What base is required under commercial synthetic turf?
Commercial synthetic turf usually needs an engineered, compacted and free-draining base that suits the use, levels and loads on the site. Typical scopes consider excavation, subgrade condition, geotextile, drainage, aggregate layers, compaction, edge restraints, shockpad or softfall layers, and a finished profile that directs water away from the surface.
Expanded answer
What buyers need to know
The base is the part of a turf project buyers rarely see but rely on every day. A commercial landscape, childcare play area, rooftop lawn and football pitch all place different demands on the subgrade, drainage and surface system.
A practical base design starts with site levels, soil condition, water movement, traffic, maintenance access and the selected turf system. Sports projects may require tighter tolerances, shockpad and performance testing. Play projects may require impact layers. Rooftops need waterproofing protection and drainage continuity.
JL Turf Group's Fraser Park pitch rebuild and Marconi Football Club project show why base preparation, drainage and surface system selection are commercial decisions, not just installation details.
Contextual Surface Finder
Turn this answer into a project recommendation
Open Surface Finder with this answer and its related service preloaded, then attach the recommendation to your quote request.
Get a contextual recommendationApply this answer to your site
Need help with what base is required under commercial synthetic turf??
Use the answer as a starting point, then ask us to confirm surface type, drainage, compliance, staging and budget risk for your exact site.
Buyer context
- Ask contractors to document base layers, drainage assumptions and compaction approach.
- Failed turf is often a base, drainage or edge problem rather than a turf-fibre problem.
- Commercial sites need access and staging planned before excavation and aggregate deliveries begin.
When to request a site visit
- The existing area has ponding, soft spots, settlement, cracked pavement or uneven levels.
- The turf will carry sports use, school traffic, public access, furniture, equipment or maintenance vehicles.
- The project needs drainage tie-ins, edge restraints, retaining, slab coordination or staged handover.
Related FAQs
Common follow-up questions
Can synthetic turf be installed directly over soil?
For commercial work, direct installation over soil is usually the wrong approach. A prepared, compacted and draining base is normally needed for stability, drainage and warranty confidence.
Does every turf base need the same depth?
No. Base depth and layers depend on subgrade, drainage, use, levels, surface system and loads. A site assessment is needed for a reliable scope.