The foundation beneath non-infill artificial grass is its structural backbone—it directly determines surface flatness, durability, and long-term safety. If the base is uneven, weak, or poorly drained, problems such as wrinkling, delamination, and water accumulation may occur, reducing the turf’s lifespan by 3–5 years. Unlike traditional infilled systems, non-infill grass requires stricter surface precision and drainage control. Based on VivaTurf’s professional construction standards, this guide outlines the core ground requirements, detailed specifications for different base types, and professional inspection methods to ensure flawless turf installation and lasting performance.
1. Core Ground Requirements: Four Fundamental Dimensions for Every Base Type
Regardless of whether the base is made of cement, asphalt, or a permeable system, the following four parameters form the non-negotiable foundation standards before turf installation.
(1) Flatness — Deviation ≤2mm over 2m to Prevent Wrinkling
Uneven ground causes localized stress and long-term deformation. Measured with a 2-meter straightedge, surface gaps should not exceed 2mm, and no single depression or bump should exceed 3mm. For every 50㎡, test at least three points (corners and center). Uneven areas must be leveled with cement mortar or asphalt patching before installation. Cracks wider than 2mm in cement bases must be repaired, while raised areas in asphalt must be compacted and flattened.
(2) Strength — Adequate Load-Bearing to Prevent Cracking or Settlement
The foundation must support the turf system and user loads without deformation.
Cement Base: Concrete grade ≥C25, surface compressive strength ≥25MPa, thickness ≥10cm (≥15cm for sports fields), curing ≥28 days.
Asphalt Base: Density ≥2.35g/cm³, surface strength ≥15MPa, thickness ≥5cm (≥8cm for sports fields), cooled ≥48h before use.
Strength can be verified using a rebound hammer. If below standard, re-pouring is required before installation.
(3) Drainage — No Standing Water After 24 Hours
Since non-infill grass lacks infill granules to aid drainage, surface runoff must flow freely through the base.
Drainage Slope: Maintain a 1–2% gradient to guide water toward drains.
Drainage Speed: No standing water after 24 hours; for permeable bases, infiltration coefficient ≥1.0×10⁻³m/s (10L/m² should drain within 30 minutes).
Drainage Network: For large fields, install subsurface pipes or French drains spaced ≤20m apart.
(4) Cleanliness & Dryness — Ensure Proper Adhesion
Before installation, the surface must be free of dust, oil, and moisture.
Cleaning: Use a 5–8MPa pressure washer to remove fine debris; oil stains should be treated with neutral detergent and rinsed.
Moisture: Surface moisture ≤8% (test with a moisture meter). Cement bases must air-dry ≥7 days; asphalt must be completely cool and dry before bonding to avoid bubbling or peeling.
2. Specialized Requirements by Base Type: Match Construction to Function
VivaTurf classifies bases into rigid foundations (cement/asphalt) and permeable foundations (gravel + sand). Each type serves different purposes depending on site usage and environment.
(1) Cement Base — High Strength for Heavy-Duty Sports Fields
Ideal for football or basketball fields that demand excellent stability and flatness.
Crack Control: Cracks <2mm can be sealed with epoxy; ≥2mm should be cut into a V-groove (5mm deep, 10mm wide), filled with elastic sealant, and leveled with cement.
Expansion Joints: Every 6–8m, install 10–15mm joints filled with foam strips + sealant to absorb thermal movement.
Surface Texture: Apply broom finish (2–3mm texture depth) during curing to enhance grip and prevent turf slippage.
(2) Asphalt Base — Elastic Cushioning for Comfort-Focused Applications
Suited for kindergartens, playgrounds, or community leisure zones where comfort is prioritized.
Oil Content: Asphalt binder content must be 5–7%. Excess oil softens the turf backing; low oil causes brittleness.
Compaction: Follow a “light-to-heavy” rolling method (6–8t initial, 10–12t final). Ensure surface evenness ≤2mm/2m.
Waterproof Layer: Apply a 2mm modified asphalt waterproof coating to block oil migration and prevent subgrade infiltration.
(3) Permeable Base — Sustainable Drainage for Rainy or Landscape Areas
Built with crushed stone, fine sand, and geotextile layers for eco-friendly water permeability—ideal for gardens, courtyards, or regions with heavy rainfall.
Material Grading:
Crushed stone (20–30mm granite, ≤3% silt, thickness 10–15cm).
Fine sand (0.3–0.5mm river sand, ≤5% silt, thickness 5–8cm).
One geotextile layer (≥200g/㎡) between layers to prevent clogging.
Compaction: Gravel ≥95%, sand ≥90%. After compaction, the surface should show no indentation under foot pressure.
Edge Protection: Install a 10cm high × 15cm wide concrete edge beam with rounded inner corners to prevent abrasion.
3. Five-Step Pre-Installation Base Inspection
Before installing non-infill grass, a full base acceptance test ensures long-term stability and performance.
Visual Check: Identify cracks, bulges, or stains; repair cracks ≥2mm or depressions ≥3mm. Check for uniform slope and perform a water-flow test to confirm no pooling.
Flatness Test: Measure every 50㎡ at five points using a 2m straightedge; deviations above 2mm must be corrected.
Strength Test: Use a rebound hammer for cement (≥25MPa) and core sampling for asphalt (≥2.35g/cm³, ≥15MPa).
Drainage Test: Fill the surface to 3cm depth and confirm full drainage within 30 minutes (≤200㎡ areas).
Cleanliness & Moisture Test: Wipe with a clean cloth—no dust or oil residue. Moisture ≤8% before turf adhesion.
4. VivaTurf Non-Infill Grass: Integrated Base Adaptation and Quality Assurance
To ensure perfect compatibility between base and turf, VivaTurf provides a full “Base Recommendation + Professional Inspection + Tailored Construction” solution.
Custom Base Recommendations:
Sports Fields: C25 cement base (15cm thick, broom finish) + VivaTurf sports turf for high-frequency durability.
Playgrounds/Community Areas: 8cm asphalt base + waterproof layer + VivaTurf soft fiber turf for enhanced comfort.
Rainy/Scenic Zones: 15cm gravel + 8cm sand permeable base + VivaTurf landscape turf for fast drainage and mold prevention.
Professional Base Inspection:
VivaTurf’s technicians perform on-site verification using rebound hammers, moisture meters, and precision rulers, providing a Base Inspection Report with clear pass/fail indicators and rectification advice.Material Supply & Technical Support:
VivaTurf supplies certified foundation materials such as epoxy fillers, elastic sealants, and geotextiles meeting international standards. For permeable projects, pre-mixed aggregates are delivered for consistent grading and compaction quality.
A Strong Foundation Extends Turf Life by Years
Over 70% of non-infill artificial grass performance depends on the base quality. A flat, strong, and well-drained base ensures 8–10 years of stable performance, while substandard foundations can lead to failures within 3–5 years. Following the “Four Core Requirements + Type-Specific Standards,” and partnering with VivaTurf’s professional inspection team, guarantees the foundation meets specification—unlocking the full potential of your non-infill turf for years of low-maintenance, high-performance use.