What is Silica Sand?

Silica sand is the most common infill for artificial grass because it’s affordable, helps the blades stand upright, and supports proper drainage. If you’re installing artificial grass, infill isn’t optional. Without it, the turf will wrinkle, shift, and mat down faster than it should. Though Silica sand isn’t the only infill option, it’s the one most homeowners land on. This guide covers what it does, how it compares to other infill types, and how much you’ll need for your yard.

Silica sand is an infill you’ll often see in artificial turf setups. The material resembles sand, but it’s made of silica. While it’s necessary to stick to the instructions, this sand is perfectly safe to use with artificial grass. Silica will assist in keeping the blades upright and ensure there’s no wrinkling.

Why Should You Use Silica Sand for Turf

Even if you come across artificial grass that “doesn’t need infill,” it’s still smart to use it. The infill will extend the turf’s longevity, which saves money in the long run. Now, let’s check out why you should choose silica sand for turf setups!

It Is Cost-Effective and Durable

The market offers three infill choices for artificial grass: crumb rubber, organic, silica sand. Out of these three options, silicon hand is the most affordable. You’ll get it at the lowest price, but that doesn’t compromise its durability. Silica will keep your artificial turf flawless for long to deliver the best value for money!

Made of Non-Toxic Materials

You often hear that silica is dangerous for your health. But the truth is you just need to be careful when installing silica sand infill. It will require wearing safety protection to keep you from inhaling the material. This material is safe as long as you don’t breathe in the silica dust.

Furthermore, this sand comes from natural materials. Silica is a substance derived from quartz, and you receive grains of its sand in the package. The crucial thing is that a premium manufacturer won’t add any additives. Other sand types could contain chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) that could harm people and animals, which makes silica a safer choice.

Provides UV Protection for Turf Backing

Sunlight is healthy to some extent, but long exposure to UV rays can be harmful. That’s true for human skin, but also any other surface. For example, if you expose a painted wall to ultraviolet rays, it will start fading quickly.

Artificial grass can also suffer under UV rays, but silica can help minimize this damage. This infill can resist UV rays well, which maintains the optimal condition of the turf packing.

Safer Than Crumb Rubber Infill

Crumb rubber is a frequent infill choice for artificial soil. People believe it’s safer than silicon, but crushed rubber contains dangerous materials. Manufacturers make it from rubber tires, which often contain oils, zinc, and black carbon.

Furthermore, crumb rubber often contains PAHs, which are carcinogens even after the compaction. It could be dangerous if you get in touch with the turf, so it’s better to choose silica.

Helps Synthetic Grass Blades Stand Upright

The crucial advantage of silica infill is that it helps blades stand in an optimal position. It contributes to the blade fiber stability. That ensures the turf looks like natural grass and maintains the 3D appearance for longer.

Blades are a common reason why your artificial turf stops looking attractive after a while. If you use silica infill, you will ensure they remain upright longer, even if there’s heavy foot traffic.

Does Artificial Grass Need Infill?

Some manufacturers sell artificial turf, claiming it doesn’t require infill. And while that might be true, the reason why your fake grass needs infill is durability. If you don’t add it to the soil, the turf will lose its initial attractiveness quickly.

You’ll notice the blades don’t stay erect, which ruins the turf’s overall appearance. Even the highest-quality artificial grass material can use infill to extend its longevity.

Silica infill has the role of weighing down the fake grass. That will help maintain the turf’s appearance despite overuse or environmental factors. Of course, if it’s raining heavily, you’ll still need adequate drainage. But silica will assist in ensuring the artificial grass doesn’t ripple in extreme weather conditions. A smart choice of infill and optimal turf installation can even help that pet odor doesn’t become an issue.

How Much Silica Sand Do I Need for Artificial Grass?

It depends on the chosen brand, but the experts recommend adding at least one pound of infill per square foot of fake grass. If you want to use the maximum potential of the infill, you can double the amount and add two pounds per square foot.

Best Uses for Silica Sand Infill

Silica sand works well across most residential applications, but it’s a particularly strong fit for lawns that see low to moderate foot traffic, like front yards, side yards, and decorative landscaping where the priority is a clean, consistent look rather than heavy daily use.

It’s also a common choice for putting greens, where a firm, level surface supports consistent ball roll. If you’re installing turf for a backyard putting green or another low-impact commercial application, silica sand is worth discussing as your infill option before you commit to a pricier alternative.

Silica Sand vs. Other Infill Options

Silica sand isn’t the only infill choice, so it helps to know how it stacks up. Crumb rubber offers more cushioning underfoot, but it’s made from recycled tires and can carry the same PAH concerns covered above. Coated sand infills, like Envirofill, are built to resist odor and bacteria buildup better than raw silica sand, but they typically cost more per bag.

For most residential lawns, silica sand hits the balance point: it’s affordable, it does the job of keeping blades upright and adding drainage, and it doesn’t carry the same health questions as crumb rubber. If you’re weighing infill options for a high-traffic yard, pet area, or commercial project, our team can walk you through which type fits your situation. Contact us to talk through the right infill for your project.

Where to Buy Silica Sand for Artificial Grass?

Wherever you’re located, stick to a seller that stands behind both the turf and the infill with a real warranty, not just whoever’s cheapest online. Festival Turf carries silica sand infill alongside our full lineup of artificial grass at showrooms in Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, Dallas, and Denver, so you can see and feel the product in person before you buy no matter which market you’re in.

Choosing the right infill will help extend the overall longevity of your artificial grass, but the bigger decision is the turf itself. A quality product with the right backing and warranty will outlast the infill question either way.

FAQs

Does Artificial Grass Need Infill?

Some manufacturers sell artificial turf, claiming it doesn’t require infill. And while that might be true, the reason why your artificial grass needs infill is durability. If you don’t add it to the soil, the turf will lose its initial attractiveness quickly. You’ll notice the blades don’t stay erect, which ruins the turf’s overall appearance.

How Much Silica Sand Do I Need for Artificial Grass?

It depends on the chosen brand, but the experts recommend adding at least one pound of infill per square foot of grass. If you want to use the maximum potential of the infill, you can double the amount and add two pounds per square foot.

What Infill Is Better: Silica Sand or Crumb Rubber?

Crumb rubber offers more cushioning underfoot, but it’s made from recycled tires and can carry the same PAH concerns covered above. Coated sand infills, like Envirofill, are built to resist odor and bacteria buildup better than raw silica sand, but they typically cost more per bag. For most residential lawns, silica sand hits the balance point: it’s affordable, it does the job of keeping blades upright and adding drainage, and it doesn’t carry the same health questions as crumb rubber.

How Is Silica Sand Infill Installed?

Once your turf is laid and rolled out, silica sand is spread evenly across the surface using a drop spreader, which keeps the coverage consistent instead of leaving heavy clumps in some spots and bare patches in others. After spreading, a stiff push broom works the sand down between the blades so it settles at the base instead of sitting on top. Go slow and add infill in layers rather than dumping the full amount at once.

Can You Use Silica Sand on a Putting Green?

Silica sand is a common choice for putting greens, where a firm, level surface supports consistent ball roll. If you’re installing turf for a backyard putting green or another low-impact commercial application, silica sand is worth discussing as your infill option before you commit to a pricier alternative.

Why Use Silica Sand For Artificial Grass?

Why Use Silica Sand For Artificial Grass?