November 7

Best Sub Base For Artificial Grass + Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

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I’ve always been dedicated to keeping my yard pristine and beautiful, and the same goes for my patio.

With time, I was bored with the way the concrete flooring of the deck looked. And that’s when I decided it was time to introduce more greenery to the environment.

It took no time to find suitable layers of artificial grass for the area, but then I had to look for the best alternative to a sub-base for its installation. Now, you can always resort to sand and gravel while setting up turf in your patio. However, these materials eventually wear out, leaving you with an uneven surface.

That’s why I decided to come forward with this guide to save you from complications in the long-run.

Hi, I’m Stacy Smith, and today, I’m here to help you find the best sub base for artificial grass. For this, I’ve provided unbiased reviews of the top 5 floor tiles or mats for you to consider.

So, without further delay, let’s dive in.

Top 5 Product Reviews

1.Smabee 12-Pack Modular Interlocking Cushion Tiles

Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Smabee 12-Pack Modular Interlocking Cushion Tiles

Pros

  • Multi-purpose use and flooring solutions
  • Can be installed on most surfaces
  • Rubber grip surface
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Provides cushioned and comfortable feel

Cons

  • Too soft to ensure an interlocked tight fit
12 Pack Modular Interlocking Cushion 11.5" x 11.5" Mat Floor Tile Mats Drain Pool Patio Balcony Yard Pet Area Washer Pad(Blue)
  • ✔ WET OR DAMP AREAS - Many uses around the home, boat, kennel, business where excellent traction and damp areas are expected. So many uses around the pool. Put a tile under a plant pot, cut to fit any complex shape. Sturdy tiles that are reusable and re-configurable as often as you want. Install in vehicles and campers as well!
  • ✔ UNDER CUSHIONS - Use for ventilation on your boat under those V Berth cushions or anywhere moisture and condensation are a problem. Promotes airflow under the tiles. Put a few tiles near the door for wet boots / shoes. Pet areas? No problems. 1000's of uses!
  • ✔ RUBBER GRIP SURFACE - Flexible tiles snap together to fit any shape. Can be cut with a sharp knife for pipes, curves, seat posts you name it. Installing is as simple as snapping the tiles together by hand. NO TOOLS REQUIRED

Smabee is a leading manufacturer of premium quality floor mats, offering exceptional function for a variety of indoor and outdoor scenarios. That’s why I decided to introduce you to this 12-pack modular interlocking multi-purpose patio mat from the brand. Known for its diverse use, the washer pads promote airflow under your artificial turf, where humidity is generally high.

Why Buy This Product?

What I loved the most about the Smabee 12-pack modular floor mat is its interlocking system, which makes it easy to set up without the need for any tool, glue, or professional help. All you have to do is connect the square pieces together, covering the entire surface area of your artificial grass, and cut off the excess parts with a pair of scissors.

Each of these drainage floor tiles has been made using high-quality PVC that’s safe, non-toxic, flexible, and odorless. You may water your artificial turf without worrying about water logging as the mesh construction tiles allow the water to drain through.

Plus, it offers reliable slip resistance, thanks to its waffle surface design, thereby promoting a secure grip to prevent slips and falls in wet areas. And once the artificial grass is placed over the base, it provides a cushioned and comfortable feel underfoot.

In other words, the mats help in soothing and massaging tired feet as you walk on your patio or garden barefoot. What’s more, they’re easy to clean and maintain with a scrub brush and soap, further adding to your convenience.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Truth be told, I didn’t really come across any significant downside to this 12-pack interlocking floor mat from Smabee. However, it’s important to note that the individual pieces of the pack are too soft and not stiff enough to ensure a secure and tight fit. They may come apart easily when heavy items are placed over them.

2. IncStores Vented Grid-Loc Drainage Tiles

Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the IncStores Vented Grid-Loc Drainage Tiles

Pros

  • Vented design prevents dirt and debris build-up

  • Impact-resistant, UV stable, and odorless
  • Backed by a 15-year warranty
  • Serves as a customizable flooring solution

  • Available in different colors

Cons

  • Not suitable for hardwood floors
  • Installation with bare hands may hurt
IncStores 1/2 Inch Thick Grid-Loc Interlocking Garage Floor Tiles | Plastic Floor Tiles for a Stronger and Safer Garage, Workshop, Shed, or Trailer | Vented, Midnight Black, 12 Pack
  • STYLISH FLOORS IN A SNAP: Lay down the groundwork of a better garage in minutes with textured, snap together flooring made from moisture resistant hard plastic that’s ready for your toughest spaces and pre-assembled into three 4-tile sections.
  • BUILT TO LAST: From toolboxes to machinery, track toys to daily drivers, the high-strength polypropylene in Grid-Loc garage flooring tiles is made to help concrete floors withstand the abuse of heavy vehicles, harsh cleaners, and slippery oils.
  • SAFER VENTED DESIGN: Made to dissipate puddles for better shop safety, our 1/2" vented garage flooring mats are an even work surface that allows carts/toolboxes to roll freely, and with IncStores edge pieces, it looks good doing it (sold separately).

