Why a sub base matters under pet turf
Pets add traffic, moisture, and odor pressure. A proper sub base creates fast drainage, rock-solid footing, and a cleanable surface that does not pump mud into your turf. Skip it and you invite puddles, smells, and wrinkles.
- Drainage: Moves urine and rainwater away from the backing so odors do not linger.
- Stability: Prevents dips, wrinkles, and seam stress under active pets.
- Hygiene: Limits bacteria growth by keeping the system dry and flushable.
- Longevity: Protects tuft bind and seams by supporting the turf evenly.
Recommended base specification for pet areas
- Depth: 3 to 4 inches compacted for most yards. Use 4 to 6 inches for large dogs, heavy traffic, vehicle access, high rainfall, or slow-draining soils.
- Material: Angular crushed aggregate such as 3/4 inch minus road base or crushed granite. Well graded mixes compact tight and stay put. Avoid pea gravel and rounded stone that shift underfoot.
- Geotextile: A non woven separation fabric over native soil stops soil fines from migrating into the base and creating mud pockets.
- Slope: 1 to 2 percent slope away from structures for reliable surface shedding.
- Compaction: Compact subgrade first, then base in 2 inch lifts to 90 to 95 percent relative compaction. Lightly moisten each lift and use a plate compactor for a tight, durable base.
- Perimeter restraint: Bender board, aluminum edging, or a concrete mow curb locks the base and edges.
- Slow soils upgrade: In heavy clay, add depth and consider a perforated trench drain tied to daylight.
Optional layers that enhance pet performance
- Drainage pad: Adds vertical flow and shock absorption on challenging sites.
- Antimicrobial infill: Zeolite or coated sands help manage odor and keep fibers upright.
Step by step: building the base on soil
- Excavate: Remove organics and dig to allow base thickness plus turf thickness. Typical cut is 4 to 6 inches.
- Prep subgrade: Shape a 1 to 2 percent slope. Remove soft spots and compact the native soil.
- Install geotextile: Overlap seams 6 to 12 inches and pin it down.
- Place aggregate: Spread in 2 inch lifts. Moisten and compact each lift thoroughly.
- Fine grade: Screed the final surface true to slope. Aim for a smooth, tight finish without loose rock.
- Lay turf: Roll out, align grain, trim, seam, and secure edges.
- Infill and groom: Install recommended pet friendly infill and power broom for fiber lift.
Soil specific adjustments
- Clay soils: Increase base depth, verify slope, and add a trench drain if water lingers after storms.
- Sandy soils: Use geotextile for stability and compact thoroughly to avoid rutting.
What not to use under pet turf
- Pea gravel or round rock that rolls under paws.
- Loose sand that washes or shifts.
- Wood mulch or organics that decay and smell.
- Uncompacted fill that settles and creates low spots.
Maintenance that protects your base
- Rinse and flush regularly in pet zones to keep the base clean.
- Use enzyme cleaners for odor control as needed.
- Keep gutters and downspouts directed off the turf.
- Groom fibers and top off infill when traffic patterns appear.
Installing over concrete or pavers
On hardscape you do not use a crushed rock sub base. Instead, use a drainage pad and maintain a slight surface slope, then add antimicrobial infill for odor management.
