Artificial Grass Infill and Its Types

Artificial grass infill is the material placed between turf blades to keep them standing upright, add drainage, and extend the life of your lawn. Choosing the right type matters just as much as choosing the turf itself. The best option depends on how you plan to use the space, whether that’s a standard backyard, a pet area, or a high-traffic play space.

What is Artificial Grass Infill?

Infill is the layer of fine material, usually sand, rubber, or a specialty blend, that sits at the base of your artificial grass. It does more than fill space:

Keeps grass blades standing upright instead of matting down
Adds ballast so wind doesn’t lift the turf
Improves drainage
Cushions the surface for kids and pets
Some types help control pet odor

Does Artificial Grass need infill?

Unless you are on a very tight budget, it is almost always better to use the recommended amount of infill for the artificial grass product you are installing. Besides keeping the artificial grass blades upright, infill acts as ballast to prevent high winds lifting your synthetic grass, makes your artificial turf more impact-dampening like real grass, and helps prevent rolls and wrinkles forming in the synthetic grass.

Artificial Grass Infill vs no Infill

Whether your artificial grass needs infill depends on the product, its intended use, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do. Infill isn’t required for every synthetic turf installation, but it does more than fill space between blades, it affects how your lawn drains, feels, and holds up over time. Here’s how the two options:

Advantages of Artificial Grass with Infill

Keeps grass blades upright, improving the look of your lawn
Makes the artificial turf more spongy and comfortable for kids and pets to play on
Protects the foundations of the artificial grass installation
Provides drainage
Some infill types help eliminate pet odors

Advantages of Artificial Grass without Infill

Some types of infill can create a mess when you play on the synthetic grass
If the infill type is not matched to the type of synthetic grass backing used, it can block drainage
Some types of infill can promote weed growth

Most of the potential disadvantages of using infill are really just the consequences of using the wrong type of infill for your situation, or a result of poor maintenance leading to damage, dirt build-up, or weed growth. This is one of the reasons it is turf infill that you use.

Types of Artificial Grass Infill

There are a few different types of material that can be used as infill for artificial grass, depending on how your synthetic turf will be used and the kind of wear it needs to withstand. These are three of the most common, and useful, types of infill that are used for artificial grass in Las Vegas.

Silica Sand

Silica sand is made from quartz that has been eroded by wind and water. This material is used in many construction applications besides artificial turf infill. It is generally the least expensive type of infill material. However, there are some downsides to this type of infill.

Rubber

Rubber crumbs, usually made from old tires and other recycled products, is a popular artificial turf infill that is installed for in sports applications.

CamoFill

A non-rubber alternative that solves the “shiny turf” look some rubber and sand infills create. CamoFill is built to look more like natural soil between the blades while still holding up to regular wear, a good middle ground for homeowners who want performance without the artificial sheen.

Durafill Sand

An engineered sand infill designed to run cooler than standard sand and stay porous for reliable drainage. It resists bacteria growth better than regular silica sand and helps control pet odor and residue buildup. The only real downside is cost.

Zeodorizer (Odor-Control Infill)

If pet odor is the main concern, Zeodorizer is an all-natural infill built specifically to neutralize it. It’s safe for kids and pets and requires no ongoing cleanup or reapplication, making it the strongest option for households with dogs.

How Much Infill Do You Need?

Coverage depends on the specific product and your turf’s pile height, so always check the product page before ordering. As a general rule, expect somewhere in the range of 1 to 2 pounds per square foot, with pet and high-traffic areas often needing more than a standard residential lawn.

Which Infill Is Right for You?

Standard residential lawn: Silica sand #16 for an affordable, reliable base
Homes with dogs: Zeodorizer, paired with a base layer of sand for support
Kids’ play areas: Durafill sand for a cooler, softer surface
Sports fields and high-traffic zones: Rubber for shock absorption and durability
Want a more natural look: CamoFill instead of standard sand or rubber

Not sure which combination fits your yard? Contact our team and we’ll help you match infill to your artificial grass and how you plan to use it.

FAQs

What is the best infill for artificial grass?

It depends on how the space is used. Silica sand works well for standard residential lawns, rubber suits sports fields and high-traffic areas, and Zeodorizer is best for homes with pets due to its odor control.

Do I need infill for artificial grass?

Yes, in almost every case. Infill keeps turf blades upright, improves drainage, adds ballast against wind, and extends the life of the turf.

How much infill do I need?

Coverage depends on the specific product and your turf’s pile height, generally in the range of 1 to 2 pounds per square foot. Check the product page for exact coverage guidance before ordering.

What’s the best infill for pet odor?

Zeodorizer is designed specifically for this. It’s an all-natural infill that neutralizes pet odor and requires no reapplication.

What is Artificial Grass Infill and What are the Types?