Why infill matters on concrete
Concrete is smooth and unforgiving. Infill adds ballast that keeps the turf from shifting, supports the yarn so it stands upright, reduces sheen, helps hide seams, and can improve surface temperature and cleanliness. On concrete, these benefits show up fast in everyday use and long term appearance.
When infill is non negotiable
- Regular foot traffic such as patios, balconies, rooftops, gyms, and walkways.
- Pet zones where odor control, easy rinsing, and fiber recovery matter.
- Play or training areas that need stability and consistent footing.
- Any install using taller pile heights that require fiber support.
When you can skip or minimize infill
- Small decorative pieces that are not walked on, such as accent mats.
- Temporary displays where the turf will be removed soon and secured edges prevent movement.
Trade off: skipping infill reduces upfront effort but invites matting, movement, and more heat. Most full size surfaces perform better with at least a light infill load.
Choosing infill for artificial grass on concrete
- Kiln dried silica sand: The steady choice for ballast and fiber support. Look for rounded, clean grains in 16/30 or 20/40 mesh. Cost effective and low tracking.
- Acrylic or ceramic coated sand: Adds cooling and dust control. Good for sunny rooftops and patios.
- Zeolite: Helps manage pet ammonia odors. Often blended with sand rather than used alone.
- TPE or EPDM rubber: Adds cushion but can run hotter and track more. Use sparingly on concrete and pair with a proper pad for impact needs.
Avoid construction sand or angular media that can abrade fibers. Keep the infill dry during application for even distribution.
How much infill to use
- Landscape turf on concrete: 1.0 to 2.0 lb per sq ft, based on pile height and traffic.
- Pet areas: 1.0 to 1.5 lb per sq ft of sand plus up to 0.5 to 1.0 lb per sq ft of zeolite blended in or layered on top.
- High sun rooftops: Favor coated cooling sands within the same 1.0 to 2.0 lb per sq ft range.
Start light, brush aggressively, then top up until fibers stand and the surface feels stable. Overfilling can stiffen the surface and slow drainage.
Concrete install basics
Surface prep
- Clean thoroughly. Remove dust, grease, and loose paint.
- Confirm slope toward a drain. Standing water under turf leads to odor and wear.
- Respect control and expansion joints. Do not glue across them.
Add a drainage or shock pad
A perforated drainage pad or shock pad between concrete and turf improves comfort, promotes airflow under the backing, and helps move rinse water to the drain path.
Secure the turf
- Dry fit and relax the turf to remove tension.
- Use perimeter adhesive and seam tape rated for outdoor use. Leave small relief gaps at edges to accommodate expansion and contraction.
- Roll and weight seams while curing for a flat finish.
Apply infill correctly
- Ensure turf and infill are dry.
- Use a drop spreader in light passes, brush with a stiff broom or power broom, then repeat until target weight is reached.
- Keep infill below the tip of the fibers to preserve a natural look.
Drainage and odor control on concrete
- Use perforated turf and a drainage pad for airflow under the backing.
- Rinse regularly, especially in pet areas. Enzyme based cleaners help break down organic residues.
- Blend zeolite into the top layer of infill where pets relieve themselves for localized odor control.
Heat and comfort
- Lighter colored or coated sands can run cooler than dark rubber infills.
- Shade, airflow, and periodic rinsing help lower surface temperatures in peak sun.
- A shock or drainage pad adds underfoot comfort without relying on heavy rubber infill.
Maintenance checklist
- Brush against the grain every few weeks to lift fibers.
- Top up infill as needed after heavy use or seasonal cleaning.
- Rinse debris and treat pet spots promptly.
- Inspect seams and edges quarterly and re secure as required.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping underlayment on hard, flat concrete.
- Applying damp sand that clumps and spreads unevenly.
- Overusing rubber on hot, sunny surfaces.
- Underfilling tall pile turf, which leads to matting and premature wear.
- Blocking drains or gluing across expansion joints.
