Membrane before laying new lawn?

[ashthekid]

I have quite a depth to the area I need to lay a new lawn on. Approx 30cm

mainly due to new pathway etc. 

I am tempted to lay a membrane down before building up the top soil before lawning/seeding it.

Is this advisable to keep weeds at bay or a waste of time? 
I’m concerned it may cause drainage issues or should I not be concerned about that?

What is the best thing to do?

and is it a good idea to perhaps lay some sort of sprinkler system? I’m assuming you can get some affordable options nowadays. It’s only a small square lawn of approx 50-60sqm.

I thought while I have the opportunity I may as well get it right first time.

[JohnMo]

Pretty much a waste of time, any soil will be full of weed seeds anyway.  You are best to get top soil down raked and level, compact, re raked and level.  Leave a few weeks for the weeds to grow, then kill them.  Then look to do your lawn.

[Temp]

Waste of time in my opinion. Weed seeds blow around on the wind and can grow on any organic matter or soil that is above the membrane. 

 

I almost never water the lawn. Haven't done so yet this year.

 

Perhaps think about laying a duct and draw rope for electricity to any future shed/bbq area?

 

Edited July 25, 2022 by Temp

[Mr Punter]

I would say no to the membrane and no to the sprinklers.  The membrane will not do anything to keep the weeds down and is very bad for allowing the soil to aerate.  The sprinkler will waste loads of water.

[Roundtuit]

As above: waste of time.  Stuff only germinates much nearer the surface, and a membrane will only restrict worms from doing their job.  Get the hosepipe out if you need to; no need for sprinklers unless you're really precious about your lawn and/or don't have time to get the hosepipe out.