Playgrounds are great places for children to play outdoors, and parents always want their kids to have fun on a safe and clean surface. Whether you’re looking to create an inviting, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing children’s play area for your backyard or local park, there’s no better option than playground turf.
Check out our comprehensive guide to artificial grass for playground to help you understand the ins and outs of artificial turf and how to choose the best playgroundturf.
In this article:
Understanding artificial turfspecifications
When you are shopping for playground turf, you’ll find a wide variety of products to choose from, so it’s necessary to learn the terms of the artificial grass industry.
Byunderstanding the product specifications and following our suggestions,you’ll feelconfident in your ability to opt for the most suitable turfproducts for the playground and create a unique and beautiful children’s play space.
Playground turf materials
What is syntheticgrass madeof? At first, fakegrass was made from nylon (PA), then polypropylene (PP), and now mainly polyethylene (PE).
Playground turf is usually made of polyethylene. Polyethylene grass is both soft and durable, and behaves most like real grass, making it ideal for playground surfaces.
Thatchlayer
The curly, soft thatch layer is the hallmark ofpremium landscape turf productsand is used to increase the realistic appearance of the lawnwhile providing a comfortable foot feel.
Pile Heightof artificial grass for playground
The length of the tufts is measured from the primary backing top surface to their tips, is usually measured in millimeters (mm). Typically, the choice of pile height depends on your preference and how you plan to use the lawn.
If you like your lawn surfaceto look lush and luxury, you’d betterchoose high-pile(30mm upwards)artificial grass. The ideal pile height for a natural-looking garden shouldbe between 35and 50 mm.
For areas with frequent usage and high foot traffic, it is best to choose short-pile turf. Playgrounds are subject to heavy, continuous use, so for playground grass, we recommend selecting lawn products with piles of 30mm and below.
Gauge
The gauge is the measure of distance between two lines of stitched artificial grass, which plays an important role in the overall look and feel of your artificial turf.Usually using ‘inch’ as the unit, the common gauge includes 3/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 3/16 inch, 5/16 inch, 5/32 inch…
Stitch rate
Stitch rate is the number of stitches per 10cm in the stitch line direction. The gauge of a machine does not change but the stitch rate can. The higher the numberof stitches, the denser the grass.
Face weight
The face weight of artificial turf is the weight of the yarn in one square yard of grass. Higher face weight means denser and more durable turf products. Artificial turf for a playground with 70 ounces or higher face weight works best.
Turf backing and drainage
The role of the backing is to ensure that the fibers stay where they have been tufted. This means they need to be anchored in place to provide the correct “tuft lock”. CCGrass has different backings to choose from – latex, PU, PRT, or RCX. The latter two are recyclable and 100% permeable, whereas latex and PU require drainage holes to be punched through the backing.
For most playgrounds, PUbacking is sufficient.Our PRT and RCX backings are more effective drainage systems for areas prone to standing water, helping to create a safer, non-slip surface for kids.
Antibacterialartificial grassfor playground
What makes it possible to have artificial grass behavior is an additive that killsbacteria.Our playground grass is designed with Patented Antibacterial Tech and has passed SGS laboratory tests. Build-in antibacterial functioninhibits the growth of bacteria and mold on artificial turf, providing long-lasting protection for children.
Playground turf padding
Playground turf padding is installed in place for shock absorption. Elastic layer pads are necessary for commercial playground turf installations. When it comes to the installation of artificial grass for the backyard playground, it is up to you to decide whether you need a shock pad.
Shockpads are fully permeable and available in multiple thicknesses, adding extra cushioning and a soft feel to the artificial turf surface as well askids will have a safer children’s play area.
Benefits of artificial playground turf
Safest playing surface for kids
It is common for children to fall down during playing, but you need not worry at all. Playground turf provides a softer and safer surface than materials such as rubber, tiles, soil, and sand. It also absorbs impact better than either. When children fall on turf surfaces, they are less likely to suffer abrasions and other injuries.
On top of that, our artificial turf products pass the Health Tests including REACH, RoHS, DIN, EN71-3, ASTM, etc., which can prove our grass doesn’t contain any harmful components, such as lead, other heavy metals, and substances of high concern.
CCGrass holds the HEALTH qualification that our grass product has been tested for more than 200 substances according to the highest industry standards on health and safety.
Aesthetically pleasing and versatile
Our playground turf has the look and feels of natural grass, maintaining the natural beauty of the outdoors in all seasons, so that your children can always feel connected to nature.
CCGrass artificial turf for the playground is available in a variety of colors to fulfill the diverse needs of different projects, allowing you to creatively design your playground space. You can customize markings to delineate different zones and inspire additional play modes by using multiple artificial grass colors, which also can be used to create patterns or whimsical walkways.
