Artificial turf has become the preferred option for professional and college sports pitches. Other applications include residential and commercial lawns and landscapes, playgrounds, pet daycares, backyard putting grounds, and indoor offices. Each artificial turf supply is unique, but most have a sub-base, padding, fiber, and infill. Here’s a look at the different layers and materials used to make artificial turf:
Turf Fibers or Grass
The fibers are the first thing you see from a distance when looking at artificial turf. Also known as synthetic grass, artificial turf fibers are synthetic fibers or blades designed to resemble natural grass. These blades are woven through a backing material made of perforated polyester, felt, polyethylene, jute plastic, or latex. Polyester tire cords are the preferred choice for high-quality turf.
The grass-like fibers are made of polypropylene or nylon and come in various designs and shapes produced by different manufacturing processes. Some manufacturers produce thin sheets and cut the sheets into grass-like strips. Others use molds to produce oval cross-sections that resemble and behave more like natural grass.
Turf Padding Systems
Padding or cushioning systems are part of artificial turf supply, especially those used in playgrounds and sports fields. The padding helps to absorb impact force and reduce the risk of injury when someone falls. Artificial turf padding is usually placed under the backing and is made from polyurethane, polyester foam, or rubber compounds. Some supplies feature rubber tire compositions and bases, while others use recycled rubber and plastic.
Artificial turf installed on playgrounds must meet specific safety standards to prevent fatal injuries. More padding is required when the turf is installed on top of a concrete underlayment like pavers. The pad is sometimes sewed to the backing using a thread that meets the same strength, durability, and color-retention criteria of the backing and fibers. Suppliers also use top fabric panels and adhesives to bond the components together.
Turf Infill and Base Material
Natural grass turf usually features dust, leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and other loose debris. To mimic this appearance, artificial turf suppliers use infill or base material. The infill is placed between the turf’s fibers during installation and can be added when depleted. Infill helps to stabilize the playing surface and also provides cushioning. Artificial turf suppliers use various infill materials, including crumb rubber, cork, rubber-coated sand, and plastic pellets.
Some lawns feature sand infills mixed with crumb rubber. Your application dictates the type of infill you need. Turf suppliers also provide antibacterial and odor-absorbing infill treatment to protect your lawns from common pathogens. The infill keeps the grass fibers upright and creates a more natural and realistic appearance. If your turf has flattened fibers, adding infill and raking can recreate the fresh appeal of thriving grass sprouts.
Sub Base and Turf Supplies
Artificial turf installers usually prepare the surface beneath the grass and backing to provide a sub-base for the installation. The sub-base isn’t part of the artificial turf construction from the manufacturer but is required for a flat surface. Sand and gravel sub-bases are the common options because they provide efficient drainage. Artificial turf can also be installed on concrete pavers or wood.
Turf installers also use a wide range of supplies, including plastic lumber, stakes, screws, geotextile, and seam tapes. Other supplies include glue, ultra-base panels, crown staples, spiral nails, vibratory plates, green maker panels for golfing, and golf cups and flags. These supplies are required to secure the turf in position and facilitate drainage, cleaning, and repairs. Other supplies are used to distinguish the turf’s application.
Get the Right Artificial Turf Supply Today
Synthetic grass has found many indoor and outdoor applications in both commercial and residential spaces. These lawns are eco-friendly, low maintenance, cost-effective, customizable, and aesthetically pleasing. Contact a synthetic grass distributor today to find the right artificial turf supply for your project.
