If you’re researching artificial turf for a soccer field, you may come across terms such as monofilament, fiber profile, pile height, and infill. With so many options and specifications available, it can be difficult to know what really matters when choosing soccer turf.
In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of artificial turf for soccer and explain how they differ. We’ll then look at the key factors that affect turf performance, so you can make a more informed choice for your project.
In this article:
What Are the Different Types of Artificial Turf for Soccer?
Artificial turf for soccer can be classified in several ways, including by fiber design, fiber material, and infill system. For modern soccer turf, fiber design is one of the most visible differences between products, while material and infill can also influence the characteristics of the complete turf system.
Manufacturers use different yarn structures and fiber profiles to achieve specific performance and appearance characteristics.
The main types and classifications to consider include:
| Classification | Examples | What It Helps Determine |
| Fiber Design | Monofilament, Fibrillated, Straight + Curly, Mono + Fibrillated, Multi-profile | Surface structure, fiber behaviour, appearance, and playing characteristics |
| Fiber Material | PE, PP, Nylon | Feel, resilience, durability, and material characteristics |
| Infill System | Infilled, Non-Infilled | Surface stability, fiber support, maintenance, and system construction |
We’ll start with fiber design, then look at the other factors that can help you compare soccer turf systems.
Understanding Different Types of Soccer Turf Fiber Designs
Fiber design is one of the clearest ways to distinguish artificial turf for soccer. Different yarn structures and profiles are developed to achieve specific playing and appearance characteristics.
Monofilament Soccer Turf
Monofilament turf is widely used in modern soccer turf systems, from professional stadiums and training grounds to schools and community football fields.
Each blade is manufactured as an individual upright strand, creating a natural grass-like appearance while supporting consistent ball roll, predictable ball rebound, and comfortable player interaction. Modern monofilament fibers are available in various engineered profiles, including diamond, spine, S-shaped, and other proprietary shapes. Different profiles are developed to achieve specific performance and appearance characteristics.
Key characteristics
- Natural-looking appearance
- Strong resilience and durability
- Suitable for a wide range of football applications
Fibrillated Soccer Turf
Fibrillated turf uses flat synthetic fibers that split into narrower strands during use, forming a mesh-like structure that helps retain infill. Once common in synthetic football fields, it is now less frequently used in new soccer installations, where monofilament and other engineered fiber systems are more prevalent.
It remains an option for selected recreational, school, and multi-purpose sports applications.
Key characteristics
- Mesh-like fiber structure
- Good infill retention
- Used mainly in selected applications
Straight + Curly Soccer Turf
Straight + Curly turf combines upright monofilament fibers with curly texturised yarns within the same football turf system.
The straight fibers form the primary playing surface, while the curly yarns provide additional fiber support and help maintain surface stability. This construction can be used in both infilled and non-infill soccer turf systems, depending on the overall system design.
Key characteristics
- Additional fiber support
- Improved surface stability
- Suitable for high-use football fields
Mono + Fibrillated Soccer Turf
Mono + Fibrillated turf combines upright monofilament fibers with fibrillated fibers in a single turf system.
The two fiber structures work together to improve surface coverage and infill support while balancing appearance and playing performance. It can be considered for football fields where these characteristics are important.
Key characteristics
- Combines two fiber structures
- Improved surface coverage
- Supports infill stability
Multi-profile Monofilament Soccer Turf
Multi-profile monofilament turf combines two or more engineered monofilament yarn profiles within the same tuft.
Using different profiles within one tuft allows manufacturers to combine different fiber characteristics and achieve a balanced combination of playing and appearance properties. It is one of the ways modern monofilament turf can be engineered for specific performance requirements.
Key characteristics
- Multiple engineered yarn profiles
- Balanced fiber characteristics
- Flexible design for different performance requirements
Other Types of Soccer Turf to Consider
Fiber design is only one way to compare artificial turf for soccer. The fiber material and infill system can also affect how a complete football turf system performs and how it is maintained.
Artificial Turf Types by Fiber Material
The three main materials used for artificial turf fibers are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and nylon. For modern soccer turf, PE is the most commonly used primary fiber, offering a balance of softness, resilience, and durability.
- Polyethylene (PE): The most common choice for modern soccer turf, offering a good balance of softness, resilience, durability, and player comfort.
- Polypropylene (PP): Less commonly used as the primary playing fiber in football turf, but still used in some turf constructions and sports applications.
- Nylon: Known for its strength and resilience, but generally firmer and more expensive than PE, so it is less common as the primary fiber in modern soccer turf.
Fiber material is only one part of the turf system. The yarn profile, pile height, density, backing, and infill can all influence the final playing characteristics and performance.
Infilled vs. Non-Infilled Soccer Turf
Most modern soccer fields use an infill system, with conventional 3G turf typically combining silica sand with performance infill. At the same time, non-infill soccer turf has also matured as an alternative approach.
Infilled soccer turf typically uses a combination of silica sand and performance infill to support the fibers, help maintain surface stability, and contribute to consistent playing characteristics. Common performance infill options include SBR, TPE, EPDM, and a growing range of organic infills, each offering different combinations of performance, maintenance, durability, and environmental considerations.
Non-infill soccer turf is designed to provide football performance without relying on sand or rubber infill as part of the playing system. Advances in fiber engineering and turf construction have made non-infill systems a practical alternative, particularly for projects with different maintenance preferences or environmental objectives.
