How much sand do you need for artificial grass?

So, you've taken the plunge and decided to install beautiful, low-maintenance artificial grass. Smart move! But now you're faced with a crucial question: how much sand infill do you actually need? Getting this right is the difference between a lawn that looks pristine for years and one that wrinkles, drains poorly, and feels unstable.

If you do not have enough sand, your turf will not anchor well. Too much, and you risk compromising drainage and that natural, soft feel.

But don't worry. This blog will give you the right amount of sand for each square meter of artificial grass. It will also explain why and how to make sure your installation is perfect and lasts a long time.

What is artificial turf infill sand?

Artificial turf infill sand is a type of silica sand with sharp, angular particles. Its main functions are to stabilize the grass fibers, increase the weight of the turf, protect the roots of the grass fibers from UV damage, and provide good drainage. It is a key material for maintaining the performance and lifespan of artificial turf.

Why Does Artificial Grass Even Need Sand?

When laying artificial turf, filling it with sharp sand or quartz sand, is a key step. This step affects how well the turf performs and how long it lasts.

• Stability: The sand layer compacts the turf, preventing displacement, wrinkling, or lifting caused by temperature fluctuations or foot traffic.

• Fiber Support: It helps grass blades stand upright, giving the lawn a lush and full appearance while providing greater comfort underfoot.

• Drainage Aid: High-quality silica sand is free-draining. It helps water quickly flow through the turf and down into the sub-base, preventing puddles.

• UV Protection: The sand layer effectively blocks direct UV rays from reaching the base fabric, reducing wear and tear and extending the turf's lifespan.

• Cooling Effect: Compared to unfilled turf, infill sand helps reduce the surface temperature of the turf.

What types of sharp sand are there?

Sharp sand is primarily classified according to its origin, chemical composition, and particle size. In the artificial turf industry, chemical composition and particle size are of paramount importance, as they directly affect the safety and lifespan of the field. The following are the main classifications of sharp sand:

1. Classification by Chemical Composition

This is the primary criterion for selecting artificial turf materials, determining the sand's hardness, abrasion resistance, and safety.

• Silica Sand

The main component is silica (SiO2), with extremely high hardness (Mohs hardness 7), making it abrasion-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and chemically stable.

This is the standard and most recommended infill material. It maintains its sharp edges over a long period, provides stable support, and does not decompose or turn to dust like limestone.

• Crushed Stone Sand / Grit

Made from mechanically crushed limestone, granite, and other rocks. While also sharp sand, limestone materials have lower hardness and are prone to weathering, producing dust. It is generally not recommended for high-quality sports fields and is mostly used for infilling ordinary landscape turf.

2. Classification by Source

• Quarry Sand

Made by mechanically crushing and screening natural rocks. It has very sharp edges, a rough texture, and good adhesion. Commonly used in concrete construction, paving foundations, and as a base layer for artificial turf.

• Sea Sand

Taken directly from beaches. While some sea sand particles are coarser, it usually contains salt and shell fragments. Its use is generally prohibited in the artificial turf industry. Salt is corrosive and can damage the turf backing and grass fibers, and shell fragments are too soft to be used as a support layer.

• Washed Sharp Sand

Mineral sand that has undergone a washing process. Dust and impurities are removed, resulting in cleaner particles. Suitable for landscape turf or infill layers where high cleanliness is required.

3. Classification by Particle Size

Different sports scenarios require angular sand of different particle sizes to balance hardness and comfort.

• Fine Sharp Sand

Typically around 0.06mm - 0.2mm. Fine granules are prone to leakage or embedding deep within the grass fibers, making them difficult to clean. They are generally not used alone as infill for sports turf and are mostly used for repairing gaps.

• Medium Sharp Sand

Typically around 0.2mm - 0.5mm. Standard size for football and hockey fields. Granules in this range form a good gradation, providing both stability and some breathability.

• Coarse Sharp Sand

Greater than 0.5mm, even reaching 2mm. The granules are too coarse, cannot be tightly packed, lack sufficient support from the grass fibers, and easily cause the infill to loosen. Generally not recommended.

Sharp Sand per m² for Artificial Turf

The specific amount of sharp sand required per square meter depends on the type of turf, the usage scenario and the height of the grass. The recommended amount of sharp sand required in different scenarios is as follows:

Generally speaking, standard sports fields or high-frequency-use lawns require greater sharp sand to ensure adequate durability and resilience.

Empirical Formula for Filling Amount Estimation

For ease of calculation, a simple formula is often used as a reference in the industry:

Filling height of sharp sand ≈ 1/3 to 1/2 of grass height

Take artificial turf with a grass height of 40mm as an example:

1/3 height ≈ 13mm

Required sharp sand ≈ 8kg/㎡

This ratio can provide necessary support without overfilling and flattening the grass, affecting the appearance and elasticity.

Reasonable filling to extend service life

Filling with sharp sand is not only a step in the construction process of artificial turf, but also a guarantee to improve the stability, safety and comfort of the turf. Reasonable filling amount (between 5-10kg/㎡) should be adjusted according to the actual turf type and purpose, and high-quality quartz sand should be selected. The correct filling method can keep the artificial turf as good as new for many years, truly exerting its economic and practical value.

How often should sharp sand be replaced or added?

Artificial grass experiences sand loss or displacement during use. For high-frequency sports fields like football and rugby fields, a comprehensive inspection is required every 6-12 months. If severe flattening of grass fibers, a lower-than-standard infill thickness, or noticeable surface depressions are found, sharp sand needs to be added promptly. For low-frequency use areas such as kindergartens and landscaped areas, the addition cycle can be extended to 1-2 years, requiring only small-scale replenishment when the grass fiber support weakens.

If the sand grains become compacted, the edges wear down, or become mixed with a large amount of soil and impurities after prolonged pressure, losing their supporting function for the grass fibers, then the sharp sand needs to be replaced. In high-frequency use scenarios, with proper maintenance, replacement is needed every 3-5 years; with improper maintenance, this can be shortened to 2-3 years. In low-frequency use scenarios, the replacement cycle can be extended to 5-8 years, and with proper maintenance, even 8-10 years.

How to Properly Lay the Sand Infill

Knowing the amount is half the battle; applying it correctly is the other half.

Prepare the Base: Ensure your sub-base (usually compacted granite or limestone dust) is perfectly level and compacted.

Lay and Secure the Turf: Roll out your artificial grass and secure it around the edges.

Use a Drop Spreader: This is the best tool for the job. It ensures an incredibly even distribution, preventing clumps and bare spots.

The Two-Pass Method:

First Pass: Apply about half of your total sand. Use a stiff-bristled broom or a power brush to work the sand down into the pile.

Second Pass: Apply the remaining half and brush again. This method ensures the sand reaches the base and doesn't just sit on top of the blades.

Final Brush: Give the lawn a final, gentle brush against the grain to fluff up the grass blades for a perfect, natural finish.