil mixed with its rocks and then just add grano dust on top whacked then grass? so miss out the type 1 section?
Hi there , yes you can however the grass will dip over time so you will need to pull back and reapply granno over time. I personally advise to dig the garden out properly and do the job correctly regards
Hi Gavin,
I have (unwisely with nothing but the dirt underneath) placed artificial turf directly outside my apartment for my 3 dogs to use a potty area. I am planning to take it down and install it correctly. It does not drain well and there is a waterfall effect when it rains, causing low spots that pool, and because there is dirt underneath, mud abounds. The area is 6 x 20 feet and needs to slope away from the building. Any suggestions more than all the wonderful information I have seen so far here? This is by far the most in depth, superb and informative sight I have seen..Thank you!
Hi there thats very kind, Im afraid there is only one solution and that is to dig it out properly . I would suggest going down 150mm in the lower areas and 100 mm in the higher areas (unless you can build the lower areas up using a sleeper). I would suggest using a larger, cleaner stone in the deeper areas, like a 50-75 mm recycled aggregate you can get from larger aggregate companies to build the lower regions up, this will allow gaps in the stone to hold the water in wetter months whilst it dissipates. Then top with type one /granno and fit . Please dont forget to get a PU backed grass next time as this can be easily cleaned to remove the smell. regards
Hi Gavin,
Just after a bit of advice from you if you don’t mind please Sir? I am busy installing a putting green in our back garden and have a few questions and concerns regarding the installation of the putting green grass.
I have build two frame works for my green and for my longer pile fringe and have cemented it in etc. We have compacted in around 125mm of Type 1 and will be doing a 25mm laying course of grano dust as you suggested in some of your other posts. My concerns are the following: I don’t believe it will be realistic or possible to use any metal u-pins to keep the putting green grass down on the inside because it will either bend when you knock them into the base as there are obviously stones in the type 1 base and because it will show and influence the roll of the green since the grass is only 15mm pile height. My idea is to nail it all around the perimeter to the timber but I’m concerned whether that will be enough to keep the grass intact? In other words, we have one joint through the middle of the putting green which we will do with joining tape and then nail it all around the outside to the timber frame. What if somebody twist or turn whilst walking on the putting green? Will it not move or damage the green? I thought about making a wooden frame work inside the inner frame and then fill up level to that with the grano dust and then I can nail the green in more places with small headed nails in order to secure it better but someone mentioned to me that one might see the frame work if the wood frame and the grano dust heat or cool down naturally because they are made of different materials and also if the grano dust laying course ever sinks over time… I thought the timber frame, made from treated batten might be a good idea to secure the putting green grass more evenly everywhere inside the frame but after I’ve spoken to this chap who seems to have some experience as well, I am unsure now…Any advice on how one could secure it properly and what one could potentially do to ensure longevity would be massively appreciated mate. The green is fairly big, around 7.8 meters x 5.5meters, hence my concern whether nailing it only around the edges to the timber would be sufficient. The grass is latex backed and doesn’t require silica sand which I understand would normally help to add some weight and stability to other types of putting green grass. Thank you very much for sharing your experience and ideas here with us mere mortals. It is very much appreciated. Kind Regards, Chris.
Hi there , no worries at all. Firstly remove the inner timbers these are a no no as the ground will sink around them leaving an obvious ridge where they are sited. Any movement around edges can be easily rectified by lifting edges and dropping some more granno in over time. I would simply fit the green , join to fringes and then nail around edges. I dont know who told you not to sand , but you will definitely need to add kiln dried onto the putting grass as this will not sit down completely , ideally you would use a spreader to distribute the kiln evenly however if not simply do it carefully and as evenly as possible brushing it into the pile with a stiff broom as you go . You will be amazed at how much sand the green swallows, but this will give the area durability and weight . regards
Thank you so much for your reply Gavin. Much appreciated mate! I will take your advice with regards to everything you said thank you Sir! 🙂 Just one more question please: Roughly how much sand does one have to brush in per square metre to start with please?
Many thanks for your quick response mate! 🙂
Kind Regards,
Chris.
No worries at all, I would start of with one bag 25 kg per 5 sqm and then add more if needed. regards
Hi Gavin
Can grano dust be layed and leveled in the rain . Thanks
Hi there , its a definite nono as it turns to slop as water gets into the air pockets .
Hi Gavin,
I had an artificial lawn installed circa 10 years ago(by Lazy lawn north east) and it has has stood the test of time.
However, i would now like to create a new lawn some 6 inches higher than the original (using sleepers as a border) and have a small step up from the existing patio.
My question is, would it be possible to leave the existing artificial lawn in place, install additional type 1 and granite dust on top and lay the new lawn on top of that? (or will i have to remove the old lawn first?)
The original artificial turf that is currently in place has good drainage but i’m not sure if my ‘plan’ would cause drainage issues.
I guess i’m just being lazy and it will save me a skip hire.
Any info you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Regards.
Ged.
Hi mate , I have actually got 2 old lawns under my back garden and one under the front !! Why not its solid so make it part of the base!! REGARDS
That’s very much appreciated Gavin… cheers mate!.
Hi Gavin, this is a great and very informative site!
I have a question if that’s OK?
Last year I did a temporary area of artificial grass to position the swimming pool on through the summer months, It was never done “properly”, but over the year hasn’t caused me any issues and still looks pretty good to be fair. This year, I am extending the area (for a bigger pool hopefully) and plan do to a better job.
When I did it last year, the ground was quite compacted already so I never used a sub-base, just a fabric membrane and a thin layer of sand to absorb any smaller stones left on the soil. Ours is a new build property on an old farmer’s field so I guess that’s why the soil was already compacted.
I’m hoping I can do the same again, so I’ve dug the extra bit of garden out level (previously slightly sloped) and was going to just put a layer of sand directly onto the compacted soil (it is very firm and a nightmare to dig up). I’ll be putting a timber edge around it to secure the new stuff to. The area is in a corner, so two sides will be against a new sleeper raised bed but the other two sides need to blend into the real grass lawn so I figured that the artificial lawn would be nailed to the top of the timber edging, with the real grass on the other side.
It’s only to site a pool during the summer and a trampoline for the rest of the year and therefore won’t be a “used” area as such.
My question is, do you think I’m making a huge mistake by not doing it with the sub-base? As mentioned earlier, the section I did last year still seems absolutely fine (other than the border with the real grass, which did get chewed a little with the lawnmower…).
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!
Hi there in an ideal world yes you would , but seeing as you already have an area that hasnt moved much I dont see any reason why you shouldnt . There is nothing wrong with this as a method however I wouldnt pay someone to do it , but , it all depends on you …personally I would go the extra mile as once the grass is down it is very difficult to pull it up and start again. regards
I have 2 dogs and therefore wanting to limit the smell of urine. Is it best to lay MOT type one then the granite dust or is it better to lay limestone chipping 20mm then the granite dust on top?
I was also unsure of how much I’ll need for depth.
I saw it was recommended to use 50 mm subbase but trying to keep cost down do you think it would be a strong enough base if I used 25 mm (either mot type one or the limestone chipping and then 25 mm of the granite dust so in total will be a subbase of 50mm with the two combined materials?
Also does it have to be a special weed membrane or can i use anyone as again to keep costs down was looking at using a heavy duty one that covers the roads? Will the dog urine still be able to drain away if i use this product.
And lastly again with the dogs do you recommend an infill or not for the finally stage to be brushed in. If i get one my budget only covers the kiln dried sand but again was worried it might smell after use from dogs?
Thankyou for your help
Hi there , this is an absolute myth that the groundwork make up causes the smell , always have type one underneath 50-75 mm otherwise it will sink and dip , always use granite dust 10-25 mm no more as this creates the best surface to lay on . However ,the smell is in the grass backing avoid latex backings at all cost and get a PU backed grass as this will not absorb the urine and therefore decrease the odours omitted when the grass backing gets wet. regards
Hi Gavin, thank you for your advice. You didn’t answer whether type 1 or limestone chipping (20mm) is best for dogs? I thought i read somewhere about limestone chipping being a better stone for drainage but if not ill go ahead and get the MOT type one as its cheaper. I was hoping to get away with 25mm but you suggest min 50mm so may have to increase the depth.
Weed membrane i read that you advice to lay before the sub base which is helpful but my question is do i need to use a normal diy weed membrane or could i get away with using a thick heavy duty one they use on roads. I was just concerned about whether if i got the latter then the dog urine would not be able to filter through to the soil below and therefore hold the smell?
Then my last question was about the infill. Would kiln dried sand from a diy shop be ok to brush in at the end or should i not use any infill? This part confused me as i read you mentioned if dogs wee on sand it can soak up the smell so not sure whats best?
kind regards claire
Hi there, yes limestone chippings would be more free draining if you used them with out the granite on top , however, overtime the dust will seep down into the chippings and turn it into type one. The other issue with just using chippings is they crunch under foot and you wont be able to get them as level. With reference to the type one depth , it is very difficult getting it that shallow (25mm)as some of the stones will be larger than that and it also isnt enough depth to make a difference , so I would go 50-75 mm minimum. The membrane needs to be porous and free draining and always on the the bottom . With regards to the infil , I would avoid kiln sand and use a dog related one like zeofil , which can be purchased online and actually serves a purpose , locking onto the ammonia in the urine ready for rain to wash it clean.The grass backing is the be all and end all , as this is the source of the smell , avoid latex and buy a PU backed grass. regards
Hi,
I prepared my garden for artificial grass and have dug out topsoil to clay, filled with approx 12″ of crushed concrete, 3″ and smaller, very little fines – so provides good soakage. I then added 2″ of type 1, followed by grant dust, approx 20mm, which was level out roughly, levelled out more accurately using a string line, then whacked followed by top up and another pass of the whacker plate.
The are is surrounded by paving on a sand/cement bed.
Low and behold over the last few days with the heavy rain i ended up with a paddling pool!!!!!!
When the pond developed, I searched on the web for correct method, came across your website and it would seem that i followed similar preparation procedure!!!
I am know apprehensive about laying/getting someone to lay my artificial grass. To me it seemed be the perfect preparation method – what did I do wrong!!!
Colindale – NW London may be a stride to far to just lay artificial grass!!!
I would appreciate your advice.
Thank you in advance.
All The Best – John
Hi dont panic , we have had some mighty down pours and with out any protection the water will pool , what you need to remember is when the grass is laid it drop feeds the water evenly over the area and reduces the pooling. regards
Hi Gavin, thanks for publishing this excellent and informative guide for DIY’ers like myself. I have installed the grano dust and compacted it twice, however some areas are quite solid whereas other sections are not as solid and if i push my finger in it moves, also a couple of sections are dusty and lose. Does this mean it hasn’t been compacted enough?
Also, if I need to compact again with the plate, should I remove those loose/dusty sections until I get to a more ‘solid base’ of the grano dust layer, and then fill up with grano dust and compact in stages with a handheld tamper?
With the screeding part, does the dust go solid just from screeding?
Final question, where’s the best place to get tarp from to cover the dust once finished whilst I wait for the turf to be delivered?
Sorry for all the questions, I just want to get this bit right before I lay the turf. Thanks
Hi there, try lightly spraying it with a hose so its slightly damp and then recompacting (adding more if need be) this should firm it up . Once its all solid , lightly rake off and and re-screed. I would nt even bother covering it with a tarp just remove any debris and lightly re-screed when grass arrives. regards
Thanks Gavin, really appreciate the advice, I’ll give this a go.
Hi Gavin
I followed your advice, lightly dampened and re-compacted, I then screeded and smoothed out any stubborn ridges with a trowel, seemed firm enough to me, so left it uncovered. However we’ve just had a downpour, been going on all day, so I decided to cover it with tarp but I noticed when I walked on certain areas foot prints started forming and it felt a bit spongy. Does that mean it’s ruined and I need to start the process again I.e. re-compacting/screeding again once dry? Feel like giving up
Hi it really isnt worth worrying about , we install all year round . When you come to fit simply rescreed and compact any areas that are soft. regards
Thanks for the quick reply Gavin, if it’s only a small area that’s soft and spongy (approx 1m squared) would you still use a compactor on such a small area? or a handheld compactor? or just get on hands and knees and with a trowel push down and smooth out? Thanks again
Hi if its really bad in that area remove the soft stuff and replace with a barrow of type one and then add new granno , compact then re-screed that area regards
Hi Gavin,
First of all i want to congratulate and commend you on the blog. It really is something to be proud of, helping all us ordinary DIY’ers achieve amazing results which we wouldnt otherwise be able to. well done sir!
This could be the first of many questions over the next couple of months as i head through my project.
My question is: using the treated timber as an edging will rot at some point in the future, how long would be determined by many different factors i would expect. Once that does happen, how would i go about removing and replacing the timber?
Sorry if its a silly question, im just trying to plan in the long term 🙂
Cheers,
Ryan
Hi many thanks !
This is quite a heavily debated subject , what fixings to use. I personally believe the timbers stay good for as long as the lawn looks good which is 8-10 years, after this they will need renewing so will the lawn , then its a question of re-concreting in new ones and topping up the granite. We only use a concrete haunch if we cant get the timbers in and we glue to this. The problem with sticking to concrete is if you ever have any issues underneath you will struggle to do this with out ripping the grass , where as with the timbers being attached with nail gun nails it makes lifting the lawn very easy if needed. A few companies use composite, personally I dont like it , its expensive , not as easy to use as timbers as they arent as heavy ,also they can bend in warmer conditions . regards
Thank you for the feedback Gavin.
Im going to go down the brick edging (200mm x 100 x 50 mm) route and glue the edges, appreciate the risk with needing to take it up. The brick edging will be the Soldier approach.
Hoping you can help with the following questions:
1) Before i lay/concrete the brick edging should i put the weed membrane underneath, some type 1 on top compacted then lay the bricks? Or should the membrane go down after the edging is fully in before i put down the first layer of type 1? ill be using a string line to keep it straight and level around the edging detail.
2) In your opinion, what is a good mix for the concrete bed to lay the brick edging? should it be a semi dry or wet mix?
3) With regards to haunching to stick the artificial grass, should that be done at the same time when laying the edging? or should it be left until the edging has set in the concrete? i plan to use an edging trowel to achieve a flat edge. Any tips for that process to get the haunch flat and level all the way around the garden?
4) My garden has a slight drop on the backside corner, can i build that up with type 1, compacting as i go to bring it inline with the rest of the garden before i lay the edging?
The area im working with is 13 metres x 6 Metres.
Thanks in advance Gavin.
Cheers,
Ryan
Hi there I wouldnt put the membrane under the bricks as it will make them weak and susceptible to movement , put in after and mortar in along edge if need be , prior to putting in type one. I would use a wet mix .The haunching can be done after the bricks are laid , my guys use a sharp sand and cement mix and it is set dependent on the grass depth allowing for 15 mm above the brick line. Yes, by all means use as much type one as you need to raise levels, my advise would be to compact every 2-3 inches and add more after. regards
Advice please.
