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Meets AASHTO / NTPEP Standards
Geotex Nonwoven Geotextile Fabrics
Needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles built for filtration, drainage, separation, and cushion protection. Available in weights from 3 oz through 17 oz to match any flow rate and puncture demand. Free shipping on every order.
Free shipping, all orders
AASHTO / NTPEP compliant grades
Ships in 1–2 business days
Find Your Weight
Nonwoven is sized by weight — heavier means tougher
All nonwoven geotextiles share the same needle-punched construction; the weight (oz/yd²) sets the strength, puncture resistance, and flow. Lighter fabrics flow faster and cost less; heavier fabrics survive sharper aggregate and bigger loads. Pick the tier that fits your job.
Light · 3–4 oz
Filtration & Drainage
Geotex 311 · 351 · 401 · 451 | ENW4
Highest flow rates and lowest cost. Ideal where the main job is letting water through while holding soil back.
Best for: French drains, drainage trenches, light separation, landscape filtration.
Medium · 6–8 oz
Separation & Stabilization
Geotex 501 · 601 · 651 · 701 · 801 | ENW6 · ENW8
The all-rounder range. Balances strong flow with the puncture resistance needed under heavier aggregate and traffic.
Best for: road & driveway separation, retaining-wall drainage, general site work.
Heavy · 10–17 oz
Cushion & Protection
Geotex 861 · 1001 · 1071 · 1201 · 1291 · 1601 · 1701
Maximum puncture and tear resistance. Built to protect geomembranes and survive the sharpest stone and toughest conditions.
Best for: geomembrane & liner cushioning, riprap underlayment, heavy-duty protection.
Nonwoven Geotextiles 101
When to choose nonwoven over woven
Both fabric families separate and protect, but they solve different problems. Nonwovens are about water flow and cushioning; woven fabrics are about raw strength. Here's the quick comparison.
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Nonwoven
Made from needle-punched staple fibers into a felt-like mat, giving high permeability and elongation. Built to filter, drain, and cushion.
- Excellent filtration & drainage flow
- Superior cushion protection for liners & pipe
- High elongation conforms to uneven ground
Alternative
Woven
Made by interlacing flat or round yarns on a loom, giving high tensile strength and low elongation. Built to carry and spread load.
- High tensile strength for stabilization
- Excellent separation under heavy aggregate
- Lower water flow (except monofilament grades)
Weight Selection Guide
Match the weight to the job
A quick reference for how nonwoven weight maps to typical use. When in doubt, size up — heavier fabric adds puncture protection with only a modest drop in flow.
| Weight Class | Geotex Grades | Primary Job | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light · 3–4 oz | 311, 351, 401, 451 (ENW4) | Filtration & drainage | French drains, drainage trenches, light separation, landscape filtration |
| Medium · 6–8 oz | 501, 601, 651, 701, 801 (ENW6, ENW8) | Separation & stabilization | Road & driveway separation, retaining-wall drainage, general site work |
| Heavy · 10–17 oz | 861, 1001, 1071, 1201, 1291, 1601, 1701 | Cushion & protection | Geomembrane & liner cushioning, riprap underlayment, heavy-duty protection |
Reading the Specs
What the numbers on a nonwoven fabric mean
Nonwoven grades are specified by a few key properties. These decide whether a fabric flows enough and survives the aggregate above it.
Flow Rate & Permittivity
How fast water passes through (gpm/ft²). Lighter weights flow faster — key for drainage and filtration jobs.
Puncture & Tear Strength
Resistance to sharp stone and point loads (lbs). Heavier weights protect liners and survive riprap.
AOS (Apparent Opening Size)
The effective pore size that controls which soil particles are retained while water still flows freely.
Where Nonwoven Works
Common applications
Subsurface drainage & French drains
Light grades wrap drain rock and pipe to keep fines out while water flows.
Road & driveway separation
Medium grades keep aggregate and subgrade from mixing on soft ground.
Geomembrane & liner cushion
Heavy grades protect pond and landfill liners from puncture above and below.
Erosion control & riprap underlayment
Filters beneath stone and hard-armor while preventing soil loss.
Questions
Nonwoven geotextile FAQ
What weight nonwoven do I need?
Match weight to the job: 3–4 oz for drainage and filtration, 6–8 oz for separation and general site work, and 10–17 oz for cushioning liners or surviving sharp riprap. When unsure, size up — the flow penalty is small and the puncture protection is worth it. See the Weight Selection Guide above for a full breakdown.
What's the difference between nonwoven and woven?
Nonwoven fabrics are needle-punched into a felt-like mat with high water flow and cushioning — best for drainage, filtration, and liner protection. Woven fabrics are loom-woven for high tensile strength — best for stabilization and load support. Browse woven geotextiles →
Are ENW close-match fabrics the same as Geotex?
ENW grades are close-match alternatives built to comparable specs at a value price — ENW4 matches Geotex 451, ENW6 matches 601, and ENW8 matches 801. They're a good fit when you want the same performance class without the brand premium. Check each product's spec sheet to confirm it meets your project requirements.
Do these meet DOT specifications?
Geotex nonwoven grades meet AASHTO/NTPEP standards and many state DOT specs. Check the product spec sheet for the grade you need, or contact us to confirm a specific DOT requirement.
How does shipping work?
All items ship free via standard ground and typically ship within 1–2 business days when ordered before 12:00 noon EST.