Artificial turf is an emerging alternative to natural grass, rubber, mulch chips and other play surfaces. Appropriate for nearly any playground area, synthetic grass can be used with:
- Parks
- Restaurants
- Childcare centers
- Churches
- Schools
- Malls/shopping centers
Essentially, artificial turf can be used for any playground area. If your property features a playground and it needs to be resurfaced, you’ll need the right artificial grass for the job. The turf professionals can guide your choice and ensure you get artificial grass that will last and improve play safety.
What Traits Should be Considered for Playground Turf?
If you are considering playground artificial turf, there are several things to look for in artificial grass designed for play areas, including:
Safety and injury protection
The most important feature in any playground turf is safety. That means turf materials that are safe to contact and turfs capable of softening contact with the ground. For playground surfaces, the gold standard of safety is certification through the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA). IPEMA is the leading industry association for play surfaces, and the Association recognizes the safety of artificial grass and its ability to absorb shock, reducing the likelihood of impact injuries.
Excellent durability
The second most important feature in any playground turf is enhanced durability. Given the amount and nature of playground traffic, you’ll need a turf that can handle lots of activity and the outdoor elements. This means investing in high quality turfs and installation services, as well as prioritizing turfs with a higher face weight.
Minimal maintenance
Artificial grass is easy to maintain as it doesn’t need to be watered, mowed or landscaped in any way. Instead, it only needs an occasional brushing (termed blooming), an occasional rinse and repairs if the turf develops any tears or damage.
Compatibility with quality infills
Your artificial grass will be paired with an infill to give it the proper weight, stability and feel. Before selecting your artificial grass, verify that it can be used with your desired infill, whether it’s sand or a premium infill that has antimicrobial and anti-odor properties.
If your playground turf offers these features, your new turf will last longer, perform better and provide a better overall return on your investment.
What is the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Playground Turf?
Artificial grass can be used with residential or commercial properties, and there are only subtle differences in turf used for residential or commercial projects. Specifically:
- Face weight – Pile height and face weight refer to the turf’s engineering, specifically how much material is used to construct the artificial grass (face weight), and how tall the grass blades are (pile height). In general, the higher the face weight, the higher the turf’s quality. As such, higher face weights are recommended when aesthetics and texture are priorities. Higher face weight turfs tend to be more durable as well, so they are a good choice for higher traffic playgrounds.
- Pile height – Pile height refers to the height of the turf’s grass and is also a factor in the turf’s durability and appearance. In residential settings, taller pile heights are recommended for optimal aesthetics and comfort. In commercial settings, shorter pile heights improve durability and minimize maintenance.
- Infill and drainage design – Some infill options are more appropriate for residential or commercial playgrounds, as the playground’s size will dictate which infills are cost effective.
Whether your project is commercial or residential, the turf installation professional will prepare the job site, which includes grading the site to promote efficient drainage. For commercial turf projects, additional work and time is typically needed to establish reliable drainage on larger sites.
Ultimately, high-quality artificial turf will work for both residential and commercial playground areas, providing a safe and durable play surface.
Installing Turf for Your Playground Area? Partner with Professional Turf Installers In The Woodlands
Artificial grass is a reliable play surface option, but to extract maximum value from it, you’ll need a professional installation crew to place your turf. Here’s why:
- The professionals guarantee a better project outcome – Professional turf installers invest in skilled labor, quality turfs, effective installation tools and best work practices. The result is playground turf that will last longer and look better than traditional surface options.
- The professionals can identify the right turf for the job – Expert turf installers are partnered with reputable turf suppliers that can deliver the best artificial grass options and features on the market.
- The professionals will ensure your site is properly prepared – It’s not just the turf that matters, it’s also what lies under the turf. The base and how well it’s prepared will have an impact on the playground. Shaping and compacting the dirt to ensure it will effectively drain water and bear weight properly is also important. The professional installers take this step seriously and guarantee effective site preparation.
- The professionals can provide ongoing maintenance for your turf – Your turf installation team can also provide maintenance-related support following placement. You won’t need maintenance often, but if you’d rather the experts take care of it, you can get those services through a professional crew.
Although some artificial grass projects can be handled by the property owner, this is generally not recommended. DIY turf projects tend to fail early, and DIY turf is more likely to deteriorate, as it’s not optimally placed and anchored. The professionals can also offer a warranty with their work, ensuring clients are protected for years after the turf is placed.
If you’re searching for a playground turf for your property, prioritize safety and durability features in your artificial grass. Beyond that, pick a reputable synthetic turf installer to oversee your project. Quality installation work will extend the turf’s lifespan and ensure your playground has a safe playing surface for years to come.
Playground turf and other artificial grass models are generally similar, but playground turfs are often selected for their high-quality construction and durability features, including a higher face weight and drainage features like a permeable backing.
IPEMA is the International Play Equipment Manufacturers’ Association and is responsible for maintaining quality and safety standards for the play industry. Play surfaces with IPEMA certification are recognized for their ability to reduce injuries and promote safer play. Playground turf, for example, has been IPEMA certified.
Although small turf projects may be within DIY range for some property owners, it’s generally a good idea to partner with an expert turf crew. The synthetic grass experts can guarantee better results, including longer lasting turf and safer area for play.
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