Geogrid Installation and Applications | Use This in EVERY Hardscape Install

Used in both segmental retaining wall applications and pavement projects, geogrid has become increasingly popular in the hardscape industry. Not only is it an inexpensive way to add to the longevity of the hardscape projects that you are installing, it is also a great way to help your company stand out from your competition when explaining to your clients the benefits of this project.
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When we meet with clients, we always have a small piece of fabric and geogrids that we use in our installation on a keychain that allows us to show off what this product is and explain to them the benefits of using this product in their install. It has helped us build authority when meeting with clients and to ensure them that we are there to build them a project that is going to stand the test of time.
There are a couple types of geogrid that are used to stabilize soil material or angular granular material. This prevents the movement of that material caused by dynamic loads and therefore prevents the movement of the structure it is helping to stabilize whether it is preventing the movement of material behind a retaining wall to reduce the pressure on the wall or preventing the movement of granular material below pavement to reduce the movement of the pavement surface.
Geogrids work by interlocking the granular material or soil placed on top of them. The holes in the geogrid are referred to as apertures, and it is these holes that allow for the strikethrough or the pushing through of the material into these holes that create lockup and the stability that comes with that. It works similar to that of a snowshoe as it spreads the load on top of it out over a larger area helping to disperse that force that is experienced.
Along with the aperture size and a well graded, angular granular material, the strikethrough and compaction helps to interlock these granules to create optimal performance of the geogrid. The lesser the granules of the aggregate, the less they will lockup in the apertures of the geogrid providing less stability. Think of the fine granules of a sand trying to lock into the larger apertures of geogrid and how difficult that lockup is to achieve. In addition to this, soils and other materials pull apart under tension caused by a load. However, geogrids have the strength to withstand that tension allowing for that load distribution.
Geogrids are used in retaining walls, patios, walkways, driveways, as well as in further applications beyond the residential hardscape industry including embankments, steepened slopes, bridge abutments, and roads or other structures. Geogrid is used in slope stabilization, soil stabilization, and soil reinforcement.

[@nickohler8153]

I love you for this video. Been looking for a clear answer for how to use both geotextile and geogrid in the same project correctly. Thank you!

[@iamahardscaper]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@alaab614]

Valuable video thankss

[@iamahardscaper]

Thank you!

[@squeekhobby4571]

Excellent points

[@iamahardscaper]

Thank you!

[@davidzeto2446]

Great video.

[@iamahardscaper]

Thank you!

[@maxmontreality]

Your videos are really helpful, Mike! Thanks for sharing them. Would you ever be worried about the 1" bedding layer eventually mixing down into the 4" bedding layer below it. Would it be redundant to add another geotextile layer between them?

[@iamahardscaper]

Thank you! I’m not worried about it. Some people though do opt for the non woven geotextile to separate the two

[@drivione]

Wow, I had no idea how geogrid works until recently! It's amazing how it reinforces soil and improves stability. I stumbled upon this geogrid provider called Basecore, and their prices seem really affordable. Definitely worth considering if you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution!

[@iamahardscaper]

👍👍

[@jkevin1569]

This is very informative 👏 can you please tell me what size aggregate do you use for 4 inch base material and 1 inch bedding for a driveway on loamy clay soil texture? Thanks!!

[@iamahardscaper]

If you are in a freeze thaw climate, you will want to go deeper with your base. We use 3/4” angular crushed clean stone with 1/4” angular crushed clean on top. Or you can do 3/4” minus with concrete sand on top.

[@MichaelHeggli]

What is your 1 in bedding below your pavers? I just saw your other video-- HPB or 1/4 to 3/8 in crushed. Cool. Really good video.

[@iamahardscaper]

Yup! Thank you 🙏

[@tundeowolabi477]

Thanks for the video. Please I need to know if the installation of geotextile will prevent seepage of water through underlying layers of a flexible pavement during milling? I want to resurface but what is seen coming out from the underlying layer s. Pls advice

[@iamahardscaper]

I’m sorry, I don’t follow. Geotextile will definitely let water through. But there are some (pond liners) that do not.

[@mariobroda4124]

Hi there, I'm building a 3' high round retaining wall and planning to put a above ground swimming pool on top. The pool wall will be about 2' away from the retaining wall. My question is: will the geogrid help or hurt with keeping my retaining wall in place? I want the load to be distributed as vertical as possible (without geogrid load moving at 45 deg) but it seems like geogrid will add more horizontal load and providing load to the wall at higher elevation. Let me know what u think. Mario.

[@iamahardscaper]

I would follow the manufacturers specifications based on the wall product you are using. Geogrid stabilizes the drainage material in behind the wall and would likely be necessary in this application.

