When artificial grass, that is, Astroturf, the kind that was used in stadia, first came into the market, the infill of choice was rubber crumb. Today, synthetic turf is used in different applications, including lining very beautiful front and backyards in residential areas, and no one uses rubber crumb anymore.
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Instead, professional artificial grass installers use sand infill. Some installers may advise you against it, just so they can quote a lower installation price and have the edge over the competition. Dont fall for it, because using sand infill will be well worth the investment.
In this post, we will highlight some of the advantages of using sand infill in your artificial grass installation.
The sand infill weighs down your artificial grass, and this extra weight keeps the turf in position. Your lawn will not easily be shifted around or lifted. It helps to avoid folds and wrinkles throughout the length of your synthetic turf.
For this reason, you may not require to install any additional edging around the turf. You only have to lay the grass to follow the contours of your lawn and the edges set out by the concrete, gravel, or fence boards surrounding your lawn. That sand infill holds the grass down makes it a must-have for when you are installing artificial grass in contoured, or uneven surfaces.
Another advantage to the extra weight of the sand infill is that your artificial grass will be more secure. Artificial grass, in and of itself, is not too heavy. But when you factor in the added weight of the infill, a burglar trying to steal your artificial turf will have to sweat it out a little to lift and carry away your turf.
An artificial lawn looks very attractive, and many would be happy to have the same on their own yards. Dont put it past a dishonest person to want to steal yours. The sand infill will not make it an easy job for someone trying to steal your synthetic turf.
One of the biggest drawbacks of crumb rubber infill and older generation artificial grass in general, was that it would get hot rather quickly. Fortunately, this is nothing to worry about with sand infill as it does, in fact, resolve this problem.
Sand infill reflects sunlight, instead of absorbing it. This helps to keep your artificial grass cool, even on those hot summer days. Couple this with premier-quality artificial grass made with technology to dissipate heat and you can enjoy a cool lawn all year round.
Sand infill adds stability to your artificial grass fibres. Improved stability helps the fibres to stay upright, giving your lawn a neat and presentable natural look. Using infill helps to adjust the bending point of the grass blades, reducing the fatigue effect where the blades lay down more.
Without the infill, the fibres will not be able to remain vertical, and your lawn may look like its old and worn out even right after it has been installed.
On the backing layer of your artificial grass are drainage holes that allow water to sip and drain through your synthetic turf. Add the sand infill, and it acts as a filter, helping to regulate how water flows through your turf.
The sand infill slows down the water flowing through the backing layer. A slower drain rate ensures that the soil beneath your artificial grass installation can better cope with the water flowing into it.
Before buying artificial grass, ascertain that it is tested and certified as fire-resistant. At Perth Artificial Grass, we carry a wide range of synthetic grass varieties that have been certified as fire-resistant. To ensure fire safety, we also recommend that you avoid using a BBQ near your artificial lawn, and dont throw away your cigarette blunts on the artificial grass lawn.
That being said, sand infill helps to improve your synthetic grasss fire-resistance. The sand does not burn, which means that, in case of a fire incident, the infill will reduce the fires effects on the artificial grass fibers and will not aid in spreading the fire.
While you can go ahead and have artificial grass installed and not add infill, it is a mistake that will cost you. As outlined, sand infill impacts your artificial grass installations aesthetics, drainage properties, fire-resistance, and more. Our team at Perth Artificial Grass will add the right amount of sand infill for the best results.
The best artificial turf is such an innovative product that you can find it everywhere these days from front lawns to putting greens, dog parks, playgrounds and so much more.
And because you can install it yourself, synthetic turf has become much more accessible and popular than ever before.
But you know what they say: you get what you pay for. And if you really want to get the most out of your artificial grass lawn, you need to invest in the quality infill.
Getting the right infill material will ensure that the surface of your lawn is soft and comfortable while also providing decent drainage during rain events. On top of that, it will prolong the lifespan of your new turf by minimizing wear and tear.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about infill and why you need it for all types of synthetic turf installations.
Youll also gain a better understanding of what you should look for when selecting a quality product and how to install infill yourself.
Infill is a granular material used to cushion your synthetic turf and provide stability. A layer of infill is a common requirement in artificial grass lawns because it ensures you get the most out of your investment.
Its safe to say that infill is one of the most critical components of successful synthetic grass installation:
One of the main reasons you need infill for artificial turf installations is that it will prolong the lifespan of your lawn and help you save money long term.
For one, it protects the backing from heat and UV rays, which can degrade the material and cause it to deteriorate far earlier than you may expect.
On top of that, infill also helps prevent early wear and tear by buffering the blades from high impact when you walk or play on your lawn.
If youre installing artificial grass for any purpose, you want to ensure you get the most out of it in terms of both appearance and performance.
A quality infill product will make it feel more realistic, help you maintain even footing when you run or play sports, reduce injuries caused by falls and much more.
This is particularly true for specialized installations. For example, a putting green may not deliver a proper ball roll without infill.
Meanwhile, you may not be able to play successful soccer or football games without infill on your lawn because you wont have the right level of traction and cushion.
Theres a simple reason why infill is granular you want it to be porous enough to allow water and air through.
This is crucial because you dont want your lawn to become a swamp when it rains. When you install infill into your synthetic grass, you provide the perfect medium for drainage.
Synthetic turf fibers are very tough, but over time, foot traffic and activity can flatten them. Infill slows down this process by supporting the fibers from the base and keeping them standing upright.
Some types of infill also offer deodorizing and antimicrobial properties. This is especially useful for pet areas, which come into contact with waste on a daily basis.
Sure, but youll probably regret it sooner than you think. Without infill, youll eventually encounter issues like:
Without the right infill material, youll be compromising the performance of your lawn and you might not even realize it.
