The Different Types of Artificial Turf Ideal for Athletic Fields

Synthetic sports turf has become a popular choice for athletic fields due to its durability, low maintenance needs, and high playability. With advancements and innovations in technology, there are now diverse types of artificial grass available in the market, each with its unique set of features and benefits.

In this article, we will explore the different types of synthetic turf and help you determine which one is the right fit for your sports field.

What is synthetic turf?

Synthetic turf is a surface mainly composed of synthetic fibres, a bottom backing and a coating that resembles natural grass in appearance.

Artificial turf was first used in 1966, when it was installed in the Houston Astrodome, the first domed sports stadium in the USA. Due to the lack of natural light reaching the pitch, the natural grass turned yellow and died, and the field was in such poor condition that they turned to artificial grass.

Nowadays, artificial grass with greatly improved simulation is not only applied in various outdoor sports fields, such as football, hockey, rugby, tennis and golf, but also widely used in residential and commercial areas.

Top benefits of synthetic turf for sports fields

All-weather

Actually, if it snows this point can be challenged, but basically, synthetic sports turf can be used in pretty much any weather. Artificial grass sports surface has excellent drainage capabilities, which means that it can be used in even the wettest conditions.

A safe and consistent surface

Natural grass fields can become uneven and worn down over time, creating unsafe playing conditions. Artificial turf has a much more consistent surface that is soft and forgiving, reducing the risk of injury. Synthetic turf also provides better traction for players, which reduces the risk of slipping and injury.

Low maintenance needs

Fake grass requires much less maintenance than natural grass, which can save time and money for sports teams and organizations. It does not require as much water or fertilizer, and it does not need to be cut or reseeded.

Cost-effective

In addition to saving on maintenance costs, you can also rent out use of your synthetic sports turf field for financial gain. High-quality artificial turf fields are able to withstand intensive use, offer more usage time, and last much longer than natural grass. Moreover, most artificial grass surfaces can host more than one sport; for example, football and rugby go very well together.

Improved aesthetics

Artificial turf can be customized to match a team’s colors, logos, and more. It also has a much more consistent, vibrant green color than natural grass, which can make a sports field look more inviting and professional. It can really become a focal point in a community, where people gather to play, learn or simply watch.

Types of artificial grass for sports fields

Artificial turf can be classified by material—like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or nylon—but here we focus on fiber structure, which more directly affects sports performance, surface feel, and durability on sports fields.

For a more detailed breakdown of turf types by material, appearance, and usage, check out our Types of Artificial Grass article.

Monofilament turf

Monofilament turf is made of individual fibers that mimic natural grass. It’s a great choice for sports fields that require a high level of performance, such as football and American football.

The monofilament fibers are designed to withstand heavy use and provide a soft, resilient surface for players. Additionally, this type of synthetic turf provides excellent ball roll and bounce, making it ideal for sports that require a high degree of ball control.

Texturized Turf

Texturised turf features short, curled fibers, typically made from curly monofilament yarns, that form a dense and smooth playing surface. This type of artificial grass is ideal for sports that demand consistent comfort and control, such as field hockey and golf.

Its structure also provides excellent traction and surface stability, making it well-suited for quick movements and changes in direction.

Fibrillated turf

Fibrillated turf is made up of thin, flat fibers that have been split or frayed to create a soft, natural-looking surface. It has the advantage of being very durable, and great at holding infill material in place, but not as good at staying upright.

It’s an ideal option for sports that require a fast playing surface, such as tennis and basketball courts.

Straight and curly combined turf

This series combines straight monofilament fibers with strong curly yarns in each tuft. The curly yarn supports the infill and helps the straight fibers stay upright, enhancing performance, shock absorption, and reducing infill splash. Best suited for rugby, American football, and multi-sport fields.

CCGrass also offers non-infill systems using the same yarn combination, providing cleaner play and reduced maintenance for football fields—ideal for clients with high environmental standards and long-term cost considerations.

