Drainbase is a water-buffering base structure that collects rainwater under your artificial grass and lets it infiltrate into the soil. This extends the lifespan of the artificial grass and keeps it firmly in place.
Drainbase captures 30 litres of rainwater per m² and releases it in a controlled manner into the ground. This means the structure meets the growing requirements for permeable paving in gardens, patios, roof terraces and public spaces.
A classic artificial grass installation requires excavation, compacting granular material, densifying and stabilising. With Drainbase, you lay the panels directly on a prepared sub-base and install the artificial grass on top. One connection system with integrated expansion joints, anti-slip pins that keep the artificial grass in place, and 9 flexible zones per panel to follow uneven surfaces.
Drainbase is manufactured from 100% recycled HDPE and, at the end of its service life, is itself 100% recyclable again. For architects, municipalities and clients who include circular material selection in specifications or sustainability reports, Drainbase provides a concrete and demonstrable argument. HDPE retains its flexibility even at low temperatures, which benefits its service life.
A water-buffering, 100% recycled support structure that avoids complex foundation works and keeps artificial grass firmly in place.
Drainbase is designed for artificial grass installation in a wide range of settings, from private to public spaces:
Step 1: Preparation
For garden applications: lay a geotextile on the existing base and apply a levelling layer of at least 5 cm of crushed stone (0-2, 0-4 or 2-4 mm), well compacted.
Step 2: Laying the tiles
Start against the edge restraint and work row by row. Cut the tiles to size where needed with an angle grinder.
Step 3: Click system
Click the tiles together correctly, halfway into the connecting system. Apply light pressure; the clicking should go smoothly. This allows the tiles to contract and expand within their own dimensions.
Step 4: Even sub-base
Ensure an even Drainbase sub-base; this is crucial for a neat and aesthetically pleasing final result.
Step 5: Roll out the artificial grass
Roll out the artificial grass and take the viewing direction into account: align the position of the fibres accordingly. Cut to size where needed.
Step 6: Install fixing caps
Place fixing caps every 80 to 100 cm, or in places where you want to secure the artificial grass extra firmly. Avoid the outermost row.
Step 7: Screw down the artificial grass
Screw down the artificial grass using the supplied bit and screws.
Step 8: Final result
Brush up the artificial grass for a neat final result
The technical specifications of Drainbase. The values in the table below are for reference; actual performance may vary depending on the sub-base, traffic load and environmental conditions.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 60 × 60 cm = 0.36 m² per slab |
| Height | 3 cm |
| Material | 100% recycled and 100% recyclable HDPE |
| Colour | Black |
| Water retention capacity | 30 litres/m² |
| Water permeability | 100% |
| Connection system | Unique system with integrated expansion joints |
| Flexible zones per plate | 9 zones — follows irregular ground surface |
| Anti-slip | Pins on the top prevent the artificial grass from shifting |
Edging finish for a neat join with adjacent paving or planting
For additional fixing of the sheets to the substrate where necessary
You can easily mitre the Drainbase borders yourself using an angle grinder.
It is not possible to stack multiple Drainbase tiles on top of each other, as the product is not designed for this application. Drainbase tiles are specifically developed to provide efficient water drainage and stability in a single layer, and stacking the tiles can negatively affect the product’s functionality and effectiveness. It is important to install the product according to the instructions for use for optimal performance.
It is usually strongly recommended to use a foundation layer for long service life and optimal performance of the Drainbase boards. Installing directly on a substrate without preparation can lead to subsidence, insufficient drainage and reduced system performance.
Yes, the Drainbase tiles have an open structure on the sides, allowing water to run to the drain. Even when the roof terrace is completely flat, i.e. without any slope, the water will still find its way to the drain. Of course, a slope of 0.5 to 1% is ideal.
Yes, the Drainbase tiles have an open structure on the side, allowing water to run towards the drain. Even when the roof terrace is completely level, i.e. without a slope, the water will still find its way to the drain. Of course, a slope of 0.5 to 1% is ideal.
Depending on each project and on the volume, the price of the installation costs for artificial grass includes excavation, laying stabilisé, levelling, and installing the artificial grass.
For the build-up with Drainbase, an underlayer of about five centimetres of lava is recommended. On top of that comes a layer of geotextile, after which the Drainbase panels are installed.
A 50-gram non-woven polyester geotextile is sufficient. The thicker the geotextile, the less water-permeable the final result will be.