We have inherited a mid terraced house with a small but very overgrown back garden. The plan was to lay turf but having cleared it of brambles etc ground elder has sprung up everywhere! This is almost impossible to eradicate without use of strong chemicals applied over a period of time and it would probably grow through the new turfs rendering them a waste of money. However we want to rent out the house and can’t do so if strong chemicals are being applied especially if there are children or pets. The other option is to cover with black plastic for at least 2 years but this will look unattractive and render the garden unusable. So we have decided the best course of action is to fully clear the ground, smother the elder with good quality weed suppressant membrane, add sharp sand to a depth of 1.5ml by compacting and lay artificial grass on top so that the garden can be used until the elder eliminated and it can be safely turfed. I understand using hardcore base etc would give a longer lasting finish (access isn’t easy) but this would be difficult to remove when it comes to laying a real lawn. Should we add granite dust to the sharp sand or any other helpful suggestions please?
Hi , personally I would clear the area , then spray anything that grows . The issue with using no sub base on a membrane will not be sufficient to stop more establish and stronger growing weeds like brambles . I would go down the root of digging out more , spraying and reduce the weeds down as best as possible ..maybe digging out brambles etc. I would double membrane and then put a proper base of type one in which will help suppress any further growth . Dont forget installing an artificial lawn properly will add value to your house , but a bad one will actually do the opposite. regards
Amazing site!
Hi Gavin
Putting in 75 off type 1, 25 of Grano.
My questions are please:
How much will this compact down?
If I cement in my 3×2, how deep do you put the timber, so how far beneath the ground level will this be? My concern is they will be too low and then the grass will be curved at the edges.
What formula do you use to calculate amount of type 1 and Grano.
Finally. I have decorative angular stone down at present and thinking of leaving an inch underneath the type 1 to help with drainage. Any thoughts on this please?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there , angular stone at the bottom is fine to keep , it can be part of your sub base if firm . My advice would be to concrete in your timbers 3 inches up sitting in concrete , then you introduce the type one approx 2-3 inches , aiming to get 1/2-1 inch to top of fixings , then add granno after each stage has been well compacted . regards
Thanks very much Gavin. Just so I’m clear please, add grano throughout, not just at the final layer?
I’m thinking 4 bags of type 1 and 1 bag of grano?
And will digging out 100mm be about right?
Thank you
Hi there , the granno is the last layer 15-25 mm max and 100 mm dig out is spot on cheers.
Hi Gavin thanks for your blog post brilliant information here.
I have a rear garden of 119 sqmtrs, the site is north facing spans the rear of the house by 17mtrs across and projection outward for 7 metres from the rear building line outward. Being north facing the house shadows half the garden projection so if it rains it never really dries we have seen to water pooling in heavy rain. The turf was removed and revealed heavy clay we installed French drains to depth of 400mm deep 400mm wide across entire 17 metre width with two runs 2 metres apart lined with non woven fabric. And backfilled with 20mm washed granite.
Then laid fabric across the garden and we have used 20mm angular clean chippings no fines to depth of 50 to 65-mm filing slight garden dips.
I received the granite dust yesterday and it looks just like pure dust I can see any 5 mils at all. I am now worried the dust will just filter through have I done this wrong ? Please can you advise if the this granite dust will be ok to lay on top and compact with a plate. I haven’t tried yet but fearing it wont stiffen up sufficiently. Many thanks for any advice you can give.
Hi there, your groundworks sound perfect and spot on to improve the drainage . I have come across different forms of granite dust before , we use 0-6 mm and its generally spot on every time. I have had stuff that is much finer, but that was on top of type one so it simply bound into that(but it doesnt go very far and you dont want more than a fine layer which makes screeding a nightmare). May I suggest mixing it with another aggregate , maybe a little sharp sand , or even a 10 mm chipping if you are concerned that it wont bind particularly well. I would trial an area and play around with it , dont over think it also, as what you have underneath is a very good sub base and even if you used 0-6 mm the fines would naturally move through, but the water will still drain away. regards
Hi Gavin many thanks for the reply and your excellent advice. I know you would normally run over with a plate for MOT1 sub base but would you still advise compacting my subbase of 20mm clean granite chippings ? Also I wondered after having compacted the final granite dust layer, just how long can you leave it exposed before laying the artificial turf. I may need to leave this in this state for around a month, is has no traffic so no one would be walking on it just exposed to the elements. Many thanks again for any advice you have on this.
Hi there , compact everything you can , the hardcore on the bottom , then the chippings into the hardcore then another layer of chippings and then the granno into the chippings .It may be worth lightly dampening your dust down before you compact as it helps it bind , its fine to leave , simply remove any debris and re screed. cheers
Hi there, we bought weed suppressing material, but the labourers didn’t realise and after tampering the mot 1 sub base. They then used sheets of Dpm plastic that they put lots of holes in and then dust on top. They then put my weed membrane on the very to, under the grass. Will this be ok? The dpc plastic they used, since they put holes in it? Also how hard is the dust grange layer suppose to be? They didn’t have tamper machine for one section so used a board which they jumped on.
Hi there , I’m sorry to tell you this isnt good practice. The granno needs to bind with the type one and by putting a plastic sheet between them , it will not only stop this, but it will become waterlogged and you will have problems with dipping and softness. A wacka plate must be used , you are paying a company to do a job professionally and jumping up and down on a board isnt professional or effective in compacting the base. I would get them back to do it correctly , the membrane can go on top however it isnt ideal and can cause issues if you have a dog. regards
Hi Gavin, I recently had rogue builders so I’ve had to start again and my last step is to fit a 12m x 5m artificial turf in between newly laid paving.
The area has currently been compacted with larger stone sub-base. There’s still loose stones sitting on top and it’s generally 3 inches (2-4 in places) below the top edge of the paviers that sit around the side.
My question is am I ok to go ahead and lay membrane on this, then fill up with granite dust and whacker from there or do I need to ensure the current base is absolutely solid with not little loose stones at all?
The whole area was whackered by a groundwork’s firm with 2/3 of it then having patio slab so this final 1/3 will have the grass.
Thank you
Hi there , you still have 75 mm to play with,so I would compact the stones best you can and fill in any holes with type one. If you do need a membrane get it down now , I personally may consider leaving it out as you already have quite a bit of depth of stone under it ( weeds/grass arent going to grow up through a deep base anyway) .I like to let the levels bind and a membrane will stop this (not a fan of putting it on the top). I would build the rest up using type one ,upto 25-40 mm depending on grass depth , before adding the granno 15-25 mm . regards
Hi Gavin,
Quick question regarding sub base, my garden is built on clay so drainage is poor so I have built my garden on 2 levels, the top level will be artificial grass with a french drain behind my retaining wall the entire width of the garden to maximise drainage, I have also dug out 150mm for my sub base to try improve drainage. My question is will Type 1 be sufficient or should I use Type 3 as this is permeable. Also if using Type 3 and granite dust will the dust not filter down through the Type 3 eventually?
Thanks!
Hi no worries, Type 3 or something similar , all you want is bigger gaps in stones for a holding area for the water before it permeates the substrate. We were using a 50-70 mm recycled stone last year , only £10 a tonne too! I would then add type one to seal and take out the bumps 1-2 inches before adding granno. cheers
Hi Gavin, at the moment I have a grass front lawn with a number of curves, the edge of this lawn is a sharp (cliff edge) cut with a spade. I want to copy the exact shape of this lawn. I am planning to lay a curved border of block paving bricks all around the lawn on a cement base. after this I was planning on digging out the lawn to a depth of 4 inches, then after weed killer, membrane, 3 inch sub base, 1 inch granite dust then the artificial grass.
My question is after I’ve dug out the grass and soil I was planning on going all the way round the inside of the edging with 3″x2″ treated timber leaving a gap to tuck the grass into, however how would you suggest I do this with the curves?
Also just down one side against a path I don’t think I could put timber there because of a cement shamfer (hope that’s the correct term) Can I top up on this with cement to make a flat surface then glue the grass to the flat surface?
Hi there, this sounds perfect. When you put in the brick edge, leave it really clean on the grass side, then simply cut up bits of 3/2 in smaller pieces to fit round the curves and then concrete them into place. These should be set dependant on the depth of the grass ie a 30 mm grass I would leave 15 mm shy of the lip and with a 15 mm gap down the rear. I would also make sure these were backed up with concrete along the inside and so they wont move. Along the path simply square off the haunch so its like a shelf again 15 mm below if its a 30 mm grass and then you can glue the grass to this when fitted. Regards
Hey thats fantastic Gavin, can’t wait to get started. Brilliant site and extremely helpful 🙂
Hi. Our garden is approx 66m2. I am planning to rent a turf cutter to get me 40mm down, but would need to dig the remaining 35mm by hand – is this viable? If so howmany hours do you think it would take if no big rocks etc.? I’m fairly fit and quite strong (about average). Maybe a low and high end estimate? Unfortunately a mini digger is a no go as mid terraced and garden backing on to ours too.
Also, our garden slopes slightly so a bit worried about drainage – was going to go for a 50mm sub base of 10mm limestone chippings, compacted, followed by 25mm of grano dust compacted. Is that okay?
Hi there , simply run the turf lifter over it twice until its down to the required limit . Id expect 66 sqm to take 2 days for one person .Hi there I would look for a sub base of 50-75 mm regards
Gavin – you’re a star. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Haha I did wonder if that was possible but thought it was maybe a daft idea and that without the turf it wouldn’t work?? If it does that’s bloody fantastic news!
Is the 2 days estimate based on the turf cutter or if it was done manually, without one?
Thanks again
Hi no worries , if you go over it again and simply go behind shovelling it into a barrow it will do all the work for you. This is based on good access , using the turf lifter and one person for 2 days . regards
Gavin you’re a top, top man. Thank you very much indeed
Hi there,
We have a pet and I want to ensure we get the install right first time as I am worried about the odour. Our garden is 7.3m x 8.5m how much limestone chippings and granite dust would we need please and at what depth? Also would 10mm limestone chippings be ideal?
I saw that you advise to put the membrane on the sub base rather than under the Astro too which we will be sure to do. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much!
Hi there , I have been putting a lot of time into this recently and these are the most important factors .
– Membrane must me on the bottom.
– Normal base make up is fine, as long as its free draining with a sub base type one , and the top layer can be granite or 10 mm chippings (but crunch) as the top layer.
– The most IMPORTANT factor is the grass backing ! Avoid LATEX at all costs and find a PU backed grass . It seems to me once urine has been absorbed into the latex , every time it gets wet the odour is given off .
– Infills are important , we are currently using Zeofil added at install into the pile, which will help lock on to the ammonia until it rains . However, we have been using our dog wee sand to top dress during the summer which works, but it isnt a long term solution.
regards
Hi Gavin,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. From what I have read in regards to having pets, it was recommended that the hardcore base was to be limestone chippings and the top layer the granite dust as they absorb the urine better, is that right? You said normal base make up of type one is fine and then chippings or granite dust on top, so im a little unsure of what is best to do.
I’ve ordered the grass but the website didn’t specify whether Latex or PU backing so il reach out to them to confirm this thank you.
Where can I purchase your dog wee sand please?
Also could you kindly advise how much limestone chippings and granite dust I would need for my space at 7.3m x 8.5m please and at what depth for each? These layers will be laid on soil.
Your advice is greatly appreciated Gavin thank you
Hi over the years a lot of stuff has been written about pets and the groundworks, however, recently I have come to the conclusion the smell is all grass based. So installation wise as long as you have a sub base and fine aggregate top layer the water can freely drain out. My choice is Type one and granite dust all day long, however 10 mm chippings are good as well, however they do crunch under foot. Avoid at all costs a Latex backed grass as this is where the urine smell is held and every time it gets wet it gives off the smell. I don’t send out our dog wee sand as its collection only from our yard in South East London, there are good products online try Zeofil and add this to the grass as soon as its fitted (it works on the same principals). I would suggest 6 tonnes of Type one and 3 tonnes of granite if dug to 3-4 inches. Regards
Gavin,
You are a legend, I can’t thank you enough for your advice. This is so helpful, I will take all of the above on board thank you
Hi Gavin,
Thank you for your brilliant guides, which I’m going to follow to lay my artificial grass.
On 2 sides of the lawn is a patio and path (4500mm slabs) the problem is there is a slopping concrete haunch coming off the patio/path.
Would you remove that haunch (somehow) or just put some concrete on top of the haunch to make a plinth and glue the grass to the plinth?
Any help and advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Mark , good question . Ideally if you could remove the concrete that would be great however it could end up creating lose slabs etc ..so by all means simply square off and create a square haunch as long as its reasonably substantial . regards
Hi Gavin
I’ve followed all your advice however on the last step I ran out of granno dust so rather than getting another big bulk bag had to go to another merchants for smaller bags to cover the smaller area needed. When I emptied this new granno on it was a lot wetter and more green in colour. When I used whacker on it, water pushed to top and the whacker kept digging in to the wet granno causing grooves. This new stuff looks very different to the other grey dry granno, will it dry and is this happening just because it’s wet and should I leave it out to dry before laying grass? Thanks
Hi there , I wouldnt worry too much , as long as it behaves in the same way and binds together its fine. I would compact as best you can and let dry out , ideally adding some more dry stuff on top , then re screed before laying. regards
Thanks I’m just worried as it’s drying this week and so far weather’s ok…will it affect it if it rains ie back to square one letting it dry out?
I’ll add some dry stuff on top tomorrow fingers crossed weather stays ok
Much appreciated
Hi yes add some dry stuff and remove the wetter areas , good luck.
Why can I not just apply the weed killer to my existing lawn and then tightly mow grass fit weed membrane on top before using type 1
Hi you can if the area isnt soft and has no drainage issues , also its about the finished level requirements ie patio level. regards
Hi. Thanks for the great advice on your site.
My question is. Planning a 8mx4m lawn. I’ve got 2 dogs so want it to drain away quickly. Planning to put down 3 inches of 20 mm clean chipping to help drainage. All wakker plate compressed. Can I put grass directly ontop or will it cause issues. Ie not bind, make crushing noise or not give flat enough surface so it will give ripples in grass. I am concerned that stone dust will not be permeable enough and drain slowly.
Regards
David
Hi there , the chippings will crunch under foot I’m afraid , you can use granite dust on top to bind together. The sub base make up using chippings will be better draining than type one, however, I firmly believe that type one is fine and all the urine smell issues are grass backing based. Avoid a Latex backing at all costs and use PU backed . regards
Hi Gavin,
Great blog, helped give me the confidence to try and install artificial grass myself.
Currently in the compacting sub base/grano phase but cannot get the grass for another week or so.
In the meantime, is the compacted base ok to be left out in the open for the rain to get at it? Or should it be covered up with a tarp?