Mono and fibrillated fibers

A combination of monofilament and fibrillated fibers in artificial grass gives it a unique texture and performance. Monofilaments provide durability and resilience, while fibrillated fibers add a more natural look to the turf and help hold loose performance infill in place for a low splash.

It is often used in football fields and other high-performance sports facilities where a combination of durability, performance, and appearance is essential.

Combining 2 or 3 monofilament yarn shapes

Combining two or three differently shaped straight yarns—each with unique structure, thickness, and subtle shades of green—in each tuft enhances the turf’s appearance with greater depth and realism. Each yarn offers benefits like durability, softness, or resilience, creating a cutting-edge, visually appealing sports surface.

Quick summary: Compare sports turf types at a glance

Here’s a quick comparison of the different turf types discussed above:

How to choose the right synthetic turf for your athletic field

When choosing the right type of artificial turf for a sports field, there are several key factors to consider, including:

Performance requirements

Different sports have different performance requirements, such as ball roll, speed, bounce, and traction. These requirements will determine the type of turf that is best suited to the sport.

Foot traffic

Different types of turf are designed to withstand different levels of wear and tear. It is important to consider the amount of foot traffic that will be on the field, as well as the frequency of use.

Budget

Determine the budget available for the artificial turf and compare the cost of different options.

Beyond these, we recommend that you seek advice from a professional who specializes in artificial turf for sports fields. They can provide guidance and recommendations based on the specific requirements and conditions of the field.

Recommendations for the best artificial grass for sports fields

FAQs about artificial turf for athletic fields

Is artificial turf allowed by FIFA?

Yes. FIFA permits artificial turf for official matches, provided the field meets the standards of the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf. Certified fields must undergo rigorous testing for safety, durability, and performance. CCGrass is a FIFA Preferred Provider, with over 500 certified pitches installed worldwide.

How long do artificial turf fields last?

The lifespan of a synthetic turf field depends on the turf quality, usage intensity, and maintenance routine. Standard artificial turf fields for sports like football usually come with 8–10 year warranties, while high-end turf systems can last up to 12–15 years. Smaller installations or heavily used fields may have a shorter lifespan.

What is the most durable turf?

CCGrass Superb Series, a monofilament turf with ultra-thick 400μm diamond-shaped yarn, is one of the most durable options available. It withstands 30,000+ Lisport XL cycles with no visible wear—fiFve times the FIFA standard—and comes with a 12–15 year warranty for long-lasting performance.

What is the best turf for workouts?

Texturised turf, such as the FastPro Series, is ideal for cross-training and fitness drills. Its dense, smooth surface offers excellent stability and comfort, helping reduce strain during high-intensity exercises.

For more guidance, check out our article on How to Choose the Best Artificial Turf for Gyms.

What are the disadvantages of artificial turf in sports?

While artificial turf offers many benefits, it has some drawbacks:

Higher initial cost: Installation can be more expensive than natural grass.

Heat retention: Synthetic turf can get hotter than natural grass in direct sunlight.

Infill maintenance: Some turfs require periodic infill replenishment to maintain performance.

Proper planning and maintenance can mitigate these challenges.

How much does a synthetic turf field cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — field size, turf type, infill, shock pad, and installation requirements all influence the cost. For a general idea, check out our artificial grass pricing guide. For a detailed quote, contact [email protected] — our team will guide you through your best options.

Conclusion: Choosing the best sports turf for your field

In recent years, synthetic sports turf technology has continued to innovate, offering new features and benefits to athletic fields. It’s important to choose the right type of turf that fits your specific needs, to ensure a safe and enjoyable playing experience.

CCGrass is deeply involved in synthetic sports turf and has developed a range of sports systems for major sports including football, hockey, rugby, tennis, padel, and multi-sport. Our artificial sports grass meets the highest standards from leading sports organizations such as FIFA, World Rugby, FIH, and ITF.

Whether you’re planning to build a new pitch, resurface an old one, or simply need some guidance, our aim is to provide you with professional service. Call us at 86 25 6981 1666 or email us at [email protected] for a free field consultation today!