Ideally, any athlete or fitness fan would be able to work out on the forgiving natural surfaces available in the wild. But seasonal issues and weather don’t always permit outdoor activities.
While rubbery surfaces, carpeting, and concrete have been used inside gyms for years, there has recently been a rise in indoor turf fields.
Currently, there are thousands of synthetic turf fields in the U.S. with over a thousand new installations every year.
The durability that indoor turf fields provide can extend training schedules throughout the year. You will have the flexibility to enhance training programs year-round. Since the 1950s, turf has come a long way, and it’s more like real grass than ever.
Do you think that turf may be the perfect upgrade for your complex? Read on to find out more!
What Are Indoor Turf Fields Made Of?
Turf fields are resilient and sturdy, perfect for repeated and heavy-duty use.
There are three different types of synthetic grass yarns.
- Polypropylene (PP) is the least expensive option. But, it does wear out the quickest, so it works best in low traffic areas.
- Polyethylene (PE) is the softest and closest to real grass texture.
- Nylon is the most durable and resistant to heat and repeated impact.
How to Install a Turf Field
Installing turf is a multi-step process.
1. Prepare the surface
Proper preparation will result in proper installation.
- Remove everything from the surface.
- Re-locate any wires or pipes that could be damaged during installation.
- Place the base material, made of gravel and sand, to help encourage natural draining.
2. Compact the Base
Level out your base and make it as dense as possible.
- Wet down the surface.
- Roll and tamp the gravel and sand surface to make it as densely packed as possible.
- Proper compacting and packing helps you secure your turf.
3. Fit & Installation
A perfect fit will make for an easy installation.
- When laying out your turf, plan to have an inch overlay at the edges. Doing this gives you material to tuck in at the sides for a secure installation.
- Drive in nails to about 75%, adding nails where needed, and joining seams.
- Cover nails with artificial grass blades, flatten down any dents and add extra nails where needed.
Turf Upkeep
You are putting your turf in to be used, right? Use means that you will have to do some work to keep it beautiful. While you won’t have to mow it, you will still need to groom your turf to keep it in shape.
- Clean and check your turf regularly. Address any bubbles or issues as quickly as possible.
- Set up a maintenance schedule to keep things in shape.
- Sanitize your turf like any other equipment, especially if it will experience a lot of sweat and wear.
How to Develop Your Ideal Turf Field
What percentage of your space do you want to transition to turf? What length of turf do you want? What texture would be ideal for your activities?
Once you have narrowed down what you are looking for, you will be able to reap the benefits of indoor turf fields.
If you’re not sure where to start, or if you want professional advice on what would work best for your needs, contact us today! We can’t wait to help you reach the turf field of your dreams!