Cheers, Tony
Hi there would be no harm in covering it, as it will make it easier to rescreed before laying the grass if it was dry. Regards
Hi there.I’ve got my base in at the moment.it’s 25M2.is 1 tonne of granite dust enough for coverage.and I’m also putting an extra weed preventer in,would I put the granite dust on top of aggregate then the weed preventer or weed preventer on aggregate then the granite dust?
Hi I would go for 1 1/2 tonnes of granite on that for approx 15-25 mm coverage. I dont advise either , never put between type one and granno as it does n’t bind and it will cause it to slides across it, we always find putting it on top causes issue when sliding the grass into place , hence why we always put in on the bottom. regards
Didn’t really fully understand your response as wasn’t a clear read on your reply.is it worth the extra weed preventer under the astroturf in the long run
Hi there , it depends if you have had a bad weed problem in the past ,if the answer is yes then double up the membrane on the bottom. regards
So best not to put second layer of weed preventer in at all or put a layer under astroturf ?
Hi one is fine , on the bottom below type one.
Hi Gavin,
Could I have Some advise please. I have laid and compacted my grano, then screeded and compacted again. Is this surface ready for the grass or do I have to do anything else with it? I’ve seen people add more grano loose and screed or “rake back?” the surface before laying the grass. Only ask as I’m now without the compactor. Thanks for any help
Hi there , I would give it a gentle rake to slightly ruffle the surface and loosen before giving it a final screed . regards
Great stuff, thanks for the advice
Thanks for the article. I have mot type in. Need to hire compactor, i have about 55 square meter area. I have no idea how long it will take to compact including grani sand. Should I hire a compactor for a day, 2 or 3 days? Thanks
Hi, unfortunately there is no correct answer to this question. If you dug it all out, then got all the type one in and raked out, we always get it wacked straight away in case it rains. Then obviously the top layer needs to be added and wacked. It all depends on access and bodies available, if we were doing the job we would need it for 2 days, but thats with 3 people and good access. Regards
Hi there,
I am installing artificial grass soon and I have a dog. I have read I should use Granite instead of Type 1 MOT. Do you believe this to be the case?
Thanks,
Jake
Hi there, Ive just written a blog on this , which will be published in the next few days. However, base wise as far as Im concerned the normal make up of type one, topped with granite dust is perfect for dogs. Always make sure the membrane is on the bottom below the aggregates, as this will trap the urine if placed on top. The most important factor is the grass backing, avoid latex and look for a PU coated one. There are several infills on the market too that will aid the absorption of ammonia. regards
Hi there,
Thanks for that. I am going to do the sub base as Type 1 and then the laying course as Granite Dust. The area being covered is roughly 25sqm will 2 tonne of Type 1 and 1 tonne of Granite be sufficient?
Also, having a border fitted so will be getting sharp sand for the haunching. Will 1 tonne be enough?
Jake
Hi ideally 2.5 tonnes of type one or 3 bulk bags and a tonne of granno. You won’t need a a tonne of Sharp sand buy it in 25 kg bags I would say about 10ish bags will do and a couple bags of cement. Regards
Hi,
Thanks for the help so far. Would you suggest using wood or creating a concrete haunching to attach the artificial grass to? We will be making a haunching for the border so would it just make sense to use it for the turf too?
Jake
Hi either or works, we prefer timber with a gap to tuck into. Regards
Hi there mate.
I have to say that this website for hints and tips is brilliant, so thank you.
I currently have decorative stones (small stones) in an area where I plan on laying artificial grass. Would you recommend getting rid of them completely then start to prepare the base for the grass?
Thanks again.
Hi there Brian ,many thanks !
Good question, the questions you need to ask are:-
Are the stone angular or round, if round i.e. gravel they need to come out as they move and don’t bind.
If they are angular are they deep enough i.e. 2-3 inches? If so yes by all means, my advice would be to add ideally granite dust to hold together and screed.
Best regards
Thanks Gavin. The stones are various shapes. Let me get this right, would you recommend add granite dust on top of the stones, compact with a whacker plate then add my type 1 aggregate and then more granite dust before laying my grass on top of that?
Thanks again.
Hi there, if they are angular you can use them as your type one and if you already have 2-3 inches simply add granite to top and fit product. If there isn’t 2-3 inches add type one to make it up and then add granite dust. However if you don’t have room to add on top you will need to take it all out and dig down. Regards
Just found this blog and very helpful.
Help. I was wrongly advised by a male friend that I could just put the grass down on a layer of sand.
I have a small area approx 12 meters square that I am looking to lay the grass over, but it has a layer of slate chippings on.
Can I use a whacker plate and compact this down and incorporate into the sub base or do I have to remove it all.
Hi there, the slate chippings will need completely removing before working on your base. There is no right and wrong way of installing if it is a small area and you are doing it yourself i.e. you could put a layer of sand down onto the soil at a very small cost, however its about how you want that area to look in the future, but you may say saving your self a lot of money on the job would counteract this. However, if you do want it done properly I would advise digging it out to 75-100mm, membrane on the base, timber fixings, type one 50-75 mm and finally 25 mm of granite. This is what I would expect from an installer if you were paying for it being done professionally. Regards
Hi there Gavin
Best site I’ve seen – gives loads of information and advice.
I have a slightly damp area at the bottom of our garden which is approx 24sqm that i am looking to convert into a putting green area for the grandkids – you have provided a great installation guide but can you please let me know how much material (type 1 or 2 & granite) is needed and the best artificial putting grass to buy.
Hi there , firstly it will need properly digging out, I would go down 4-5 inches . I would try and use some broken rubble if possible as the area is damp , membrane and concrete in your fixing timbers , you will need approx 3 1/2 tonnes of type one and tonne of granite . When fitting putting grass the surface has to be perfect as the grass will show every imperfection . There are lots of good golf grasses on the market look to spend approx £30 per sqm for a decent one. regards
Hi Gavin,
Really useful site, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
For our very wet low lying clay garden we are planning to dig down 200mm then 150mm of MOT Type 2 or Crushed Concrete or 20mm Limestone chippings then 50mm of sharp sand on top.
Do you think that would help the drainage? Is MOT Type 2 going to be much worse for drainage than 20mm stone chippings. If we went with granite dust instead of sharp sand would that help. Is 50mm too deep for the top layer?
Many thanks for your help.
Thomas
Hi there, ok 50 mm is too deep for top layer maximum 25mm. The granite dust isn’t used because its a better drainer its used because it binds together much better than sand and creates a rock hard surface to lay on so always use if possible. I would look for bigger stone on the bottom, i.e. more gaps the better as the water can sit in these, try sourcing some 50-70 mm crushed clean stone its perfect for the base layer, then add type 1 as this will bind and hold it together (and fill lumps and bumps) before adding the granite 25 mm topping to get perfectly smooth. Regards
thanks Gavin, really appreciate the advice, regards Thomas
Hi Gavin,
Great site, wish I’d found it a few weeks ago before I started this project!
Please can you answer something for me which I can’t get my head around…
So I understand the important of drainage and the importance of a good Type1 sub-base….
Question – Type1 is not permeable…. so how does it drain???
Hi there, Type one is made up of lots of different size particles down to dust. The idea is the dust keeps the stones in place when compacted creating a hard surface for a sub base which is permeable. However if the area does have drainage issue you may wish for a faster draining stone and look for a larger stone with less dust, type 2 or 3. Last year we used a lot of crushed 30-50 mm stone. Regards
But then putting granite dust on top makes it impermeable again…
Hi no not at all any non bonded , granule aggregate will drain , we simply take the air pockets out by compacting, but water still easily passes through as its dripped through the grass drainage holes , regards
I have come across another problem, so the wife would like a rotary washing like in the new grass. It has come with a metal stake to hold the washing line.
Would you advise putting in as the type 1 goes in and use the vibrator machine to keep in plate or would you concrete it in then add type 1?
Hi there, I would dig the hole and then concrete the metal spike in place when you are doing the top layer, this way you can get the correct final level. Regards
Hi Gavin so just to be clear, get the type 1 down and compacted then as I’m doing the granite dust get a post hole digger and do my hole through the scalps and postcrete it in?
Hi yes, as you need to know the finished level otherwise all the screed will need to shape down to it. Regards
Hey I like the guide it’s very helpful!! Just a question which hopefully you can answer…. so I’m starting my grass this week, so I will dig out and then lay the weed membrane, then type 1, then granite dust etc etc but here’s my question I’ve seen some videos especially from Marshall’s where they put a second weed membrane over the granite dust/grit them put the grass on top. Is this something you would recommend? Any info would be great
Also is cls ok to use to fix the membrane and grass too?
Hi no idea what this is sorry.
Thanks for the reply, cls is untreated timber. Would you recommend using treated timber for the grass to screw to?
Hi there, never use untreated timber as it will rot far quicker. We use a 3/2 treated product to nail into. Regards
Hi can you advise me please. I have laid and whacked the mot and laid the grit sand and whacked that then screeded more grit sand. Before I could lay the grass it rained really heavily and hasn’t stopped since. I have covered the area but I’m struggling to get it to go solid. It takes my weight ok but leaves little indentations on the surface when I walk on it. Do I have to wait for it to dry or will it dry naturally once the grass is on?
Hi there this is very common , dont forget when the grass is laid it will drip the water through so you wont have this huge amount of water descending on it . Simply let the worst of the water soak away , compact again and re-add dry granno before re screeding and fitting. regards
Hi, there is no reason you can’t do this however, the reason we never put the membrane on top (unless it is a slope) is it causes issue with dogs and their urine and also becomes a real issue when trying to fit the grass (lining up joins). Regards
Hi Gavin
I have laid type 1 as a base course then put stone dust on top, I have loose laid my artificial grass to let settle and notice it seems to be wet underfoot (after slight rainfall)
would I need to put a layer of sharp sand/drainage layer in? or have you experienced this in the past?
The grass will be wet as it takes time to drain, also new grass has quite bad surface tension which grips on to the water. As long as the base is firm and not waterlogged it will be fine. A little trick to remove the surface tension, brush in warm soapy water. Regards
The link to your granite dust goes to the b&q website there granite dust in there picture doesn’t look anywhere near as fine as the stuff in your pictures is this the correct product ?
Hi there, the product linked is 0-6 mm which is absolutely fine. We have fitted on 10 mm chippings before. The variation in stone sizes with the really fine dust all helps the product to bind together, which is what makes it ideal for this final layer. Regards
Thanks for the reply Gavin. One other question I have, I read on another site that Mot type 1 offers a greater level of compaction so will give a higher strength base but the downside is that water filters through very slowly, where as 10mm limestone chippings are a better alternative for drainage than Mot type 1 but doesn’t compact so well would you agree with this? Many thanks Nic
Hi there, this is very true. We would only use a cleaner larger stone if there were drainage issue (the less fines there are in the aggregates the more gaps there are between stones to hold water). I have used 10 mm chippings as a top layer before however they do crunch under the grass. Regards
If I am laying 30mm grass how far below the surrounding slabs should I set the timber?
Hi there, we would set the timber 15 mm below the lip. Regards
Hi
if i used granite dust compacted to 25mm thick would that be hard enough to stop my garden furniture
from indenting the grass.Its a large set which will take a lot of weight also the legs taper down and are quite small
at the bottom
thank you
Hi there , this will be fine as long it has 75 mm of type one under it . My advice also would be to have coasters under the legs of the chairs and tables this will spread the weight , regards
Hi, would it be possible to use red granite sand as an alternative to granite dust?
Hi unfortunately I can’t comment as I have never seen this product. The reason granite dust works so well is because it binds together really well creating a firm free draining top surface. There is a link on the website where you can order directly in bulk bags. Regards
Hi Gavin. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an informative guide and also answering questions. We have dug out the installation area, however we had to take out a good 7 inches to find solid ground. I have 4×2″ timbers to fix around the perimeter. How can I do that at the correct height? You have stated that concrete is the best option for securing the timbers, but I’m confused as to how to do that when the ground is a around 3 inches below where the timber needs to sit. Your advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you
Hi there, that’s really not an issue. Membrane the area and then introduce 3-4 inches of type one and compact, then you can concrete in your timber fixings before adding more type one.
Regards
Brilliant, thank you. So we just make a trench in the type 1 to set the timbers in? How long do we need to leave the concrete to set before we can wacker in the next level of type 1? I was planning to hire the wacker plate for a day but I suspect I’ll need it longer as the concrete will take time to set? Thank you so much
Hi there if you fill the area up so you have 4 inches left and wacka the type one you can simply set the 3/2 on ‘pads’ of concrete gently tapping into place using a club hammer until the are exactly how you want them. You can fill the middle up with type one and wacka but stay away from the setting timbers until the next day. regards
Hi Gavin I need your advice again please if you don’t mind. My granite dust arrived today. What I ordered stated dust to 6mm on the product info, and yet what was delivered was dust to 2mm. Will this be ok to use or do I need to have it collected and source it elsewhere? Eagerly awaiting your response…
Hi there, this will be fine. I would dampen it lightly once raked out and then wacker it a few times before screeding. Regards
Hello!
Would a base of 60/70mm granite dust alone work?
Hi there, no this is the top layer not the sub base. You need type one under it!
Hi Gavin, thanks for the reply.
We have a dog so was worried type 1 wouldn’t drain quick enough and have been told grano alone to the depth would we sufficient, is this nonsense?
Had my suspicions but have seen a few installs on grano alone.
Hi there, that is nonsense. The smell actually comes from the grass itself so a simple product like we use to go in the top of the grass is an easy and quick solution. Never skimp on the base 3 inches of type one and 1 inch of granno. Regards
Hi,
So we are just starting works to do our artificial grass installation. Originally the previous owner appears to have added a layer of sand onto the soil before they put weed membrane.
We have dug athat as best as we can but have a cleared ground that is mix of sand and soil. Is it ok to continue with Type 1 MOT, on top of this before sharp sand and then weed membrane.
Thanks
Hi there as long as the ground is firm. We always put the membrane on the top for several reasons then use type one 2-3 inches before adding granite dust , which gives a far superior end product . I would also recommend putting in fixings. regards
Hi Gavin,
I have compacted and screed the Grano to a depth of 25mm 2 days before the grass arrives. We have had 12 hours of torrential rain and puddles are now appearing on top of the Grano. Is this normal due to the amount of rain ? The MOT 1 is compacted underneath at a depth of 75mm
Hi there this is very normal and will drain through, don’t forget when the grass is on the grano it drip feeds water rather than being exposed. You can run over again with the Wacka and rescreed when it drys, or simply leave . Regards
Hi Gavin, I found your website really useful and straight forward. Quick question, I have a drainage issue in our back garden as it can become boggy so how far down would you dig down and would you still use type 1 stone 75mm and 25mm of granite dust?
