What Types of Turf Infill Options are Available? How To Choose Turf Infill?

Rubber, Zeofill, sand, Durafill, Envirofill, and a few other choices are all available as turf infill options. It’s not uncommon for a local pro installation to have no idea what options are available to them or how they differ.

A rubber infill was utilized for our turf because that’s what the installer always used. My wife and I recently had this experience This piqued my interest, and I began digging deeper into the subject after seeing just how hot rubber infill might become when exposed to direct sunlight.

How to choose the coolest fake grass infill, what types of infill alternatives are available, and much more will be covered by this tutorial in an effort to help you become an expert on this topic.

Why is Infill Needed for Turf?

Infill is generally used in artificial turf to maintain the blades upright in order to get the most realistic appearance possible. Your lawn will eventually become matted if you don’t add infill. There’s an example of this here.

What Types of Turf Infill Options are Available?

Rubber, sand, and zeolites are the three most used filler materials. There are a variety of options/brands for each kind. The most prevalent options are as follows:

Rubber Infill

Rubber is the most commonly utilized filler material. Recycled tire black crumb rubber is one option, as is EPDM virgin rubber, which is more expensive but contains less pollutants than recycled tire black crumb rubber.

Sand Infill

Sands come in a variety of colors and textures. In general, silica sand is the least expensive lawn infill, but because it has micro-sized jagged edges, it might feel “sharp” or “rough.” There are even more complex man-made sands available that have rounded edges in addition to the more basic ones. Another option is to use anti-microbial or heat-resistant additives.

Zeolite Infill

Volcanic ash and rock react with nearby groundwater to generate porous zeolites. They have a high concentration of naturally occurring positive ions, making them an excellent deodorizer for pets. For pet turf, it’s one of the most popular fillers but is rarely used as the sole filler.

What is the Best Artificial Grass Infill for Pets?

When the sun is shining, you’ll quickly discover that artificial turf grows hotter than natural grass in direct sunshine. To the point where your pets may not want to go on it at all, depending on the type of infill you use. This is a particular issue in locations like Arizona, where I currently reside. For additional information on the best turf infill alternatives, please visit this page.

As a pet owner, you also have to deal with your pet(s) using the restroom on your property. Draining and eradicating the scent of urine are two different things for each infill. In general, Zeolites and Durafills are the best infill options for pet turf infills. Natural positive ions in zeolite, a volcanic ash-based organic filler, help to mask the smell of pet feces. Microban, an antibacterial coating, is found on Durafill.

For dogs, Hydrochill is the third-best option because it drains efficiently and is the coolest alternative available in a sunny region. Finally, silica sand would be our recommendation. Durafill, zeolite, silica sand, and Hydrochill can all be used in any combination to reap the benefits of each. To avoid discomfort on their paws in the heat, we don’t usually advocate using 100% rubber infill for pets.

Which Turf Infill Stays the Coolest?

Direct sunshine can and will make synthetic grass hotter than natural grass. You cannot avoid this. For instance, I visited a friend’s house in Arizona last year on a sunny 114°F day and saw both natural grass and turf in his yard. Infrared thermometer was used to measure the temperatures of their surfaces. While the natural grass measured at 95°F, the rubber infilled turf measured at 130°F.

However, as we were strolling around barefoot later on, I noticed it much more clearly than I had previously. Using black crumb rubber, Penn State was able to attain a 50°F difference between natural grass and synthetic turf.

Suppose you want a flawlessly maintained lawn look but also want it to be comfortable for your family and pets to walk on? What are your options? When it comes to infills that keep your lawn cool, we’ve done the legwork for you. We put produced a video to demonstrate the process.

How Much Do Different Artificial Grass Infills Cost?

You may expect to pay anywhere from 35 to 90 cents a square foot for artificial turf infill, depending on the type of infill you choose. As of 2/25/20, the following is a breakdown of our current pricing for these items:

It is possible to save even more money if you buy in bulk and spread it out over a broad area of turf, as the price per square foot is 1.5 pounds for 50 lb bags. If you have any questions concerning bulk infill purchases, please don’t hesitate to call our sales staff at (866) 416-6388.

How Much Infill Do You Need?

