In-Depth DIY Guide to Foam Shock Pads for the Best Artificial Turf

If kids will play on your new artificial lawn, or you just want it to feel softer underfoot, you’ll run into foam shock pads sooner or later. Also called turf underlay, underlayment, or padding, a shock pad is a cushioned layer installed under artificial grass to make it safer, softer, and more comfortable.

Not every installation needs one. This guide explains what shock pads are, what they’re made of, when they’re worth it, how thick to go, and how to install underlay under artificial grass on soil, concrete, and decks.

What Is a Foam Shock Pad?

A shock pad is a resilient foam or rubber layer installed directly beneath artificial turf, on top of the compacted base. Think of it like the pad under a carpet: you don’t see it, but you feel it with every step.

Shock pads were developed for sports fields and playgrounds, where they absorb the impact of falls. Today they’re common in residential lawns too, especially in play areas, backyards that see lots of activity, and turf installed over hard surfaces.

Shock Pad, Underlay, Underlayment, Padding: Is There a Difference?

Not really. “Shock pad” is the industry term, especially for sports and playground systems. “Underlay,” “underlayment,” and “padding” are used interchangeably for the same layer in residential installs.

One thing a shock pad is not is a rigid plastic drainage tile. Drainage tiles move water; shock pads cushion. Some systems use both.

What Are Shock Pads Made Of?

• Closed-cell polyethylene foam (PE or XPE): The most common material. It doesn’t absorb water, holds its cushioning well over time, and is light and easy to install.
• Polyurethane foam: Durable and resilient, used in many landscape and play pads.
• Rubber (including recycled rubber): Dense and very durable, with strong shock absorption. It’s heavier and harder to handle.
• EVA foam: Lightweight and easy to work with.

For residential use, closed-cell foam is the material to look for. Because it doesn’t soak up water, it won’t hold moisture or odors, and it keeps its shape longer.

What Does a Shock Pad Do?

Softens Falls and Reduces Injuries

A shock pad absorbs impact, reducing the force of a fall. That’s why pads are standard in playgrounds and on sports fields, and why many parents add them under backyard turf.

Makes Turf Softer and More Comfortable

Artificial grass is already softer than hard-packed dirt, but a pad gives it a springy, cushioned feel that’s noticeably more comfortable for walking, playing, exercising, and lying on.

Smooths Out Minor Imperfections

A pad can mask small lumps, bumps, and joints in the surface beneath, so they don’t telegraph through the turf. That’s especially useful over concrete, pavers, and wood decks, where board gaps and slab joints can show through.

Reduces Noise

Foam dampens footsteps and impact noise, which makes a real difference on balconies, rooftops, and decks.

Adds a Little Insulation

A pad separates the turf from hard surfaces like concrete, which can hold heat or cold.

Helps Turf Last Longer

By cushioning the turf from the hard base below, a pad reduces wear on the backing and fibers from foot traffic and play.

Do You Need a Shock Pad Under Artificial Grass?

You can install a perfectly good artificial lawn without one. Ask yourself these questions. If you answer yes to any of them, a pad is worth serious consideration.

Will Kids Play on It?

If children will run, tumble, and fall on your lawn, a pad adds a meaningful layer of protection. It’s especially worth it under swing sets, climbing frames, slides, and play structures, or anywhere kids might fall from a height.

Do You Need to Meet Critical Fall Height Standards?

Public playgrounds, schools, and parks typically need surfacing that meets ASTM F1292, the standard for impact attenuation under playground equipment. Shock pads paired with turf are one way facilities meet those requirements. Residential installs usually don’t have to comply, but if you have play equipment, the same logic applies at home: the higher the fall, the more cushioning you want.

Do You Want a Softer Feel?

If you want your lawn to feel plush and springy, especially for lounging, yoga, home gyms, or barefoot use, a pad delivers that.

Are You Installing Over a Hard or Uneven Surface?

Over concrete, pavers, or a wood deck, a pad makes the turf far more comfortable and hides joints and board gaps that would otherwise show through.

Is Noise a Concern?

On balconies, rooftops, and decks above living spaces, a pad cuts down footstep noise for the people below.

When You Can Skip the Pad

• Decorative areas that won’t see much foot traffic or play
• Side yards and low-traffic strips
• Most putting greens, where a thick, soft pad hurts ball roll (see below)
• When you’re happy with how turf feels on its own

Can You Use a Shock Pad Under a Putting Green?

Thick, soft pads aren’t a good fit for putting greens. A green needs a firm, consistent surface, and a cushioned layer underneath makes the ball roll inconsistently. Some thin, firm pads are designed for putting surfaces, but most backyard greens are built directly on a firm, compacted base. See our putting green installation guide.

Can You Use a Shock Pad With Dogs?

Yes, as long as it’s the right pad. For pet areas, choose a closed-cell, non-absorbent pad with drainage holes. An absorbent pad soaks up urine and holds odor, which is very hard to fix once the turf is down. Quality pads hold up well to daily use from dogs.

For pet-specific installs, see our Pet Turf System and our guide to artificial grass durability for dogs.

Do Shock Pads Affect Drainage?

A quality shock pad shouldn’t slow drainage. Most turf pads are perforated with drainage holes, and some have channels on the underside that let water and air move sideways beneath the pad. Closed-cell foam doesn’t absorb water, so it doesn’t stay soggy.

Always check a pad’s drainage rating. A pad that drains slower than your turf will become the weak link.

How Thick Should a Shock Pad Be?