Hi, there are two methods which can resolve this , I suppose it depends on how bad the drainage is.
1/A French drainage system leading to a soakaway is one method , however it needs to be done correctly and it can be expensive if using an external company or
2/ Dig down a further 50 mm or so and put in a layer of larger clean stone (no small particles to fill the gaps) like a 50-75 mm crushed stone , and put a layer of this over the area (75-100mm) .The gaps in between the stones will act like a holding reservoir for the water before it permeates the substrate. This can be levelled off with a layer of type one , before adding the granite dust. regards
Hi
My garden has a patio, I have taken up a large section of this to replace with an artificial lawn. It seems there is only sharp sand underneath it, no aggregate. I was hoping to put the lawn directly on top of this as I’ve had no issues with drainage or stability of the patio. Do you think this would be acceptable?
Thanks
Matt
Hi It totally depends what you are looking for i.e. this will dip and sink and have the usual issues around the edges, however it is a quick easy solution. Personally I’d put proper groundworks in and have a lawn that looks good for a long period of time. regards
Hi there, thank you for all the information. Really helpful.
Do you know if whin dust can be used instead of granite dust? It is more readily available in the area we live.
Hi Im really sorry I have never heard of it Im afraid , regards
Hi Gavin, many thanks for publishing such an in depth guide. Having come across it while researching artificial grass and seeing how many corners a local installer had cut whilst doing a friends garden, I decided that the only way to get a half decent job done was to attempt it myself. I would be so grateful if you could answer a couple of questions I have.
We have 2 dogs and pretty poor drainage in the garden so I have removed a good 5-6inches and was planning on going the limestone chippings route as suggested. However there doesn’t seem to be anywhere local to me that does anything other than what seems to be purely decorative chippings. Am I right in thinking that as long as the chippings are angular, then they will compact down well enough with a plate compactor?
Also going to lay the geotextile underneath the subbase due to the dogs, does this need to be woven or non woven type?
Many thanks once again
Hi there we use woven, however as long as it is permeable i.e. not plastic sheeting its fine to use. Stonewise it will cost an absolute fortune to do it with decorative stone, yes it is angular and will grip but have a good look round. Builders merchants etc to find Type 1 regards
Thanks for the reply, Our local builders merchants do the type 1 but I was concerned about it not being permeable, B&Q seem to do the limestone chippings at a good price, going to have a look at them when the lockdowns over.
Many thanks once again and I hope you and your team have a speedy return to normal.
Best regards
Hi Gavin,
I was hoping for some help. I am taking up patio stones and laying my base I have the height as I’m raising it all up to match some decking. The problem I have is I’ve just taken a shed down and it’s actually a full concrete base underneath. Am I ok to pack my mot 1 on top of the concrete just for that section of garden?
Thanks
Hi there, yes definitely anything solid is good and if you have the height build it up with type one if you have more than 50 mm to play with above concrete. If you don’t simply use granite dust as the method to raise. I always make sure that the surrounding areas to the base are deeper with type one as the base will hold up more against any movement and you don’t want a defined line appearing as the area around it drops. regards
Really enjoyed reading through your comments Gavin.
We have a dog, so have gone 20mm limestone chippings, laid to 70mm depth and whackered. I am about to order in grano dust to lay 25mm on top.
Concerned about crunching…which you make reference to a lot…any way to avoid this?
Also, I dont know where to get my grano from. I was gonna use B&Q but seen a post above suggesting its not a good product…
Do you have any known good suppliers?
Hi there , the granno will hold the 20 mm chippings in place and reduce/stop the chances of crunching. However this is simply the latex back of the grass against the loose stone , which can be stopped by kiln sanding the grass so it holds it in place. Im sorry I don’t know anywhere nationally for the granite dust we buy ours in 20 t loads . regards
Thanks for the quick reply. Is your grano literally dust or does it have small stone in it i.e. 0-6mm grading?
I am hopeful the latter will be OK much like type 1 can be compacted flat.
Hi there we use 0-6 mm and with a little bit of moisture in it , it will bind together once compacted holding the stone in place. regards
Hi, great read about laying artificial grass I’m just at last stage of laying the grano, when whacker for first time to compact it some where near level , then after screening for last time do you whacker it again or just go with that cheers
Hi there , once it has been whackered a few times until its pretty solid (lightly spray with water to avoid dust) you can simply screed it off , this is the finished surface . We always go around edges before we screed and stamp in granno so there is no chance of sinking around perimeter. regards
Hi Gavin – amazing site. The effort you put in to answer people’s queries is incredible.
My girls’ love of football and trampolining has finally destroyed the lawn and I’ve taken the plunge to replace it with artificial grass!
Can I just run through my plan with you and see if I’ve missed anything?
My garden is 12m long by 7m wide in a No.8 shape (basically 2 circles ~6m x 7m) with a small block bricked perimeter. No drainage issues.
1. Remove turf and around 3-4 inches of soil (assuming I find firm base) and level off roughly.
2. Install weed membrane onto soil using large U pins?
3. Make a channel and install Edjmate perimeter using clips provided (and fix in place (not fully so can be adjusted later) using 6 inch galvanised nails. I decided to use this rather than 3×2 timber because of the shape of the lawn. Is this a mistake?
4. Prepare sub-base – Compact MOT Type 1 aggregate using Wacka plate. Do I build this up in layers – and do I spray lightly with a hose from time to time to help compact (without over-wetting)? Leave overnight.
5. Prepare Granite Dust top – again use compactor and lay in layers using a bit of water spray to reduce dust.
6. Screed the area using long timber.
7. Fully fix Edjmate perimeter into groundworks at the right level. I was thinking about adding a dab or two of concrete underneath to secure it in place?
8. Lay grass out overnight to acclimatise. I’ve got 32mm grass and I was assuming I’d get the backing level with the perimeter paving so the grass slightly protrudes (well 32mm) or would it be better to have it slightly lower so it is completely flush with the surrounding paving?
9. Install grass. Grass is in one 4m x 25 m roll (my God it was heavy – didn’t think about access! Schoolboy error). Was planning to make one cut on the back and cut it into two 4m x 12.5 metre lengths and then run it with the pile facing the house up the middle of the lawn. It’s just one 12 metre join and trimming around the edges. I saw you said you tried to keep joins smaller than this – but thought it might be simpler than laying the grass the other way round with the pile sideways on? Is this OK? Finally glue underside of the grass to the perimeter.
10. Brush in kiln-dried sand.
Grass 1.25 inch (32mm)
Granite Dust 1 inch
MOT Type1 2 inch
Membrane
Depth of Turf/Soil to remove ~ 4 inches
What have I missed? Any advice on my questions would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Laurie
Hi there. Right here we go I don’t know what edjimate is and it seems fiddly and expensive.
Because the area already has a brick edging why don’t you simply either put a 2 inch x 3 inch concrete fillet around leaving it 20 mm below lip, you can cut to edge and stick to this or alternatively use the 3/2 timbers and cut into smaller bits and concrete in again leaing it 20 mm below lip (this is a great finish).
Grass wise you should have treated them as seperate areas if they are bricked off. You should have bought 4×7 and 2×7 twice, easier to move and get in place!
I would only sprinkle type 1 and granno if it is dusty and dry otherwise no need, build up in layers and compact several times. No need to leave overnight if done properly.
I use a 1 1/2 m bit of timber to screed, work around edges first running off your fixing then screed middle in circular motions.
Lay your grass out, cut in joins, dont forget to go in 2-3 seam lines, do not stick until happy!
regards
Super thanks Gavin – I think I’ll go with wood and concrete and bolster them in at the edges as you suggest somewhere on your site. I’ll try and work out if I can cut them the way you suggest as man-handling the roll is hard work. Thanks again for taking the time.
No worries good luck!
Hi Gavin, can you use more than 1 inch of granite dust. We’ve put around 4 inches of mot type 1 but the last bags we had, had large stones in and we’ve ended up having to take up the last load because it wasn’t whakering in properly. We’ve got the granite dust and probably got too much of the stuff but wondered can we take the level up by doing another inch or so if the granite dust? We don’t have a drainage problem we just needed to bring the level of the garden up quite a bit. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks
Hi there, you can get away with it but put it down in layers and compact each time. This removes any changes of sinking. regards
Hi,
Great website very informative.
Can I just ask, I’m in the middle of excavating my garden, from our garden is enclosed by a brick wall, am I right in thinking I need to put my timber frame an easy niche or so inside the existing brick work and concrete into place? I read on be of the comments you advised someone to have the artificial grass overlap the timber slightly then “bolster” down to form a knuckle like finish; I’m a little confused what you mean apologies is probably something simple!
My artificial lawn will be laid on top of type 1 within timber frame (one end will butt up to a new patio) am I better off using pins or nails for fixing and would I use the same technique against the patio as I would the wall? I.e. knuckle finish?
Apologies for the questions, hopefully they make sense and you can help me out!
Many Thanks
Wayne
Hi there, the idea is the timber fixing goes inside the brick wall, set at the level where the grass is to go.
You then leave a gap down the back depending on grass thickness in which the grass will be bolstered and fixed at the end.
regards
Hi
I’m a bit unsure on what to do when it comes to the grano dust? Do you screed it first. Compact it and then wet it allittle so it goes hard?
Hi there it needs compacting several times as you put it down in layers. Once it is nice and firm you may wish to little rake it and then screed it with a board. regards
What would you use to secure the lawn? My grass is laid inside a sleeper frame, galvanized nails or decking screws driven at 45 degree angles?
Thanks for all your advice as without it I would surely make mistake.
Brillant website and i am just about to install my own 8x4m site. my existing lawn is on a slight slope (front to back) and was wondering if i should level it out completely as it will create a small step one end? Or can i just carry on with installation? Left to right is level.
Also instead of timber pegs for securing the 3×2 i will be using galvanised timer fixing pegs, these ok to use?
Would you recommend using sleepers as the edging course or is this a bit overkill? My original idea was to use 3 x 2 as the fixing perimeter and then creating a photo frame around the lawn with either sleepers or wooden fence posts (i know its more cost but seen some pics and it looks nice)
thanks again
Hi the slope is purely down to choice , either run with it or maybe use a retainer like sleepers or simply go with a 4×2 depending on slope and how much you are trying to re-level. We never use pegs of any form as they tend to move, we always concrete the timbers in place.
Sleepers around the edge can be used ,but you still need to put your fixings inside.
regards
Hi Gavin.
I’ve prepared my area of approx. 7m x 4m. I’m edging the entire area with sleepers. Can I fix timber battens onto the entire inside edge for securing my grass, or is it enough just to set posts into concrete?
(How far apart do the posts need to be please? )
Regards
Steve
Hi , when we put in a row of sleepers we simply concrete our timber inside at the correct height once the sleepers have gone off. This allows for a very nice clean finish. Regards
Hi
I’ve been reading all the information you have provided which has been very informative indeed. I will be putting artificial grass down in my back garden the next few days.
I’ve a couple of questions I hope you don’t mind answering. With the 3×2 or 4×2 timbers for the perimeter frame do you concrete these in as well as using wooden pegs or just one or the other. Part of my perimeter will be around a raised decking area so was just wondering if in this area wooden pegs would be best, so I can get nice and close or would use still use concrete?
Also, I have a wooden perimeter fence with wooden 4×4 post on my side of the garden and then the fence panels fix on the opposite side. If I wanted the artificial grass to go all the way to the fence panel how would you normally deal with this? Would you lay the 3×2 in-between the fence post or still lay the 3×2 up to the fence post and simply fill the small 4inch area between the fence post with aggregate and grano dust?
Many Thanks
Hi there, we always concrete in our timbers and don’t get involved with pegs at all. This enables you to get really exact with the position of the timber. We generally set the timber inside the posts and then run a concrete fillet around the post linking up the timbers, however this depends how much the post protrude. regards
Hi
I’ve read and re-read your very helpful blogs and all comments over quite a while and have taken the plunge and are fitting our lawn (quite small only 5mx2m). I ordered MOT type 1 and grano dust for the top. The membrane is down and the mot (not yet compacted) and I’m worried that it looks like it has a lot of fine particles and having read and reread that mot isn’t very permeable because of the fine dust wonder whether I should take this up and put 20mm clippings under first? Wonder if you could let me know if I’m panicing for no reason! I don’t want puddles on the lawn!! Thanks!
Hi, it will drain! Don’t forget when grass is on top it drip feeds water through drainage holes as well as letting the water move along the latex backing, so it is not deluged on the base.
You can add 20mm chippings but these will move and crunch and are not required. Regards
Thanks for your reply -nice to have an expert to put my mind at rest!
No worries at all, regards
Hi. Do you whacker down the granite dust as well?
Hi yes as many times as you can, the idea is to remove as many air gaps as possible as these will fill with water and cause sinking. regards
HI, I have read over the comments and the help you have given people and I wondered if you could give me some advice. We have purchased a 5.6m x 3.5m above ground swimming pool which will contain about 13.5 tones of water.. I wanted to create a base and cover it with artificial grass so during the months the pool is not up we are not left with a big compacted dip in the garden. I was going to dig down and fit some 200 x 100mm timbers around the edge and compact in some type 1 about 40mm and then grano dust on the top again about 40mm. Do you think this will be solid enough to take the weight of the pool or should I look at concrete instead of the compacted grano.
Thank you for any advice given
Hi there, personally I would go deeper. I would look to go down 150 mm, membrane the bottom, timber the edges. I would fill with Type 2 (larger stone) 50-75mm , 50- 75mm Type 1 and no more then 25mm of granno. Regards
Thank you so much for the help and advice, I have been looking around at the cost of grano and it seems to be quite location dependent. I am SW london and my builder merchants are saying to use Limstone Scalpings. I can’t seem to find much online to compare the two. Are they a comparable thing. Thank you once again.
Hi I am afraid I have never used those before so can not comment. The granno has all the perfect properties, i.e. it binds together and is free draining.
Morning Gavin,
Further to my comment/questions a week ago I am ready to order my sub base now and I am trying to figure out how much 20mm limestone to order which will go below the MOT Type 1 (140mm depth in total to fill). But more to my point I am in two minds as to whether to just use 20mm limestone for the whole base? I don’t want the Type 1 to wash away and degrade over time or have the dust fall through the gaps in the limestone. Limestone is more expensive but if it provides a more stable base and helps drainage I will go that route.
Then I’d apply a 10-20mm layer of grano dust for the final layer before grass. Do you think i’d get a lot of crunching with 140mm of limestone? compacted in stages of course followed by 40mm grass.
Thanks bud hopefully you can advise what route I should take!
Hi the Type 1 will be fine if all compacted you will not get any movement.
cheers
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for the tutorials and information. I am on the last section of my garden redesign. This section of the design will have decking around the perimeter. Could you advise how I would install the artificial grass? For example, would I need to install a second perimeter specifically for the artificial grass, or is there some way I could combine the decking frame to be used with the artificial grass?
