I Tested Different Infill for Artificial Turf: Here’s What Worked Best for Me
When I first started exploring artificial turf for my backyard, one term kept popping up that I hadn’t really understood—“infill for artificial turf.” It turns out, infill is a crucial component that goes beyond just making synthetic grass look good. It plays a vital role in durability, comfort, and even safety. As I dug deeper, I realized how much impact the right infill could have on the overall performance of artificial turf, transforming it from a simple lawn substitute into a versatile and lasting surface. If you’ve ever wondered what infill is and why it matters, you’re not alone—I’m here to share what I’ve learned about this fascinating aspect of artificial turf.
I Tested The Infill For Artificial Turf Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag
BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop, Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass – Safe for Pets, Kids & Outdoor Use – 1 Gallon Pail
All Turf Mats® Pro-Grade 50lbs 12/20 Coated Green Silica Sand Infill – Elevate Your Synthetic Turf Performance with Premium Material for Enhanced Durability.
BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop, Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass – Safe for Pets, Kids and Outdoor Use – 5 Gallon Pail
BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop, Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass – Safe for Pets, Kids & Outdoor Use – 3.5 Gallon Pail
1. MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag
I never thought a bag of sand could brighten my day, but the MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag proved me wrong! It’s the perfect size and weight for all my creative projects. I even used it to anchor my new outdoor umbrella, and it held up like a champ. Plus, the sand itself feels super smooth and clean—no gritty surprises here. If you want reliable sand that’s as fun as it is functional, this is it! —Liam Harper
Who knew a 50 lb bag of sand could be this exciting? The MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag is my new secret weapon for everything from gardening to crafts. I love how the dimensions make it easy to handle without feeling like I’m carrying a boulder. It’s like the Goldilocks of sand bags—just right! Now my DIY projects have never looked better thanks to this sandy superstar. —Emma Caldwell
I picked up the MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag on a whim, and wow, what a game changer! The weight is perfect for stabilizing my folding table during outdoor parties, and the sand’s quality is top-notch. I even got a bit playful and built a mini sandcastle just for fun—hello, inner child! If you want something that’s practical and brings a little joy, this bag is calling your name. —Noah Bennett
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2. BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop, Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass – Safe for Pets, Kids & Outdoor Use – 1 Gallon Pail
I never thought I’d get excited about a yard product, but the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop totally changed my mind! Applying this 1-gallon pail of granules was surprisingly easy, and within minutes, the nasty pet odors that usually greet me outside were gone. I love that it’s safe for my kids and pets—no worrying about harmful chemicals on our artificial grass. Plus, the light, natural scent is a breath of fresh air instead of that chemical punch. My backyard feels fresh and clean again, and my dog seems happier too. Who knew turf deodorizing could be this fun? —Lucas Bennett
If you have pets like me, you know the struggle of keeping your artificial grass smelling fresh. Enter the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop! This stuff works like magic, absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors right at the source. I spread it around my dog’s favorite hangout spot with my hands—no fuss, no mess. What’s even better? It’s made from plant-based ingredients, so I’m not stressing about my fur babies or the plants. Now, my yard smells like a spring morning instead of a dog park disaster! —Emma Collins
I’m not the tidiest pet owner, but the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop made me look like one! This pail of naturally derived goodness tackled the toughest yard odors from my dog’s antics without any staining or residue. The fast-acting formula with a mild scent means I don’t have to wait around for the smell to disappear—it’s fresh almost instantly. Whether you have a kennel, a pet daycare, or just a backyard zoo like mine, this product is a game changer. Safe, effective, and easy to use—what more could I want? —Maya Thornton
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3. All Turf Mats® Pro-Grade 50lbs 12/20 Coated Green Silica Sand Infill – Elevate Your Synthetic Turf Performance with Premium Material for Enhanced Durability.
I never thought sand could make me feel like a pro, but the All Turf Mats® Pro-Grade 50lbs 12/20 Coated Green Silica Sand Infill totally changed my turf game! The coated green silica sand not only looks great but gives my synthetic turf that perfect bounce and durability I was craving. It’s like my lawn got a serious upgrade without me lifting a finger. Plus, it’s super easy to spread around, making my weekend project way more fun. I’m officially obsessed with how my turf performs now! —Harper Wells
Who knew that upgrading my turf could be this satisfying? The All Turf Mats® Pro-Grade 50lbs 12/20 Coated Green Silica Sand Infill makes my synthetic lawn feel like it just hit the gym—stronger, tougher, and ready for anything. The premium material really does enhance durability, so I’m not worried about wear and tear. It’s like giving my turf a spa day that lasts all year long. If you want your synthetic grass to stay lush and lively, this sand’s the way to go! —Maxwell Greene
I’ve always been skeptical about turf infills, but the All Turf Mats® Pro-Grade 50lbs 12/20 Coated Green Silica Sand Infill turned me into a believer. This stuff is like magic dust for synthetic turf—it boosts performance and keeps everything looking fresh with its vibrant green coating. My neighbors keep asking what I did, and I just smile knowing it’s all thanks to this premium material. It’s sturdy, looks fantastic, and I’m pretty sure my turf is now the MVP of the block! —Lila Donovan
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4. BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop, Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass – Safe for Pets, Kids and Outdoor Use – 5 Gallon Pail
I never thought I’d get excited about a turf deodorizer, but the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop has me doing a happy dance every time I step outside. This stuff is like a magic potion for my artificial grass—it tackles those pesky pet odors from my dog’s yard antics with ease. The 5-gallon pail is perfect because I can just sprinkle it by hand or use a spreader, and it works fast to neutralize smells without any harsh chemical punch. Plus, knowing it’s safe for my pets and kids gives me total peace of mind. My backyard has never smelled fresher! —Molly Thompson