Its important to install infill as part of every synthetic turf installation because it will extend the lifespan of your investment and improve both its look and function.
This varies depending on the specific project you have in mind. To determine the optimal amount of infill you need, youll want to think about how you plan to use your lawn.
Find out what types of activities youll be doing on it (if any), how often you will do them and for how long. All of these factors make a difference when youre deciding whether you should opt for light, medium or heavy infill density.
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In general, plan for about two lbs. of infill per square foot, installed at a depth of just below the fibers. This is generally enough for residential applications with average foot traffic.
Its one of the final parts of the process. Infill comes after youve installed most of the artificial grass system, including the base, weed membranes or padding and the synthetic turf itself.
The steps below assume that youre already done with most of the installation, including ground preparation, getting the sub-base ready and with the synthetic grass already in place.
Follow this guide:
To spread the infill quickly and efficiently, we recommend renting a drop spreader (or a lawn fertilizer spreader). However, you can also use a leaf blower and stiff brush for the job. Other tools that will come in handy are a rake, edger, garden hose and broom.
Before you begin, observe proper safety precautions. For example, keep children and pets away from the work area. Wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
Using a power broom or a rake, brush the artificial grass so that all the fibers are as vertical as you can make them. This opens up the surface so that the infill can enter the gaps between the fibers more efficiently. The goal here is to fill each part of your synthetic lawn from the bottom up.
If youre using a drop spreader, fill it up with infill to a comfortable weight. If youre doing this manually, we recommend using a wheelbarrow instead of lugging the heavy sacks around.
Begin from one end of your lawn and go sideways, moving in parallel rows until youre done with the first pass.
After your first pass, dont begin the second one yet. Instead, brush the infill as deep as you can into the surface. Check the granules there should be no infill resting on top of the synthetic turf.
Repeat the steps above until youre satisfied with the depth youve achieved. Remember, you can always add more infill on top of what you already applied.
Once youre done, the artificial grass fibers should appear vertical and consistent. If you see any flat areas, you may need to apply more infill.
Finish by sweeping as much of the surface as you can with a stiff broom or garden hose. Properly installed infill should be barely noticeable, even from a few feet away.
Give the infill time to settle down deeper into the blades of your artificial grass. You can also hose down the area with water to speed up this process. Dont use your new synthetic lawn yet ideally, give it at least overnight before you do so.
Most people dont realize you have a choice when it comes to infill. Its not just about selecting the cheapest brand you can find because again, you do get what you pay for.
A low-quality infill will wear out quickly and you wont be able to rely on it when youre enjoying your lawn youll probably end up spending more than you would have if you skipped the infill altogether in the first place!
At Artificial Turf Express, we offer several types of infill:
By far one of the most popular infill products we have, sand infill offers the ideal combination of durability, drainage and softness youre looking for in an infill. Its made from silica sand particles which gives you a more natural turf feel underfoot.
Shell Tech infill or walnut shell infill has fantastic cooling properties, which makes it perfect for areas that suffer from high temperatures in the summer.
Its light brown color resembles thatch, which you may also want to consider for your lawn if you want an even more natural appearance.
One of the most advanced infill products you can find, Envirofill infill is eco-friendly and fits all sorts of installations, from residential to commercial.
Its also ideal for pet installations thanks to its exclusive Microban technology that neutralizes odors and bacteria.
This blended acrylic sand infill is excellent for putting green installations. The finer mesh allows for true ball roll and boosts playability. As an Envirofill product, it also comes with Microban treatment.
Crumb rubber is a popular choice for athletic fields and playgrounds because you get a natural shock absorption. Its also a very durable infill material and offers superior drainage.
This environmentally-friendly infill is composed of round-shaped, fine green sand. The shape makes it less abrasive than other infill types.
Wonderfill also has a special anti-microbial coating that prevents mildew, mold and bacteria from forming.
Terrific for the best synthetic grass for dogs in San Jose, Zeofill is considered the top infill in terms of odor control.
The best infill for your project depends on several factors. For instance, Zeofill is a smart choice if you have a pet who will be using your synthetic lawn.
On the other hand, crumb rubber or silica sand is excellent for athletic fields and playgrounds. Eco-conscious homeowners may want something like Envirofill infill, while Envirofill Blended is fantastic for finishing the best putting greens.
Like any product, it depends on the manufacturer youre considering. All Artificial Turf Express infill products, for example, are made from top-quality materials by world-class manufacturers.
That means theyre non-toxic, hypoallergenic and free from heavy metals. You can rest assured they wont harm anyone who comes in contact with them- humans and pets alike.
Yes, eventually. Over time, the infill may become dislodged or come loose. This may be due to heavy foot traffic, pets running over the lawn repeatedly or bad weather that results in flooding. You can top up your infill as you need it. When you do so, you should also inspect your entire lawn and fill any bald patches you see.
No. Regular sand is too fine, youll end up with a great deal of dust and you wont get that soft or natural feel youre looking for. Also, you wont get the draining capabilities you need to ensure your lawn stays in good shape no matter what the weathers doing outside.
No. All you need to do is brush your lawn a few times a year. That will keep the infill from coming loose and you should be fine.
Sure! Its not too difficult to install your own infill, as long as you do your research and have the equipment ready.
Artificial Turf Express carries some of the best infill products available today. Theyre ready out of the bag, safe for kids and pets and perfect for all types of synthetic turf applications.
Best of all, you can buy infill online and we can deliver them to your home or project site.
Explore our options, available in 50 lbs. to 100 lbs. bags:
Do you have a question about infill you need to be answered? Let us know in the comments section below!
We also carry a full line of Synthetic Turf Products and Accessories for your convenience.
Shop online or contact us now at 408-413- and let us know how Artificial Turf Express can help with your commercial or residential project!