Do you need underlay for artificial grass?

While it may not be strictly essential, installing underlay before fitting artificial grass can be a worthwhile option with multiple benefits. From safety considerations to extra comfort, if you’re looking to explore the additional support that underlay can provide for your artificial lawn, read on for some helpful information.

Additional safety from using an underlay with artificial grass

Artificially fashioned grass can have a number of different applications, from lawns for residences and poolside turf in fitness centres, to school play areas used by children. While manmade grass solutions are designed to be soft, installing a foam underlay can form extra protection during play. Foam underlays are designed to be compliant with the internationally accepted and school-recognised Head Injury Criterion (HIC), which assesses the risk of head injuries occurring. With extra cushioned support in place, you can provide your family members, pupils or customers with additional safety during use.

Putting an extra spring in your step

While the latest artificial lawn options have been developed to provide the same comfort levels supplied by natural grass, customers seeking to ramp up this effect may consider the installation of an underlay. A dedicated underlay can act as a shock pad and deliver an even softer, springy experience when enjoying your lawn.

Installing an underlay on a pre-existing patio

Where you are planning to place your artificial lawn can be a factor on whether or not you decide to use underlay. If you have a concrete, stone, or tile patio currently in position, digging it up to position your lawn can sometimes incur additional time and costs. When you’re looking for a less expensive option with guaranteed results, underlay could be the answer. Instead of unearthing your patio, you can simply fit underlay on top of the paving before installing your new artificial lawn.

Creating a more attractive lawn

If you have chosen artificial grass because you would like to create the perfect lawn on your property, you will find choosing to fit an underlay can be exceptionally beneficial. Installing artificial grass on either a natural surface or manmade option like decking or patio slabs can result in unsightly ridges forming over time, because of the ground or deck edges pushing through. However, with a well-designed foam layer in between you can ensure your lawn will remain undisturbed and perfectly preserved.

A simpler installation process to complete

Finally, a standard artificial turf installation will require a wheelbarrow, rake, shovel and vibrating plate compactor. Not only can this equipment be costly, it can also involve harder work in operation. When you opt for a foam underlay below your artificial grass, none of these tools will be required for an installation. Rather than hours of shovelling and multiple trips with a wheelbarrow, a foam underlay can be unrolled and fitted into position in far less time. Even if you are not tackling the task yourself, you will find professional contractors installing your artificial lawn with underlay included, will have the work completed far more quickly, causing you less inconvenience.