[@owenlangdon6461]

If I'm building a 2' block retaining wall to have a paved patio on top do I use both geo grids in the process or just the biaxial to lock in everything?

[@iamahardscaper]

If this is a raised patio with 2+ sides to it, I just opt for the biaxial. But you can always consult with the manufacturer to see what they recommend with their block.

[@daschc01]

For a paver pedestrian pathway over clay soil, would you use non-woven fabric with a geogrid under the base gravel?

[@iamahardscaper]

That is what I would do 👍

[@The0retical]

For raised patio installations. I'm gathering that you want to tie parallel walls together with a continuous run of geogrid if possible? Or would it be ok to embed it some distance towards the center of the project like a retaining wall? Great series by the way. It's been really helpful to see how much things have changed in the 20 years since I did my last hardscaping project.

[@iamahardscaper]

Glad it helps! Yes, there are two ways of doing it. Either installing uniaxial as you would with a regular retaining wall or just laying biaxial into the base material like you would with any paver project. Biaxial is usually too thick to lay between retaining wall blocks.

[@Al-xk7wl]

I understand using a textile fabric but, I have never seen the Geogrid. I’m assuming Geogrid would greatly help with GTA clay soil and frost heaves?

[@iamahardscaper]

Yes absolutely! It stabilized the gravel on top of it

[@efrulz]

Hi, Just found your channel as I was researching what the best way to hold a hillside is, basically we are are looking for a good solution to stop landslides, the going plan is to use geogrid+gavions to gold it back, what would you suggest?

[@iamahardscaper]

yeah, it depends on the hillside, height, slope, etc. I've never built using gabions. But that would work, large natural armorstone, or segmental retaining wall units. Depends on the aesthetic that you are also looking for.

[@blackacreage4868]

Awesome. Seems like "geogrid" is generally available everywhere, but I'm coming up short on UNIAXIAL geogrid for a retaining wall. Is there some brand name I should be asking about? Some (Canadian) source? Thanks Mike!

[@iamahardscaper]

You should be able to get both uniaxial and biaxial geogrid from a supplier. I have only been to one that they didn’t know the difference. But if they don’t have what your looking for, you can request Alliance Gator products because they have both.

[@prakashambastha7530]

Very informative! at 7:25 you showed 8" of base material separated by 4" biaxial geogrid. What if I using 4" of 3/4” angular crushed base material? Should I separate them by 2" layer or I just need to use on top of base material 4" before putting bedding 1" sand? Thank you!

[@iamahardscaper]

Actually the deeper it goes in your base the better. It stabilizes material that is placed on top of it. Some use a nonwoven geotextile and then biaxial immediately on top. Others use a woven geotextile and then do a few inches and then the geogrid.

[@prakashambastha7530]

@@iamahardscaper I was thinking it stabilizes material underneath it. Thanks for clarifying! Can't wait for your next informative video!

[@thelouiebrand]

Should you use this on timber walls? I’m doing a 4’ landscape timber wall soon.

[@iamahardscaper]

I don’t think so

[@petedthird]

Just started learning diy about this project. What do you think the cons and pros between geogrid versus mesh wire? I love watching your videos

[@iamahardscaper]

Mesh wire is for concrete and geogrid is for paver base / retaining walls in

[@petedthird]

Great! Thank you so much for a quick reply👍

[@tdevans11]

The diagram you provided seems to show the geotextile being folded over the gravel, then Geo-grid laid on top of that, then yet another layer of geotextile as a base for more gravel. Is it okay to sandwich Geo-grid between two layers of geotextile? I assume this is all to prevent soil from leeching into the drainage gravel, while getting the most strength from the Geo-grid. Thank you!

[@iamahardscaper]

Yes you can with non-woven geotextile. There is actually a product on the market called combigrid that is what you describe

[@czarrevs3616]

Great videos!...new subscriber here. I have an A frame cabin that I want to pour a 4' concrete apron/sidewalk all around the cabin for water drainage away from the foundation but its very expensive. After looking at your informative videos, I'm thinking of placing a 20mil heavy-duty plastic sheeting 6' wide on top of the soil, then add a woven geotextile fabric on top and add gravel on top of the fabric. This will allow water drainage away from the foundation. Any recommendations? thanks

[@iamahardscaper]

This makes sense, I have not done the plastic before. Some have done EPDM liner as a solution I know.

[@czarrevs3616]

@@iamahardscaper do you recommend EPDM over 20 mil plastic sheeting for durability and longevity, laid on top of dirt and then adding gravel on top? Thanks

[@iamahardscaper]

I would suggest that, though the cost would be more. I would also get other suggestions from professionals in your area.

[@joyceblom7373]

I am stabilizing a parking area where there are tree roots at grade. I cannot dig down for the base later and stabilizing later. Do you have any suggestions on how to handle this situation?

