How to Choose Artificial Grass for Sports Fields?

Artificial grass is a type of turf that stands out with its stylish and aesthetic appearance, commonly used in carpet pitches, home gardens and terraces, cafes, and restaurants. It is preferred in many areas due to its ease of use, long lifespan, and low-maintenance structure. Artificial grass produced for different areas comes with different specifications.

Artificial Grass Selection by Sport

Each sport has different expectations from the surface. While durability and shock absorption are key in football fields, ball bounce and surface hardness are determining factors in tennis courts. Therefore, artificial grass must be selected based on the specific technical needs of the sport being played.

Football Fields

Artificial grass used on football fields plays a critical role in both player safety and game quality. Therefore, various technical and structural features should be considered when selecting the turf.

• Yarn Type: Monofilament or fibrillated yarns can be used; monofilament offers a more natural look and higher durability.
• Pile Height: Typically ranges from 40 mm to 60 mm. For professional fields, 55–60 mm is ideal.
• Infill Material: Infill materials such as SBR granules and silica sand are essential for play comfort and shock absorption.
• Drainage System: A drainage system beneath the field prevents water accumulation and maintains field performance.
• Shockpad Layer: Shockpads are commonly used on FIFA-certified fields to support player safety.
• UV Resistance: UV-resistant turf models provide long-lasting performance under sunlight.
• Certification: Products with FIFA Quality or FIFA Quality Pro certifications comply with international standards.

Tennis Courts

Artificial grass selection in tennis courts directly affects game speed, ball bounce behavior, and player movement. To ensure a surface suitable for both amateur and professional use, certain technical criteria should be taken into account.

• Yarn Structure: Shorter and denser yarns provide controlled ball bounce and a stable surface.
• Pile Height: Generally ranges from 10–20 mm; lower heights increase ball speed.
• Surface Hardness: Medium-hard surfaces are ideal for both game pace and player safety.
• Sand Infill: Silica sand increases surface grip and reduces slipping.
• Drainage Performance: Outdoor courts should have fast water drainage; sub-base drainage is essential.
• ITF Classification: Compliance with the Court Pace Rating of the International Tennis Federation is important.
• UV Resistance: Products with UV protection should be chosen to prevent color fading and structural deformation.

Padel Courts

Artificial turf used on padel courts directly affects game speed, ball bounce angle, and players’ control over sliding. Therefore, the type of turf and its technical features must be selected specifically for padel.

• Pile Height: For padel, 10–15 mm short-pile turf is generally preferred. This height prevents excessive bounce and improves control.
• Yarn Type: Short and densely tufted monofilament yarns are recommended; they offer less deformation and longer lifespan.
• Sand Infill: The court surface is filled with silica sand to ensure grip and control sliding.
• Color Options: Green and blue are the most preferred colors, offering both visibility and aesthetic appeal.
• Non-Slip Surface: The turf structure should allow controlled sliding while ensuring safety during sudden stops.
• ITF/FFP Compliance: Must comply with international (ITF) and local (e.g., Spanish Padel Federation) standards.

Rugby Fields

Artificial grass used in rugby fields must be selected according to specific criteria due to the need for high impact resistance and player safety. The table below summarizes the key features of suitable artificial turf for rugby fields:

Criteria	Description
Yarn Type	Durable monofilament or fibrillated yarn; resistant to deformation.
Pile Height	Between 50–60 mm; provides high shock absorption.
Infill Material	A mix of SBR granules and silica sand creates a soft, absorbing surface.
Shockpad Usage	Installing a shock-absorbing underlayer (shockpad) is recommended.
Standards	World Rugby (formerly IRB) certification is required.
Surface Hardness	Low surface hardness minimizes injury risk during falls.
Density	High stitch rate and yarn density extend the turf’s lifespan.

Golf Fields

Artificial grass used on golf courses must offer a natural feel and aesthetic appearance. Different turf types are preferred for areas like greens, tees, and fairways.

 

• Turf Type: Short pile height and tightly tufted yarns are preferred. A natural grass appearance is essential.
• Pile Height: 10–15 mm for greens, 20–35 mm for tee/fairway areas.
• Surface Slide Control: The level of slipperiness should be optimized for ball bounce and directional control.
• Drainage System: Especially for open areas, fast-draining infrastructure is necessary.
• Infill Material: No infill is used on greens; sand infill can be applied to tees and fairways.
• UV and Wear Resistance: UV-resistant, highly durable products should be selected for long-term outdoor use.
• Ease of Maintenance: Requires much less maintenance than natural grass—no watering or mowing needed.

Hockey Fields

Artificial grass on hockey fields must be specially designed for fast and smooth ball movement. Given the speed of the game and surface contact, a low-friction, flat surface is essential.

• Pile Height: Typically 8–13 mm; short turf minimizes ball bounce.
• Yarn Type: Fine, tightly tufted yarn improves ball control.
• Water-Based Systems: Professional fields use “water-based” systems where the surface is wetted; this enhances speed and reduces friction.
• Drainage Performance: Effective drainage is critical for fields that are regularly irrigated.
• Color Selection: Blue surface and green perimeter are commonly preferred for visibility.
• FIH Compliance: Must comply with standards set by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
• Friction and Wear Resistance: Turf structure must withstand frequent training and match intensity.

School and Training Grounds

Artificial grass used in schoolyards and amateur training fields must be durable and safe for heavy use. These multipurpose areas require turf selection based on durability and ease of maintenance.

• Pile Height: A range of 30–45 mm is considered ideal; it provides shock absorption and ease of maintenance.
• Yarn Density: Medium-density weaving ensures a comfortable playing experience and longer lifespan.
• Multipurpose Use: Flexible surfaces suitable for various sports such as football, volleyball, and handball should be preferred.
• Infill Material: Systems filled with SBR granules and silica sand reduce slipping and improve surface stability.
• Low Maintenance: Models with minimal maintenance requirements are ideal for school environments.
• Softness and Safety: Shock-absorbing underlayers are recommended to ensure child safety.
• UV and Wear Resistance: Products with UV protection and high abrasion resistance are essential for long-term outdoor use.