Do You Need Shock Pads Under Artificial Grass? (Safety, Comfort & Costs Explained)

Wondering if you really need shock pads under artificial grass? The honest answer is: not always, but they are essential for safety in schools, nurseries, sports pitches, and anywhere with raised play equipment. In other settings, they can add comfort, protect your turf, and make installation easier – but they aren’t mandatory. At As Good As Grass, we’ll only recommend them if your project genuinely benefits.

🛡 What Are Shock Pads for Artificial Grass?

Shock pads are cushioned underlays that sit beneath artificial turf. They:

• Provide impact protection and reduce injury risk from falls
• Help installations meet BS EN 1177 safety standards with critical fall height protection up to 3m
• Add softness and comfort underfoot
• Improve drainage and turf longevity

✅ When Are Shock Pads Essential?

Not every project needs them, but in certain situations shock pads aren’t optional – they’re a must for safety and compliance. Here’s where they make all the difference:

• Schools & Nurseries: Compliance with BS EN 1177 is required where play equipment is installed. Shock pads ensure children are protected if they fall.
• Sports Pitches: Rugby, hockey, MUGAs – impact absorption reduces injuries and improves performance.
• Home Play Areas: Swings, trampolines, or climbing frames in gardens need extra fall protection.
• Events & Exhibitions: Provide comfort and safety when turf is laid on hard indoor floors.

❌ When Can You Skip Them?

Shock pads aren’t essential in every project. You can often skip them if:

• Your lawn is being laid on a soil/sand sub-base
• No raised equipment is present
• You’re working to a tight budget and prioritising essentials

🔎 Myths & Misconceptions About Shock Pads

There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about shock pads. Let’s cut through the noise and clear up the most common myths:

• “They’re always needed.” → False. Most standard domestic lawns don’t require them.
• “They trap pet urine.” → Only cheap recycled foams do. Quality shock pads use free-draining open-cell foam to prevent odours.
• “It’s just an upsell.” → Wrong. They matter for compliance and safety-critical projects. At AGAG, we only recommend them if standards require.

💷 Cost of Adding Shock Pads

Costs vary depending on thickness and area:

• 25mm pad → ~£10.50 per sheet, protects falls up to 1.4m
• 50mm pad → ~£20.00 per sheet, protects falls up to 2.8m

They do increase project cost, but missing them in a compliance-required install can lead to expensive retrofits later. All As Good As Grass installs are backed by a 10-year turf guarantee and 3-year groundwork guarantee. Learn more about how much artificial grass costs.

🌟 Benefits of Using Shock Pads

Even when they aren’t mandatory, shock pads bring extra perks to an artificial grass installation. Here’s what they add to the table:

• Safety: Reduces risk of head injuries from falls
• Comfort: Softer, springy feel underfoot
• Drainage: Prevents waterlogging, keeps turf usable
• Longevity: Extends the lifespan of your artificial grass

❓ FAQs: Shock Pads & Artificial Grass

Still unsure if shock pads are right for your project? These are the questions we get asked most often – with straight answers from our team:

Do all schools legally need them?

Yes – if there’s play equipment, BS EN 1177 compliance requires shock pads for fall protection.

Can you retrofit shock pads later?

It’s possible, but disruptive and costly. Best installed from the start.

Do shock pads feel spongy?

They add softness without feeling unstable – especially useful for kids’ play areas.

How long do they last?

Typically 10+ years, matching the lifespan of quality turf.