In general, 1.5-4.0 lbs of infill per square foot of turf is required for most landscape, pet, or athletic turf applications. In most cases, this is enough weight to keep the artificial grass blades upright while the turf is being ballasted. Nevertheless, the pile height of the turf you choose may necessitate varying amounts of infill.

The length of the fake grass blades is referred to as the pile height. The more filler you need, the higher the pile will be. According to USGreenTech, you can see how much Durafill you’ll need per square foot based on the pile height.

Consider a lower pile height if you own pets who are prone to urinating on the lawn. As a result, the droppings will remain on top of the blades rather than becoming imbedded. Consider a higher pile height turf if you don’t have pets and want a lush feel underfoot.

How Do You Install Turf Infill?

Installing infill on an artificial grass surface is a cinch with a landscape spreader because it ensures an even distribution of the filler. To ensure the bristles are in an erect posture, use a power broom and sweep the grass in the opposite direction of the grain.

If you find any low or matted down areas, you can add extra infill and brush the synthetic turf further. There are a plethora of helpful installation tutorials accessible online if you need them.

Can You Mix Infills and Should You?

To address your question, the short answer is yes. In fact, mixing infills is something we regularly encourage. One standard infill by itself may be the best option for a quick and painless installation. However, blending infills is frequently the best option if you wish to suit different needs.

An illustration would be a grass that can be used in youth soccer but is also cool enough to be used in the warmer months of the year. Rubber has worked well for some of our clients as a base infill, followed by a thin coating of Hydrochill or Zeolite. Or perhaps you’re looking for an attractive pet turf that’s low-maintenance and comfortable to walk on. Silica sand has been used as a base layer for Zeolite by some customers.

Turf Infill Takeaways

It can be difficult to determine which turf infill is right for you at first because of the paucity of useful information available on the internet. The following are some general pointers:

1. Silica sand is the most affordable.
2. For athletic fields, nothing beats rubber.
3. Neutralizing pet odors using Zeolites is the most effective method.
4. Durafill may be the best all-in-one solution out there.
5. By far, Hydrochill is the most enjoyable.
6. Consider using a finer mesh-sized infill for low-pile height turfs like putting greens.

It is our sincere goal that this guide will assist you in gaining a better understanding of the various alternatives accessible to you.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Infill for Artificial Grass

To get the best results from your artificial grass installation in Toronto, you should take the time to consider the sort of infill you will use. At the completion of the installation, the synthetic turf is topped with a little amount of infill. It is integral to artificial turf as it is responsible for holding the shape of your turf, extending longevity, maintaining stability, and adding dimension. Infill affects the performance of your lawn, so it’s crucial to consider all the variables before selecting one for your backyard.

Material

The type of infill you choose for your artificial grass installation in Toronto will have a significant impact on the final appearance of your landscape. When installing synthetic turf, infill is a little fill that is placed on top, and it serves as an additional layer of protection. It is essential to artificial grass since it is responsible for retaining the form of your turf, increasing its lifespan, preserving its stability, and providing dimension. The performance of your lawn is affected by the infill you choose, so it’s important to consider all of the elements before making a decision.

Drainage

Your artificial lawn’s backing is supported by the infill you select. Consider whether or not the infill you use for your artificial grass helps or hinders drainage. Choosing an infill that does not allow water to drain properly might cause water to back up and pool on your lawn. This can bring insects, germs, and disease to your grass.

Cleaning

Choose an antibacterial infill if your artificial lawn is being used by animals or has been exposed to organic waste. Antimicrobial technology, microban, is used in Envirofill to successfully inhibit the growth of mold and undesirable odors. Reduces the already minimal amount of maintenance your artificial grass would require by using a bacteria-resistant infill that drains properly.

UV Rays

When artificial turf that isn’t built to be protected from the sun’s damaging UV rays is exposed, it might be damaged. If they are not appropriately shielded from UV rays, synthetic materials will fade and heat up. Premium European producers have designed and manufactured Echoing Green’s artificial turf to resist UV radiation fading and bleeding.

By blocking the sun’s rays from reaching the turf’s backing, infill can further protect artificial grass from the damaging effects of UV rays. In comparison to other infill options, Envirofill has proven to be excellent at keeping lawns cool and shaded from the sun.

