Football fields have always been synonymous with a large, grassy surface. However, although this substrate has its good sides, it’s not always profitable and sustainable, especially in areas with an unstable climate and a lot of precipitation. And since football is played worldwide, a solution had to be found for covering the field so that it is functional all year round.
And it was found, in the form of artificial turf, a synthetic surface that resembles real grass. Apart from aesthetics, it gives players the same feeling as natural grass. It also enables smooth and safe play and ball rolling.
Nowadays, many brands distribute artificial turf. But having a wide choice at your disposal is not always a good thing. So you have to check several options and find the one that suits your needs and budget. But when you need artificial turf for football courts, keep in mind several essential features.
Water and Elements Resistance
First, the best artificial grass for football courts should have good durability. It should withstand heavy usage without needing maintenance. That pretty much depends on fiber quality, density, and turf backing.
Artificial turf retains its shape most of the time. That reduces the time a team needs to wait for the field to recover after a game. Also, this surface has much better drainage than natural grass, and the fibers dry out fast. So it’s possible to play football even after heavy rainfalls and storms. Finally, this turf is less likely to accumulate allergens, dust, and dirt.
Fiber Height and Density
Fiber height and density play a key role in artificial grass’s overall feel and function. In the case of football terrains, longer fibers provide more cushioning and flexibility, resulting in a more comfortable and softer feel on players’ feet. Also, they absorb more energy during accidents and falls.
A good rule of thumb is to compare artificial turf samples with the same face weight and pile height. In most cases, it should be between 40 and 60 millimeters. Higher face weight and pile height will make artificial grass denser and more durable. That means improved wear resistance, which is why this surface can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance.
You can read more about synthetic turf maintenance on the following source:
https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/maintenance-synthetic-turf
Fiber height and density also determine the appearance of artificial turf. These characteristics can vary depending on the manufacturers. But in most cases, it should be ultra-smooth for sports courts, thus providing a uniform, lush appearance.
Drainage
One of the features of artificial grass is that you don’t need to worry about its condition when exposed to water. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyethylene don’t absorb water, so you don’t have to worry about puddles. And when there’s no stagnant water, you can enjoy playing football on a clean and dry field.
Artificial turf for football courts can be installed on most surfaces, including concrete and dirt. However, you must lay it on the basis that drains water properly. So, the ground must be well-prepared and entirely dried before laying synthetic grass.
The best way to do this is to ensure that the basis has a slight fall and includes drainage holes. These should be at least 16mm in diameter. Another type of drainage system is the channel system. The drain holes provide a plurality of channels positioned at the desired distance apart.
Overall Look and Feel
Artificial turf is made of three types of yarn. These are nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. They come in various shades of green, heights, and densities to resemble natural grass. But it shouldn’t just look like natural grass; it must provide the same feel.
Ideally, high-quality artificial grass for football courts should have two types of backing: primary and secondary. The primary layer is woven polypropylene, providing a fluffy look to grass piles. Also, it should have a thatch layer (an extra coating for an even more natural look) to improve the grass’s texture and density.
The second backing is placed on the reverse side, binds the tufted fibers together, and keeps them in place. It must be porous to provide excellent drainage and prevent mold, germs, and bacteria from spreading. In rare cases, these surfaces needs disinfection, as explained on this website.
Combined, both layers should provide good traction for smooth ball movement and solid cushioning. The latter is important when players fall down to avoid injuries and fractures. You can even improve safety with a foam underlay for additional padding.
There are several benefits to using artificial grass for football courts. These include durability, safety, and great aesthetics. You can also count on lower maintenance expenses, as this turf needs only occasional washing and brushing. So installing this surface is an excellent investment for both professional stadiums and local or amateur clubs.
