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Artificial turf fields are like smartphones: while the exterior looks attractive, it’s the internal processor that determines its speed and stability. The infill for artificial turf serves a similar purpose—it’s the “core engine” that keeps each blade upright, promotes drainage, and gives synthetic turf its natural, soft feel.

MightyGrass As an artificial grass manufacturer and supplier for 20+ decades, adheres to the principle of “developing products requires a true understanding of user scenarios”.

We’ve discovered that choosing the right artificial turf infill is like selecting the perfect product solution—it not only makes the turf more durable and safer but also enhances the overall experience.

Different Types of Infill for Artificial Grass

There are many different types of turf infill used in artificial turf systems. Some emphasize stability and support, others focus on environmental protection and cooling, and still others strive for professional athletic performance. We’ve summarized some of the most common infill types to help you find the best fit for your project.

Silica Sand Infill

Silica Sand Infill is the most enduring and widely used foundational infill material in the artificial turf industry. Made from fine natural quartz sand, its rounded particles and moderate weight stabilize turf fibers, enhance drainage, and prevent turf lifting and tangling. Over time, these particles break down due to water and wind erosion. Since it offers no cushioning properties, additional infill may be required to achieve a softer feel.

Grade 20 clean silica sand is commonly used for landscape artificial turf. Grade 30 silica sand features slightly smaller particles and is primarily recommended for greens. Sand  for artificial turf is highly suitable for pet-free front and backyards.

From residential backyards to landscape synthetic turf systems, this infill provides stable support and lasting flatness. It’s affordable, easy to install, and an “entry-level” choice—proving that “good products don’t have to be expensive, but they must be reliable.”

Coated Sand Infills

Coated sand infill is a high-end evolution of silica sand. Its particles are treated with a flexible, non-toxic acrylic polymer, making them antibacterial, dust-resistant, and antistatic. They also reduce fly ash, mitigate the risk of abrasion associated with regular sand, and improve weather resistance.

Beyond safety benefits, coated sand infills offer practical advantages. They minimize compaction, helping to maintain a softer, more cushioning surface over time. Furthermore, coated sand is more effective at resisting bacteria and odor than untreated silica sand, making it particularly suitable for use in playgrounds and pet play areas.

Coated sand infill is an ideal choice for environments where safety, durability, and hygiene are paramount. For luxury villas and commercial lawns, this type of infill offers the ideal balance of aesthetics and performance.

TPE Infill

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) infill is made from recycled post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste and is an environmentally friendly option. Its smooth texture is child-safe, and it offers excellent durability and resilience, significantly reducing the risk of sports injuries. Furthermore, TPE is fully recyclable and meets modern environmental standards.

TPE also inhibits bacterial growth and prevents static buildup, making it ideal for use in areas with unpredictable weather like Texas. While more expensive than rubber infill for artificial grass, it is well-suited for use in schools, parks, family playgrounds, and rugby and football/soccer fields.

TPE infill (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is widely used in professional football/soccer, rugby, and school sports fields.

It has a smooth, dust-free, low-odor surface and a service life of over ten years. It is considered a “high-end performance infill” that balances performance and environmental friendliness, and is a standard feature of modern sports turf.

EPDM Infill

If your lawn is exposed to strong UV rays or high temperatures, EPDM infill is a reliable choice. Made from a highly weather-resistant synthetic rubber, it effectively absorbs impacts on the playing surface and provides excellent noise reduction. Its stable physical structure and color retention prevent it from deforming or chalking with prolonged exposure, ensuring a long-term return on your investment.

MightyGrass EPDM infill is non-toxic, lead-free, and relatively affordable. With proper care, it can last over 15 years.

EPDM can also be customized in various colors, adding visual appeal to the lawn beyond its functional needs. It is commonly used in places like school playgrounds, sports centers, and children’s play centers.

Antimicrobial Turf Infill

If your project involves a children’s play area, pet playground, or school sports field, hygiene and safety are paramount. Antimicrobial turf infill, by adding an antimicrobial coating to the surface of the granules, effectively inhibits mold and bacteria growth, reduces odor, and keeps the lawn cleaner and healthier.

This infill is particularly suitable for environments with high cleanliness standards. Not only does it give you a green lawn, but you also enjoy an odor-free outdoor space.

Zeolite Infills

Zeolite Infill is an innovative solution to the dual challenges of high temperatures and pets, especially in areas with above-average rainfall. Derived from natural volcanic minerals, it has a “honeycomb” structure at the molecular level, possessing a powerful adsorption capacity that neutralizes ammonia, significantly reducing the odor of pet urine, and automatically regulating temperature in sunlight.

Once trapped, these gases remain in place until inorganic substances in the rainwater interact with the zeofill infill. Only then are the neutralized substances released, passing directly through the turf backing and flowing into the ground with the rainwater.

When your pets run across the lawn or your children play barefoot, Zeolite provides a “natural air purifier” experience.

Οργανική πλήρωση

With the global shift towards sustainable development, organic infill has become synonymous with the new era of turf. Made from natural materials such as coconut husks, corn husks, olive pits, and walnut shells, organic infill is biodegradable, odorless, and environmentally safe. This organic infill has a low bulk density, meaning it doesn’t heat up like other high-bulk infills (silica, black rubber).

This infill also mimics the evaporation cycle of natural turf, which not only improves the softness of the foot, but also keeps the turf temperature within 30 degrees Celsius of natural turf, even on the hottest days and in direct sunlight, making it more comfortable and natural. For projects that value ecological values, this infill is more than just a material; it’s a statement of purpose—”giving back to nature in a natural way.”

