In brief
Whether artificial grass needs sand depends on the product. Many modern garden artificial grasses are designed to be installed without sand. With other products and with most sports surfaces, washed, rounded quartz sand is brushed in – it weighs the surface down, supports the blades and protects the backing. The manufacturer’s specifications are always decisive.
“Does sand need to go into artificial grass?” is one of the most common questions when planning. The answer is not the same for every artificial grass. Here you will learn when sand makes sense, which sand is suitable, and how to apply it correctly.
What is sand used for in artificial grass?
- Weighting: The surface lies more securely and shifts less
- Stability: Sand supports the blades so they stand more upright
- Protection: It shields the backing from UV radiation and abrasion
- Playing characteristics: On sports pitches, it influences ball behaviour and traction
With or without sand?
| Artificial grass | Sand | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Garden artificial grass, unfilled | not required | easier to maintain, pleasant for children and pets |
| Garden artificial grass with sand as specified by the manufacturer | yes, as specified | Observe quantity and grain size |
| Football artificial grass | yes, often plus elastic infill | Construction according to system and standard |
| Tennis, hockey, multisport | depending on the surface | e.g. sand-filled short-pile surfaces |
| Balcony, roof terrace | usually not advisable | Sand gets carried out and clogs drains |
Which sand is suitable?
Special quartz sand is used for artificial grass. It should have the following properties:
- washed and dust-free so nothing sticks together
- rounded grains that do not damage the fibres
- dry so it trickles evenly
- the grain size specified by the manufacturer
Unsuitable are building sand, play sand with a high fine content, or clayey sand – they compact, hinder drainage and promote moss. More on the differences under play sand.
How much sand does artificial grass need?
The amount depends on pile height, density and the product, and is specified by the manufacturer in kilograms per square metre. In principle: the sand only fills the lower part of the pile; the blade tips remain free. Too much sand makes the surface feel hard and “sandy”; too little does not fulfil its purpose.
How to apply sand correctly
- Lay and secure the artificial grass completely
- work only in dry weather and with dry blades
- distribute the sand evenly in several thin passes, e.g. with a drop spreader
- after each pass, brush in against the grain – see brushing artificial grass
- check the amount until the intended fill height is reached
Alternatives to sand
In addition to quartz sand, there are other infill materials, such as cork on sports pitches or zeolite for odour binding with pets. Plastic granulates such as rubber granulate are increasingly criticised due to EU rules on microplastics.
Our advice
Whether and how much sand your artificial grass needs depends on the type. We will be happy to advise you on Royal Grass® and, if you wish, take care of the complete installation – artificial grass installation. Our installation guide shows the individual steps.
Frequently asked questions about sand in artificial grass
Does sand need to go into artificial grass?
Not always. Many garden artificial grasses are designed to be installed without sand. With other products and with sports surfaces, sand is part of the system. The manufacturer’s specifications are decisive.
Which sand is suitable for artificial grass?
Suitable is washed, dry quartz sand with rounded grains in the grain size recommended by the manufacturer. Building sand or clayey sand are unsuitable because they compact and hinder drainage.
How much sand goes into artificial grass?
The amount is specified by the manufacturer in kilograms per square metre and depends on pile height and density. The sand only fills the lower part of the pile; the blade tips remain free.
Can sand be added later?
Yes, provided the product is suitable for it. In dry weather, the sand is spread in thin layers and brushed in against the grain.