When having artificial turf installed, it’s very important to consider the infill the turf company will use. The best infill for artificial turf is one that does the following:
- Extends the turf’s lifespan
- Improves the turf’s bounce and roll performance
- Reduces the severity of any impact
- Keeps the turf odor-free
- Promotes better drainage
- Protects against wear and tear
The right infill will ensure you get the most value out of your turf and maximize its useful life.
The Best Infill for Artificial Turf
There are several types of infill that can be used with synthetic grass. Some of the most popular options include:
Envirofill (polymer-coated quartz sand)
Envirofill is a quartz sand base that’s coated with a proprietary polymer blend. As a result, it combines the benefits of sand and polymers to offer the best infill for artificial turf. Specifically, Envirofill provides the excellent blade support and stability that quartz sand is known for, as well as the ideal impact characteristics of polymer material.
Envirofill is designed for synthetic grass and provides a safe infill for both children and pets. It contains no heavy metals and is augmented with an antimicrobial agent during manufacturing to protect against bacterial or fungal growth. The infill is also long-lasting with an extended warranty that may outlive the turf itself.
And as a pet-first option, Envirofill promotes optimal drainage and odor-fighting qualities, so the turf remains clean, dry and fresh. It can also be finished with one of several colors, including vivid colors that can blend in with any athletic space.
Silica sand
Silica sand remains a popular option for property owners, as it’s a natural, inert material. It is safe for children and pets to play on, and it’s also cost effective. Silica sand also provides excellent blade support for the turf, which ensures the artificial grass looks its best and lasts as long as possible. Sand also drains well and can handle significant runoff without causing water to pool.
However, silica sand has a tendency to compact over time, especially if the turf consistently receives heavy foot traffic. As silica sand compacts, it produces a stiffer surface feel that’s less effective at absorbing impact. Silica sand alone is generally not the first infill option for sports fields.
Zeofill
Zeofill is made from natural volcanic rock, and like sand, it is an inert material that is non-toxic and safe to contact. It’s also prized for its odor-reducing qualities, as it is effective at absorbing the ammonia found in urine. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for dog parks and runs.
However, Zeofill is more expensive than most other artificial turf infill options. It is less bouncy and springy than other infills as well, so it’s not the right choice for athletic fields.
Crumb rubber
Crumb rubber was one of the first types of turf infill to attain widespread use, and it remains a popular option because it’s cheap and because it offers optimal bounce and feel characteristics. Rubber doesn’t compact like sand, but there are concerns about its health and environmental impacts, as it sheds plastics and heavy metals. Crumb rubber also retains heat and can be uncomfortable to use during extremely hot days.
As the turf industry evolves and better infills are brought to market, there’s a push to create better and safer infill materials. This effort is culminating in infills like Envirofill, which are safer than crumb rubber, but offer better feel characteristics than sand.
Why High-Quality Infill is Important for Your Artificial Turf
You may not think about infill during turf installation as you can’t see it unless you’re standing on the turf. However, installing artificial grass without infill is guaranteed to result in issues because:
- Infill protects the artificial grass from damage – Turf infill, like the term suggests, fills in the space near the bottom of the grass blades. This helps stand the blades up and resist compression when they are stepped on. Over time, this will reduce the wear to your artificial grass and extend its life. Further, high quality infill adds weight to the turf and keeps it stable during periods of heavy foot traffic or severe weather.
- Infill improves the look and feel of synthetic turf – Turf infill plays a big role in how your artificial grass feels and how it bounces back from impact. The right turf infill can therefore enhance play characteristics for a variety of sports. And because the infill “fills” in space, it gives the turf a more natural look.
- Infill ensures optimal drainage and cleanliness – High quality infill is designed to eliminate odors and reduce the impact of microbial growth. Some infills can also boost drainage efficiency by preventing the buildup of clogs and giving water a permeable medium to pass through.
A Trusted Turf Installation Expert Will Provide the Best Infill for Your Artificial Grass
A lot goes into every turf installation job, including the infill that your installation team will use. Which infill to use is a decision worth considering carefully, as the best infill for your artificial grass will add years to your turf’s life and optimize its performance.
The easiest way to ensure you’ve got the best infill for your turf is to work with a reputable turf installation expert. Reputable synthetic grass installation companies have access to high quality infills and can guarantee that your turf will be paired with the best infill for the job.
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