What Infill Actually Does
Infill is the granular material brushed into your turf after installation. It has three jobs: weight down the backing, support the blades so they stand upright, and manage temperature and drainage. Skipping it — or picking the wrong one — is the #1 cause of premature turf failure.
The Three Main Options
Silica Sand
The workhorse. Round, kiln-dried, and cheap.
- Best for: Landscape lawns, low-traffic areas
- Cost: ~$0.10–0.15/sq ft
- Pros: Inexpensive, widely available, holds blades upright
- Cons: Does nothing for odor; can compact over time in shaded areas
Crumb Rubber
Recycled tire rubber — the standard for sports fields.
- Best for: Sports installations, high-impact play areas
- Cost: ~$0.20–0.30/sq ft
- Pros: Excellent shock absorption, low bounce-back
- Cons: Absorbs heat, questionable aesthetics on residential lawns, environmental concerns
For sports-field infill science, the Synthetic Turf Council publishes independent testing and safety data.
ZeoFill (Zeolite)
A natural, mined mineral with microscopic pores that trap ammonia.
- Best for: Pet turf, homes with kids, hot climates
- Cost: ~$0.35–0.50/sq ft
- Pros: Absorbs urine odors, stays cooler than rubber, natural material
- Cons: Premium price, needs occasional enzyme rinse to reactivate
Which One Should You Use?
| Use Case | Recommended Infill |
|---|---|
| Family backyard | Silica sand |
| Dog run / pet area | ZeoFill |
| Playground | Rubber + shock pad |
| Backyard putting green | Fine silica (rounded) |
| Rooftop patio | ZeoFill (lightweight) |
| Phoenix/Vegas hot climate | ZeoFill or coated sand |
How Much Do You Need?
The rule of thumb is 1.5–2 lbs per square foot for standard landscape turf, and up to 3 lbs/sq ft for putting greens. Our project calculator does the math for you based on your turf spec and pile height.
Application Tips
- Apply infill in thin passes — three light coats brush in far better than one thick one.
- Power-broom after each pass to work granules down between blades.
- Wait for a dry day — wet infill clumps and doesn't distribute evenly.
- Follow the Turfgrass Producers International installation best practices for base and drainage prep before infill.
Ordering Infill
We stock silica sand and ZeoFill for wholesale and retail — see the full lineup on our supplies page. If you're planning a large commercial or multi-family install, our broker program offers pallet pricing.
Bottom Line
Match the infill to the use case, not the price tag. A $200 infill upgrade on a pet lawn saves you $2,000 in early replacement. Still deciding? Order free samples and we'll include an infill selection guide with your kit.