Blog>Questions>Sharp sand or granite dust for artificial grass?
Last updated: 26 September 2023
Sharp sand or granite dust for artificial grass?
Wondering whether to use sharp sand or granite dust for artificial grass? We explore which is best.
When laying an artificial lawn, you may be wondering what to use as a substrate: sharp sand or granite dust?
The good news is you can use either. However, granite dust is the favoured option for most homes in the UK.
What's best: sharp sand or granite dust for artificial grass?
Although both sharp sand and granite dust work as a substrate for artificial grass, granite dust tends to be the favoured option.
Granite dust is coarser than sharp sand, binding together to provide a better laying course. It doesn't retain as much moisture and provides better drainage. It's good to know it's not that much more expensive either.
Sharp sand is perfectly fine for an ornamental garden, but for the majority of fake grass installations, granite dust is best.
An experienced artificial lawn installation company will assess your garden and your needs to recommend the most suitable sub-base for you. They'll consider:
What your lawn will be used for and how much footfall it receives. For example, will this be an ornamental lawn or a football pitch for the kids?
Whether you have pets. Drainage is a key consideration to allow dog urine to drain efficiently to eliminate odours.
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Why do you need a substrate with artificial grass?
There are several layers to an artificial lawn.
The 'laying course' of sand or granite is the final layer of aggregates, installed directly below the artificial grass and on top of the sub-base.
The sand or granite laying course binds the top of your sub-base. This provides an even surface for your fake grass to be installed, and ensures adequate drainage.
Failing to install your sub-base properly will leave you with a sub-standard and potentially dangerous end result.
From an aesthetic point of view, you may experience gaps and wrinkles in the turf, lumps from sprouting weeds, and dips that puddle with water.
From a safety perspective, an uneven surface can create dips in the lawn, which can cause accidents.
To learn more about laying artificial lawn, the cost of fake grass, and how to maintain it, check out our selection of posts on artificial grass.
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See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job