How pad thickness affects performance on concrete

Concrete is unforgiving. The pad sets the feel, safety profile, drainage path, and overall durability of your turf system. Thicker is not always better. Match pad thickness to your goal, then verify the system meets the performance you need.

Comfort and feel

Light cushion for everyday use typically comes from 5 to 10 mm pads. This range softens footfall without making the surface bouncy or unstable.

Safety and impact

If you need impact attenuation, only a tested turf plus pad system counts. Look for ASTM F1292 results with HIC and Gmax values that meet your target fall height. These systems often use shock pads in the 20 to 50 mm range or layered builds.

Drainage on slab

Pads with grooves or channels create airflow and a path for water to move to the perimeter. Pair with a slab that has positive slope to a drain. Avoid trapping water against walls or thresholds.

Durability and stability

Closed cell pads resist water absorption and compression set. Higher density pads keep seams tight and reduce matting. For sports or putting, prioritize firmness and rebound control.

Height transitions

Pad plus turf adds height. Plan edge trims and threshold ramps to keep ADA friendly transitions and avoid trip points.

Recommended pad thickness by use case

  • Patios, rooftops, balconies: 5 to 10 mm comfort pad. Choose a free draining, closed cell design.
  • Pet zones and kennels: 5 to 8 mm with drainage channels. Consider antimicrobial options and rinse friendly design.
  • Play areas without a defined fall height: 8 to 12 mm for softer landings. This is comfort only, not a certified safety surface.
  • Playgrounds or fall zones with a required fall height: Use an ASTM F1292 tested turf system. Shock pad thickness often ranges from 20 to 50 mm or multi layer builds depending on the certified fall height.
  • Agility and training on slab: 10 to 20 mm for joint friendliness while keeping surface stability for footwork.
  • Putting greens: No pad or a firm 3 to 5 mm stabilizer only. Softer pads can make putts inconsistent.

How to choose the right pad on concrete

1. Define the goal

  • Comfort only
  • Safety rated fall height
  • Sport performance
  • Pet hygiene and fast drainage

2. Check site conditions

  • Confirm slab slope to a drain minimum 1 to 2 percent.
  • Identify low spots, cracks, or expansion joints that must be honored.
  • Measure door and threshold clearances to account for build height.

3. Match a pad spec

  • Comfort pads: 5 to 10 mm, closed cell, channelized underside, outdoor rated.
  • Shock pads for safety: Select a system with third party ASTM F1292 reports for your fall height. Do not assume thickness equals compliance.
  • Sport or putting: Higher density, firm pads in the 3 to 12 mm range based on use.

4. Plan the assembly

  • Pad orientation to align drainage channels to the perimeter.
  • Turf selection to match pile height, infill, and pad firmness.
  • Edge details and ramps to manage height transitions cleanly.

Installation basics on concrete

  • Clean and dry the slab. Remove contaminants that can block adhesion or drainage.
  • Honor expansion joints. Bridge with appropriate membranes and avoid locking the system across moving joints.
  • Dry fit pad sheets tight without buckling. Tape or spot adhere per manufacturer guidance.
  • Use outdoor rated turf adhesives and seam tapes compatible with both pad and concrete.
  • Maintain a drainage path to the edge or drain. Never seal the perimeter in a way that traps water.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a thick pad for comfort, then fighting spongy seams and poor ball roll.
  • Assuming a thick pad equals safety compliance. Only tested systems with documented HIC and Gmax values qualify.
  • Ignoring slope. Flat slabs collect water and create odor or mildew issues.
  • Overbuilding height that blocks doors or creates trip hazards.

Cost and value

  • Comfort pads 5 to 10 mm: typically 0.75 to 1.50 dollars per square foot depending on density and drainage features.
  • Shock pads with certified systems: often 1.50 to 4.00 dollars per square foot based on thickness and performance.

Final pricing depends on area size, access, adhesive choice, and edge detailing. Get a site specific quote to avoid surprises.

When to skip or minimize padding

  • Putting greens: prioritize surface trueness. Use a firm stabilizer or no pad.
  • Tight height limits: select lower pile turf and a 3 to 5 mm underlayment or consider direct bond if comfort is secondary.

FusionTurf recommendations

  • For most patios and balconies: a 5 to 10 mm closed cell, channelized pad under a quality landscape turf.
  • For fall zones: a lab tested FusionTurf system engineered to your required fall height with documented ASTM F1292 results.

Ready to dial in the right pad and turf assembly for your concrete project? Talk to a FusionTurf specialist. We design systems that feel great, drain fast, and prove their performance.