Hi there I would still personally concrete in 3×2 timbers inside the deck line allowing for a tuck , to give that perfectly clean knuckle finish.
regards
Thanks Gavin. Could i also ask why you recommend concrete for sitting the timbers in and not mortar?
Hi we use concrete always as it is much stronger. regards
Hi Gavin. Thanks for the amazing post and sharing your knowledge. Quality stuff.
I’m mid way through installation and came across your page, I have a couple of questions and can’t find the answers anywhere.
1. How do you ensure type 1 and grano are level? I have currently layed down type 1 and compacted it, using a spirit level tried making it level but seems very hard when working on a 8m by 6m area.
Any tips?
2. Some of the type 1 is big rocks and very little dust so some parts are not compacting. Will the next layer of grano dust infill the gaps or is there another method?
3. I am installing sleepers around the edges. I didn’t install timber below (unfortunately read your post too late), what’s the best way of securing the grass to the edges? Can you puts nails through grass in to the grano dust? Do you need to glue down the centre as well or just the edges?
Hi , when we use the term ‘getting the type one level’ please dont take it literally , we mean start taking dips etc out using it. The levelling ,or getting smooth as not every garden will be spirit level flat is done with the granno once compacted. I would not advise using nails into the base it doesnt actually do anything and you will have all the issues around the side. I would simply concrete you fixings in place inside the sleepers. regards
Hi Gavin,
Firstly, thanks for all the info!
Just need a bit of help on a few points, if you wouldn’t mind:
1/ do I dig the trench deeper than the rest of the base and fill (compact) the bottom of it with Type1 before I lay the wood frame down? also, do I cover the bottom with cement and squish the wood into that? what about the gap on the outside of the frame (between the frame and fence at base level)? do I put some Type1 or granite in there too (leaving enough room to tuck the grass at the end of course)?
2/ the 3×2 timber – do I lay that down as 2 wide and 3 high?
3/ is it fine to use self-adhesive joining tape for joins?
4/ I have a tree that has a couple roots that stretch out a meter or so at ground level. how would you deal with this?
appreciate you taking the time to read this, and look forward to your advice.
thanks
Hi there , no worries.
1/ Yes dig a small gully around the edge which you will fill with your concrete mix. The 3×2 timbers will then be knocked into it using a club hammer 3 inches upward if you can (not always achievable) . Ideally you want the timbers no further than 20-40 mm from fence , there is no need to fill this gap as the grass will get bolstered down here (also there will be concrete pushing up into this gap when you set the timbers).
2/I have never used self adhesive joining tape so can not comment.
3/ You may need to either knock out the roots , or cut the root so a timber can be laid . Alternatively lay timbers to the root and then start again the other side of the root and then fill the gap with concrete mix.
cheers
Thanks for this!
One last thing: do I put the weed membrane down on the soil and into the trenches too, and then put cement and frame on top of the membrane, and then only start to fill the area with Type 1?
Hi no only run the membrane up to the trench as it can weaken timbers.
regards
Hi Gavin, great resource thanks.
I am taking up the soil in my back garden (55sqm) and I am going down a good 150mm due to poor drainage in certain areas. The whole area isn’t bad, just 1 or 2 spots at the bottom of the garden. I am wondering if I separate these 2 areas off into effectively 2 large slightly deeper squares and add 20mm limestone into them, would that be OK? rather than fill all of the 55sqm with 20mm. i would then cover the whole 55sqm in type 1 and compact before the grano. It means the type 1 would be sitting next to the 20mm in some areas as well as on top. Hopefully you see what I mean. Cheers
Hi there , what you are doing is textbook ! Dig the bad areas down lower and add larger stones , maybe even some smashed up hardcore (this creates larger gaps to hold the water as is works its way through into the sub soil). Great work
Wow thanks so much! I have spent months researching. I almost threw in the towel with how much hard work it is but with determination and comments like yours it gives me the push I need to get it finished. As you know, the sweat and back ache now will reflect in the finished product. Cheers for the reply!
Gavin what are your thoughts on self adhesive joining tape appose to the adhesive in a tube? I have not decided how I am going to join my grass yet. I have seen pro’s and con’s for both methods.
Hi there, I will be very honest and say I have never come across the self sticking tape.
I have always used the same methods and products, as I find they have served me so well over the years getting the finish I require every time.
If I ever do add another variant of the same product ie from a new manufacturer, I always give it rigorous testing before using.
regards
Hi Gavin. Great site for a DIY’er. I am just digging up my lawn and will soon be ordering type 1 and granite dust as you recommend. How do I secure the grass to the ground? I have 2 boys that will play a lot of football on the grass. YouTube etc suggest nailing it but to what? Could you nail it to the timber surround? Thanks
Mike
Hi there, we concrete in timber fixings inside the perimeter line, they are usually 3 x 2. Simply wrap the grass over these and bolster down the rear before nailing into the timber. You can also add weight and improve durability by adding kiln sand and brushing into the grass. Regards
We had a retaining wall built and backfilled. We plan to install grass on top of this. We have found that there is some rubbish, roots and timber in amongst the backfill. Is this likely to cause sinkage in the grass? We plan to compact it first. Thanks
Hi there, if it is extremely well compacted and you then put a good 3-4 inches of type 1 on it top of it, it should be ok.
I would try and take out the timber as this will rot quicker. regards
Hi Gavin, excellent site, inevitably more questions though…..
Area I’m doing is only 20 sq metres or so & although I’ve improved drainage with trenches, shingle & perforated slotted solid pipe, the soil over the top is still slow to drain so I’m planning to put 75mm sub base of chippings over the weed barrier followed by 25mm of 2-6mm granite dust.
A few questions for you:
Can’t seem to find granite chippings at sensible price but can get limestone ones. Are they ok instead of granite chippings? Got choice of 10 or 20mm, guess 20mm better for drainage?
The granite dust I’m planning to use is B&Q’s and looks alright to me (almost all <6mm, most 2-3) although an earlier questioner had bad experience I believe.
Thanks in advance & regards Steve
Hi there , your make up sounds ok …as long as the base stone is angular a 20 mm or bigger would be fine. The idea being if the dust element is
removed it allows water to pass through it quicker and there is more holding space for the water. You may wish to enquire about type2 or 3 (less dust larger stones ) however you may struggle due to the small amount you will need.
Granite dust 0-6mm is fine , don’t let it get wet so keep under wraps until you need it .
best regards
Thanks Gavin, that’s reassuring – aggregates arriving today so fingers crossed, cheers Steve
Hello Steve, Wondering if you went with B&q grano dust in the end? I am also looking to buy that bag and would like to know your experience with it. Thanks
Hi after a bit of advice around the substrate as have an area of about 55m2 that is currently a very poor lawn that the dogs have destroyed over the last couple of years.
I want to put down a base but trying to decide exactly what I need to put down. I was going with removing all the old turf and grading the site as it is slightly sloped then putting the 3″ timbers around the outside and back filling with Type 1 at 50mm and 25mm of scalping dust.
After reading your blog about installing the base you mention either using the Type 1 or Granite Chippings at 10mm which would also be a benefit as I have dogs. I was a bit unclear after reading this if you meant to use the two together or one in place of the other.
My question is what am I better to go with, the 50mm of type 1 or a base of granite chippings compacted down with the dust put over the top? If the granite chippings, what size should they be and how thick of a layer since it is being installed over an old lawn.
My other concern is just how much of this stuff I need to move as it seems I will need about 8 tonnes of the Type 1 to back fill that area and then another 2.5-3 tonnes of the dust….. That’s a lot of wheel barrow fulls to get it from the front of the house to the back which is about 25-30m down the drive, through a 1m passage and then down some steps that I will need a ramp built down them.
Would appreciate your advice on which method would provide the most stable base and best drainage for the dogs using the area and would prefer that it doesn’t stat smelling as all the urine has soaked in and gets trapped in the Type 1.
The land does seem to drain very well and it never floods or stays very wet.
Thanks
Hi there, I would simply use type 1 50-75 mm and then top of with granite dust 0-5 mm. The chippings are ok but they tend to crunch under foot but are much more freely draining, since you don’t have an issue with that stick to type 1.
regards
Hi Gavin just reading about timbers round perimeter of garden, I’ve got concrete gravel boards around perimeter so what would be right way for me to do it?
Many thanks.
Hi there simply concrete the timbers inside the line of the gravel boards , allowing for a small gap to tuck your grass (15-20mm).regards
Hi I have a very wet area of clay I want to put artificial grass over can you give me some tips for the main base please
Hi there sure, firstly address the drainage issue i.e. if it really is very wet I would suggest getting a french drain installed by experts as there is no point trying to cover up poor drainage as it will always win. If you don’t think it is that bad, you may wish to go down the 3 tier system we have been using …. dig out to 6 inches, membrane and then add a layer of crushed stone 50-70 mm is fine as this has larger gaps in between so acts as a holding area for the water before it permeates the clay. This can then be topped off with type one and then granite dust. Regards
hello Gavin
we are about to undertake the laying of our artificial grass which we allready have, and we are very pleased with the quality. so here is where we need the help, we allready have the sides in place two sides are raised flower beds, one side is a decking step which leads on to a decking area,and the fourth side is the patio edge. we have a concrete path running down the middle which we want to cover with the grass we don’t want a path. on iether side of the path are the two large areas that are covered in gravel these too we want to cover with the grass. we don’t want to break the path up ,my dad put it in back in the early 80s and we know for a fact it is at least 6inches deep, this for us is going to be too much hard work we are both in our early 60s. also we don’t want to remove the gravel its been down now for 20 years and the ground underneath is very firm. so we was wondering could we just wacker the gravel to same height as path, or should we pull some of the gravel over the path, but could this lead to movement uder that particular area and then lead to problems. also because we have gravel can we just use grano dust to top the whole lot of and then wacker down. and can the grano dust go if need be straight on top of the concrete path. i hope this all makes sense my husband can’t use a computor so i have tried to exsplaine as best i can.
many thanks
Hi there , no sorry you can not use the gravel as it is round and will not bind together. You will need to remove as much of the gravel as possible and replace with Type 1. Ideally if you can raise the area above path as you find this will sink off the edges and the path will become noticeable through the grass over time.
So as much Type 1 as possible and then top it off with granite dust to create the perfect top layer to fit on.
regards
If my sub-frame is too low (requires more than 2 inches of type 1 and 1 inch of granite dust) to bring it level – can I use decorative stones that I have got at the bottom and then compact the type 1 on top of that to save on having to order loads of type 1?
Hi there decorative stone is fine to use underneath the type 1 as long as its angular and not round like gravel , as this moves about as the stones do not lock into each other.
regards
Hi
We are about to lay artificial grass. We have cleared and excavated the area, fixed a timber perimeter and laid the weed membrane. In order to keep costs down we were considering putting down the paving slabs within the type 1 – leaving spaces between the slabs for drainage and then filling the gaps with mot type 1 and a layer of type 1 on top, before compacting and adding granite dust on top. Would there be any issues with doing this? It is a family garden with swing and trampoline. Many thanks
Hi there is nothing wrong with smashing up some old slabs underneath (make sure they are properly broken up) and then add the type 1 on top, however bare in mind if you are having a large trampoline etc on top you may wish to add more type 1 than usual as this is what gives the solidity to the base.
regards
Hi Gavin
I have really bad clay garden the rain water never drains away so i know this needs to be taken away to storm drain etc.
I have been reading about different drainage materials and wanted your thoughts on swapping out typical mot type 1 base for graded washed gravel for better drainage
So i was thinking of laying almost a herringbone style pattern of fabric covered perforated pipes in washed 4/20 graded driveway gravel wacked down inside my timber frame at a depth of 6ish inches almost creating a type of massive french drain on top of weed barrier, then finish 1 inch of grano dust or sand whatever is more permeable in your opinion and screed to height of frame ready for the artificial grass
the perforated pipe underneath the artificial grass area will then go to a silt trap and then to solid pipe to storm drain
What i don’t wan to happen is that i put down mot type 1 base and water can’t get through it to the perforated pipe and my artificial grass is sitting in a bog of water as the rain water wont drain away – i know above may seem overkill but with the clay soil and being at a bottom of a hill catching everyones water I’m a bit lost as to the correct route to take
Any advice would be great….many thanks elliot
Hi there I would consider looking at a bigger stone and dropping it down more ie 12-18 inches and filling it up with type 2 or 3 . Then when you get higher up , either go type 1 and granno or even consider using just 10 mm granite chips . The gaps lower down will allow storage areas for the water before it can escape and the 10 mm chippings will allow it to be always free-draining. On fitting the grass if you go down the chippings route , always heavily top dress the grass with kiln sand as this will stop any crunching under feet.
Good luck.
Hi,
We have followed your guides, thank you very much. We are at the stage of compacting down the granite dust. However we are struggling to get it firm up, we bought the granite dust from B&Q and are worried its not the correct material. While it impacted down ok initially, we run through another time today (in the rain) and it doesnt seem to create a firm base as in the stones are loose. Maybe the rain has washed any dust away from it leaving just loads of stones. But i cant see how it will adhere to one another if there just stones…
If we walk on it, our foot prints distrub the stones slightly or if we kneel down etc..
When your guide said the good thing about granite dust is that it firms up alot, thats whats got us wondering if its the correct stuff. This is what we have https://www.diy.com/departments/tarmac-grano-6mm-dust-790kg/165422_BQ.prd
I presume granite dust is mainly dusty stones (6mm). Any tips to getting the layer to be firmer, maybe adding some kiln sand with it? We have a dog so urine odour is a concern.
Thanks
Adrian
Hi there that’s not dust you have bought , we use 0-5 mm and it binds together a treat . The 6mm will work and will be extremely free draining but you may need to work on it slightly differently to get the desired effect . Try using an upturned rake on it to get it smooth and be careful walking on it till the grass is laid. Once you have fitted the grass, sand it with kiln sand quite heavily, as this will stop any crunching under foot ,as the weight of the sanded grass holds the stone together. regards
Hi Gavin, thanks for taking the time to reply.
Gutted this is the wrong product when they sell it as grano dust, didn’t think there were different types. We poured in some stone dust for patios (permeable) in the end and its binded it together okay so far as no binding was going on at all after a big rainy day. I may fix the issue next year if the stones don’t hold firm and put some proper granite dust down.
We do definitely have some crunching at the moment which is very annoying, I have a dog so worried using klin sand heavily will hold onto urine, is there an alternative sand we can use that you know off? or do you know if klin sand is ok with dog urine as one reason we went with granite dust was to prevent urine odours.
Maybe we can use the sand on top of the granite dust if it’s ok for dog wee.
Thanks so much
Hi there, the kiln sand is fine on top but you may wish to add a dog urine sand to hold on to the ammonia in the urine. The kiln on top weighs the grass down and stops the crunching, so there is no point in putting it underneath.
cheers
Hi Gavin?
