What Is Geotextile Fabric and When Should You Use It?
- Di McQueen-Richardson
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
If you've been planning a drainage, landscaping, or retaining wall project, there's a good chance you've come across the term geotextile fabric. But what exactly is it, and do you really need it?
The simple answer is that geotextile is a specially designed permeable fabric used in the ground to provide filtration, separation, drainage and soil stability.
Unlike ordinary plastic sheeting, geotextile allows water to pass through while helping prevent soil and other fine particles from moving into your drainage material.
That makes it incredibly useful for everything from a backyard drainage project to major civil works.
What does geotextile fabric actually do?
One of the easiest ways to understand geotextile is to think of it as a filter and separator between different layers of material.
Imagine you're installing a gravel drainage trench in your backyard.
Without an appropriate geotextile, surrounding soil can gradually migrate into the gravel. Over time, those fine particles can reduce the effectiveness of the drainage layer.
Geotextile provides a permeable barrier between the soil and aggregate. Water can continue moving through the system while the fabric helps keep the different materials separated.
Where is geotextile commonly used?
Geotextile can be used in many residential, landscaping, construction and civil applications, including:
Subsoil drainage
Retaining walls
Garden drainage
Gravel areas
Landscaping projects
Drainage trenches
Soil and aggregate separation
Erosion-control projects
Roads and driveways
Civil construction
The correct product and installation method will depend on the application and site conditions.
Can I use geotextile around my home?
Absolutely.
Geotextile isn't only a product for builders and civil contractors.
For homeowners and DIY renovators, it can be particularly useful when dealing with poor drainage, retaining walls, landscaping projects and areas where soil and aggregate need to remain separated.
For example, if you're creating a drainage trench beside a garden or around a retaining wall, filter fabric can form an important part of the drainage system.
What is Bidim Green Filterwrap?
BelloScapes Supply Co. stocks Bidim Green Filterwrap, a nonwoven geotextile designed for filtration and separation applications.
It is available in several convenient roll widths, allowing you to choose a size appropriate for your particular project rather than automatically buying an unnecessarily large roll.
Our current range includes:
600mm × 50m — 30m²1.0m × 50m — 50m²1.2m × 50m — 60m²2.0m × 50m — 100m²
How much geotextile do I need?
Start by measuring the length and width of the area that needs to be covered.
Multiplying those measurements gives you the basic area in square metres.
However, don't simply buy exactly that amount. Your installation may require additional material for overlaps, wrapping, edges or the particular shape of the project.
That's why we're developing the BelloScapes Product Calculator, which will make it easier to estimate the most appropriate roll size and quantity based on your project measurements.
Where can I buy geotextile in Bellingen?
BelloScapes Supply Co. stocks geotextile and associated drainage and erosion-control products locally in Bellingen NSW.
That means local homeowners, landscapers, builders and tradies can access products without automatically having to source specialist materials from further afield.
Products can be ordered through our website, with click & collect in Bellingen and local delivery options available to Coffs Harbour & Dorrigo areas.
Not sure which product you need?
Every project is different.
If you're unsure which geotextile or roll size is suitable, contact BelloScapes Supply Co. and tell us a little about what you're working on.
For project-specific engineering or technical requirements, always refer to the manufacturer's technical information or seek appropriate professional advice.
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