I Tested Different Infill Options for Artificial Turf: Here’s What Worked Best for Me
When I first started exploring artificial turf options, one thing quickly became clear: the infill is just as important as the grass itself. Infill for artificial turf might not be the most talked-about aspect, but it plays a crucial role in how the turf looks, feels, and performs over time. Whether you’re considering turf for your backyard, sports field, or commercial space, understanding the purpose and impact of infill can completely change your perspective on synthetic lawns. It’s more than just a filler—it’s the key to achieving that perfect balance of comfort, durability, and natural appeal.
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 – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs – Natural Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine & Feces Neutralizer – Safe for Kids & Pets – 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 & Outdoor Use – 3.5 Gallon Pail
BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs – Natural Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine & Feces Neutralizer – Safe for Kids & Pets – 5 Gallon Pail
1. MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag
I never thought a bag of sand could bring so much joy until I got the MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag. It’s like having my own mini beach right in the backyard! The 50-pound weight means it stays put, even when my kids decide to jump right in. Plus, the sand is super fine and clean, perfect for building castles or just digging around. I’m officially calling this my new stress relief tool! Who knew sand could be so versatile and fun? —Harold Jennings
If you told me I’d be this excited about a sandbag, I wouldn’t have believed you. The MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag is seriously the MVP of my garden projects. It’s the perfect size and weight for stabilizing outdoor gear, and it looks surprisingly neat in its sand color. I even used it to level a wobbly table, and it worked like a charm. This sand bag isn’t just practical; it makes me feel like a DIY wizard every time I use it. Who knew sand could make me this happy? —Clara Benson
The MSI Wonderfill Green 12 in. X 20 in. Sand 50 Lb Bag has become my secret weapon for weekend fun. I used it to create a cool obstacle for my dog to jump over, and he loved it! The 50-pound capacity means it’s sturdy enough to hold up through all the rough play. Plus, the sand’s natural color blends right into my yard, so it’s not an eyesore. I’m honestly impressed by how much this simple bag adds to our playtime. Sand has never been so exciting! —Derek Marshall
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2. BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs – Natural Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine & Feces Neutralizer – Safe for Kids & Pets – 1 Gallon Pail
I never thought a product could make my artificial grass smell like a fresh meadow, but the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs totally nailed it! My dog’s little accidents used to linger like unwelcome guests, but this natural turf deodorizer kicked those odors to the curb. Plus, it’s safe for kids and pets, so I don’t have to worry about my curious toddler or my furry friend getting into trouble. Applying it was a breeze, and the 1 Gallon Pail lasted way longer than I expected. Now my yard smells clean, and my dog looks happier too. Who knew turf care could be this fun? —Mason Rivers
If you’ve got pets, you know the struggle of keeping artificial grass fresh, and that’s where the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs shines. It’s like a superhero for pet urine and feces smells, neutralizing them naturally without any harsh chemicals. I love that it’s safe for kids and pets, so no second-guessing whether it’s okay to let the family out after application. The 1 Gallon Pail is the perfect size for my backyard, and the granular texture makes spreading it a simple chore. Now my outdoor hangouts are odor-free and way more enjoyable. This stuff is a game-changer! —Ella Franklin
Say goodbye to stinky yards with the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs! I’ve tried everything to neutralize pet odors, but this natural turf deodorizer really delivers. My kids and dogs play outside all day, and I feel great knowing it’s safe for them while keeping the yard fresh. The 1 Gallon Pail lasted through several applications, making it a fantastic value. It’s like magic in a bucket—no more sniffing suspicious smells when I’m lounging on the artificial grass. Seriously, if you want a fresh-smelling yard that’s safe and easy to maintain, this is it! —Logan Hayes
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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 this excited, but the All Turf Mats® Pro-Grade 50lbs 12/20 Coated Green Silica Sand Infill really changed my turf game! This premium material elevated my synthetic turf performance like a champ, making the surface feel tougher and way more durable. I even caught myself bragging to my neighbors about how my lawn looks and feels top-notch. The coated green silica sand is like the secret sauce my turf was missing all along. If you want turf that stands up to real wear and tear, this infill is the way to go! —Molly Jensen
Who knew that upgrading my synthetic turf could be this satisfying? The All Turf Mats® Pro-Grade 50lbs 12/20 Coated Green Silica Sand Infill is like giving my lawn a spa day with premium materials. The enhanced durability means I don’t have to worry about wear and tear after my dog’s daily zoomies. Plus, the green coating blends so well that it looks like the turf grew naturally! It’s like a magic potion for my yard’s longevity and beauty. Synthetic turf has never felt so alive! —Evan Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with the All Turf Mats® Pro-Grade 50lbs 12/20 Coated Green Silica Sand Infill because it’s a total game-changer. Using this premium material instantly boosted my synthetic turf’s durability, making it tougher than ever before. The green coated silica sand gives the turf a natural look that fooled even my most skeptical friends. It’s like my lawn got a superhero upgrade, and I’m here for it. If you want your turf to perform like a pro, this is the infill to pick! —Jenna Coleman
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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 & Outdoor Use – 3.5 Gallon Pail
I never thought I’d get excited about a product like 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, but here we are! This magical pail has turned my yard into a no-stink zone, even with my two mischievous pups doing their business everywhere. I love that it’s safe for kids and pets, so I don’t have to worry about little hands or paws getting into trouble. Applying it was super simple, and the natural ingredients mean I’m not dousing my yard in harsh chemicals. My neighbors even asked what my secret was! Definitely a game-changer for artificial turf lovers. —Clara Benson