We highly recommend this infill for families with children, playgrounds, or sports fields, especially in humid or low-rainfall areas. Its cooling effect and enhanced shock absorption make it an ideal choice for play.

Cooling Infill

On hot summer days, the surface temperature of ordinary turf can reach over 60°C. Cooling Infill, however, reduces this temperature by 15–20°C through a triple mechanism of moisture absorption, energy storage, and evaporation.

This type of infill often utilizes a coated cooling sand or mineral material. It not only makes turf more comfortable but also significantly slows down turf aging. “Technological innovation isn’t about showmanship; it’s about solving real pain points.”

Rubber Infills

Rubber infill is a veteran of artificial turf, made from recycled tire rubber and offering excellent cushioning and high resilience. Rubber crumbs are not typically used in residential landscaping. They were widely used in early sports fields and still find a place in some budget-conscious projects today.

Artificial turf rubber infill effectively absorbs shock and enhances turf resilience, but is less odor- and environmentally friendly. There are many other infill options available for sports fields today that offer increased safety for athletes. It is a practical choice for temporary or low-frequency use.

Σύναψη

If you’re a contractor, distributor, or project builder, understanding the different types of infill for artificial grass is crucial to understanding the key variables affecting turf quality. Silica Sand offers stability and reliability, Organic Infill is environmentally friendly and natural, TPE and EPDM represent superior performance, and Cooling and Zeolite offer a new level of comfort.

Στο MightyGrass, we believe that product innovation shouldn’t simply make product selection more complex, but rather address customer needs. By thoroughly researching the characteristics of each synthetic turf infill option, we help customers find the optimal balance between performance, sustainability, and cost.

When you choose the right infill, your lawn becomes more than just a green space; it becomes a long-term, stable, comfortable, and sustainable experience.

Explore various infill options to transform your artificial turf into the perfect landscape or sports field that meets your needs. Contact us today for a free, one-stop quote on a synthetic grass system.

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FAQ

What Is Infill for Artificial Grass?

Infill is the material used to fill the gaps between artificial grass blades. Typically spread over the turf using a drop spreader, it is then worked into the grass fibers to settle between them. 

These particles can be traditional sand, rubber granules, EPDM, and TPE turf infill. Alternatively, newer fake turf infill materials have emerged in recent years, such as coated sand, zeolite, cork, coconut husk, and walnut shell—all organic options.

Each type of infill has unique qualities and properties that you can choose from for different sports fields, residential, and commercial turf applications.

Without proper infill, even the highest-quality synthetic turf will develop issues like collapse, hardening, and overheating within months or less.

In short: Turf infill is the “hidden strength” of artificial grass, determining its comfort, safety, and durability.

Does all artificial turf need infill?

Not all artificial turf requires infill, but it’s highly recommended for most professional projects.

For sports fields and high-traffic areas, artificial turf infill options helps the turf strands stay upright, enhances its elasticity, and improves foot feel.

For decorative lawns, balconies, or small DIY lawns, non-infill turf can also meet aesthetic needs.

In short: whether infill is necessary depends on your application and performance expectations.

What type of sand is used for artificial grass infill?

Silica sand infill is the most common choice.

Its rounded particles and moderate density keep the turf strands stable while ensuring good drainage.

For residential landscaping projects, you can choose medium-sized dry silica sand.

For sports fields or pet lawns, coated sand infill can be used to prevent dust, bacteria, and clumps for better results.

What is the infill material used in artificial turf fields?

In sports-grade turf systems, common infill materials include:

• Silica sand: A base stabilizing layer;
• Rubber infill (SBR): Increases elasticity and shock absorption;
• TPE/EPDM: Environmentally friendly, highly resilient particles with enhanced weather resistance;
• Organic infill: Natural materials such as coconut shells and corn husks are more environmentally friendly;
• Zeolite: Absorbs odors and reduces heat;
• Cooling infill: Designed for hot regions.

Each material serves a different purpose. “Different users, different choices, but the experience should all be excellent.”

What is infill in artificial turf?

Infill is a granular layer placed between the artificial turf strands, typically composed of sand, rubber, or an environmentally friendly composite material.

Its main functions are:

• Stabilize the turf strand structure;
• Provide elasticity and cushioning;
• Improve drainage and foot feel;

Enhance the lifespan and appearance of the turf. You can think of synthetic turf infill options as the “hidden engine” of a turf system—invisible, yet crucial.

How to install artificial turf infill?

Installing artificial turf infill typically involves three steps:

1. Evenly spread: Use a sand spreader or spread by hand to evenly distribute the infill across the grass surface.
2. Brush in: Use a stiff-bristle brush or power brush to sweep the infill into the grass roots, allowing it to naturally settle into the interstices.
3. Repeated layering: Depending on the height of the grass and your needs, you can apply multiple layers to achieve the desired thickness.

Remember to avoid installing in wet weather, as this may cause the infill to clump or become unevenly distributed.

What’s the best infill for artificial turf?

“Best infill” isn’t a single answer; it depends on your application:

For residential or landscape lawns: Silica Sand Infill / Coated Sand offers stability and durability.

For pet areas: Zeolite absorbs odors and reduces temperatures.

For schools and playgrounds: TPE / EPDM Rubber offers increased flexibility and safety.

For environmentally friendly or sustainable projects: Organic infill is the best choice.

MightyGrass generally recommends making a comprehensive decision based on frequency of use, ambient temperature, and budget. The ultimate goal isn’t to find the most expensive option, but to find the infill that truly maximizes the performance of your lawn.