Geotextile Fabric For Pavers
Why add geotextile fabric under the base?
A geotextile fabric layer between native soil and your aggregate base acts as a separation and stabilization barrier. It keeps clean stone from mixing with the subgrade, reduces pumping and rutting, and helps the base drain as designed—critical for paver patios, walkways, driveways, and synthetic turf.
Primary benefits
Separation: Prevents subgrade soils (sand/silt/clay) from contaminating the base.
Stability: Distributes loads more evenly to resist settlement and ruts.
Drainage/filtration: Allows water to pass while holding fines back (with the right fabric).
Longevity: Maintains base thickness and performance for years.
Woven vs. non-woven: which fabric should you use?
Woven geotextile (interlaced polypropylene):
Best for strength and separation on weak or disturbed subgrade and heavier loads (e.g., driveways). Slightly lower vertical permeability than non-woven—pair with a free-draining base.Non-woven geotextile (needle-punched):
Best for filtration and vertical water movement under typical patios and turf on stable soils. Slightly lower tensile strength than woven.
Practical rule: Choose woven for stability; choose non-woven for filtration. On many projects, we evaluate soils and water to pick the right fabric—or combine them strategically.
Where geotextile makes the biggest difference
Driveways & parking pads: Vehicle loads demand separation and strength.
Patios over loose/filled soils: Controls settlement and keeps surfaces level.
Pool decks & walkways: Reduces edge failures and paving creep.
Synthetic turf systems: Keeps base clean and firm under foot traffic and pets.
How we install it (best practices)
Subgrade prep: Excavate to plan, remove organics/soft spots, compact subgrade.
Fabric placement: Roll fabric flat and taut over subgrade; overlap seams 12–18 in.; pin/staple where needed.
Aggregate base: Place clean, free-draining stone in lifts; compact thoroughly.
Bedding layer:
Pavers: 1 in. of concrete sand or manufacturer-approved bedding.
Turf: Fines layer per turf manufacturer.
Surface install: Lay pavers or turf, add edge restraints, compact, and finish joints/infill.
Drainage detail: Grade for outflow; avoid trapping water above the fabric.
Common mistakes to avoid
Wrinkles or folds (create voids/soft spots)
Too little seam overlap
Using the wrong fabric (e.g., choking permeable systems)
Forgetting edge restraint integration
Special note for permeable pavers (PICP)
For infiltration systems, fabric choice is critical. We may place geotextile only between the subgrade and the open-graded subbase for separation/stability. We avoid fabric between upper open-graded layers so water can move freely. If soils are slow to infiltrate, include an underdrain.
Using geotextile under synthetic turf
Why it helps: Keeps native soil out of the base, adds firmness, and improves surface consistency—especially in high-traffic or pet areas.
Fabric choice:
Woven for stability under heavy use (play areas, narrow utility runs).
Non-woven when maximum drainage is the priority (common for pet systems).
Tip: Ensure the base is free-draining and the system has a clear path for water to exit.
Cost vs. value
Geotextile is a low-cost upgrade that prevents expensive callbacks. It protects your base—the backbone of the system—so pavers and turf stay flatter, tighter, and cleaner over time.
FAQs
Do I always need geotextile under pavers or turf?
Not always, but it’s recommended in most cases. If you want maximum stability and longevity, add it.
Will fabric hurt drainage?
The right fabric won’t. Non-woven promotes vertical flow; woven requires a free-draining base. Choose based on soils and loads.
Is geotextile the same as weed barrier?
No. Weed barrier is typically thin landscape fabric for beds. Geotextile is engineered for load support, separation, and filtration.
Can I add geotextile to an existing patio or turf?
You’d need to rebuild the base. It’s best installed during initial construction.