[@iamahardscaper]

I’d look at EasyClick base by Azpects. It is a synthetic base where you don’t have to dig down as deep. Could save you destroying roots. But there’s still no saying those roots still won’t grow up and heave pavers in the future

[@Carguylogan]

We are putting a mobile home on an area with softer soil. We are having caliche delivered to form a base pad for the home, but would it help to lay down a geogrid first and then pour the caliche? To firm up the base pad for the home?

[@iamahardscaper]

It depends on a lot. What is your climate, what is the size of that rock, what is the depth of the base. Compacting your subsoil is also important.

[@Carguylogan]

@@iamahardscaper The subsoil feels somewhere between beach sand and clay basically. It's in northeastern Arizona. We will compact it as much as we can and then pour caliche over it but it's still hard dirt on top of soft dirt.

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

Sure would like to know where you got those grooved blocks.

[@iamahardscaper]

Techo Bloc Mini Creta

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

@@iamahardscaper : Thank you.

[@restorationlandscape61]

Hey Mike, Have you ever used the geogrid incorporated into the base for a spa on top of pavers?

[@iamahardscaper]

I have not. So pavers and then geogrid on top of those pavers?

[@restorationlandscape61]

No. Compacted base, then geogrid. 5" gravel ( we use #8 limestone) then 2.75" thick pavers. @@iamahardscaper

[@iamahardscaper]

Oh Gotchya, no I still like to pour some concrete and then lay pavers overtop in that area. Still could use geogrid in the base of the concrete as well.

[@rorycompton8138]

When you are installing this in a paver patio, are you taking it all the way to the edge of the extra 6 inches you excavate out? Is it tying into anything or just placed in between the lifts and the stone locking does its thing?

[@iamahardscaper]

Yes we extend it into our base extension. And overlapped. Doesn’t need any thing, just place it. It is the load that is placed on it over a wide area and the aggregate that locks it in.

[@rorycompton8138]

How much do you recommend overlapping it by?

[@iamahardscaper]

I typically do 6-12” overlaps

[@charleshaskins5324]

We are building a two level terraced retaining wall coming down a grade to the road that faces the ocean. They want a patio on 2nd wall area in between the two sections. It will be slate with either sod or other materials What type of grid do we need for that layer. There will be steps and a path between the two runs and will finish towards the road with parking spaces

[@iamahardscaper]

Retaining walls get uniaxial geogrid. This sounds more like this needs to be engineered. Depending on your region and the height of this, it may require engineered drawings. A rule of thumb is that if the space between the two retaining walls is twice the height of the lower retaining wall, the walls are built independent of one another.

[@charleshaskins5324]

@@iamahardscaper we are in the coastal region of North Carolina. The walls will be short in height, under four feet. With atleast that in the middle between them. There is a slab from the house on the border with footings for porch above.

[@iamahardscaper]

In our area, we require engineered drawings for any walls over 39"

[@danielshaye9047]

I know this is a page about hardscaping... but soil is soil! I'm building a series of small (1' tall or-so, 8' wide) wood (4x6x8) retaining walls on a steep (30-60% grade) dirt hill. I'm researching geogrid to help reduce the soil's tendency to slide downhill and ultimately overwhelm the retaining wall. Is geogrid a good element to add on such a steep slope -- or overkill and unnecessary for my application? Since geogrid functionally turns soil into a single mass, and since geogrid can be interspersed/anchored with the wall between its layers, in a way does it function like a sort of tieback or dead man, connecting the wall to the soil behind it and using that soil to tension the wall away from leaning over? I'm just a homeowner trying to prevent erosion on my hill, and I very much appreciate your help. Thank you!

[@iamahardscaper]

Absolutely, soil has a lot to do with hardscaping. Yes, what you are referring to is the slip plane. Geogrid does not replace the need for tiebacks, instead it stabilizes the soil. I think you are building a tiered retaining wall, so there is some specific engineering that comes into play with those as well. The distance from one tier to the next should be more than twice the height of the lower wall to be built as separate retaining walls, otherwise you are engineering them taking into consideration the load of the top one to the bottom one. Geogrid is great for these applications especially for steep slopes. If you are unsure of the engineering behind what you are building and whether you should be concerned of a slip plane, you can hire a geotechnical engineer. Hope this information helps!

[@danielshaye9047]

@@iamahardscaper Thank you -- especially for your quick, detailed feedback! I especially appreciate your advice to talk to a geotechnical engineer. My 2 main concerns are: 1. Grossly over-engineering what should otherwise be a simple project, and 2. Grossly under-engineering a project that seems simple to Joe Homeowner (even though my name isn't Joe), and having it fail when it didn't need to if I'd respected a few key details. THANK YOU! I've got a call into someone who may have the next level of expertise that I admit to lacking.

