Why Sand should NOT be used for a sub base of Artificial Grass

For a sub-base, we recommend using 75mm of MOT Type 1 and 25mm of Granite 6mm to Dust, this is to ensure a free draining sub-base underneath the Artificial Grass.

Originally, when artificial grass was installed in a residential environment, sharp sand was used as a laying course.

Unfortunately, some installers are still using sharp sand today, and there are even some manufacturers who still recommend it.

The only reason for recommending sharp sand over granite or limestone dust comes down purely to cost. Per ton, sharp sand is cheaper than limestone or granite dust.

However, there are many problems with using sharp sand.

Firstly, artificial grass has perforations in the latex backing that allow water to drain through the artificial grass. Up to 50 litres of water per square metre, per minute, can drain through artificial grass.

With this much water capable of pouring through your artificial grass, what happens over time is that the sharp sand will wash away, particularly if there is a fall on your artificial lawn.

This is bad news for your artificial grass, as the turf will become uneven and you will see noticeable ridges and dips in your lawn.

The second reason is that sharp sand moves around underfoot.

If your lawn will be receiving a high level of footfall, including from pets, then this will again result in dips and ruts in your turf where sharp sand has been used.

A further problem with sharp sand is that it encourages ants.

Ants will, over time, begin excavating through sharp sand and potentially building nests. This disruption to the laying course will likely cause an uneven artificial lawn.

Many people wrongly assume that the sharp sand will hold firm in the same way it does for block paving, but unfortunately this is not the case.

Because granite or limestone dust is far coarser than sharp sand, it binds together and provides a much better laying course.

The extra few pounds per ton in cost are certainly worth spending as they will ensure a much better finish to your fake lawn and provide a much longer lasting installation.