5 Types of Infill for Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is part of playgrounds, residential and commercial lawns, golf courses, pet runs, and more. When installing artificial turf, a layer of infill is spread, which adds weight and keeps the turf in good condition. Different types of infill offer various benefits and optimal uses. Here is more information about types of infill for artificial turf:
The Role of Infill in Artificial Turf Installation
Synthetic turf consists of a base, an optional shock-absorbing pad, a backing, turf fibers, and an infill material. The type and combination of these parts vary depending on the turf’s use and the weather in the area. Turf installed on playgrounds and sports fields commonly has pads between the base and backing and uses tire crumb rubber infill. The turf installed on a balcony may omit a pad and use rubber-coated sand.
The final step of artificial turf installation is evenly spreading the infill into the turf fibers with a brush. This layer adds ballast, which prevents turf from expanding or contracting and keeps the fibers upright and protected from breaking. Infill was not part of the original synthetic turf installation, but it was added to the second generation of turf. During second-generation use, infill was usually pure sand. Current-generation synthetic turf typically uses crumb rubber, silica sand, or a combination of the two.
Types of Infill
The different types of infill provide varying benefits for multiple uses. Certain types work well to mitigate concerns of heat or injury. Goat Turf installation specialists can help you determine what kind of infill is an ideal fit for your situation. Here is more information on the types of infill:
1. Silica Sand
Silica sand is an industrial substance used for various applications and is derived from quartz. When used as an infill, it provides stability to the surface and does not get as hot as other types of infill. It weighs more than other variations, generates some dust, and compacts quickly. Regular brushing prevents the infill compaction and refilled as needed. If using solely silica sand for infill, it works well in common-use areas such as residential lawns.
2. Rubber-coated Sand
Rubber-coated sand infill is natural sand coated with a non-hazardous rubber material. It requires no additives and eliminates the issues of compaction and dust associated with silica sand infill. This material also has low heat absorption, making it useful for keeping surface temperatures low. The coating can break down over time, but it is recyclable and refillable onto the turf. Robber-coated infill is useful in high-traffic areas such as playgrounds and sports fields, but the turf should have a shock-absorbing pad installed as well.
3. Tire Crumb Rubber
Crumb rubber is usually made from used vehicle tires broken down into small pieces. It has been in use since the second generation of artificial turf because of its stability, resilience, and uniformity. Many appreciate that the material comes from recycled tires and that it is recyclable, too. This type of infill has high heat absorption, so it can get hot easily, but hydrating the turf surface with water can mitigate the heat.
4. Tire Crumb Rubber and Silica Sand Combo
The mixture of crumb rubber and silica sand combines the best features of the two materials to create a stable surface that is more heat resistant and safe to play on. With this combination, the turf is firmer and cooler than rubber-only infill and longer lasting than silica-only sand infill. While the two substances can separate over time, brushing or sweeping the turf will reintegrate the sand and rubber to its original quality.
5. Cork or Coconut Fibers
Organic materials such as cork or coconut fibers make some infills. This type of infill is environmentally friendly, wear-resistant, and UV-resistant. Adding antimicrobial coating or treatment helps prevent the infill from breaking down or degrading. Like silica sand, cork fiber infill can become compacted, but brushing it will renew the surface.
Infill Used by Goat Turf
At Goat Turf, we use plant-based synthetic turf to create high-quality and safe surfaces for multiple uses. Part of our turf installation involves spreading infill into the turf fibers. The two infills we use are T Cool and Envirofill. Sand coats the T Cool infill with hydrating features, which help make the turf surface cool and safe to touch. Envirofill infill is antimicrobial-coated silica sand that offers durability and safety. Our team knows which infills work for different applications and makes sure that each customer’s turf installation meets their needs.
Work With Artificial Turf Installers
The benefits of artificial turf installation are numerous, ranging from low maintenance to providing durable multi-use surfaces. Part of artificial turf’s success comes from the quality infill applied. Our team of experienced installers can suggest the right turf and infill combination for results that exceed each client’s expectations. Whether you want a soft play surface for children or a firm, stable putting green for golf, Goat Turf will make it happen.