Silica Sand Used in Artificial Grass Infill Zohdy Minerals Egypt Company offers a premium range of natural, processed and sieved silica sand with fine grains. The silica sand undergoes treatment at our inspection facilities after extraction, where it is transferred and sorted into various practical sizes in accordance with FIFA specifications and standards. The demand for silica sand used in artificial grass infill has significantly increased over the past five years. This reflects the global rise in production of artificial grass, which has now become more popular than natural grass.

FIFA recommends and promotes the use of artificial turf over natural grass. Accordingly, there has been a noticeable increase in silica sand purchases by football federations, specialized companies, football pitches, parks and even homes. Silica sand is used for infilling artificial grass in football fields, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts and padel courts.

Common Silica Sand Sizes Used for Artificial Grass Infill

This type of sand is used across various sports fields such as tennis and football. Accordingly, two common grain size ranges are used:

1. Tennis Courts: Grain sizes between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm (never exceeding 1.00 mm).
2. Football Pitches: Grain sizes between 0.5 mm and 1.25 mm (must not exceed 1.50 mm under any circumstances).

The grain size used is often determined by the density of the artificial turf.

• In the case of dense artificial grass (more than 45,000 stitches), smaller grain sizes (0.5 mm – 0.7 mm) are required to settle properly within the turf.
• For very high-density turf, the sand might not settle at all.
• In lower-density grass (as used in football, sometimes around 1,000 stitches), larger grain sizes can be used (up to 1.5 mm), although some companies may use even larger sizes, this does not conform with international standards.

Common Silica Sand Sizes for Beach Volleyball Courts

Beach or coastal sand is often used to fill beach volleyball courts. It is generally recommended to use the same grain size as used in football turf infill.

Common Silica Sand Sizes for Tennis and Football Fields

The same size specifications mentioned above for beach volleyball apply here as well.

Required Quantity of Silica Sand per Square Meter

As mentioned earlier, the quantity of sand varies according to the height and density of the artificial grass:

• Tennis Courts:
  • Short, dense turf (11 mm): 12 kg/m²
  • Less dense, taller pile turf: 25–30 kg/m²
• Football Pitches:
  • Depending on turf height: 18–25 kg/m²

When Should Silica Sand Be Replaced in Artificial Grass?

Silica sand is a stabilizing infill placed at the base of football turf. Once applied and topped with SBR rubber granules, replacing or reapplying the silica sand becomes nearly impossible without removing the SBR, which is extremely costly.

In tennis courts, the process is much easier since no SBR rubber is used. It is possible to remove some of the old silica sand (especially from the base where it’s compacted) using specialized brushes and then add new sand. This is typically done once a year, usually at the end of summer before autumn rain. Extreme caution is needed during brushing, as over-wetting can damage the turf pile.

Does High-Quality Silica Sand Extend the Lifespan of Artificial Grass?

Absolutely!
Using premium-quality, washed and well-dried silica sand as infill helps stabilize the turf structure, keeping the grass upright and functional for longer. Damage due to improper use typically affects only the top layer. High-quality silica sand makes the turf more resistant to wear and enhances water permeability.

Most Efficient Method for Infill Application:

One of the most effective ways to apply silica sand is by using a silica sand spreader.

• First, load 1 ton of silica sand into the spreader box.
• Then, attach it to a tractor and drive it across the field to evenly distribute the sand.
• The final step is brushing, allowing the sand to settle deeply into the turf. The more thoroughly the turf is brushed, the better the sand penetrates.

How Much Silica Sand Is Needed Per Square Meter?

As detailed earlier, the quantity depends on turf type and height:

• Tennis Courts:
  • Short, dense grass (11 mm): 12 kg/m²
  • Less dense, taller turf: 25–30 kg/m²
• Football Fields:
  • 18–25 kg/m², depending on grass height.

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