Next up on the list, I bring you the grid-loc drainage tiles from IncStores, a retail store specializing in selling flooring and matting products. Equipped with specially sized vents, these floor mats lock together to serve as the perfect sub-base for installing artificial grass in your concrete or tiled patio.

Why Buy This Product?

Available in packs of 12, 24, and 48, the Grid-Loc Series Tiles from IncStores have been engineered to withstand the harshest environments to allow proper drainage and airflow. They’re constructed with high-quality, impact-resistant polypropylene to be used as flooring options in tool and storage sheds, and in patios for installing artificial turf.

Rest assured, the set of ultra-durable tiles are stain-resistant, UV stable, impact-resistant, odorless, and slip-resistant. This is backed by an industry-leading 15-year warranty, so you need not bother about getting them replaced anytime soon.

Furthermore, the installation process of these tiles is relatively simple, so that’s definitely a win-win, in my opinion. Simply lock them together to form a customizable flooring surface or plastic base for your garage or patio. You may also create a custom design to roll over your artificial grass without worrying about it sinking over time.

That’s not all; these tiles come with specially sized vents that not only ensure smooth airflow, but also prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, in turn, making them easy to clean and maintain.

What Could’ve Been Better?

If you’re planning on installing these vented tiles on your hardwood floor, we’d suggest that you refrain from doing so. This is because they’re prone to scratching and damaging the flooring of the area. Other than this, I’d recommend using a hammer while snapping them together. I tried using my bare hands for the process only to end up hurting my palms.

3. RaceDeck Free-Flow Modular Flooring Tile

Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the RaceDeck Free-Flow Modular Flooring Tile

Pros

  • Comes with a 20-year warranty
  • Resistant to chemicals, oil, salt, and gas
  • Easy to clean
  • No tools or glue required for installation

Cons

  • Not easy to take apart
Big Floors RaceDeck Free-Flow Open Rib Self-Draining Design, Durable Copolymer Plastic Interlocking Modular Garage Flooring Tile (12 Pack), Alloy
  • QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: Free-Flow durable garage flooring is easy to install. The interlocking tiles simply snap together – no tools required - and provide a high-end look and exceptional floor protection
  • PREMIUM GARAGE AND BASEMENT SOLUTION: Made with high impact polypropylene, these suspended floor tiles are a great alternative to epoxy. This non-toxic garage & basement flooring is proudly made in the USA without glue or toxic fumes
  • SELF-DRAINING AND SLIP RESISTANT: The ingenious patented design creates maximum airflow and drainage for your floor. The multi-level understructure absorbs impact and offers great anti-fatigue benefits and is also slip resistant

RaceDeck, a proud US manufacturer of garage flooring and other related products, comes forth with this pack of free-flow modular flooring tiles. Featuring a patented substructure, they are designed to allow airflow to prevent humidity in wet, dry, and muddy areas. As such, they serve as a perfect support base with superior traction for artificial grass.

Why Buy This Product?

The RaceDeck Free-Flow Modular Flooring Tile is the best choice for areas that require maximum drainage. They keep the flooring dry and humid-free by promoting proper air circulation under the layer of artificial grass to prevent waterlogging and other issues.

You may also consider using them to cover cracks or flaking in your garage floors to create a custom look. Being slip-resistant and resistant to common garage chemicals, they won’t chip or peel over time. This is backed by a 20-year warranty, which gave me the confidence to believe in the promises made by RaceDeck and its operation of 25 years.

Made using premium quality polypropylene, these tiles can withstand heavy elements of a working garage, flower pots, garden tools, equipment, and more. Hence, you can rest assured that your turf won’t sink.

Coming to its installation, the US-made flooring tiles contain 16 power locks that create a tough substructure when engaged. Its step-n-snap technology helps in setting them up without the need for tools or glue, thereby reducing cutting time and labor costs.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Without a doubt, I’ll recommend the RaceDeck Modular Flooring Tile to anyone who needs to install artificial turf or create a proper drainage system for their garage floor. They’re easy to put together but are a pain to take apart as they come pre-snapped with each other. This may create an issue when you’re trying to create a pattern for a custom floor design.

