Artificial turf softness and hardness selection guide

In the selection process of artificial turf, hardness is a crucial factor, which not only affects the comfort of users, but also is closely related to the functionality, safety and durability of the venue. Whether it is a stadium, commercial space, or a home garden or playground, each venue has different requirements for the hardness and softness of artificial grass. So, what factors affect the hardness and softness of artificial grass? How to choose the right lawn according to needs?

I. Why can't the softness of artificial turf be "one-size-fits-all"?

The softness of artificial turf cannot be generalized, primarily because its requirements vary across different scenarios:

* Differences in sports function: Soccer fields require high rebound and cushioning to protect athletes, while golf courses need low friction for a smooth ball roll;

* Balance between safety and performance: Kindergarten turf prioritizes extreme softness and slip resistance, but sports turf needs to balance shock absorption with sufficient support to prevent sprains；

* Durability and cost: High-intensity use areas (such as stadiums) require more durable grass fibers, while overly soft materials may be prone to wear and have a short lifespan;

* Environmental adaptability: Hot regions require materials that are heat-resistant and do not easily cause burns, while cold regions need materials that are frost-resistant and prevent brittleness.

Therefore, the softness must be selected based on specific application and other criteria; a single standard cannot meet the needs of all scenarios.

II. Four Key Factors Affecting the Softness of Artificial Turf

1. Grass fiber material

The material of artificial turf determines its hardness and softness. The fiber material of artificial grass is mainly made of three materials: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and nylon (PA). The softness of different materials varies:

PE: The most common grass fiber material, with soft texture and good elasticity, is widely used in football fields, home gardens and landscaping, suitable for users who pursue a comfortable experience.

PP: Relatively hard, mainly used in high-intensity sports venues, such as tennis courts, hockey fields, etc., where wear resistance is required.

PA: It has extremely high wear resistance and softness, but it is expensive and is usually used in professional sports venues, such as high-end football fields and golf greens.

2. Grass fiber density

Grass fiber density refers to the number of grass fibers per square meter (m²). Higher density provides more support, softness, and cushioning when walked on:

• Low density (5000-8000 strands/㎡): Slightly firm, suitable for low-frequency foot traffic areas such as balcony decorations and commercial display areas;
• Medium density (8000-12000 strands/㎡): Moderately soft, suitable for medium-to-high-frequency foot traffic areas such as family gardens and hotel courtyards;
• High density (12000 strands/㎡ and above): Extra soft, suitable for children's playgrounds, pet activity areas, and other frequently touched surfaces.

3. Grass fiber length

The longer the fiber length, the greater the softness and cushioning, and the closer the feel is to natural grass:

• Short fiber (10-25mm): Slightly firm, good support, suitable for tennis courts and golf driving ranges, where ball bounce needs to be guaranteed;
• Medium-length fiber (30-40mm): Moderately soft, natural feel, suitable for home gardens, commercial landscaping, and other leisure areas;
• Long fiber (50-60mm): Ultra-soft and elastic, suitable for football fields and high-end landscaping, requiring cushioning and a natural visual appeal.

4. Filler material

Artificial grass usually requires filling materials to increase its stability and shock absorption performance, and the type of filling will also affect the softness and hardness of the lawn.

• Quartz sand filling: Increase the weight of the lawn, improve stability, and keep the grass fibers upright, but make the lawn feel relatively hard.
• Rubber particle filling: commonly used in sports venues, such as football fields, to provide better elasticity and cushioning effect, making the lawn softer to step on.

• Mixed filler (quartz sand + rubber particles): combining the advantages of both, it can maintain stability and provide a comfortable sports experience, suitable for professional stadiums.

For mid- to high-end venues, thick PU shock-absorbing pads can be placed under the artificial turf to increase softness by 30%, while reducing the amount of infill material used and lowering later maintenance costs. This is suitable for kindergartens, professional sports fields, and high-end family gardens.

III. Softness selection for different scenarios

Different uses have different requirements for the softness and hardness of artificial grass:

Family courtyards and landscape lawns: soft high-density long grass fibers are recommended to provide a comfortable foot feel.

Children's playgrounds: It is recommended to choose soft and cushioning lawns to reduce injuries when falling.

Football fields: moderate hardness is required to ensure the safety of players' sports, and rubber particles are filled to enhance cushioning.

Tennis courts and golf courses: harder short-fiber lawns are required to ensure the rebound effect of the ball.

IV. FAQ

1. Will artificial turf harden over time? How do I maintain it?

Artificial turf typically hardens over time, primarily due to compacted infill particles, dust accumulation, and material aging. Simple maintenance can be performed:

* Regular cleaning: Use a stiff-bristled brush or specialized equipment to remove surface debris and prevent compaction.

* Deblow the grass fibers: Regularly use a grass fiber deblower to straighten flattened grass fibers and restore their elasticity.

* Refill: Add silica sand and rubber granules as needed to maintain the thickness of the cushioning layer.

* Deep cleaning: Perform professional deep cleaning 1-2 times per year to remove underlying dirt.

* Controlled use: Avoid prolonged overloading or placing heavy objects on it; in hot weather, spray water to cool it down.

Timely maintenance can effectively delay hardening and extend its lifespan.

2. How can you balance the softness and durability of artificial turf with a limited budget?

With a limited budget, it is recommended to choose medium-height, high-density PP grass fibers, and fill them with an appropriate amount of quartz sand and environmentally friendly rubber granules. This can provide basic cushioning and support while controlling costs. Regular maintenance is also necessary in the long run.

3. Which is softer, natural grass or artificial grass?

Natural grass is softer and more natural, but prone to change; artificial grass is soft, uniform, and stable, but more elastic. It depends on whether you value a natural feel or stability more.

V. UNIGRASS Artificial Grass

As a professional artificial grass manufacturer, UNIGRASS provides a variety of soft and hard artificial grass products, from soft landscape lawns to highly wear-resistant sports lawns. Customers can choose according to specific needs.

UNIGRASS landscape turf: uses high-density, soft PE fiber, suitable for home gardens, parks and commercial greening.

UNIGRASS football grass: uses highly wear-resistant PE+PP mixed grass silk and is filled with rubber particles to ensure the best sports experience.

UNIGRASS high-end sports grass: uses nylon fiber and professional filling materials to provide professional-level sports performance.