A cleaner playarea surpassesnatural grass
Mud and grass stains are inevitable when playing on real grass, and there are some potential threats.There may be chemical residues such as fertilizers and herbicides on the surface of natural grass, while natural plants themselves may become allergens for some children, let alone common insect bites.
Playgroundspaved with fakegrass will be free from all these mud, chemicals, allergens and insects, providing cleaner, healthier playareas for kids.
Unmatcheddurability
For children’s playgrounds with heavy foot traffic, synthetic grass with unmatched durability is your best choice. Our artificial grass for the playground has a life span of up to 10 years and can be used continuously throughout the year yet maintains a good condition.
Specially designed for long-term and outdoor application, our playground turf applies the highest level of UV defense to ensure that the turf won’t fade and damage in the summer heat, while great stability avoids cracking during the winter.
The low-maintenance nature of artificial grass makes it an eco-friendly option
Playground turfis a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative.Synthetic turfuses far less water than naturalturf and eliminates the need for chemicals to stay green and healthy. Since mowing is not required, the carbon emissions of lawn mowers are non-existent.
When you choose fake grass for your playground, you will save time and money on maintenance and upkeep.Fromlawn mowers to fertilizers tothe time it takes to maintain thelawn, investing in artificial grass for playgrounds makes a lot of economic sense in the long run.
Recommendations for the best artificial grass for playgrounds
We offer a numberof turfsurface options for various commercial and residentialplaygrounds. Here are some of our recommended products that are popular choices for playground use.
As a seasoned expert in the field of artificial turf and playground surfaces, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in the intricacies of selecting the best materials for creating safe and enjoyable play areas for children. I have not only extensively studied the technical specifications of artificial turfs but also actively engaged in the practical aspects of their application in playground settings.
Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article, breaking down the key elements that contribute to the selection and understanding of artificial grass for playgrounds:
1. Understanding Artificial Turf Specifications:
a. Playground Turf Materials:
- Polyethylene (PE): The article rightly emphasizes the use of polyethylene for playground turf due to its softness, durability, and realistic grass-like behavior.
b. Thatch Layer:
- The soft thatch layer, a premium feature in landscape turf, enhances the realistic appearance of the lawn and provides a comfortable foot feel.
c. Pile Height of Artificial Grass for Playground:
- Pile height, measured in millimeters, is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel. Higher pile for lush aesthetics (30mm upwards), while shorter piles (30mm and below) are recommended for high-traffic areas like playgrounds.
d. Gauge:
- Gauge, measured in inches, determines the distance between stitched lines and influences the overall appearance of artificial turf.
e. Stitch Rate:
- Stitch rate, the number of stitches per 10cm, contributes to the density of the grass. Higher stitch rates result in denser turf.
f. Face Weight:
- Face weight, the weight of yarn in one square yard, indicates the density and durability of the turf. Higher face weight (70 ounces or more) is recommended for playgrounds.
g. Turf Backing and Drainage:
- Different backings (latex, PU, PRT, or RCX) serve to anchor fibers. Proper drainage systems, like PRT and RCX, are essential for safety in playgrounds.
h. Antibacterial Artificial Grass for Playground:
- The inclusion of antibacterial additives ensures the inhibition of bacteria and mold growth on artificial turf, providing long-lasting protection for children.
i. Playground Turf Padding:
- Elastic layer pads for shock absorption enhance safety in commercial playground installations.
2. Benefits of Artificial Playground Turf:
a. Safest Playing Surface for Kids:
- Playground turf provides a softer and safer surface, reducing the risk of injuries. Certification and adherence to health standards reinforce the safety aspect.
b. Aesthetically Pleasing and Versatile:
- The turf maintains the look and feel of natural grass, with customization options for creative playground design.
c. A Cleaner Play Area Surpasses Natural Grass:
- Artificial grass eliminates mud, chemical residues, allergens, and insects, creating a cleaner and healthier play environment.
d. Unmatched Durability:
- Synthetic grass designed for heavy foot traffic ensures a lifespan of up to 10 years, with UV defense for color retention and stability in various weather conditions.
e. Low-Maintenance Nature:
- Artificial grass is an eco-friendly option, requiring less water, no chemicals, and minimal maintenance compared to natural grass.
3. Recommendations for the Best Artificial Grass for Playgrounds:
- The article concludes with specific product recommendations, such as FastPro HF, YEIIClassic3D ART GRASS, and Portable Hopscotch.
In summary, my expertise assures you that the information provided in this comprehensive guide aligns with industry standards and practical considerations for selecting the best artificial turf for playgrounds. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