4. Patiolife Interlocking Outdoor Modular Drainage Tile

  Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Patiolife Interlocking Outdoor Modular Drainage Tile

Pros

  • Supports heavy-loads
  • Easy to set up
  • Non-slip texture for comfort
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Impact-resistant and durable

Cons

  • Tiles were missing
  • Stiff and not flexible

No products found.

As I’m heading towards the end of this list, it’s time I introduced you to this set of high-quality, rigid deck tiles from Patiolife, a brand dealing with premium outdoor living products. Perfect for concrete and wooden surfaces, these tiles can be used for locker rooms, patio decks, and other wet area matting.

Why Buy This Product?

These deck mats are made using high-impact polypropylene that’s not only rigid but also resistant to fading and staining. That’s not all; they’re designed to support heavy loads, such as patio furniture, SUVs, large pickups, heavy tool chests, and other large items, serving as the ideal support base for your artificial turf.

The pack consists of 25 anti-slip rubber floor tiles that interlock with each other to create a custom flooring of any size. To be honest, setting them up was relatively simple because of their interlocking system. I faced no hassle while installing artificial grass in my patio after covering its slippery and concrete surface with this modular floor matting.

Apart from being easy to set up, the tiles are easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is spray them down with a hosepipe to remove any accumulated dirt or debris. What’s more, the non-slip texture of each deck tile provides a comfortable walking surface under your artificial turf that’s capable of soothing and massaging tired feet.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Make sure you check the pack and confirm the number of tiles before you buy the product so that you have enough to cover the entire area of your patio. I ordered the pack containing 25 tiles only to find a few of the pieces missing, while the rest weren’t flexible, which was definitely a letdown.

5. DuraGrid Outdoor Modular Interlocking Deck Tile

Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the  DuraGrid Outdoor Modular Interlocking Deck Tile

Pros

  • Available in different colors
  • Can withstand UV exposure
  • Multi-purpose use
  • Self-draining feature
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Stiff and inflexible
Big Floors DT24GRAY DuraGrid Outdoor Modular Interlocking Multi-Use Plastic Deck Tile, 24 Pack, Gray
  • PERFECT RESURFACING SOLUTION: Deck Tile is the perfect cost-effective alternative for resurfacing worn out surfaces around your pool, patio, garden or an old deck. Great for indoor use in mud rooms and basements too!
  • DURABLE AND BUILT TO LAST: This product is designed to withstand extensive UV exposure, high foot traffic, and water exposure. The free-draining design allows water to drain and dry quickly.
  • QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: Deck Tile modular tiles are easy to install. The interlocking tiles simply snap together – no tools or glues required – and provide a high-end look with exceptional floor protection.

DuraGrid is a top choice when it comes to interlocking tiles and matting ideal for indoor and outdoor applications. That said, this list would be incomplete without the inclusion of the modular self-draining deck tile from the brand. Designed to withstand extensive UV exposure and high foot traffic, it’s the perfect accessory in any outdoor area.

Why Buy This Product?

Available in packs of 12, 24, and 40, each deck tile from DuraGrid is antimicrobial to fight mold, mildew, and bacteria. Once you decide to use them to cover slippery concrete or wooden surfaces, they simply “snap” together to create any size custom flooring for installing artificial grass.

I didn’t even have to use any glue or tool for the purpose, making it a convenient sub-base option. Apart from being simple to set up, the DuraGrid Multi-use Deck Tiles are non-slip and resistant to most chemicals. This makes them durable and cable of withstanding high foot traffic.

As such, the tiles serve as the perfect flooring to any outdoor area, be it your front door, mudroom, deck, or patio. And thanks to its self-draining feature, you need not worry about issues like waterlogging or humidity. It ensures proper ventilation, which, in turn, lowers the need for maintenance.

Moreover, you can clean each tile by simply spraying them down with a hose without any hassle or worry.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Made using hard plastic, the DuraGrid Deck Tiles are quite stiff and inflexible, making it difficult to disassemble after they’ve been put together. Plus, they might snap in cold or freezing temperatures, a situation I came across during one of the winters here in Tyler, Texas.

Final Words

artificial grass

With this, I conclude my list of the top 5 recommendations when it comes to finding a sub-base for your artificial turf. These floor tiles or mats are impact-resistant, rigid, and of course, durable.

Among the top selections, my favorite is the Smabee 12-Pack Interlocking Floor Mats, especially because of its diverse indoor and outdoor applications. However, if you plan on creating a customizable base for installing artificial grass, then there’s no better option than the IncStores Vented Grid-Loc Drainage Tiles.

And if you’re looking for a reliable option, the RaceDeck Free-Flow Modular Flooring Tile is your best bet as it comes with a 20-year warranty.

On that note, I’ll now take your leave. Till next time!


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Sub Base For Artificial Grass


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