Shock pads for sports fields typically range from about 5/16 inch to 1.5 inches thick. Residential and playground pads can be thicker, depending on how much cushioning you need.

The right thickness depends on:

• Fall height. The higher someone could fall (from play equipment, for example), the thicker the pad.
• Softness. Thicker pads feel softer and springier.
• Foot traffic. Heavy use calls for a durable pad that won’t compress quickly.
• The surface underneath. More pronounced bumps or joints may need a thicker pad to hide them.
• Finished height. Every bit of pad thickness raises your finished turf height (more on this below).

As a general rule, thicker pads are softer and safer. Our team can help you match a pad to your project.

Where Does the Shock Pad Go?

From the bottom up, a typical installation on soil looks like this:

1. Compacted native soil
2. Weed barrier (optional)
3. Compacted base (such as Class II road base)
4. Shock pad
5. Artificial turf
6. Infill

The pad sits directly under the turf, on top of the finished base.

Can You Put Underlay Directly on Soil?

No. A shock pad is not a replacement for a proper base. Laid directly on dirt, the pad will follow every dip and soft spot in the soil, the ground will settle unevenly underneath it, and drainage will suffer.

To use underlay for artificial grass on soil, prepare the ground exactly as you would for any turf install: remove the grass and roots, excavate, compact the soil, and build a compacted base. Then lay the pad on top of the finished base. Follow our guide to installing artificial grass on dirt for the base steps.

Plan for the Extra Height

A pad raises the finished turf surface by its thickness. If your turf needs to sit flush with a patio, path, or pool coping, excavate deeper by the thickness of the pad so the finished surface still lines up.

How to Install a Foam Shock Pad Under Artificial Turf

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Build and compact your base as usual. It should be firm, smooth, and sloped for drainage. A pad will smooth out tiny imperfections, but it won’t fix a poor base.

Step 2: Install Edging

Set your perimeter edging. The pad and turf will be secured to it later.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pad

Unroll or lay out the pad panels across the base. Let rolled pads relax and flatten before you start fitting them.

Step 4: Butt the Joints Tightly

Fit each piece tightly against the next, without overlapping. Overlaps create ridges that show through the turf. If your pad uses interlocking or puzzle-cut panels, fit the connections together fully.

Where possible, stagger the pad joints and offset them from where your turf seams will fall, so the joints and seams don’t stack on top of each other.

Step 5: Join and Secure the Pad

Join pad seams using the method the manufacturer recommends, such as tape made for that pad or adhesive. Don’t use duct tape; it won’t hold up outdoors.

Secure the pad around the perimeter with adhesive or fasteners into the edging, and add fasteners through the field as recommended so the pad can’t shift while you lay the turf.

Step 6: Trim to Fit

Trim the pad with a sharp utility knife so it fits neatly to the edging and around obstacles, without bunching up against borders.

Step 7: Lay and Secure the Turf

Roll the turf out over the pad, let it relax, and seam it as usual. When nailing the turf, use nails long enough to pass through the turf and pad and anchor firmly into the base. See our guide to fixing and preventing visible seams for seaming.

Step 8: Add Infill

Brush infill into the turf as usual. See our infill guide for types and amounts.

Installing Underlay on Concrete, Pavers, and Decks

On Concrete or Pavers

Clean and dry the surface, make sure water has a way to drain off it, and glue the pad down in sections, leaving gaps in the adhesive so water can escape. A pad with drainage holes or channels is essential here. Then glue the turf to the pad. Follow our full guide to installing artificial turf on concrete.

On Wood Decks

Make sure the deck is sound and drains. Lay the pad and secure it with decking screws, then install the turf over it. The pad hides board gaps that would otherwise show through.

How Long Do Shock Pads Last?

A properly installed, quality pad can last as long as the turf itself, typically 10 to 15 years or more. Closed-cell foam holds its cushioning more consistently over time; some foams can gradually compress under very heavy use.

Shock Pads We Carry

You can get underlay directly from Artificial Turf Express, with delivery available:

• Brock Foam Shock Pad: Developed for sports fields and great for backyards. It increases the fall rating of artificial turf and drains at more than 350 inches per hour, faster than most turf.
• Play Padding 1 ¼” and Play Padding 2 ¼”: Made for playgrounds, with two thickness options for different fall heights. Both have drainage holes.

FAQs

What is the best underlay for artificial grass?

For most residential projects, a closed-cell foam pad with drainage holes is the best choice. It’s non-absorbent, holds its cushioning, and drains well. Choose the thickness based on how much softness and fall protection you need.

Is a shock pad worth the cost?

If kids play on the lawn, you’re installing over a hard surface, or you want a noticeably softer feel, yes. For decorative and low-traffic areas, you can usually skip it.

Does a shock pad make turf hotter?

No. A pad sits under the turf and doesn’t increase surface heat. Over concrete, it can actually help by separating the turf from a slab that holds heat.

Do I need less infill with a shock pad?

You still need infill to hold the blades upright and weigh the turf down. Follow your turf’s infill recommendations.

Can I add a shock pad to existing turf?

Yes, but it means lifting the turf, laying the pad, and reinstalling. If the pad is thick, you may also need to adjust the base so the finished surface still meets your edges.

The Best Artificial Turf and Accessories in San Jose

Artificial Turf Express makes DIY installation easy, with turf, shock pads, infill, and every accessory you need. Browse our products or accessories, or visit our San Jose showroom at 370 Umbarger Rd to feel the difference a pad makes. Call (408) 413-3629 or send us a message.