When homeowners in Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Ontario, Fontana, Claremont, Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Eastvale, Corona, Riverside, Little Rock, and surrounding Inland Empire cities ask us about artificial turf, one question comes up more and more: “What exactly goes underneath it?” The truth is, a beautiful turf lawn is only as good as the layers below it. A professionally built turf system isn’t just rolled out on dirt—it’s a carefully engineered base designed for drainage, stability, and long-term performance.
Why the Sub-Base Matters
Artificial turf gets all the visual glory—the fresh green blades, the lush appearance, the clean edges—but the real magic happens underneath. If you want turf that drains properly, stays level, and lasts 12–15+ years, the foundation is everything. Poor base work is the number one reason cheaper installations fail early.
1. Light Grading & Proper Drainage
Before any road base is added, we lightly grade the soil to manage drainage. The goal is to prevent water from pooling under the turf, which can cause odors, sinking, or uneven surfaces. Good drainage also keeps the turf cleaner and reduces bacterial buildup—especially in homes with pets. For general drainage principles, homeowners can reference the EPA’s stormwater guidance.
2. 4 Inches of Compacted Class 2 Road Base
This is the backbone of every turf system. We install approximately 4 inches of Class 2 road base—a mix of crushed rock and fines—then compact it in multiple passes to create a solid, stable foundation. This base layer:
- Prevents sinking and divots
- Provides natural drainage pathways
- Keeps pets from digging underneath
- Supports heavy foot traffic and outdoor furniture
Because the Inland Empire has clay-heavy soils in some areas (Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and parts of Riverside especially), this engineered base is crucial for long-term durability.
3. ½ Inch of Leveling Sand
Over the compacted road base, we apply about ½ inch of clean sand as a leveling course. This allows us to fine-tune the surface and create a smooth, even platform for the turf. It prevents wrinkles, bumps, and uneven seams—especially important when we join multiple sections together.
4. Turf Rolls: 15 Feet Wide by Hundreds of Feet Long
Artificial turf doesn’t come in small sheets—it comes in 15-foot-wide rolls that can stretch a few hundred feet. That means most yards require at least one seam, often more depending on the shape of the space. Understanding roll width matters because seams must be strategically placed to appear invisible and maintain blade direction consistency.
5. Seam Tape & Special Adhesive Glue
When two pieces of turf meet, they don’t just sit next to each other. We use industrial-grade seam tape paired with professional turf adhesive to bond the backing layers together. This prevents separation, curling, tripping hazards, and shifting over time. Installed correctly, a seam should be nearly invisible—even up close.
6. 6” Galvanized Sinker Nails
Once the turf is laid out and trimmed, it’s secured along the perimeter with 6-inch galvanized sinker nails. These nails:
- Hold turf edges tight to the base
- Prevent movement from foot traffic and weather
- Ensure a clean, permanent edge
Galvanization protects the nails from rust, which is especially helpful in irrigation-heavy areas like Chino, Upland, and Corona. Additional nails are strategically placed throughout the field to keep the turf flat and stable.
7. Infill: The Final Performance Layer
While not physically under the turf, infill settles between the blades and is essential for the turf’s long-term structure. Premium infill helps:
- Maintain blade support
- Reduce heat on sunny days
- Improve UV resistance
- Enhance drainage and cleanliness
We choose infill blends specifically formulated for Southern California heat, backed by studies from organizations like local university extension programs and UC ANR’s environmental resources.
The Layer Breakdown (At a Glance)
| Installation Layer | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grading & Drainage Prep | Controls water flow; prevents pooling | Critical in clay-heavy soils of Rancho Cucamonga & Fontana |
| 4” Class 2 Road Base | Provides strength, stability, and drainage | Compacted in layers for maximum density |
| ½” Sand Layer | Creates a smooth, level surface | Minimizes wrinkles & improves seam quality |
| Artificial Turf Roll | The visible green surface | 15’ wide rolls reduce number of seams |
| Seam Tape & Adhesive | Bonds turf sections together | Ensures long-term seam integrity |
| 6” Galvanized Nails | Secures turf to base | Rust-resistant for longevity |
| Infill | Supports blades; reduces heat & UV wear | Chosen based on sun exposure & traffic |
Why Our Method Works So Well
As experienced Artificial Turf contractors in Rancho Cucamonga, our installations are built for durability and performance—not shortcuts. Every yard is different, and we shape the base, seam layout, and nail pattern around your property’s unique grading, access points, and sun exposure. This system is designed to prevent the common problems homeowners face when turf isn’t installed correctly: wrinkles, odors, seam separation, dips, soggy sections, or melting from window reflection.
Our Materials Come With a Lifetime Warranty
We source our turf products from Purchase Green in San Dimas, a supplier with a strong reputation for UV-resistant, high-performance turf. Although Purchase Green offers installation services as well, our relationship with them is strictly material supply—allowing us to integrate turf seamlessly into our full hardscape and landscape design systems. All turf materials come with a lifetime warranty per manufacturer terms, and we install them exactly as recommended.
Serving the Inland Empire
We install artificial turf systems throughout:
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Upland
- Ontario & Montclair
- Fontana, Chino, Chino Hills
- Eastvale, Corona, Riverside
- Little Rock & surrounding cities
Whether you’re replacing a patchy lawn or building an entire outdoor living space, we design turf installations that last—and look good doing it.
Final Thought
A perfect artificial turf installation in Ontario, Claremont, or anywhere around Rancho Cucamonga isn’t just about the turf—it’s about everything beneath it. When each layer is built correctly, your lawn stays smooth, green, and low-maintenance for years. If you’re planning a turf project, we’d love to walk your property and show you exactly how our process delivers long-term results.