Geotextile fabric is a tough woven or non woven sheet that gets laid between the soil and the ballast. It acts like a barrier keeping the layers separate so your base does not end up sinking into the ground over time. On soft or wet ground it really earns its keep helping with drainage and stopping the sub base from mixing into the soil below. It keeps everything in place and helps the whole base stay firm.
Yes if you are working on soft ground or clay you should definitely use geotextile fabric. Clay holds water and shifts when it gets wet and soft ground does not take much to start moving once the weight goes on. The fabric stops the base material from disappearing into the soil and helps spread the weight across the whole area. On firm dry ground you might not need it but when the soil is soft or damp it is a smart move that keeps things from going wrong down the line.
- Acts as a separation layer between soil and hardcore, preventing mixing over time.
- Helps maintain long-term stability by stopping the hardcore from sinking into soft ground.
- Improves drainage by filtering out fine particles that can cause blockages.
- Especially useful on clay, soft, or water-retentive soils where movement is more likely.
- Adds an extra layer of insurance for longevity and structural reliability.
- Provides a strong, load-bearing base layer for slabs, driveways, or blocks.
- Made from crushed stone, MOT Type 1, or recycled materials, and compacted for strength.
- Spreads the load and prevents the concrete from sinking or cracking.
- May be enough on firm, well-drained soil with low risk of movement or water retention.
- On unstable ground, hardcore alone can sink or mix with soil, leading to structural failure over time.
🔹
Is Geotextile Fabric Needed for Small Jobs Like Shed Bases
For small jobs like shed bases geotextile fabric is not always needed but it depends on the ground. If the area is firm and dry and the shed is not too heavy you might be fine without it. But if the spot gets damp or the soil feels soft it is worth putting down. It only takes a few minutes to lay and it helps stop the base from shifting or sinking. It is not a must for every small job but on softer ground it adds a bit of extra strength.
🔹
What Happens If You Skip Geotextile Fabric on Soft Ground
If you leave out the fabric on soft ground you risk the whole base starting to settle or shift over time. The stone starts to sink into the soil and you lose the level. That leads to movement in the slab or blocks and sooner or later things start cracking or dipping. It might look fine at first but once the ground gets wet or the weight goes on you will start to see it give way. The fabric is what keeps the base separate from the soil and stops it all turning into a mess.