Just wondering if you can help. My husband and myself are laying astroturf in our back garden. My husband has measured a border within the area of 30mm (the height of astroturf). We have Indian slabs around the outer area. He has put down weed underlay to prevent weeds coming through.He has then made a mix of 6 buckets of granite dust, 1 x cement, 1 x sand and laid it on the area and tapered the section for the sub base. We have a drain in the garden in that section where we are putting the astro turf down and my husband has dropped it so that it is level with the rest of the garden. We have also ordered a 10mm astrocushion underlay to go under the astro turf but i am worried about the drainage with adding cement to the sub base and also we have folds in the astro as its not lying flat. What would you suggest.
Thank you.
Hi there , ok firstly never add cement to your aggregates as you are effectively creating concrete and a non permeable base, which will hold the water. Secondly you do not require any form of cushion if you put in a correct base. I would send them back to the supplier and get your money back and then get the base prepared to our spec on our install page as you will have nothing but issues going forward.
regards
Hi Gavin,
We’re looking to install some artificial grass in a 12m2 garden, it has a perimeter of brick around 3 of the 4 sides, it is slabbed on the 4th side. I know you recommend doing a timber perimeter, would this still be the case if the 3 perimeters have got concrete at a depth of 7cm below the surface and there is brick around 3/4 of it (there is a manhole that meets the slabbed side of the perimeter and grass). Is the timber used just to nail into and create a ‘box’ for the materials? Would we still need to timber all of the sides and just find a thinner piece, so 3x3in so it’ll fit on top of the concrete edging? I know companies just hammer in galvanized nails into the grass through the weed membrane and into the granite dust, so not sure which option to choose. I hope that all makes sense. Thanks!
Hi there the timber fixings serve a few purposes
1/ they stop the grass pulling away from the edge over time (nails don’t do this)
2/ they will prevent worm casts pushing up the edges and causing issues.
3/ it stops pressure on fence panels caused by compacted aggregates.
4/If you leave a small gap down the rear it enables a tuck which leave a fantastic knuckle finish.
regards
Great site.. such a useful resource!
I have a question regarding underlay.
I would like to give my artificial turf a bit more bounce, to make it feel nicer underfoot.
Can I install standard cheap, laminate, underlay to achieve this? or do I need specialist artificial grass underlay?
Fyi, I will be installing on top of granite dust.
Thanks Rob
Hi no definitely not you need a specific free draining under lay . I use a product called x matting which is available online , alternatively you can use shockpadding , however Im not a fan as this for under climbing frames but is commonly misused to make money out of people. regards
Hi Gavin,
I’d like to install artificial grass for under a climbing frame. Would you recommend using the x matting on top of the granite layer or is it possible to use a combination… I’m thinking that there are 2 likely fall points from my frame around the ladders… but i’m not sure how I would use the matting in some areas surrounded by the granite.
I also need to anchor the frame, at what point would you drive the anchors in?
Thanks for your help
Hi there, on this occasion x matting is not sufficient, you should use 25mm shock padding. This is exactly what it has been designed for, critical falls.
I usually dig out a little deeper 4-5 inches, membrane, Type 1 within our timber fixings, concrete in any anchors needed before fitting the shock padding.
I would suggest doing the whole area under the climbing frame, we usually keep these in place using concrete around the perimeter before adding the granno as usual up to the edge of the padding.
regards
Hi Gavin
My existing ground conditions were pretty good and also dry when I dug down so i laid my weed membrane and sharp sand on top and whacker plated down. I am just waiting for the grass to come so I can install that over the sand however I am now worried that the grass might move with the sand. Would it be worth putting some cement on top of the sharp sand to bind it together to give it some extra strength? I was advised by the grass company that it is fine to just lay on top of sharp sand but I am just looking for a second opinion
Hi , sorry this is a very lazy method of install and how we were fitting 15 years ago . The companies are only interested in selling their product as quickly as possible. What you have to remember it has been very dry and warm and all gardens are rock hard , however you need to imagine what that garden will be like after 4 weeks rain .
We would never recommend this method as the grass appearance will deteriorate very quickly as the base moves. My honest opinion , dig it up and start again , a type 1 sub base on top of your membrane , topped off with granite dust . If you really want to do it correctly concrete in timber fixings.
regards
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for the indepth guides. We are following them and have installed a weed membrane but we have found that water seems to pool on the membrane. Lifting it up, the ground is barely wet but then by lifting it slightly it seems to drain.
Not sure if it was our installation that done this, it was slack on the floor. its like the floor was plugging it, if its over a bucket, it drains quite quickly.
After some research it seems we need a geotextile non woven type, is this correct?
Cheers, Samantha
Hi Gavin, Thank heavens for your website! If the counties you cover included our address we would definitely have used your services. I am so concerned with the ‘finished’ sub-base my local installer has completed. I relayed my wishes and passed all of your instructions for preparation and laying grass to our installer who at every stage sees fit to ignore them (we have two lively dogs and asked for mot and granite dust as a sub-base and had to stop them from using the sharp sand that appeared on our drive!) That sorted, and granite dust ordered, they used Mot and whacked it and then applied the granite dust. (There are other concerns and issues I have with edgings they have done as they have gone their own way with it but for the sake of this being urgent I won’t cover them here right now.) Today they laid the grass out in their widths and the first width they installed glued and pinned to edge. The other two widths are laid freely waiting to be fitted. Here is my concern. When I walked on the fitted grass I could feel that the ground was uneven in parts and has gravelly lumps. I then pulled back the other widths waiting to be laid and discovered that the granite dust was, in the great majority of the base still loose and uneven to the extent you can dig your hands in. The binding process has not been done in my opinion. I called the installer who came over tonight and said that it ‘had been done to the book’ and there was nothing wrong with it all being loose. He went on to say that the grass would bed in with the granite and be flat. He wants to come back and install the remaining two pieces without any further process. Could you tell me if I should let him continue or what I should do next. I will be so grateful for your input. I shall send a video of what I describe to your email.
Hi there I have watched your video a few times , the base looks pretty good. I don’t understand the hard areas but as long as they are at the same levels of the rest and the granite is wackered down and wont move I don’t see this as a major issue. The granno does bind together but remember it needs to be free draining so if it was solid all over like concrete the water wouldn’t be able to get through . If its uneven it needs to be pulled back recompacted and then re screeded -better to do it now than leave it till grass is fitted then nothing can be done. regards
Hi again Gavin, thank you so much for your super quick response!
Hello!
I have just bought some artificial grass and weed membrane.
My garden is currently stones. (about 2-4cm size stones) and has been like this for 10 yrs.
Under the stones is a weed membrane which has done a pretty good job. I’ve ripped some of the membrane to see under it and it looks like just soil – no sub base.
It’s all pretty flat overall. I have a dog btw.
So I was thinking of raking the stones to one side (for some sort of side border), laying new membrane, then granite sand then the grass? Or granite sand then membrane?
OR leaving the stones there, put down granite sand to fill in the gaps, then membrane, then the grass? In amongst the stones are 10 years worth of leaf dust and sow sticks which I’ll try to pull out.
I can’t afford to get all the stones removed. And I can’t be bothered to dig and start from scratch.
What do you think I can get away with ?
Thank you!
Hi well it hasn’t moved in ten years and if it has would of done it already , I would simply top of with granite dust and compact, before fitting the grass.
Regards
Hi mate. Do I Wacker plate the soil before type 1 goes on top?
Hi , no there is no need if you have dug down to find a solid substrate . If the area is still soft more will need to come out. regards
Fantastic, helpful site. Thanks Gavin.
Laying lawn in my Mum’s backyard, 4.6m x 4m. Old patio concrete slabs are there at present.
Also need to work round the drain from the kitchen.
So… timber round the edges (and the drain?) then 2 jumbo bags of MOT type 1 and 2 jumbo bags of granite dust. That gonna do it?
Many thanks
Jon
Hi I would have a good look under the slabs prior to ordering any aggregates as it may be a rock solid mortar base and this simply would be used as the sub-base.
Always put a timber fixing around and around the drain , then you can use granite dust to level off.
regards
Hi Gavin. I am just in the process of laying the membrane and have put the mot aggregate on top .l am going to whack it in at the weekend. When I have done that does the granite dust have to be done as well . Will I need to put sand on top of the granite. If so what type .thanks
Hi no the granite dust is better replacement for the sand and it can played around with when compacted to create a free draining rock hard smooth top layer to fit the grass on.
regards
Hi I am struggling to level out my type 1 sub base – any tips?
does it need to be 100% flat – will the sand/granite dust help level it out (but this will be different depths after screening and compacting)
Hi no worries , that is what the ‘fines’ are for on top . Do your best with the type 1 but the granite dust will get the precise flat finish you need.
regards
ah great thanks – i will be using sharp sand so hopefully that will do the same job
thanks for reply and thanks for the website
sorry 1 more thing – how thick can/would you lay 1-sharp sand 2-granite dust?
thanks
Hi no more than 25 mm . Just use it to get it flat.
regards
Hi,
Fantastic blog, much more concise than I have found many others.
I have a funny site, it is brownfield (former factory) with decorative stone/pebbles over a weed membrane. We have removed the majority of the stones but ground beneath seem similar but mixed with soil but quite uneven due to old tree roots etc, however it is very firm.
Would you advise excavating everything in the hope there is a natural substrate? Or use the existing firm ground as your base and add the aggregate to level it out?
Also we have excavated significantly so it is already 6 inches below the level we would ideally like the grass. As you advise using 2×3 batons within a concrete base how do you advise getting them up to the required level. Do you build upto the level using aggregate then dig a trench into that when you are 3 inches off the desired level?
Thanks In Advance
Hi if you are already 6 inches below level and the ground is solid it will be fine to start filling up with type 1 on top of the membrane.
When halfway up simply compact and then concrete in your 3 x 2 timbers , then continue to fill.
regards
Great -Thanks for the speedy reply
Hello there Looking for a bit of advice if possible? I am laying some artificial grass in a small back garden 20m2.
I have ordered Hardcore Crusher Run aggregate. Is this correct? The place I’ve ordered it from don’t do Aggregate type 1.
When do I put the membrane down? Does it go between the granite dust and grass?
Finally, can I bring the grass right up to the garage wall or will I have to put timber edging down along the wall first?
Many thanks!
Hi there this will be recycled concrete , its ok but sometimes is a bit dusty where as the type 1 is a mixture of stones to dust and binds better , its freely available .
The membrane always on the bottom below type 1 .
regards
That’s great thanks Gavin. Unfortunately 4tons of the crusher run already arrived yesterday so I’ll have to go with that.
Can I ask what the reasoning is as to why you put membrane underneath the aggregate rather than directly under the grass, as other websites suggest.
Also, should I put a timber perimeter against garage wall or can I bring grass directly up to the wall itself?
Thanks for your advice, it’s greatly appreciated
Ignore my above comment, have found my answers in others questions below Many thanks again!
Hi put the timbers all the way round as it will stop the grass from pulling away from the side as the ground moves under the base and also prevent worms pushing the sides up.
The membrane always goes underneath for many reasons , firstly it stops worms dragging the fines in the aggregates down into the soil causing dipping, secondly it doesn’t trap the urine of dogs thirdly it doesn’t ruck up when dragging the grass across when lining up joins and getting it into position.
regards
Thanks so much for your very informative response, your advice is invaluable and very much appreciated! How much Kiln sand will I need for the top of the grass? It’s 20sqm.
Thanks again!
Hi you could simply use one bag if there is no real issues with puffing or its not needed for weighing down , however the grass will swallow up a lot more than that if needed .
regards
Hi, thanks for posting such an informative blog. I’ve just started my own DIY artificial lawn project and am at a bit of a cross roads.
Our lawn was previously covered in a mix of decking and a few inches of concrete. We had this all taken up a year ago leaving just some very firm and fairly rocky soil. Unfortunately I allowed weeds to take hold over the year and it became a jungle! Anyway, I’ve now removed all of the weeds and am again left with the solid/rocky soil.
I have begun the back breaking task of excavating with a shovel. I’ve done about 4 sqm to a depth of approximately 70mm but the total area is 24 sqm and I’ve been shocked by the amount of space the excavated soil has taken so far. I am now looking in to hiring a skip but have also had the alternative the idea of putting the soil back and building upwards instead of excavating down. Considering the solid nature of the existing ground, would there be any problems with just installing the edging and building upwards to a finished height of about 50mm? Or should this always be built downwards?
Hi, ask yourself why dig down and pay for a lot of soil to be removed if it is possible to raise up. The answer will be in the garden and the surrounding areas of the area you want grassed.
I.e. are there any defining levels, patio, steps etc? Or are there air bricks along the house line?….If none of these are present and defining your finished level then fill it up with type 1 and raise away.
regards
Thanks! i’ll be raising it up then!
Great site and some fantastic advice, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. If granite dust has been whacked and then screeded level, is it then a good idea to soak it all to bind it together or should it be wetted down and whacked again ?
Hi many thanks, we keep our granno under tarps as we don’t want it getting too dry or wet as it turns to slop. I suggest once its raked out, to give it a light dampening with the hose just to keep the dust from annoying the neighbours and it will help it bind if its very dry. Do not over water it as it becomes difficult to screed.
regards
Hi, I am laying grass onto tarmac which is sound. it has a slope so water naturally runs to the bottom. I have also broken up the tarmac in areas to allow water to drain. I am about to lay grano dust and membrane first to about 1 inch. Is this best or deep enough before I lay the grass?
Hi I personally wouldn’t use a membrane as I find this will stop the granno binding with the tarmac and will slide on it. Also you need to consider the perimeter as the granno will get washed through over time causing dipping .Regards
Hi,
There are sleepers around the perimeter housing flower beds plus one wall of the house along one edge.
Are you saying that the grano dust will wash through the tarmac eventually thus reducing the height or becoming lumpy? Is it worth mixing it with sand for example?
Hi hopefully the surrounding wall/sleepers will prevent this happening , adding sand will make no difference . If you can access under it , you can always top up if you do have any issues.
regards
Hi Gavin,
I have been reading your blog as I am in the process of laying some artificial grass at home. It being layed over old uneven slabs so I knew I needed to install a wooden perimeter and thought I would level the garden off while I was at it as it is quite small. When discussing the job with a friend who is a brickie he said not to lay sharp sand on my ground for the grass but to use builders sand (wet sand) as it will be better. Being a bit of a diy novice I took his advice and have laid and compacted 4 tonnes of builders sand (which hasn’t brought me to the height I need) and am now wondering have I made a big mistake and my my drainage not work through this.
I could still do with laying another layer of around 10-15mm to bring the level of the base to where it needs to be so could that maybe save me if I lay granite of limestone dust now?