[@iamahardscaper]

Glad I was able to help!

[@chucheponce7222]

What Brand of biaxial Geogrid do you recommend

[@iamahardscaper]

Any brand, doesn’t matter really they are all built the same that I’ve seen

[@davidh4538]

Any thoughts on Geo Ground Grid such as Geoweb

[@iamahardscaper]

No thoughts unfortunately, have not yet tried it out.

[@SongvilayFilms]

Hi just wanted to know what are the blocks that you are using?

[@iamahardscaper]

Hi, I don’t know the blocks from this video. Maybe Mini Creat?

[@SongvilayFilms]

@@iamahardscaper Hey thanks I've found them, Appreciate it!

[@VRkochufamily]

Hello. I need some help with my steep hill side retaining wall project.

[@iamahardscaper]

Hi, any questions you can put here 👍 but I wont be able to help with most of it without actually seeing it

[@zachrobinson5040]

Would it hurt to always use the 2 way grid in order to carry less equipment from job to job?

[@iamahardscaper]

for retaining walls you cant use the 2 way grid. typically it is a little bit thicker than the uniaxial and wont sit well with walls

[@Mike-lu1pt]

6:26 you say biaxial geogrid needs 6" of overlap, but then at 7:06 you say you only have 4" between biaxial geogrid. Can you please clarify what the best layer thickness should be for both uniaxial and biaxial geogrids?

[@iamahardscaper]

Definitely, 6” of overlap minimum from one piece to the next in one layer. 4” minimum from one layer to the next layer. So if you decide to have two layers of Geogrid in your base, you need to have at least 4” of base material between the two layers. Hope that helps 👍

[@Mike-lu1pt]

​@@iamahardscaper Cool, what about maximum layer heights? Like when is it necessary to add another layer of geogrid? And how did you learn this knowledge?

[@iamahardscaper]

If you have weak clay soils, either use a woven geotextile to separate base from sub grade and have at least one layer of geogrid in a pedestrian application or more in a vehicular. Depends on the depth of base for how many layers. If you are worried about the stability of the subgrade, do a layer every 4”. You can also do non woven geotextile with geogrid right on top of it with another layer of geogrid 4” above that. All depends on your subgrade. I worked for a supplier for many years and just asked lots of questions to everyone. Then I started a podcast and got a lot more questions answered and I talk to people that are smarter than me on it on a regular basis. Check out the How to Hardscape Podcast. There are a couple episodes on Geogrid actually.

[@Mike-lu1pt]

@@iamahardscaper Cool thanks! I just subscribed to your podcast as well as your YT channel!

[@iamahardscaper]

I really appreciate that!

[@prakashambastha7530]

Hey Mike, could you please make a instructive video on how to install a channel drain between pavers. I have seating area (all pavers) that goes all the way to pool area. I see sometimes after the rain, all the storm water from my patio seating area flow towards the pool and it accumulates over there. So I am thinking to install a channel drain to route the water to the drain. Thank you!

[@iamahardscaper]

Great suggestion! It won’t be anytime soon unfortunately until we do one for me to make a video on it.

[@prakashambastha7530]

@@iamahardscaper Thank you so much!!

[@ivans613]

Hi Mike just wondering if you still use bi-axial geogrid instead of tri-axial in driveway (extensions) applications?

[@iamahardscaper]

Extensions I typically go with biaxial just because of the roll size. triaxial I need to buy in full rolls, so it is a little bit inconvenient but we will use it for full driveways.

[@kiohaha]

GeoNet it’s called surely?? Googling geogrid gives a product much higher in form and different design

[@iamahardscaper]

If you Google geogrid, all the different types of it shows up.

[@shashankprasad6403]

Where to buy geogrid online from ? I need 13'x100'

[@iamahardscaper]

I know Amazon has some listed.

[@shashankprasad6403]

@@iamahardscaper i need larger size 13' x100' or more for a 3000 sq ft porcelqin patio project. I cannot find geogrid for patio anywhere. It will be great if you can help provide a trusted online retailer.

[@shashankprasad6403]

@@iamahardscaper I am going to create open graded base like your other video, but will likely replace nonwoven with woven for added reinforcement

[@iamahardscaper]

Definitely a great idea especially in clay soils. Just make sure that you have a way to move water out of that patio that makes its way into your base. I wish I could give you a trusted online retailer, but I do not know any that deal with geogrid or even hardscape supplies in general online. Contact your local landscape supplier or contact Terrafix Geosynthetics, Alliance Gator, or other Geogrid manufacturers to see if they have any online dealers. You also do not need to go the full width of the patio with one single piece of geogrid. Instead, you can overlap the geogrid in order to extend it through the patio space.

[@1MrsR]

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