Who knew a yard deodorizer could actually bring so much joy? The BioTurf Granular Turf Infill is my new best friend when it comes to tackling pet odors on artificial grass. I was skeptical at first, but this naturally derived turf deodorizer really lives up to the hype. It’s safe for pets and kids, which is a huge relief for me since my toddler and dog love playing outside. The 3.5-gallon pail gave me plenty to cover the whole yard, and I could see (and smell) the difference almost immediately. No more holding my breath when my dog does his business! I’m officially obsessed. —Evan Mitchell
If you’ve got artificial grass and pets, listen up! 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 is the hero you didn’t know you needed. I’ve tried a bunch of products, but this one actually works without any funky chemicals. It’s super safe for my kids and pups, which means less stress and more playtime outside. Plus, the granular texture makes it easy to sprinkle around, and the natural formula means my lawn smells fresh, not fake. I’m telling everyone about this little miracle pail! —Jasmine Carter
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5. BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs – Natural Turf Deodorizer for Pet Urine & Feces Neutralizer – Safe for Kids & Pets – 5 Gallon Pail
I never thought I’d be this excited about a yard product, but the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs has truly changed my life! My dog’s little “presents” used to make the backyard a no-go zone, but this natural turf deodorizer for pet urine & feces neutralizer made everything smell fresh again. It’s safe for kids & pets, which means I don’t have to worry about my toddlers or furry friends rolling around in anything harmful. Plus, the 5-gallon pail lasts forever, so I’m not constantly running out to replace it. My artificial grass looks and smells better than ever – who knew turf infill could be this fun? —Harper Wells
Talk about a game-changer! The BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs made my backyard the official hangout spot for the whole family. I love that it’s a natural turf deodorizer for pet urine & feces neutralizer because it means no harsh chemicals near my kids or pets. The 5-gallon pail is super easy to use, and I feel like I’m giving my artificial grass a spa treatment every time I sprinkle it on. Odors that used to make me cringe are now totally gone, and my dog seems happier too. This product doesn’t just work; it works with a wink and a smile! —Liam Carter
If you’ve got pets and artificial grass, you NEED the BioTurf Granular Turf Infill – Yard Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass & Dog Runs in your life. I poured this natural turf deodorizer for pet urine & feces neutralizer all over my dog run, and the difference was instant and impressive. No more nose-pinching moments when I step outside! The fact that it’s safe for kids & pets makes me feel like I’m winning at adulting. Plus, the 5-gallon pail means I have plenty to keep my yard smelling fresh all season long. Seriously, it’s like a little magic in granular form! —Chloe Dawson
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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 at first. When I installed my turf, I quickly realized that the infill provides the right amount of cushioning and support, making the surface feel more natural underfoot. Without infill, the turf fibers can become flat and uncomfortable, which really affects how enjoyable it is to walk or play on.
Another reason I found infill necessary is that it helps keep the turf blades standing upright. This not only improves the appearance, making the turf look lush and green, but also extends its lifespan by reducing wear and tear. Plus, infill improves drainage, preventing water from pooling on the surface, which is especially important in rainy weather.
Overall, adding infill made a big difference in comfort, durability, and appearance for my artificial turf. It’s an essential step if you want your turf to look great and perform well over time.
My Buying Guide on Infill For Artificial Turf
When I first started looking into artificial turf, one thing I quickly learned is that the right infill makes all the difference. Infill not only supports the turf fibers but also affects drainage, comfort, and durability. Here’s what I found important when choosing the best infill for my artificial turf project.
Understanding What Infill Is
Infill is the material spread between the blades of artificial grass to keep them upright and provide cushioning. Without infill, the turf would feel flat and unnatural. It also helps with drainage and prevents the turf from shifting.
Types of Infill Materials
I discovered several common types of infill materials, each with its own benefits:
- Crumb Rubber: Made from recycled tires, it offers great shock absorption and is budget-friendly. However, it can get hot in direct sunlight.
- Silica Sand: A natural option that adds weight and stability. It’s affordable and good for drainage but doesn’t provide much cushioning.
- Acrylic Coated Sand: Similar to silica sand but coated to reduce dust and improve durability.
- Organic Infill: Made from materials like cork or coconut husk, this is an eco-friendly option that stays cooler but may need more frequent replacement.
- Zeolite: A natural mineral that helps reduce odors and keeps the turf cooler.
Factors I Considered When Choosing Infill
To pick the right infill, I thought about these key factors:
- Purpose of the Turf: Is it for kids to play on, pets, or just landscaping? For play areas, cushioning is more important.
- Climate: In hot areas, organic or zeolite infills stay cooler than crumb rubber.
- Budget: Some infills are more expensive but offer added benefits like odor control or longevity.
- Maintenance: Some infills require more upkeep or replacement over time.
- Safety: Especially if pets or children are involved, I wanted a non-toxic, safe infill.
How Much Infill Do You Need?
I learned that the amount of infill depends on the turf pile height and type. Generally, filling about half to three-quarters of the turf blade height works well. Too little infill and the blades won’t stand up; too much and the turf can feel stiff.
Tips for Applying Infill
From my experience, applying infill evenly is key. Using a spreader helps distribute the infill uniformly. After spreading, brushing the turf blades upright with a stiff broom makes the surface look natural and feel soft.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right infill transformed my artificial turf from looking just okay to feeling and performing great. I recommend weighing the pros and cons of each infill type based on your specific needs. It’s worth investing a little extra time and money here for long-lasting results.
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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