If you’re planning to install artificial turf, selecting the right infill material is one of the most important choices. The infill sits between the turf fibers and plays a vital role in supporting the turf structure, maintaining blade uprightness, promoting drainage, cushioning foot traffic, and enhancing durability. In this article you’ll learn about common infill types, compare their pros and cons, review how to choose the best infill for different applications and climates, and finally see a recommendation for sourcing premium turf from a trusted provider.
The infill used under artificial turf performs several key functions:
It helps individual turf fibers stay upright so the surface looks natural and lush rather than flattened or shiny.
It adds ballast weight that helps prevent turf movement, wrinkling, or lifting from wind or traffic.
It improves the feel of the surface, offering more cushion, improving safety for children and pets, and reducing wear on the backing.
It supports drainage by allowing water to pass through and prevents pooling or muddy accumulation of debris.
It helps protect the turf backing and prolongs the lifespan of the turf system overall.
With these key functions in mind, what you choose for infill will depend on your usage (residential, pet area, playground, sports field), your local climate (dry, humid, arid), and your performance goals (lifespan, look, cost).
Here’s a breakdown of the most common infill materials, along with strengths and drawbacks:
| Infill Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand | Clean quartz sand, fine to medium grit | Very affordable; adds weight and stabilization; good for aesthetics in low-traffic yards. | Minimal cushioning; can compact and harden over time; less suitable for heavy traffic or pet areas. |
| Coated Sand / Polymer-Coated Sand | Sand granules coated with polymer or resin, sometimes coloured | Better appearance, improved drainage and less compaction; helps blades stand up. | Higher cost than plain sand; some coatings may degrade under harsh UV or chemical exposure. |
| Crumb Rubber (Recycled Tyre) | Granulated rubber blended with sand or alone, often used in sports fields | Excellent shock absorption; suited for athletic use or heavy traffic. | Can retain heat; may raise environmental/health questions; not ideal for residential lawns or pet zones. |
| Organic Options (Cork/Nut Shells/Coconut) | Natural materials such as cork, coconut fibre, walnut shells | Eco-friendly; lower surface temperature; softer underfoot; good for playgrounds/pet areas. | Cost may be higher; durability and migration (movement) may be less than sand or polymer-coated alternatives. |
For a standard backyard lawn with moderate traffic and minimal pets or play areas, a good quality sand or coated-sand infill provides strong value. It supports appearance, drainage and durability without unnecessary cost or complexity.
In zones where pets roam or children play frequently, you’ll want an infill that helps manage odor, supports drainage, cushions footfalls, and does not retain heat. An antimicrobial coated sand or an organic blend can be a strong choice to keep turf clean, safe and comfortable. Maintenance in these zones is often higher, so the infill choice should ease that burden.
For athletic fields or turf surfaces that see frequent use, impact, or harsh conditions, a shock-absorbing infill like crumb rubber (or a specialized polymer granule) is often preferred. These infills withstand high loads, maintain resilience, and offer long lifespan under strain. However they are typically over-specified (and over-cost) for standard residential use.
In humid or rainy climates, drainage capability is critical. Choose infill that allows water to pass quickly and resists saturation or mold.
In hot or arid regions, surface temperature matters. Organic infill or lighter coloured coatings can reduce heat retention.
In regions with freeze/thaw cycles, stability and resistance to migration (movement) is important. Choose infills that lock in place and support the turf backing effectively.
Follow the turf manufacturer’s guideline for infill depth and weight per square foot. Some sources recommend ~1-3 lb per sq ft, depending on pile height and purpose.
Use a power broom or mechanical groomer annually (or more often in heavy use zones) to reset blades upright and redistribute infill.
Rinse or clean pet areas regularly to avoid bacteria or odor build-up. Choose infill with antimicrobial or deodorizing coatings if needed.
Top-up infill as needed after heavy usage, compaction or seasonal events. A flat or depressed area may indicate infill loss or migration.
Avoid mixing radically different infill types (for example sand plus large rubber granules) unless specifically engineered. Inconsistent layering may degrade performance.
Always ensure that the base, sub-grade, and backing of the turf are properly installed to complement the infill system; infill cannot fully compensate for poor foundation work.
If you are sourcing high quality artificial grass and want to partner with a manufacturer that offers durable, well-designed turf systems, consider CMGRASS. They provide a strong range of synthetic turf solutions for landscaping, sports fields, pet areas and more. Integrating their turf with an appropriate infill system ensures that you maximise both appearance and performance.
Choosing a recognized turf brand and matching quality infill helps protect your investment, reduce maintenance, and ensure long term value.
Infill is an essential component of any artificial turf installation. The “best” infill depends on your application:
For general lawns: high-quality sand or coated sand balances cost and performance.
For pets/play: consider antimicrobial coated or organic infill for cleanliness, comfort and safety.
For sports/heavy use: shock absorbing granules like crumb rubber or specialized polymer blends are ideal.
Always coordinate the turf product, the infill type, base preparation and installation environment. And if you want a trusted turf supplier, CMGRASS provides a solid option. When the infill and turf work together correctly you’ll achieve a natural look, excellent resilience, realistic feel and a long service life for your synthetic surface.
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