Drainbase is a water-buffering support structure that collects rainwater beneath your artificial grass and allows it to infiltrate into the soil. This extends the lifespan of the artificial grass and keeps it firmly in place.

  • Two hands hold a sod of grass; water drips from the roots in a garden

    Water buffering 30 l/m²

    Drainbase captures 30 litres of rainwater per m² and releases it in a controlled manner into the subsoil. This means the structure meets the increasing requirements for permeable paving in gardens, patios, rooftop terraces and public spaces.  

  • Persoon legt zwarte drainagemat met noppen op betonnen vloer.

    Avoids complex foundation works

    A classic artificial turf installation requires excavation, compacting the infill, compressing and stabilising. With Drainbase, you lay the panels directly onto a prepared sub-base and place the artificial turf on top. One connection system with integrated expansion joints, anti-slip pins that keep the turf in place, and 9 flexible zones per panel to follow uneven surfaces. 

  • Zwarte rubberen roostertegels naast groen gras, laag perspectief langs een gebouw

    100% recycled and recyclable HDPE

    Drainbase is produced from 100% recycled HDPE and, at the end of its service life, is itself 100% recyclable again. For architects, municipalities and project owners 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 service life. 

The benefits of Drainbase

A water-retaining, 100% recycled support structure that avoids complex foundation works and keeps artificial grass firmly in place. 

  • Optimal load distribution thanks to a large contact surface
  • Water buffering 30 l/m² + 100% water-permeable
  • 100% recycled and 100% recyclable HDPE
  • Retains flexibility at low temperatures
  • 9 flexible zones to perfectly follow any surface
  • Anti-slip pegs prevent artificial grass from shifting
  • Unique connection system with integrated expansion joints
  • Avoid complex foundation works, save time and money
  • Belgian quality product – produced entirely in Belgium from A to Z
  • Extends the lifespan of the artificial turf: water doesn’t stagnate in the backing, no rotting on the underside

How do I install Drainbase?

Step 1: Preparation 

For garden applications: lay a geotextile on the existing sub-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 necessary 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 expand and contract within their own dimensions. 

Step 4: Level sub-base 

Ensure a level Drainbase sub-base; this is crucial for a neat and aesthetically pleasing final result. 

Step 5: Rolling 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 necessary. 

Step 6: Installing 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 very outermost row. 

Step 7: Screwing 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 well-finished end result

Technical specifications Drainbase

The technical specifications of Drainbase. The values in the table below serve as a reference; actual performance may vary depending on the subgrade, 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 uneven terrain
Anti-slip Pins on the top side prevent artificial turf from shifting

Frequently asked questions

  • Are Drainbase borders also supplied mitred?

    You can easily mitre the Drainbase borders yourself using an angle grinder.

  • Can multiple Drainbase tiles be stacked on top of each other to raise a rooftop terrace with artificial grass?

    It is not possible to place multiple Drainbase tiles on top of each other, as the product is not designed for this application. Drainbase tiles are specifically developed to ensure 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 user instructions for optimal performance.

  • Can the plastic Drainbase panels be laid directly on a substrate without an additional foundation layer?

    It is usually strongly recommended to use a foundation layer for long service life and optimal performance of the Drainbase panels. Placing them directly on a substrate without preparation can lead to subsidence, insufficient drainage, and reduced system performance.

  • Do the Drainbase tiles allow water to flow through them laterally?

    Yes, the Drainbase tiles have an open structure on the sides, allowing water to run towards the drain. Even if the roof terrace is completely level, i.e. without slope, the water will still find its way to the drain. Of course, a slope of 0.5 to 1% is ideal.

  • Do the Drainbase tiles allow water to flow through them laterally?

    Yes, the Drainbase tiles have an open structure on the sides, allowing water to flow towards the drain. Even if the roof terrace is completely level, 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.

  • Is Drainbase an additional cost when installing artificial grass?

    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, a base layer of about five centimetres of lava is recommended. On top of that comes a layer of geotextile, onto which the Drainbase panels are then installed.

  • What type and weight of geotextile is recommended under Drainbase?

    A 50-gram non-woven polyester geotextile is sufficient. The thicker the geotextile, the less water-permeable the end result will be.