Hi building sand is not a good idea !! If you build the rest up by using granite dust it will bind together and create a solid free-draining surface to fit your product on. regards
Hi Gavin, Thanks for this very helpful website. I’m a little unsure about the quantity of hardcore needed. I have an area of 90m2, and if I used your theory of 1 ton per 7m2 I would need 13 bags. However using the paving expert calculator for hardcore it comes out to be 9tonnes needed. Can you advise?
Hi there 1 bulk bag is approximately 0.7 of a tonne, if you go by 1 loose tonne per 10 sqm for your type 1 that’s should work for approx. 3 inches. I always advise under ordering by a tonne and then you can top up as there is nothing worse than to end a job with spare that needs to be moved somewhere!
Hi Gavin. I have one question about using two weed membranes because some recommend to use two membrane. I already wacker plate the sub base of MOT and I am thinking if is ok to put one weed membrane on top of sub base then the granite stone and then one more layer of weed membrane?
Thanks
RemuI
Hi there this is not a good idea. The membrane goes on the bottom always, unless it’s on a steep slope. This will stop worms dragging the aggregates into the soil. The other reason it goes on the bottom as it allows the aggregates to bind into each other i.e. if you put it inbetween the type 1 and the granno they will not bind together and it will move and slide when you try and screed the to layer. I never put on the top as its a real problem when dragging the grass in to position.
Regards
Thank you Gavin
One more thing please. If I put the both membranes on top of granno dust is ok? I already bought them and I want to use them. One is thick and the other very thin.
Thanks
Remus
Hi you can do but you will find it will cause issues with the grass if it rucks up on fitting.
regards
You state the membrane goes on top of the aggregate and granite at the opening introduction, however your replies all state that you put the membrane down before the aggregate and granite?
Hi some of the content is over 10 years old I will get it changed. Always on the bottom unless its a steepish slope.
regards
sorry another question do you double membrane or just lay one membrane?
One layer on the bottom always.
Regards
hi Gavin i am absolutely flummoxed now i thought a bit of flattening the soil sand then grass on top it seems a lot more complicated now and very expensive i calculated 3 bulk bags of sub base 2 bags of granite dust (which i cant seem to find in East london) 6×4 metre patch of grass and i have to baton around with wood . do you always have to baton around the perimeters ???? but thanks for the knowledge from your self not sure ill be able to do it now but very good information given
Hi yes we concrete in 3 x 2 timbers . Unfortunately if you want something done it does cost a fair bit but is worth it in the long run.
Regards
Hello again, I have followed your excellent web site and it is all going well so far. I am up up to the stage where I am installing the top layer of granite dust. Can I ask please do you whacker this later down as well? Is the grano ok to use the whacker plate on, would you advise this ? In your directions it says you compact it down and I presume this is as well as screeding the area also.
And lastly can I just ask when I got the grass – how far in do you advise I should tuck the grass over the 4×2 timbers ? It will sit flush up to my decking on on one side and the patio on the other. I left a 20mm gap like you said for a 32mm pile grass. And how far apart should your nails/screws be when securing the grass to the timbers?
Kind regards
Hi yes please wacka the granite dust so it is extremely compacted before screeding it off to create a smooth surface . Use a bolster chisel to get the grass down the rear of the timbers and then simply use small nails to hold into place and to remove any puffing every 12 inches or so. regards
Hi, fantastic article thank you.
Looking to put down artificial grass on our slightly sloped garden for the kids to play on. The soil is clay and at the moment doesn’t drain well at all, it’s gets very waterlogged and boggy. Would you consider a land drain along the bottom of the slope? Thanks
Hi I would advise digging maybe a 12 inch deep trench along the bottom and filling it up with broken rubble . Make sure you use timber fixings around perimeter that are heavily concreted in at the top to hold the grass in place and then infill with type 1 before preparing the top layer for the grass to be fitted.
regards
Hi Gavin, great post which I’ve arrived at late in the day. I’ve already prepared my base using several centimetres of type one and a decent layer of sharp sand, which I’ve compacted and screeded. It remains a little bumpy though. Is it worth putting a thin layer of granite dust on top of the sharp sand? If so, how much will I need for 40 square metres? Thanks.
Hi there granite dust does mix quite well with sharp sand and helps to bind it . The amount totally depends on the depth you have to play with ie. where it meets a patio etc .If you are not limited by levels why not stick couple of tonnes on top and really get it flat.
regards
Great. Thank you. I wish I’d got here earlier as I was also planning to put the membrane directly under the grass. How about I put the membrane on top of the sharp sand then put a layer of granite dust on top of that prior to laying the grass. Thanks again and good luck to West Ham next season!!
Hi, quick question: I have a small area (16sqm) that i am going to lay artificial grass on. Doesnt have any drainage problems, so would i be ok just removing the turf, packing it down, covering with weed membrane then going straight onto that with sharp sand? If so, how deep a layer of sharp sand (i cant get granite dust local to me)? Thanks
Hi , if you are doing this yourselves and are not to concerned about the long term this is absolutely fine. I don’t have an issue with this kind of quick install if you are doing it cheaply on your own for a small area . However it does make me angry when installers install this way charging £1000 s for their services as it isn’t a long term solution.
regards
Hi gavin,
Thanks for the reply. So if im going sharp sand only, how deep a layer?
Also, if this method is more of a short term solution, am i going to get 5 or 10 years out of it?
What is the drawback of me doing it this way?
Sam
Hi the draw back is the grass will not always look its best and if you are spending a lot of money on the grass I would want it looking as good as possible. The grass will last indefinitely but it will simply mirror whats underneath .
Hello, can you please advise me on the concreting in of the perimeter timbers stage. How deep and wide do you dig your trenches ? I am going down 4 inch for the area first (using 3 inch MOT type 1 and 1 inch granite dust on top layer) so when I dig the trenches il be using 4×1 treated timbers. I would like to know what you advise for how much concrete depth the timber should be set on to be sufficient. And how wide the trenches need to be either side of the timbers. Also … to save work/time is it ok to patch the concrete… say do a metre trench then leave a metre and do another metre etc? Or in feet.
Great web site too.
Kind regards
Hi there , I wouldn’t use 4 x 1 , we use 3 x2 as there is less chance of bending and warping . Simply have a small channel around perimeter and drop the timber in 3 inches up on to 3 or 4 dobs of mix then simply tap into place using a club hammer . If there is a drop away the other side fill the trench with mix so no base can escape.
cheers
Hi, would sharp sand be better than granite dust if you don’t want the surface to be too hard? The area will mainly be used as a kids play area. Also there are sections of the garden by the fence where the concrete foundations extend outward at ground level, would you recommend covering this with an inch of sand or maybe some shock pads just for the concrete areas to provide a little extra cushioning for those areas?
Hi the reason we use granite dust is because we want a solid base , don’t forget the grass gives the cushioning , sharp sand doesn’t bind together and has too much give in so is not suitable as far as we are concerned as over time it will move and dip. Shock pads have to be built into the base and I don’t believe are necessary , simply raise the area and use the fines on the surface layer to cover the concrete.
Thanks Gavin. Haven’t been able to source any granite dust from the local quarries. They did have limestone dust though, which to you think would be the better option between limestone dust and sharp sand? Or is there any other alternative to granite dust that is better than these two?
Regards
Hi there I haven’t used limestone dust so cant comment . If you cant get granite dust I would take the type 1 as high as poss (not above level though) and use sharp to screed it off , it may be worth getting some of limestone dust to help bind it.
regards
Hi Gavin, firstly to say you have here an excellent blog, first rate. Glad I found it.
Similar question of course to some but slightly different.
I’m wanting to lay good quality artificial grass on a concrete drive in sections to make it blend in with a raised lawn either side. The raised lawn is bounded by oak sleepers which already sit on the the edges of the drive giving the artifcal grass one sold edge.
For the other edge I’m planning on using aluminium profiles usual used with resin bound drives screwed into the concrete. The profile rec’d for driveways is 18mm in depth. The profiles have some flex so can be bent into piano lid type shapes etc.
So my question is I’m assuming that I can’t use type 1 aggregate as no useable depth and have a solid concrete base anyway. So I should just apply granite dust or equivalent (not shape sand) in the shaped areas between the oak sleepers and profiles for the grass to sit on? The area is not large, max 3 to 4 shapes of around total 10-15 sq m.
I guess I could lay the grass with appropriate AG adhesives straight onto the concrete as the grass gives enough cushioning going across from one oak sleepers edge to the other, but then I could not use the aluminium profiles for the other shaped edged areas as would be exposed.
So is it ok to use the Granite dust alone as the base, with the concrete underneath?
The rain already drains down to a soak away.
Many thanks.
Hi there effectively you wish to use the existing concrete with the natural surroundings . I would advise dropping the grass area down 4 inches and then membrane , put in your fixings and fill up with type 1 , then top with granite dust. The reason this should be done is they will move and drop off over time if you do not put in something as substantial as the concrete running along side it . You can stick the grass to the concrete but can also add granite dust on top of these and grade it into the new raised groundworks , as long as you leave a clean strip where you wish to stick.
regards
Hi, great article. Very clear instructions. I was wondering if you had any advice for me… the area we plan to lay the grass over is a mixture of concrete and previous lawn area. I’m a little nervous about how high to take the type 1 in relation to the concrete slabs to allow a layer of sand to level out the whole area. Also is this the way you would do it!? We cannot take some of the concrete up as it goes under the fence to the neighbors property. Do I need anything on the concrete against the fence? Hope this question made sense!! Thank you
Hi there many thanks. When working a solid area , that will never move and a soft area which will move over time I always like to dig out a little bit more , say4-5 inches this will reduce the risk of this area dropping over time.
If the slabs are not in good condition these can be lifted and if there is a good hard mortar base underneath you can use this as your sub base , if they are pretty flat you can maybe lightly cover a layer of granite dust (or sand if you cant get this) over the whole area till level. The concrete under fence totally depends on the level of this , if you have to raise the area , so be it as long as any airbricks or drains are taken into consideration and blocked around. regards
Hi Gavin
Is granite grit the same as granite dust. My local supplier offers 1-4mm granite grit at £77 a bag (850) delivered. Is this OK.
Hi there yes that’s it.
regards
For the timber perimeter should the height be exactly level with the surrounding path?
I was also considering putting some shock-absorbent material just under the grass, in which case should I have timber perimeter just below this so that when the shock-absorbent material is added it, it will be level with the path?
Hi so work on the existing aggregates as suggested in your other post , concrete in your perimeter fixing timbers leaving them slightly shy of the path depending on your grass depth , I generally like to have approx. 15 mm above the line of path so if its a 35 mm grass set the timbers 20mm below the path.
If you are going to use shock pads , I personally see no point at all unless its a play area with swings and climbing frames as see these as complete waste of time and money . But you can use them rather than your fines top layer bringing them in completely level with your timbers , then lay the grass over them all and fix to timbers.
Thanks for the advice,
Main reason I was considering the shockpads is we have a 3 year old but we probably won’t be putting a swing in so it probably isn’t necessary.
Just on the gap for the lip, does it need to be a 25 mm gap? Would a tighter gap just wide enough to tuck the grass around be enough or is the reason you want a bigger gap is to make the concrete base of your timber perimeter more secure?
Hi the gap totally depends on which grass you are buying , so I would set the timber 25 mm below the lip and approx. 20 mm from side if I was using a thicker grass , this can vary depending on grass depth.
regards
I have a small back garden which is already covered in a couple inches of small stones/aggregate (it was probably put down 10-15 years ago by previous owners). Anyway there are weeds growing through it and it is a bit muddy. Could I reuse this aggregate after I remove the weeds or will I need clean aggregate? If using the existing aggegate would it be better to put the membrane above the aggregate rather than below as would there be a chance weeds could regrow in the hardcore if its not clean and the membrane is below the aggregate?
Hi if they are solid and not round stones like gravel etc I would simply sterilise the area of weeds using a weed killer by spraying on a warm dry day. Once the weeds have died, if required drop the stone down so you have enough to add your fines layer on the surface 25mm will suffice.
The membrane would have to go on top of this layer, be careful it doesn’t ruck up when laying grass.
regards
Hi, I am planning on removing my turf and installing a putting green the garden drains well and is firm, the grass supplier recommended I just lay on to sharp sand after reading your comments I’ll use grano dust do you think I need to use type 1 under it ? If so what quantities of each it’s 8 m x 5 m
Thanks Mike
Hi there always use Type 1 it will help it stay true and prevent dipping over the time, as the last thing you want is a putting great with loads of lumps and bumps all over it.
I would order 4 tonnes if the area is to be dug out 3-4 inches down.
regards
Hi Gavin, firstly all your replies to comments are so helpful and answered almost all my questions, I have just one, my garden was dugout last year (3/4 inches ish), the problem is its not level, a bit wavy with approx 50mm unlevel differences (mini hills)..
Could I be lazy and just Type 1 the lot, then level it. Or do I need to level the ground first?
Hi there , we use a tiler rotivator which scuffs the surface and quickly enables us to move soil from the higher areas to level.
Its worth spending 30 mins with a pick axe and scuff the areas down and then rake the soil across.
Levelling can be done using type 1 but its more the case of having enough underneath to prevent dipping over time.
regards
I am looking to raise the level of the existing grass lawn and replace with artificial turf. If I were to used crushed builders rubble as a first base would this be suited to an artificial turf thereafter. I recognise I will need a granite type upper layer within the sub base.
Hi there yes that’s fine but from my experience make sure the crushed rubble isn’t too powdery. In an ideal world type 1 is a better and more consistent product.
regards
Hi how do I get dogs from ripping up the edges please
Hi there , if the grass is fitted correctly this shouldn’t be an issue. We always concrete in fixing timbers and then fit the grass round them making it totally dog proof.
A lot of companies believe putting in some nails around the edge is sufficient unfortunately this really isn’t a solution and is in fact quite dangerous with dogs as they may still pull it up and expose the nails.
All I can suggest as a short term solution is to add kiln sand around the perimeter and brush it into the pile , this should add enough weight to hold it in place.
regards
Hi Gavin, very usefull read i like the idea of leaving a gap between the edge to give a neater finish. I have 2 questions for you 1.I have been advised to put the membrane over the layer of sub base (washed pea gravel) which i was advised as i have a heavy clay soil, the idea being to stop the top layer of sand (which i have not yet purchased thankfully) or as you advise grano dust which i now intend to use from soaking into the gravel and impead the drainiage. 2 how low would you set the timbers against the patio which in my case is plastic decking set on atanalised timber frame which i have concreted in where it will be against the lawn.
Hi Andy , everything you have been told is wrong. Pea gravel will improve drainage on clay soils but it will move and is not a good idea for a sub base.
Simply dig out the area slightly more maybe 4 inches or so.
Membrane on the bottom always , it gets in the way on the top when you try getting grass in position and also traps dog wee , I like getting it down underneath where it is pinned in by the weight of the aggregates.
