Artificial Grass Base
The base that goes under artificial grass, exactly as Artificial Grass & Landscaping's base-preparation page states it: base rock and decomposed granite, their depths, how much a 500 sq ft lawn needs, and which of it the store sells. Figures as of November 12, 2026.
What base goes under artificial grass?
Artificial grass is laid on a compacted stone base, not bare soil. Artificial Grass & Landscaping's base-preparation steps put 2.5-3 inches of base rock under 1-1.5 inches of decomposed granite (DG), each compacted to 90%, over soil cleared 3-4 inches down. The turf is then pinned on top.
The turf is never laid on bare soil or over an old lawn: it goes on this compacted base so it stays firm and level. The full step-by-step: base preparation.
How deep should the artificial grass base be?
About 3.5 to 4.5 inches of compacted base in all. Artificial Grass & Landscaping's steps use 2.5-3 inches of base rock first, then 1-1.5 inches of 3/4 in decomposed granite on top, each hosed down and compacted to 90% so the turf sits on a firm, level surface. Soil is cleared 3-4 inches down to make room.
| Layer | Depth | What it does | For 500 sq ft (loose) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleared soil | Removed 3-4 in | Make room for the base | — |
| Base rock | 2.5-3 in, compacted to 90% | The firm foundation | 3.9 to 4.6 cu yd |
| Decomposed granite (DG) | 1-1.5 in, compacted to 90% | A smooth, level top to lay turf on | 1.5 to 2.3 cu yd |
Cubic yards are the loose volume from the depth and area, before compaction; order somewhat more, as a supplier advises, because compacting settles it. The depths come from the store’s own base-preparation page.
How much base rock and decomposed granite do you need?
By the layer and the area. For 500 sq ft, that is about 3.9 to 4.6 cu yd of base rock and 1.5 to 2.3 cu yd of decomposed granite, loose, before compaction. Artificial Grass & Landscaping does not sell base rock or DG, so a landscape-materials supplier delivers these by the cubic yard or ton.
- Base rock: about 3.9 to 4.6 cu yd loose for 500 sq ft at 2.5-3 inches.
- Decomposed granite: about 1.5 to 2.3 cu yd loose for 500 sq ft at 1-1.5 inches.
- A landscape-materials supplier sells both by the cubic yard or ton and can convert to weight; Artificial Grass & Landscaping does not stock them.
Do you sell base rock for artificial grass?
No. Artificial Grass & Landscaping does not stock base rock or decomposed granite; those come from a landscape-materials yard. What the store does sell for the base is the weed barrier that goes over it, the bender board edging that frames it, the nails that pin the turf, and the Camofill infill that goes on the turf afterwards.
| Item | Sold here? | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Base rock and decomposed granite | No, from a landscape-materials supplier | — |
| Weed Barrier + (15 Year) 6ftX300ft | Yes, goes over the base | $139.95 |
| Plastic Bender Board Set (3.3" 16 ft & 4 Stakes) | Yes, frames the base | $27.95 |
| 40D Brite Common 5" Nail (50lb Box) | Yes, pins the turf to the base | $89.95 |
| Camofill Infill (50lb Bag) | Yes, goes on the turf, not in the base | $24.95 |
What goes between the base and the turf?
Over the compacted base, Artificial Grass & Landscaping's steps lay weed barrier where weeds have been a problem, then the turf, nailed every 3-4 inches along the edges and every 12-24 inches down the center. Camofill infill is brushed in afterwards, on top of the turf, not into the base below it.
- Weed barrier over the base, recommended where weeds have been a problem (one 1,800 sq ft roll): Weed Barrier + (15 Year) 6ftX300ft.
- Wire mesh can go on the soil under the base rock to keep gophers from digging up through the lawn.
- The supplies that pin and finish the turf, with quantities: installation supplies.
Can you prepare the base for me?
We provide contractors: independent, third-party contractors prepare the base and install the turf within 40 miles of Rancho Cordova. Artificial Grass & Landscaping's Installation Cost Calculator rolls the road base, DG, infill, nails and sand into one turf-and-supplies rate, so you can price the base with the turf.
We provide contractors: installation is done by independent, third-party contractors, not by Artificial Grass & Landscaping staff. Contractor services are available within 40 miles of the Rancho Cordova warehouse; further out, contact us first.
The whole install, step by step: artificial grass installation. What a finished lawn costs: artificial grass cost.
What this page can't tell you
- Exactly how much base your yard takes: the cubic yards here are the loose volume from the stated depths; your ground, grade and compaction change it, so a supplier or contractor measures on site.
- What your particular soil needs: clay, slopes and soft ground can call for more base or extra steps the catalog does not specify.
- A load rating: the catalog gives no bearing figure, so for driveways or anything heavy, ask a contractor.
Questions and answers
What base goes under artificial grass?
Artificial grass is laid on a compacted stone base, not bare soil. Artificial Grass & Landscaping's base-preparation steps put 2.5-3 inches of base rock under 1-1.5 inches of decomposed granite (DG), each compacted to 90%, over soil cleared 3-4 inches down. The turf is then pinned on top.
How deep should the base for artificial grass be?
About 3.5 to 4.5 inches of compacted base: 2.5-3 inches of base rock under 1-1.5 inches of decomposed granite, each compacted to 90%, over soil cleared 3-4 inches down, per Artificial Grass & Landscaping's base-preparation steps.
Do you sell base rock and decomposed granite?
No. Artificial Grass & Landscaping does not stock base rock or decomposed granite; those come from a landscape-materials yard. What the store does sell for the base is the weed barrier that goes over it, the bender board edging that frames it, the nails that pin the turf, and the Camofill infill that goes on the turf afterwards.
How much base rock do I need for artificial grass?
For 500 sq ft, about 3.9 to 4.6 cu yd of base rock and 1.5 to 2.3 cu yd of decomposed granite, loose, before compaction. A landscape-materials supplier sells both by the cubic yard or ton; Artificial Grass & Landscaping does not stock them.
Next steps
Warehouse, office and samples: 3667 Omec Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 · (916) 370-5527 (call or text)
Prices and charges as of November 12, 2026; the product pages and checkout always show the current figure.