The choice between infilled and non-infill turf depends on the project’s performance requirements, field use, maintenance strategy, and long-term goals.
CCGrass example: LEAP 100% Non-Infill System
In addition to its FIFA-tested 3G systems, CCGrass has developed the LEAP 100% Non-Infill System, which is designed to deliver high-level football performance without conventional sand or rubber infill. LEAP has been installed in multiple FIFA Arena projects, demonstrating the practical application of non-infill technology in football.
Key Specifications When Choosing Soccer Turf
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of soccer turf, the next step is to compare the specifications that affect how the complete system performs. No single specification determines turf quality on its own.
Pile Height
Pile height is the length of the synthetic grass fibers above the backing. It influences how the surface feels underfoot, how the ball interacts with the turf, and how the system accommodates infill.
For outdoor soccer fields, pile heights around 40–60 mm are commonly used, although the appropriate specification depends on the turf construction, infill system, level of play, and field requirements.
Shorter fibers can contribute to a faster surface with more direct ball interaction, while longer fibers can provide greater fiber coverage and cushioning when properly supported by the complete system.
Rather than choosing a pile height in isolation, consider how it works with the fiber profile, density, infill, and other system components.
Fiber Density
Fiber density refers to the amount of yarn installed within a given area of artificial turf. It is influenced by factors such as stitch rate, gauge, and yarn construction.
Higher density can contribute to surface coverage, durability, and visual fullness, particularly on fields subject to frequent use. However, higher density does not automatically mean better soccer turf.
A well-designed system balances density with pile height, yarn shape, fiber weight, backing construction, and infill to achieve the required playing characteristics and durability.
When comparing products, look at the complete specification rather than using density as a standalone measure of quality.
Shock Pad
A shock pad is an additional elastic layer installed beneath the artificial turf to provide impact attenuation and support the performance of the overall system.
Not every soccer turf installation requires a shock pad. Depending on the turf construction, infill, sub-base, and project requirements, the required performance may be achieved without one.
For projects where a shock pad is considered, it should be evaluated as part of the complete turf system rather than as an independent quality indicator. The important question is whether the finished system meets the required performance characteristics for the intended level of play.
FIFA Certification and Testing
When comparing football turf systems, independent testing can provide a useful benchmark for evaluating performance.
The FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf assesses key characteristics of a football turf system, including ball roll, ball rebound, shock absorption, rotational resistance, and durability.
It is important to distinguish between a FIFA-tested turf system and a FIFA-certified football field. A turf system can be tested through the FIFA Quality Programme, while FIFA field certification applies to an installed field that has been assessed and meets the relevant requirements.
Whether or not a project is intended for FIFA field certification, choosing a FIFA-tested turf system can provide added confidence through independently verified football performance.
Before Requesting a Quote
Having a few key project details ready can help a football turf manufacturer recommend a more suitable system and prepare a more accurate quotation.
✓ Intended field use and format
✓ Expected playing intensity
✓ Approximate field dimensions
✓ Whether multiple sports will be played
✓ Required performance or certification level
✓ Sustainability and maintenance priorities
✓ Project budget range
Need Help Choosing the Right Soccer Turf System?
Choosing soccer turf involves balancing performance requirements, field usage, maintenance expectations, and project budget. An experienced football turf manufacturer can help you evaluate these factors together rather than selecting a system based on a single specification.
As a FIFA Preferred Provider, CCGrass has developed more than 200 FIFA-tested football turf systems and completed more than 600 FIFA-certified fields worldwide.
Whether you’re planning a professional stadium, training facility, school field, or community pitch, our turf experts can help assess your project requirements and recommend a suitable football turf system for your intended use, performance needs, maintenance priorities, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of artificial grass for soccer fields?
Monofilament artificial grass is widely used for modern soccer fields because it offers a good balance of playing performance, durability, and natural appearance. However, the best choice depends on the complete turf system and the field’s intended use, playing intensity, maintenance requirements, and performance goals.
What is the best pile height for soccer turf?
Pile heights around 40–60 mm are commonly used for outdoor soccer fields. The appropriate height depends on factors such as the turf construction, infill system, level of play, and field requirements rather than pile height alone.
What type of artificial turf is suitable for 5-a-side, 7-a-side, and 11-a-side soccer?
All three formats can use modern soccer turf, including monofilament systems. The main differences in turf selection come from field use, playing intensity, and level of play.
| Field Format | Typical Turf Considerations |
| 5-a-side | Smaller field with frequent player interaction; a stable turf system with good fiber recovery is important. |
| 7-a-side | Common for training, schools, clubs, and recreational football; turf should balance performance, durability, and maintenance. |
| 11-a-side | Full-size format for professional, training, school, and community football; higher-level projects may require FIFA-tested systems. |
Pile height, fiber density, infill, and shock absorption should be selected according to the project’s actual use and performance requirements.
Is infill necessary for soccer artificial turf?
Not necessarily. Most modern soccer fields use infilled turf systems, including conventional 3G systems, while non-infill turf provides an alternative approach without sand or rubber infill. The right system depends on the project’s performance requirements, field use, maintenance strategy, and long-term goals.
Continue Exploring Soccer Turf
Looking for more insights? Explore our expert guides on FIFA standards, field planning, turf selection and other key topics to help you make informed decisions for your next soccer project.
