Frequently Asked Questions - Turf

Most turf is tufted using carpet-manufacturing technology in 4 or 5 metre widths.

Artificial yarn is tufted through a secondary backing material typically made from woven polypropylene and additional backing layers can be added to absorb latex and provide improved dimensional stability. This is coated with either latex or polyurethane to ensure tuft lock and add to the stability of the carpet.

Most carpets will have drainage holes added to allow free draining through the surface

Carpet is generally tufted between 5mm and 70mm pile height depending on application.  The tufting gauge can vary between 1/8 gauge (for low cost decorative carpets) up to 3/4 gauges for long pile surfaces.

Most carpets are tufted in straight lines but specialised machines allow zigzag or Lazy-S tufting styles, which create a denser appearance.

Yes, weaving and knitting artificial yarns onto a fabric is also possible.

Synthetic turf is generally made from polypropylene, polyethylene or polyamide yarn.

The length of time the carpet lasts for is dependent on the usage. Synthetic turf manufacturers will offer a standard guarantee depending on the product and what it is being used for.

Synthetic turf is U.V. stabilised to minimise any fading and deterioration.

Installation guidelines are available from turf manufacturers however it is recommended that the synthetic turf is installed by a team of professional contractors.

The turf must be laid on a suitable base, depending on its application. For sport this may include a shock pad. For landscape applications the turf can just be laid on a flat hard base. For child’s play a shock pad is recommended to meet Critical Fall Height legislation. The laid turf can be ‘infilled’ with a combination of sand and/or granular rubber to stabilise and create specific playing characteristics and can be without infill material.

Yes, you can. With the new generation of synthetic turf, which is soft and skin-friendly, sliding tackles can take place with similar effects to the player like one will have on natural turf.

In most weather conditions you can play on a synthetic turf pitch 24 / 7 all year round. In the case of extreme cold weather, where moisture in the sand infill may become frozen, common sense should be applied in terms of player safety.  Frozen pitches should not be used for hockey, when stick contact may cause damage to the yarn. You may need to remove snow from the surface if there is a heavy fall.

The new generation of synthetic turf pitches produce the same ball-surface, ballplayer and player-surface behaviour as natural grass pitches. Tested to governing body standards the playing characteristics perfectly match those of natural grass.

Depending on the surface, yes, you can. On all soccer pitches, boots with molded or screw in studs are ideal. Depending upon the advice of the surface supplier blades may also be worn.

The installation of the surface itself takes –weather permitting – about 2 to 3 weeks. Depending upon ground conditions, base construction, fencing and floodlights can add 8 or more weeks to the length of the contract.

Artificial football fields do not need water to meet the rigorous standards imposed by FIFA. In Hockey, international and top club matches are played on systems that do require water, although the FIH (Federation of International Hockey) is intending to move away from a reliance on water.

Yes. Synthetic turf for rugby surfaces must have a long pile height with a minimum length of 65mm and include a sand and rubber infill. A shock pad underneath is necessary to meet the IRB’s (International Rugby Board) critical fall height of over 2 meters. This allows full contact, including lifting at line-outs.

Unlike natural grass or clay, synthetic grass or carpet courts, when laid onto a compacted, level base, will not offer bad bounces. Depending upon the fibre density and height, a synthetic turf court will meet the ITF (International Tennis Federation) court standards normally either to medium or fast rating, taking an acceptable and consistent amount of spin and slice.

Traditional tennis shoes or trainers can be worn, with players opting for smoother soles on certain surfaces, with profiled soles on others.

Synthetic turf is designed to be porous, but porosity on court will depend upon the drainage of the base beneath. If an older court stops draining, then the infill has become contaminated due to lack of maintenance. Whilst the surface may remain wet, it should not puddle. Balls will pick up moisture until the fibres dry out. No damage can be caused to the surface when played on when wet.

Sand is used to give stability to the carpet and give the right ball bounce characteristics.

Depending upon the type of surface, but basically when wet, yes.

You can play on the sand-filled pitches until a temperature of minus ten degrees.
Below minus ten, the risk of yarn damage occurs.

Top players want water on their pitches out of habit. Some surfaces such as polyamide need water to reduce abrasion, whilst others such as polypropylene need water to help protect the yarn from stick damage.

There are a range of synthetic turf products that allow several sports to be played, for example rugby and football, football and hockey, hockey and tennis. Other sports can also be played at community level such as netball and basketball.

The choice depends mainly on two factors: Which sports do you want to play? Which sport takes priority through standard or volume of usage? Remember a shock pad may be necessary as well.

Synthetic turf is truly low-maintenance, you just need to remove debris and leaves to maintain and enjoy a beautiful garden for many years. You never need to water, mow or roll your garden. It just sits there and serves you!

The turf has drainage points in the backing to allow water to drain straight through.
Rain water naturally cleans the turf and helps remove any accumulation of dust and dirt.

Children's play surfaces, dog friendly surfaces, inside and surrounding conservatories, surrounding water features, swimming pools and hot tubs, for pathways, events, filming, stage shows and exhibitions and many, many more applications.

Generally a sand base is laid. If your drainage is poor you require a sand and
hardcore base. The turf can also be laid on timber floors or any other hard floor.

This depends on the surface you select, if you select a soft bouncy turf it counteracts the hard floor base.

Yes, but the base must be solid, level, weed free and compacted.

Yes

Yes. Synthetic turf has drainage, does not stain and any mess can be scooped, brushed or hosed clean easily. Dogs love it!

Yes. The taller the pile the softer the lawn or you may choose a short pile surface for ball games.