There are many convincing reasons to prefer artificial turf for football fields, the foremost being the exceptional durability of artificial turf pitches. These fields are playable in almost any weather condition and require no rest periods between games. This is a major advantage, especially in urban areas where space is limited and multiple teams may need to share the same pitch. The high resilience of artificial turf also ensures a significantly longer lifespan. On average, artificial turf can withstand around 1,600–1,800 hours of play per year, whereas natural turf often loses its optimal playing qualities after just 400 to 800 hours of use.
Another major advantage is the ease of maintenance of an artificial turf pitch. While the surface requires regular cleaning, there is no need for labor-intensive tasks such as mowing, aeration, or fertilization. Deep cleaning is only required every few years. Today, modern artificial turf pitches have become the pride of sports clubs at all levels!
There is now a wide variety of artificial turf systems available on the market. The crucial question becomes: Which artificial turf system is best for my facility? To make the right choice, it is essential to understand the structure and types of artificial turf systems currently available.
Elastic Layer for Football Artificial Turf
The shock-absorbing elastic layer, typically 8–35 mm thick, is usually made of recycled rubber granules and polyurethane binders. This compact base delivers consistent elasticity and has an extended service life. It ensures excellent force reduction and shock absorption, thereby enhancing player safety and comfort over the long term. The in-situ installation method (constructed on-site similar to road building) allows for correction of any subgrade unevenness, resulting in an absolutely flat and water-permeable surface. When the artificial turf surface needs renewal after 10–15 years, a new artificial turf can generally be installed directly on top of the existing elastic layer—often several times in succession.
In addition to artificial turf systems with an elastic base layer, there are also systems without an elastic layer available internationally. In such cases, the absence of the elastic layer is compensated by using longer pile heights and a greater quantity of infill, usually made from recycled tire granules. However, artificial turf systems from Reform Sports with an elastic layer prove to be much more cost-effective in the long run and help minimize the risk of player injury thanks to superior shock absorption—this, of course, depends on the specific pile height of the turf selected.
Smooth Lawn Fibers for Professional Applications
The top layer of an artificial turf system consists of turf fibers, which are available in both smooth and textured versions. These fibers are tufted into a backing fabric using a method similar to that of a sewing machine. During the final coating process, these fibers—also called “tufts”—are permanently bonded to the backing to ensure they remain securely anchored throughout the entire service life of the pitch.
- Provides superior ball roll and consistency on the pitch.
- Offers a uniform and natural appearance throughout the field.
- Ensures high comfort and safety for players.
- Permanent tuft anchoring for long-lasting durability.
- Meets international standards for professional football fields.
The smooth fibers are tufted into a backing fabric and securely bonded to ensure stability and performance during intensive use.
Textured Lawn Fibers for Intensive Use
Textured turf fibers, originally developed for hockey, are more durable than their smooth counterparts and have become noticeably softer in recent years. Thanks to their textured design, infill materials such as sand and rubber granules are better retained within the turf, significantly reducing infill loss. Less replenishment of rubber granules is needed, saving resources and benefiting the environment. This makes artificial turf systems with textured fibers particularly well-suited for intensive football use with minimal ongoing maintenance.
The Impact of Infill on Artificial Turf Quality
The type and quality of infill—which is available in a wide range of variations on the market—also play a key role in the overall performance of the artificial turf system. Depending on the specific system, elastic infill granules (also called “infill”) may be made from a variety of materials, such as elastic plastic granules and quartz sand. The sand helps stabilize the turf and supports the turf fibers at the root zone, while the elastic granules help prevent injuries and provide important sports functionality to the playing surface. Green infill granules, in particular, give the field a fresh, natural look and help keep the surface cooler on hot match days.
| Infill Type | Material | Key Properties | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM Granules | Virgin synthetic rubber | High durability, excellent elasticity, environmentally friendly | Professional football fields, long lifespan |
| SBR Granules | Recycled tire rubber | Cost-effective, good shock absorption | Training pitches, amateur fields |
| Quartz Sand | Natural mineral | Stabilizes turf, provides support for fibers | Base infill for all artificial turf systems |
| Organic Infill | Cork, coconut fiber, olive pits | Natural feel, low heat retention, sustainable | Eco-friendly and low-heat sports surfaces |
Selecting the right infill material ensures optimal playing comfort, player safety, and system durability. We recommend consulting with our experts to choose the best infill for your project.
The right infill composition provides a playing experience comparable to natural grass, delivering optimal grip and traction even during rapid changes of speed or direction. Infill granules ensure smooth ball roll and a high degree of player safety. Hockey pitches are the main exception, where shorter turf fibers are used and no infill is applied, in order not to affect ball movement. For professional hockey turf systems, the surface is typically irrigated before each match to maintain ideal conditions.
Infill materials for football turf systems are available in various materials, colors, and shapes; the ideal choice depends on the desired playing characteristics and the club’s budget. As a general rule, Reform Sports recommends infill made from high-quality, virgin EPDM granules (ethylene propylene diene rubber) for the best performance and player safety.