Artificial Turf: The Playing Surface Of Choice

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Garden )



Artificial turf is the latest in sports surfaces; it is similar to the synthetic grass used for synthetic lawns in residential houses. Artificial turf uses synthetic fibers knitted, tufted or woven into backing fabric.

In the more modern sports arenas and clubs, you will almost certainly see an artificial turf playing surface. You will realize that artificial grasses have many great virtues and will undoubtedly be used more widely. Artificial turfs have the ability to endure intensive use in all weathers. There are three basic categories, with varying methods of artificial turf installation.

Non-Filled Turf

This is made of polyester or polypropylene, and comes in the form of a turf-carpet with an underlying foam layer acting as shock absorber. The artificial turf and under-layer rest on an asphalt substrate, which in turn has a base of sand, gravel or broken stone. Non-filled turf comes in various pile-types and pile-lengths.

Filled Turf

This is a variant of the previous type. It has an upright pile, longer and more open than non-filled turf. The builder backfills this type with a layer of sand during artificial turf installation. Filled artificial turf is popular in tennis courts because its playing surface is similar to natural grass and it remains usable all year including winter. The finish has a two-month settling time, and needs frequent brushing.

Combined Natural and Artificial Turf

Natural and artificial surfaces are beginning to merge. You now see plastics being used to reinforce the root structure of grass, such as plastic webbing through which natural grass grows. This combines the durability of artificial turf with the user-friendliness of natural grass.

Capital outlay for artificial turf is high, although costs have gone down in recent years. This means they should be used fairly intensively to justify the initial cost. You also incur recurring expenses for maintenance.


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