Frequently Asked Questions: Turfstone Grid Pavers

1.  What is the role of Turfstone?
2.  Is the base material important?
3.  What type of material is used for the base?
4.  What is the Geotextile and is it necessary?
5.  Is the bedding sand used in Turfstone?
6.  Is the joint sand different than the bedding sand?
7.  Are there colors available with Turfstone?
8.  Is an edge restraint important?
9.  Is maintenance required for Turfstone?

What is the role of Turfstone?
The Turfstone is there to prevent compaction of the soil around the roots of the turf. It does not prevent the blades of the turf from being damaged by traffic therefore Turfstone is not recommended for everyday use.

Is the base material important?
Yes. The base material absorbs the loads applied to the surface of the Turfstone. Without the compacted base the Turfstone could fail by rutting and/or cracking and compacting around the roots of the turf.

What type of material is used for the base?
The proper material is a crushed angular gravel mix typically referred to as a 'crushed miscellaneous', or '¾ minus mix'. DO NOT USE A 50/50 SAND AND GRAVEL MIX.

What is the Geotextile and is it necessary?
The Geotextile is a heavy fabric that functions much like a coffee filter. Water is allowed to pass through without allowing the small particles in the base from flowing out. It may be necessary in areas of high water tables or over clayey soils.

Is the bedding sand used in Turfstone?
No. The bedding sand is loosely screeded at a uniform depth of 1- 1½ inches. It fills the joints from the bottom up and allows the removal of minor height differences in the Turfstone during the first compaction. It should not be used to fill depressions or low spots in the base material.

Is the joint sand different than the bedding sand?
Not always. Bedding sand can be used to fill the joints however it must be dried prior to sweeping into the joints and some particles in the bedding sand are larger then the joint width and will need to be swept off the surface. Dry bagged joint sands with a finer gradation are typically available and will sweep and compact into the joints easier assuring a good interlock.

Are there colors available with Turfstone?
The Turfstone is typically manufactured in a natural Gray concrete mix for two reasons. First the Gray will not absorb as much heat from the sun which could dry the seed and/or roots of the turf. Second is that after proper installation the turf will fill in and cover the Turfstone.

Is an edge restraint important?
Yes. Without a proper edge restraint the Turfstone could shift apart losing the interlock and allow for rutting and compaction of the turf.

Is maintenance required for Turfstone?
As with any turf area regular watering, fertilizing and mowing will be necessary.