Do I Need Underlay For Artificial Grass?

You should install an underlay when laying artificial grass in a home or on business premises. Primarily, underlay makes the lawn feel more comfortable and prolongs the lifespan of the fake turf.

But there are other benefits, too. Choosing the right underlay depends on your starting surface and what your priorities are for your artificial lawn.

Keep reading to learn when you need underlay for artificial grass, the benefits of underlay, and what the best artificial grass underlay is.

Should You Put Anything Under Artificial Grass?

Underlay is recommended under artificial grass. It provides cushioning and helps the leaf blades retain their structure. It also improves drainage, provides cushioning, and prevents weeds from poking through.

You don't have to use underlay, but you should lay fake turf on a hard surface of some sort. Otherwise, the grass is unlikely to last long or look very pleasant if it's simply rolled out on top of soil, dirt, or an existing lawn.

What Underlay to Use For Fake Grass?

You can use an eco-cushion (a popular option) or a rubber shockpad beneath fake grass. Here's a quick guide to what's best:

• Over concrete, patios, decking, and balconies: An eco-cushion (of at least 10mm) is best for fake turf installed over any hard surface.
• Under a climbing frame or play area: A rubber shockpad underlay is best in areas where kids may fall from height.
• On top of soil: You'll need to lay a sub-base first that's clean, smooth, and firm. Read how to install fake turf over soil or dirt.

What is the Best Artificial Grass Underlay?

The thicker the underlay, the softer your artificial grass will be to walk on. In family homes where kids play on the turf, a thicker underlay (like our 15mm Cloud 9 Eco-Cushion Underlay) is the best option.

What Do You Put Under Artificial Grass on Dirt?

Laying fake turf over soil isn't recommended. It will be uneven and weeds can quickly grow through the roll, causing damage. The grass blades will also flatten quickly, and the turf will be more prone to flooding.

Instead, it's best to prepare the soil by removing any grass or weeds, laying a 50mm MOT stone sub-base, followed by 25mm of laying course, then using a whacker plate to compact and smooth the surface.

After, you can install a weed barrier to prevent weeds and then a cushioned underlay to make the grass feel soft to walk on.

Read our complete fake turf installation guide for beginners, or find a local installer of artificial grass today.

How to Lay Artificial Grass Without Underlay

If you're laying fake grass on a hard surface without underlay, you can use Flexibond two-part underlay adhesive to stick the roll of artificial grass to the base (like concrete, decking, tarmac, or a patio).

Flexibond adhesive creates a strong, waterproof bond between your turf and the base, keeping everything securely in place. It's tough, flexible, and designed to prevent fake turf from moving around.