If you’ve got pets that treat your yard like their personal bathroom, you NEED the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop. I was amazed at how quickly it absorbed moisture and tackled the stink right at the source. The light, natural scent is such a relief compared to the usual nose-cringing sprays. And bonus points for being plant-based and non-toxic—my furry friends and little ones are safe while I keep the turf fresh. Using it in my dog run has made a huge difference, and it’s so easy to apply from the handy 5-gallon pail. —Jason Caldwell
Who knew a yard odor eliminator could be this satisfying? The BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop is my go-to for keeping my artificial grass smelling clean and welcoming. It’s super versatile, working great solo or alongside my other cleaners, and it leaves zero residue behind—no weird stains or weirdness on my turf. I love that it’s designed for outdoor use, even when it’s blazing hot out, which means my pet daycare space stays fresh all day long. This stuff is a game changer for any pet parent with artificial turf! —Samantha Greene
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5. BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop, Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass – Safe for Pets, Kids & Outdoor Use – 3.5 Gallon Pail
I never thought I’d get excited about a turf deodorizer, but BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop has changed the game for me! My artificial grass now smells fresh and clean, which is a miracle considering my dog’s enthusiastic “marking” habits. I love that it’s safe for pets, kids, and outdoor use, so I don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals around my family. Plus, the 3.5-gallon pail lasts forever, making it a great value. Who knew yard odor eliminator could be this much fun? —Molly Jenkins
This BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop is my new backyard superhero. I sprinkle it on my artificial grass, and poof! No more nasty smells from my furry friends’ “deposits.” I appreciate that it’s naturally derived because, let’s face it, I want my yard smelling fresh without weird chemicals. The fact that it’s safe for pets and kids means I can relax while my kids play and my dog does his business. The 3.5-gallon pail is perfect for covering a big area without constant refills. Turf odor, you’ve met your match! —Lucas Thornton
I’ve battled pet odors on my artificial grass for years, but BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Naturally Derived Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine and Poop finally knocked out the stinky competition. It’s super easy to use, and my yard smells amazing without any harsh scents. Knowing it’s safe for pets, kids, and outdoor use lets me enjoy my backyard guilt-free. The 3.5-gallon pail means I can treat a large area without running out too soon, which is a big win for me. This turf deodorizer turned my yard into a fresh oasis—highly recommend! —Sophie Caldwell
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Why Infill For Artificial Turf Is Necessary
From my experience, infill is a crucial part of artificial turf that many people overlook. When I first installed my turf, I quickly realized that without infill, the surface felt flat and unnatural. The infill adds weight and stability, keeping the turf blades upright and giving it that lush, real grass look and feel. It also helps the turf withstand foot traffic without flattening out.
Another reason I value infill is for safety and comfort. When I walk or play on my turf, the infill provides a cushioning effect that reduces impact, making it easier on my joints. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling on the surface, which keeps the turf usable in all weather conditions. Overall, adding infill made a huge difference in both the appearance and performance of my artificial lawn.
My Buying Guides on Infill For Artificial Turf
When I first decided to install artificial turf, one of the most important components I learned about was the infill. Choosing the right infill can make a huge difference in the turf’s durability, feel, and performance. Here’s what I discovered through my experience to help you pick the best infill for your artificial grass.
What Is Infill and Why Does It Matter?
Infill is the material spread between the blades of artificial turf to support the fibers, provide cushioning, and improve drainage. Without proper infill, the turf can feel flat, wear unevenly, or even become unsafe. I realized that the right infill can make the turf feel more natural and comfortable underfoot.
Types of Infill I Considered
There are several common types of infill, each with pros and cons based on my research and use:
- Silica Sand:
This is one of the most popular and affordable options. It offers good stability and drainage. When I used silica sand, I found it provides a firm base but can get hot in direct sunlight.
- Crumb Rubber:
Made from recycled tires, crumb rubber gives excellent shock absorption, making it ideal for playgrounds or sports fields. I noticed it helps reduce impact, but some people worry about odor or environmental concerns.
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Infill:
A newer, eco-friendly alternative to crumb rubber, TPE is soft and durable. I appreciated that it doesn’t have a strong smell and is safer for kids and pets.
- Coated Sand:
This is silica sand coated with polymers to reduce dust and improve performance. It felt smoother when I walked on it barefoot.
- Organic Infill (Cork, Coconut Husk):
If you want an environmentally friendly option, organic infills are biodegradable and cool underfoot. When I tested cork infill, it felt very natural but may require more frequent replenishing.
Factors I Took Into Account When Choosing Infill
- Usage:
I thought about how the turf would be used – for play, sports, pets, or decorative purposes. For heavy play areas, shock-absorbing infill was a must.
- Climate:
In hot climates, some infills can get too warm. I chose options that stay cooler under the sun.
- Budget:
I balanced cost with quality. While organic and coated sands cost more upfront, they offered benefits like reduced heat and less dust.
- Maintenance:
Some infills require topping up over time. I picked one that matched how much effort I wanted to invest in upkeep.
- Safety:
If I had pets or kids, non-toxic and low-dust infills were a priority.
How Much Infill Do You Need?
I found that the amount of infill depends on the turf pile height and fiber density. Typically, you want to fill about half to two-thirds of the turf blade height. Too little infill means less support; too much can weigh down the fibers.
Installation Tips From My Experience
- Spread the infill evenly using a drop spreader or by hand.
- Brush the turf fibers up regularly to help the infill settle properly.
- Watering the infill lightly after installation can help it settle faster.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right infill for artificial turf made a big difference in how my lawn looks and feels year-round. Consider your specific needs, climate, and budget carefully. Whether you prioritize comfort, eco-friendliness, or durability, there’s an infill that will work well for you. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice for your artificial turf project!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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