Questions about synthetic turf

1. What is synthetic turf?

The latest generation of synthetic turf is a grass-like surface covering that replicates lush natural grass in appearance and function. When used on playing athletic fields, it provides a consistent year-round, all-weather playing surface built to withstand extended use without downtime for recovery. When used as a landscaping cover, synthetic turf provides a low maintenance, weed-free ground cover that doesn't need to be watered or fertilized.

2. How is turf made?

Most synthetic turf systems installed today include a drainage layer, a multi-layered backing system, and resilient grass blades that are infilled with a granular filler to resemble natural turf. "Infilled" means that the man-made grass blades are interspersed with a top soil created with sand and/or granulated recycled tire rubber or other materials that provide the necessary stability, uniformity, and resiliency. Each blade customarily stands above the infill material. The typical length and quality is determined by the specific activity requirements.

3. What does the turf consist of?

Artificial lawn 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.

4. How does the turf drain?

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

5. What is the variation in tufting density?

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.

6. Are carpets always tufted in straight lines?

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

7. Apart from tufting, are there other methods of manufacturing synthetic turf?

Yes, weaving and knitting golf green onto a fabric is also possible.