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Geotextile Barrier

Geotextile Barrier

$125.21


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SKU NWGF3.3x100

Our Geotextile Barrier is a needle-punched non-woven fabric that can be used in a variety of applications, ranging from french drains, to landscaped areas, to gravel driveways. The benefit of this fabric is that it provides a filtration and separation layer while also having high water flow properties. The fabric is tear resistant, non-biodegradable, and resistant to insect and rodent damage.

The geotextile barrier has high strength and dimensional stability, and is used for both commercial and residential jobs. It will not rot or mildew and is non-biodegradable. The fabric is available in a wide variety of thickness and size options to suit different job requirements.

AASHTO Selection Sheet: Download

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Frequently Asked Questions

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☏  Call: (800) 748-5647 for pricing and shipping questions.

This material ships from either California, Minnesota, New Jersey or Georgia. Orders typically ship same day (if placed before 12 PM EST)

Note: The day that the order ships does not count as a transit day. We are unable to expedite fabric shipments faster than what is displayed on the map below.

Geotextile Barrier: The Essential Guide to Separation, Filtration & Drainage

A geotextile barrier is a needle-punched non-woven fabric engineered to act as a separation and filtration layer while maintaining high water flow. In plain terms: it keeps soil layers where they belong, lets water pass through quickly, and prevents clogsβ€”all while resisting rot, insects, and everyday wear.

Geotextile barrier lining a trench for a French drain
Geotextile Barrier Lining a French Drain

What Is a Geotextile Barrier?

This barrier is a non-woven, needle-punched geotextile that excels at filtration (lets water pass while trapping fines) and separation (keeps gravel base and native soil from mixing). Because it’s tear-resistant, non-biodegradable, and resistant to insects and rodents, it works in both residential and commercial settingsβ€”from French drains and landscaped beds to gravel driveways and patios.

The fabric offers high strength and dimensional stability (holds shape under load), won’t rot or mildew, and is available in multiple thicknesses and roll sizes so you can match the product to the job requirements.

Why Non-Woven (Needle-Punched) Instead of Woven?

  • Higher water flow (permits/porosity): Excellent for drains and areas that must move water quickly.
  • Superior filtration: Traps migrating fines that would otherwise clog your base or pipe perforations.
  • Conforms to grade: Needle-punched mats drape into contours and complex shapes more easily.
Aggregate being compacted over geotextile barrier on a gravel base
Separation Layer Under Gravel & Base Rock

Key Benefits (Technical Term β†’ Plain-Language Explanation)

  • Separation: Prevents base stone from sinking into soilβ€”your driveway or patio stays flatter, longer.
  • Filtration: Lets water pass while stopping fine soil particles, keeping drains and bases cleaner.
  • High Permittivity: Water flows through the fabric fast, reducing ponding above the layer.
  • Durability: Tear-resistant, non-biodegradable, and resistant to insect/rodent damage for long service life.
  • Dimensional Stability: Holds its shape under compaction and traffic, protecting the structure.
  • Versatile Sizing: Different thicknesses and roll sizes fit small gardens to commercial builds.

Where to Use a Geotextile Barrier

  1. French Drains & Curtain Drains: Line the trench to keep fines out of the drain stone and pipe.
  2. Gravel Driveways & Parking Pads: Stop rutting and mixing between gravel and subgrade.
  3. Patios & Walkways: Maintain a clean base layer for pavers, concrete, or stepping stones.
  4. Landscaped Areas & Beds: Improve soil structure and drainage while reducing maintenance.
  5. Retaining Walls: As a filter fabric behind backfill (with proper drainage aggregate).
Geotextile barrier installed under garden beds for separation and drainage
Drainage & Separation Under Garden Beds

How to Choose the Right Fabric (Quick Spec Guide)

Selection depends on application (drain vs. driveway), soil type (sand vs. silt/clay), and load (foot traffic vs. vehicles). As a rule of thumb:

  • Light-Duty (landscape beds, walkways): Standard non-woven is typically sufficient.
  • Drainage (French drains, behind walls): Prioritize higher flow rate and good filtration.
  • Driveways & Parking: Choose a heavier non-woven for added puncture resistance under gravel.

Installation Basics (Step-by-Step)

  1. Grade & Prepare: Excavate to design depth and smooth subgrade; remove sharp debris.
  2. Place Fabric: Unroll with minimal wrinkles. Overlap adjacent sheets 12–18β€³ (more in soft soils).
  3. Secure: Use landscape staples or pins as needed to prevent shifting during backfill.
  4. Add Aggregate: Place drain stone/base rock carefully to avoid tearing; then compact in lifts.
  5. Finish: For drains, wrap stone as specified and connect to outlets; for pavements, continue base build-up per plan.

Case Study: Stabilizing a Rural Gravel Driveway on Silty Subgrade

Project: 300-ft rural driveway with recurring ruts and pumping after heavy rains.
Site Conditions: Silty subgrade, poor drainage, regular pickup-truck traffic.

Solution: A non-woven needle-punched geotextile barrier was installed directly on the prepared subgrade with 18β€³ overlaps in soft areas. 6β€³ of graded aggregate base was placed and compacted in 2β€³ lifts. The geotextile provided separation so fines couldn’t migrate up, while maintaining high water flow to reduce saturation.

Outcome (6-month review): Ruts were eliminated, surface remained firm, and maintenance dropped to periodic grading only. The driveway drained quickly after storms, with no visible base contamination. The owner reported significant savings in gravel top-up and labor.

Specs & Options at a Glance

  • Construction: Non-woven, needle-punched geotextile.
  • Performance: High water flow, strong filtration, dimensional stability.
  • Durability: Tear-resistant, non-biodegradable, resists rot, mildew, insect & rodent damage.
  • Formats: Multiple thicknesses and roll sizes to match residential and commercial jobs.

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Results

  • Mind the overlaps: Softer soils need wider overlaps (up to 24β€³) to prevent seam separation.
  • Protect during backfill: Avoid dragging sharp rock across exposed fabric; place and compact in lifts.
  • Don’t skip drainage: Separation isn’t enoughβ€”ensure proper outlets for water leaving the system.
  • Right weight for the job: Heavier non-wovens resist puncture better under vehicular loads.

Geotextile Barrier: FAQ

What’s the difference between woven and non-woven geotextile?
Woven fabrics are stronger in tension but have lower water flow. Non-woven needle-punched fabrics provide higher flow and better filtration, making them ideal for drains, driveways over soft soils, and landscaping where water must pass.
Can I use this under a gravel driveway?
Yes. It acts as a separation and filtration layer so gravel stays clean and supported, reducing rutting and maintenance. Choose a heavier non-woven for improved puncture resistance under vehicle traffic.
How much overlap should I use between sheets?
Typically 12–18β€³. Increase to 18–24β€³ in very soft or saturated soils to ensure continuous performance.
Will the fabric rot or be damaged by pests?
The barrier is non-biodegradable, resists rot and mildew, and is resistant to insect and rodent damage.
What thickness do I need?
Match thickness to duty: light-duty (beds, paths) β†’ standard; drainage β†’ prioritize higher flow; driveways/parking β†’ heavier grade for puncture resistance.