Draining residential green roofs, landscaped terraces, and synthetic turf bases to prevent puddles on the surface and protect roots or lower membranes, in small to medium-sized projects where roll geocomposite is overkill and drainage gravel consumes volume and weight, requires a plastic modular cell plate with a side interlocking system. This drainage cell plate—also known as a drainage cell, modular geocell, or plastic drainage panel—is manufactured by MOLTEXO from structural plastic, with dimensions 50×50×3 cm per plate, in an 8-plate pack, designed for residential green roofs, terraces, artificial grass bases, and professional landscaping projects with localized drainage.
Key Benefits
- Fast subsurface drainage: The open cell structure allows rainwater or irrigation to flow freely beneath the surface toward lateral drains, eliminating puddles on synthetic turf, terraces, and garden areas.
- Click-on side interlocking system: The plates connect to each other via a peripheral interlocking mechanism, creating a continuous surface in minutes without tools, ideal for quick installation in small residential or commercial projects.
- Weight-resistant structural plastic: The material withstands continuous pedestrian traffic, heavy green roof substrate, and mobile maintenance loads without deforming, maintaining drainage capacity over time.
- Adaptable to irregular shapes: Plates are easily cut with a hand saw, jigsaw, or industrial shears to fit curved edges, corners, circular planters, and non-rectangular geometries typical of landscaping.
- Compatible with artificial grass and green roofs: Ideal base for synthetic turf (eliminating puddles), small and medium-sized green roofs, terraces with planters, and pergola areas with irrigation.
Typical applications and uses
- Bases for residential and commercial synthetic turf: terraces, patios, playgrounds, and play areas.
- Preparation of small and medium-sized green roofs in residences, offices, and commercial buildings.
- Perimeter drainage for small retaining walls, large planters, and transition zones.
- Bases for permeable pavements in sustainable projects and residential parking areas.
Quality and durability
An economical cell plate fails in two respects: the plastic is recycled or low-grade (it crushes under the weight of the substrate or traffic and loses drainage capacity after months), and the side interlocking system gives way after a few thermal cycles (leading to separations that create discontinuities in drainage). MOLTEXO works with structural plastic and a robust interlocking system, which distinguishes a professional drainage plate from a generic decorative panel that loses function in the first season.
Can these plates be used under residential artificial grass?
Yes — they are the recommended option for this application. They serve three functions: provide a firm, level base for synthetic turf avoiding depressions and soft spots, eliminate puddles after rain or watering through fast drainage under the grass (a classic problem in installations without proper drainage), and create an air chamber that improves thermal stability, reducing the heat concentrated in the turf under full sun. Typical installation: leveled compacted base, drainage plates assembled, geotextile mesh over plates to prevent the fill sand from going into the system, and synthetic grass on top.
What do I do if the area has curves or irregular corners?
The structural plastic cuts easily to fit the project geometry. Tools that work well: fine-tooth handsaw, electric jigsaw with plastic blade, industrial utility knife for light cuts, sturdy pruning shears for perimeter zones. Cuts must be clean and straight to keep the integrity of adjacent cells and allow precise fit at the edge of planters, terraces, pergolas or walls. For gentle curves, make periodic cuts on the outer plate; for sharp curves or corners, mark the cut line with pencil before unfolding the full plate for precision.
Is geotextile or another material needed on top of the plates?
Yes for applications with soil, substrate or sand fill on top. Install a non-woven geotextile (100-200 g/m²) over the plates to act as a filter: it lets water through to the drainage system but holds back soil so it doesn't migrate into the cells and clog them. Without geotextile, fine soil from the substrate sinks with irrigation or rain water within months and saturates the system, losing drainage capacity. For artificial grass applications with a sand base, the geotextile also protects against fill sand migration into the cells. For perimeter drainage with no overlying material, geotextile is not strictly necessary.
Still have questions?
Ask us and we will gladly help you with whatever you need.
| Material and construction | |
|---|---|
| Material | PP (polypropylene) |
| Dimensions and format | |
| Nodule height | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Coverage area per pack | 0.8712 m² (9.38 ft²) |
| Coverage area per panel | 0.1089 m² (1.17 ft²) |
| Internal void area | >95% |
| Surface void area | >67% |
| Dimensions per panel | 33 cm x 33 cm x 3 cm (13 in x 13 in x 1.2 in) |
| Strength and performance | |
| Compressive strength | 150 kPa (21.7 psi) |
| Hydraulics and filtration | |
| Storage capacity | 3.0 L/m² (0.07 gal/ft²) |
| Lateral flow capacity | 25 cm³/s/cm (3.87 in³/s/in) |
| Longitudinal flow capacity | 25 cm³/s/cm (3.87 in³/s/in) |
| Durability and protection | |
| Biological and chemical resistance | Unaffected by molds and algae, good resistance to oils, acids, alkalis and bitumen |
| Service temperature | -20°C to 120°C (-4°F to 248°F) |
| Presentation and packaging | |
| Quantity per pack | 8 panels |
| Presentation | Pack of 8 plates |
| Package: Width | 33.0 cm (12.99 in) |
|---|---|
| Package: Height | 33.0 cm (12.99 in) |
| Package: Depth | 24.0 cm (9.45 in) |
| Package: Weight | 7.5 kg |
Official MOLTEXO warranty
What's covered
Confirmado el defecto: sustitución o devolución del valor pagado.
What's not covered
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