Cost

The price of infills tends to rise as they become more helpful. As a general rule, artificial grass is more cost-effective than real lawns because of its greatly decreased maintenance needs. Envirofill, for example, is a high-quality infill that goes the distance and extends the life of your artificial grass lawn. Customers at Echoing Green don’t have to compromise their budget for quality thanks to our low prices and high-quality products.

To keep your artificial lawn looking its best for years to come, it’s important to use a high-quality infill to keep its shape, volume and lushness intact. Ask your artificial grass providers for advice if you’re still unsure.

This summer, get in touch with Echoing Green to learn more about installing high-quality fake grass.

What You Must Know About Artificial Turf Infill Options

When it comes to installing artificial turf, you can’t skip the infill. Each blade of grass is supported by this structure, ensuring its upright position. There is a natural look and feel to the turf because of this. Artificial grass bounces when you walk or play on it because of the synthetic infill. It also protects the turf’s foundation, which is made of a fabric mesh. The best filler for your lawn depends on how you intend to utilize it.

Current infill possibilities are shown below.

Crumb Rubber

Artificial turf infill made of crumb rubber is very prevalent. Recycled vehicle tires are shredded and rolled to remove any remaining sharp or rough edges before being utilized to create this material. The safety of crumb rubber for children and pets has been established. In recent years, it has been utilized instead of sand and stone as playground infill since it is less hard and more kid-friendly.

Sand or Rounded Silica Granules

Because of its inherent smoothness, sand is an excellent infill material for synthetic grass. Round or irregularly shaped silica granules work well as infills, as do those that have been smoothed out. The smoothed surfaces reduce friction between the particles, which keeps the granules from settling and making the ground hard. Even though sand may compact more tightly than silica granules, it will still provide a smooth, cushioned foundation for your home.

Artificial grass infill can benefit from the inherent smoothness of sand. For infill, you can use round or irregularly shaped silica granules that have been shaped. The granules don’t settle because of the polished surfaces, which prevents the ground from becoming hard. Sand will compact more tightly than silica granules, but it will still provide a soft, cushiony foundation.

EnviroFill

For both children and pets, this is an excellent filler. Its Microban technology eliminates pet waste odors and stains by destroying germs in the feces. To the touch, it is extremely cold-resistant and does not retain heat. It will not stick to fabric or fur, and it will not become compressed. In addition, it is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Shell Tech

The hulls of walnuts have been pulverized into fine granules to make this a completely natural filler. Shell Tech is extremely weather-resistant and does not produce any dust, making it ideal for outdoor use. It’s hypoallergenic and free of dangerous chemicals because it’s made entirely of organic materials.

Durafil

Durafill sand, a sand specifically created for pets, is another infill alternative, but it can be pricier. With antibacterial properties, it does not absorb moisture, and it can withstand severe foot/paw traffic. An infill that is particularly resistant to heavy foot activity can be made by mixing rubber and sand.

There is no “optimal” infill option because every artificial turf installation is a one-of-a-kind undertaking. However, there is no need to be alarmed. Your Heavenly Greens design expert will assist you in determining the finest options for your artificial grass type and intended use.

FAQs

What kind of infill should I use for artificial turf?

Choosing an infill might be a difficult task, but sand may be the ideal solution for any artificial grass owner. Because their roots penetrate deep into the soil, natural grass blades are able to stand upright. Their ability to stand and remain solid despite under pressure is due to this fact.

How do you calculate turf infill?

To figure out how many cubic feet of infill you need for synthetic turf, split the pile height by two, multiply it by the square footage of your area, then divide by 0.0833333; you’ll have the number of cubic feet. The infill weight per cubic foot is multiplied by this number, and you get the infill weight in pounds.

Can I use play sand for turf infill?

Non-infill materials, such as play sand or river-based sand, should also be avoided. Weed seeds can be introduced to your artificial turf through the use of unfiltered sand.

Is Wonderfill the same as EnviroFill?

Durafill and EnviroFill are the same product, so let’s get that out of the way. Many manufacturers and turf brands have created their own brand names like wonderfill for the same substance over the years. Durafill a.k.a. To put it another way, Envirofill is artificial sand with rounded edges instead of the sharp ones seen in conventional sand.