Concrete in your timbers , this should be set depending on your grass depth ie 40 mm product leave say a 25 mm gap and 25 mm shy of the patio lip.
Then simply fill the area with type 1 leaving just short of top of timbers and compact .Add granite dust to this in layers compacting each time before screeding off with a timber by hand.
regards
Thanks for the quick respose Gavin, i have about 500kg of pea gravel but need more to cover the area 7.5m x 5 so would it be ok to spread the gravel out over the membrane then type 1 then the 6mm grano dust? my concern is water as it is currently puddling on the low spots on the soil/clay it does soak away after 5 or 6 hours of no rain, i just want to get it right. Thanks
Hi, why don’t you select a couple of areas that are holding the water and then dig out maybe 2-3 sqm soakaway only needs to be a foot deep.
Fill it with rubble and then in fill with the pea shingle. You can top with type 1 and compact making sure there is no give. Then membrane the whole area and put down your normal 3 inches of type 1.
regards
Hi Gavin,
My garden is approx 100m2 with about 2″ of stone dust already down, Can i lay patio slabs and fake lawn straight on top or do i need something else i am looking to slab around the outside and probably have 2 small lawns in the centre
Hi there when you say stone dust do you mean Type1 ?
Is the area solid ? Does it drain?
If so I would add a layer of granite dust on top to get it completely smooth and put in timber fixings around the edge before laying your grass.
The slabs can easily be set on a mortar bed around the edges too.
regards
Hi
At the moment my garden has type 1 limestone to a depth of 3 inches can i add granite dust and use wacker plate to lay artifical grass on or will i need to remove the limestone.
Hi there , no the type 1 is perfect for your sub base. Make sure it is well compacted , pretty level and nice and firm before adding your top layer of granite dust!
regards
You nail the grass at the perimeter into the timber batterns. Do you fold the grass into anything? How often would you nail the perimeter and what length and type of nails would you recommend?
Ive also read some installers advise putting the mebrane between the MOT and granite dust, what is the reason you and most others put the granite dust on top of MOT?
Cheers
Aaron
Hi we set the timbers in concrete allowing for a small gap to tuck the grass. We use a nail gun as it makes it easier to pull up if there is ever an issue , but small nails will be ok 3/4 inch.
We use the membrane on the bottom as it is then out of the way ie if its on top it pulls up and causes an issue when laying grass especially on larger areas.
Never put it in the middle as the two lots of aggregates will not bind and when you compact and start screeding it will starting moving around.
I’m just wondering if there is a difference (or indeed your opinion on using) limestone dust instead of granite dust as part of this process?
Hi there unfortunately I can not comment as I have never used Limestone dust .
The reason why granite dust is so perfect for the top layer is because it binds so well together when just slightly moist and goes rock hard, however it still lets water pass through it.
regards
Hi Gavin
I have been reading your instructions on carrying out the groundworks for installing a putting green. I would like to thank you as it is very informative and answered a lot of questions I had although I would like your opinion on a few issues I have.
I am planning on placing the putting green on a area 6.5m X 2.5m which used to be a veg patch and the soil is very soft. I am planning on installing sleepers around two edges of the area. The plan is to dig out around the two edges and put in a layer of aggregate to lay the sleepers on. Once level I am going to drive re-bar through two pre-drilled holes, through the aggregate & into the earth below. I realise I will need a whacker plate to compound the soil, then the MOT Type1 and granite dust to prep it. My question is, should I whack the soil down, before I dig down to the depth for the sleepers to be bedded on the aggregate? Also, what sort of depth of aggregate would you recommend to bed the sleepers onto.
Once the sleepers are positioned I am planning to embed some treated wood in concrete with a small gap to give a nice tuck between wood and sleeper. Again could I ask, should I embed the wood into concrete and then before I do the sub base installation or do the sub base first then whack and screed and then dig out around the edges for the wood to be concreted in. Also will any wood do, as long as it is tanalised?
Kind regards
Tony
Hi Tony, first of all before doing anything I would dig the soil out including sleeper widths until you hit harder substrate lower down. Unfortunately for you vegetable patches are generally well dug over, well fed soil and generally very deep. You may have to remove anywhere down to 1 – 2 feet before finding something solid to build your base on!
Once this has been done membrane the area and fill up to your sleeper level with type 1 and then compact. Concrete in your sleepers (if you are only having a single sleeper rebars will not be necessary ). Once these are set, concrete in your treated timbers behind leaving your gap for a tuck (20mm). You can then fill up to just below timber level with type 1, re-compact, then add top layer. My advice for top layer is screed it many times as putting grass shows every small lump and bump.
Happy digging!
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for your speedy response. So you are saying it will not be good enough to compact the soil as it is at the moment no matter how much compacting is done? Also by substrate, I take it you mean firm compacted subsoil?
Regards
Tony
Hi the thing about veg patches they are very well dug over each year, so the soil has lots of air in it.
Anything soft and squidgy needs to be removed as compacting doesn’t make it firm enough to start building up, if not it will simply sink.
By substrate I mean you will find a layer underneath that hasn’t been dug over and pretty solid, you will know as you will stand on it with out any real movement.
regards
Thanks for the info Gavin. When you say concrete in the sleepers, do you actually mean to set them straight into the wet concrete or let the concrete go off as in to form a plinth to lay the sleeper on?
Regards
Hi once the area is dug out, membrane and Type 1 all over and compacted, mark our where you wish to put your sleepers, chuck down a bed of fairly stiff concrete mix and then proceed to set sleeper by knocking the sleeper into the mix till level etc.
If you leave it nice and clean at the bottom you wont have any issue when setting your timbers inside it.
cheers
Thanks again Gavin, it sounds like a plan.
Sorry for asking you to elaborate about what must seem to you to be a pretty straight forward instruction. I just want to get it right and avoid any sinkage.
Regards
Tony
Hi Tony, no worries it’s worth spending that extra time on it, so it will look good for the long run.
regards
Hi Gavin, the excavating is going well at the moment, but I was wondering about the weed membrane. I looked at some at the builders merchant and it was called Plantex which was a weed fabric. I didn’t think this is man enough for the job. Would you advise on using a weed fabric or the polythene mesh weed membrane. Which seems much stronger and says it can be used under patios, paths etc?
Many thanks
Hi Gavin, I have also managed to pinch an extra strip of garden about 1M X 4 M so my putting area will have a strip which is non vegetable patch. Should I excavate down to the same depth as the original or will I be able to dig out to a lesser depth. I am concerned that the difference in depths may cause a stress line along the edge of the two levels but you may think that the Type 1 will bond together and hold tight along this area.
Regards
Hi there , it doesn’t all have to be dug out the same as long as you find the harder soli underneath , then simply build up with the type 1 which will all compact up and form solid sub base.
I wouldn’t be too fussy with the membrane as long as it will let water pass through whilst blocking out the light , don’t forget you are going to put a healthy amount of type 1 on top too plus the latex backing of the grass.
regards
Hi Gavin, I have finally managed to track down some Grano dust. Could you tell me when whacked down, does it go hard, as I have the whacker plate on hire until Monday but the artificial grass is not being delivered until Friday. My concern is that some marks, small holes may develop with walking on it from my dogs etc. If so I will have to extend the hire of whacker plate until Friday.
Regards
Tony
Hi once it is compacted it will go rock hard so don’t worry.
regards
Gavin,
On that point I want to give it a final going over with the whacker plate as there are a few areas along the edge that still seem to be loose and a small gouge where a lump of the dust formed on the whacker plate itself. The problem I have is that it has been raining here and the area is wet. Will this cause more lumps to stick to the bottom of the whacker plate as I don’t want to make it worse.
Regards
Hi Gavin,
forget my last post as I have bitten the bullet and gone ahead and whacked it again. I just made sure that I cleaned the base plate after every run and I am very pleased with the final result, thanks again.
Regards
No worries , before you start laying grass give it a quick rake over breaking the surface and then screed it with a bit of 4 x2 .
regards
Hi Gavin, I am finally about ready to fit the putting cups and lay the artificial grass. What height should I set the cups below the surface of the grass. The putting surface I am installing is 14mm in height. Many thanks. Tony
Hi mate, concrete them in so the top of the cup is completely flush with your base surface, leaving a nice smooth rim of concrete around the top.
Lay the grass and cut over the hole and simply cut round the inside of the cup neatly.
Then run a bead of glue round on the top of the concrete.
You may need to lightly sand with kiln any lumps and bumps in the grass and brush in.
I always think a slightly damp sand spreads more evenly.
best regards
Hi,
Thanks for the amazing blog.
I’m installing a putting green in my garden. Does granite dust and Type 1 still drain if its been compacted?
3m x 5m at a depth of 75mm. Would 1 tonne of each be ok?
Hi there on a putting green install it is even more important to get a good solid base under it , as you don’t want it to sink or become water logged.
Install the product the same groundworks wise as a normal lawn , however spend twice the time screeding the product as the putting surface will show any imperfections.
The tricky part is sanding the grass properly with dry kiln sand , make sure its well brushed in and evenly dispersed.
regards
Thanks Gavin,
Im not too sure what is meant by “Screeding”? This is done after the whacker plate and I’m not quite sure on the actual process.
Is ok to have a few breaks and undulations to make the outting more interesting?
Thanks
Paul
I read on a comment that 6mm granno binds better. Would you recommend the 6mm over the dust?
Hi we have used 6-10 mm before and it does sit down ok , however the dust in the 0-5 mm really helps it to bind together and create a rock solid porous top layer.
The use of larger stone (6-10mm) will not bind together as well but it is very useful in areas that have drainage issues as it lets the water pass through quicker.
The only down side is , you don’t have the dust in it to hold it together and therefore you get a slight crunch when the product is laid on top when you walk over it.
regards
Hi there screeding is the process of working over the well compacted top surface with a piece of timber (we use approx. 1 metre of 2/3).
Simply get down on your hands and knees (knee pads help) and work over the surface scraping it back and forth, leaving a smooth surface taking out any dips or lumps.
The end product is the screed.
Undulations are fine but holes, lumps and dips will show up like a sore thumb especially with short tight knit products.
This is the most important part of the process, the longer you spend the better the end product!!
regards
Thanks Gavin,
I’ll go with the dust.
I’m going to use treated 75mm x 75mm fence posts for the border. Not sure if this is an expensive way of doing things or not.
Hi yes they will look nice , concrete a 3-2 timber inside and leave a gap for a tuck you will then get a very clean finish.
regards
So good to get some professional advice, I’m really grateful
I keep getting told to put a geofabric membrane (white) on top sub base/under the grass. Is this necessary ? It’s more expensive than the usual black ones that are available in most diy stores.
How do you feel about underlay on a putting green?
Hi there personally as long as it blocks out the light and will let the water pass through it, it will be fine.
I always put the membrane on the bottom with the Type 1 and granite dust on top simply because the aggregates will pin it in place.
Also the membrane will move and ruck up if it is on the top when you pull the grass into position.
regards
Hi Gavin,
Thank you, Great site with lots of helpful information!
Do you have much experience with laying artificial grass on a raised area? I have a raised area I have half decked and would like to put grass on the other half, I was thinking of doing it myself but having read all of your warnings about drainage and smells I am wondering if that is a good idea. I currently just have joists 50cm apart in the area I would like to grass. Are there any products you would recommend to use on top of joists to create fully draining walkable surface?
I hope that all made sense, any help would be greatly appreciated.
David
Hi we have put grass on many raised areas and there is no real issues.
I would be careful if you do have a dog as it will consider this his lawn area and then you will have an issue as the urine will not drain away and become trapped.
I would simply deck the area you want done with marine ply, I would even consider covering this in protective oil/varnish to prolong its life.
You can drill lots of holes in this for drainage, then simply fit your grass by tacking around the perimeter.
regards
Hi, I have just been laying our new namgrass Elise artificial lawn but there are a lot of rucks in the sheet that don’t want to go.
The base has been prepared well with weed membrane, then type 1 and topped off with about 35mm of grit sand that has been whackerd and screeded to be flat (it is solid and flat). Is this normal or do I need to try to use something like a carpet stretcher to get shut of them? I’ve fixed one end of the sheet to the plastic board edging temporarily but I don’t want to do something that might be wrong. Also I’ve read on some sites that kiln dried sand can be used, do you think that might weight it down to lose the rucks, what do you suggest? It;’s almost like the sheet has stretched in places but not in others.
Thanks in anticipation of your reply
Martin
Hi we sometimes get some light puffing in the grass it can be caused by the grass being squashed into a tight bordered area , too much glue on backing or the rolls being too tightly pulled at sides on manufacturing.
We generally put a few 4 inch nails in the puffing making sure it disappears into pile. Once we have done this we add kiln dried sand to the area which will pin it to the base.
regards
Hi,
At the moment I have Gold corn or golden gravel chippings (I think) in my garden and want to lay artificial grass. What would be the best option?
Would I need to remove the chippings? Or can I just put something straight on top?
Thanks
Hi the most important aspect is are the stones angular and are they binding together.
I would advise if its a few inches or more deep to remove as much as you can and then build up with type and granite dust .
Also the other issue you need to consider is the levels as you may need to drop down anyway to have a sufficient base under the area for the grass to come in at your chosen level.
regards
They are decorative stones and dont seem to compact well. If i was to remove the stones id say the depth would be about 4inch from base to the patio which id like the grass to run parallel with.
So do you think its best to remove decorative stones? (They wont go to waste i can place them in front garden)
And is 4inch depth enough for the base for grass to be layed on?
Thanks
Also the sub base area is 4m x 4.3 so how much MOT Type 1 and granite dust would I need?
thanks
Hi 2 tonnes of type 1 and 1 tonne granite 0-5 mm.
Hi yes remove most of them you can get away with an inch or so they drop type 1 on top and compact several times.
4inches is spot on.
regards
Thank you, let you know how I get on!
Sorry to be a pain, the local builders merchants said they had scalpings? not MOT Type 1? And they said they had stone dust not granite dust?
Is there any difference?
Thanks
Hi scalpings are the tarmac that has been ‘scalped’ from roads. It is not good for gardens as it has tar on it and will kill the plants.
When it gets warm it will bond together which will cause drainage issues.
Call around Type 1 mot is readily available.
Sorry can’t help on the other. I wouldn’t touch it as it may not bond too well.
regards
last question i promise, i have sourced the material, i had an option of grano dust or grano dust 6mm?
Hi we use granite dust 0-5mm .
I would ask the latter is that 0-6mm if so use that as the mixture is sizes helps the bond.
A few do’s and dont’s ….
Don’t let the dust get soaking wet and don’t let it get too dry (cover up with a tarp).
Give it a light sprinkling with a hose if baking hot before you Wacka. This will help it bind.
Put it down in layers and keep compacting.
Screed off with a piece of timber.
Good luck.
What great advice, I have just started the project and your comments have been a great help. Many, many thanks.