How Much Infill Do You Need Per Square Foot For Artificial Turf?

Pile height. Infill depth. Granule size. Textured vs non-textured. The jargon around artificial turf can get overwhelming. Artificial turf comes in all shapes and sizes and these different variances, textures, and technologies all affect the amount of infill you need to use for your artificial turf lawns, yards, playgrounds, or sports fields. The calculations can get heady very quickly. But don’t fret! We are here to help!

In this article, we’ll start from the basics. We’ll cover:

1. A quick primer on artificial turf infill
2. Where to start when choosing the correct amount of artificial turf infill
3. How much you need, and the best infill type for your purposes

A Quick Primer on Artificial Turf Infill

Before we dive into the calculations, let’s understand what artificial turf infill means to your turf.  Infill is the material spread over the top of artificial turf and interspersed between the synthetic turf blades. It anchors the turf, keeps blades upright for a realistic appearance, and adds cushioning for safety and comfort. In a properly installed artificial turf system, infill constitutes 90% of the weight, impacting the turf’s performance more than any other component.

After the turf is laid, the infill is added at the end via a drop spreader and push broom.

At Motz, we make two patented artificial turf infill options: Envirofill and an organic infill, Safeshell. They are versatile and unparalleled in terms of safety, playability, and longevity. Compare them here.

Here’s why Envirofill is the perfect infill for most projects.

Why is Turf Infill Important?

Turf infill is the cornerstone of your artificial grass. It’s essential for maintaining beauty, functionality, and durability in your backyard oasis, garden, playground or playing field. It works silently to keep the blades of your artificial turf standing tall, ensuring a lush, natural look throughout the seasons. Beyond aesthetics, infill plays a critical role in safety, cushioning falls, and minimizing injuries. It also improves drainage, preventing water-logged patches that can ruin the appeal of your space. Innovations in infill materials, like Safeshell and Envirofill, offer added benefits such as temperature reduction and antibacterial properties, making your backyard not only a feast for the eyes but also a safe, enjoyable environment for family activities.

Learn more: Why Is Turf Infill Important In Your Backyard’s Artificial Grass?

Where To Start When Choosing The Correct Amount Of Artificial Turf Infill

Infill for Artificial Turf: How Much You Need & the Best Infill

We get a LOT of questions about choosing the correct amount of artificial turf infill. To better understand the correct amount of infill to use on your artificial turf application, we must start with the types of artificial turf and its purposes. Are you installing a landscape turf, putting green, or a sports turf field? How much foot traffic do you anticipate?

Secondly, you’ll need to confirm the sieve size of your Envirofill granules, the square footage of the field, and the pile height. Pile height is a term used to describe the length of artificial turf blades, measured from where the tufts bind to the backing to the tips of the blades, typically in inches. Another consideration is the depth, which typically refers to the depth of the infill material used within the synthetic turf system. Infill depth is measured from the base of the turf system to the top of the infill layer.

Let’s break it down.

How Much Infill per Square Foot of Turf?

The proper amount of turf infill is completely dependent on your application. The formula is typically to divide the pile height of the turf by two, multiply it by the square footage of the area, and then multiply by 0.0833333 to get the number of required cubic feet. This number is then multiplied by the infill weight per cubic foot to determine the total weight of infill needed in pounds.

For most residential landscape applications, the safe bet is between 2.5 and 3.5 lbs. of 12/20 or 16/30 Envirofill per square foot. Skip the calculations and keep this table handy when you’re figuring out your needs.

What size of Envirofill should you go for? Read our blog post here.

If you are ever unsure about the proper amount of turf infill for your artificial grass installation, refer to the specifications provided by the artificial turf manufacturer. You can usually find this document on the manufacturer’s website. If you are looking to buy infill or have questions about the best artificial turf infill for your turf landscape business or sports field, contact a Motz infill expert.

Learn more: The Ultimate Checklist for Turf Infill Installation

The Best Types of Artificial Turf Infill Based on Project Type

The Best Artificial Turf Infill for Dogs

Motz’s Envirofill was designed specifically for use by dogs. Ultra-safe and coated Microban®, it stays clean, hygienic, and easy to maintain even if your pups frequently pee on it. Check out these blogs to find out why. If your installation will be shared with one or several canine companions, you may want to veer toward 3 pounds per square foot.

The Best Artificial Turf Infill for Putting Greens

Envirofill is the best artificial turf infill for putting greens. For putting green applications, it is important to understand the difference between a texturized installation and a sand-filled installation. A texturized putting green is manufactured with a short pile height of about half an inch, using about 2-3 lbs. of Envirofill 30/50 per square foot. On the other hand, a sand-filled putting green is manufactured with a taller 1”- 1 1/4” pile height and demands more infill for proper playability. For these applications, it may require as much as 6-7 lbs per square foot of round raw sand ballast topped with ½-1lb of 16/30 Envirofill per square foot.
Learn More About Your Turf And Infill Solution For Putting Greens

Make Motz Your Artificial Turf Infill Partner

If you have any questions pertaining to the proper depth, the weight of an infill application, or how to install your infill, please reach out to us. Our infill experts are just a phone call away!

If you are a homeowner looking for an infill for your home landscape project, visit our distributor map to find where you can buy Motz Envirofill infill near you or an artificial turf infill installer in your area.

FAQ

1. How long does artificial grass infill last?
   It depends on the brand you go for. Motz has a 16-year warranty on Envirofill, and we’re confident that it will last for at least two turf lifecycles.
2. How often do you need to replace artificial turf infill?
   The frequency at which you need to replace or replenish the infill in artificial turf depends on several factors, including the type of infill material used, the level of usage and foot traffic, the climate and weather conditions, and your overall maintenance routine.
3. Can you use regular sand for turf infill?
   Sand is one of the oldest and most common artificial turf infill options, but there are progressive alternatives that offer many more benefits. It is ideal for low-traffic areas and general landscaping, but it tends to harden and compact over time, poorly drains water, and looks dusty, leading to a balding lawn appearance.

For more info, read: Think Twice Before Using Raw Sand for Artificial Turf Infill