Artificial Turf Football Pitch Construction: From Base to Infill

The performance and life of an artificial turf pitch depend on what lies beneath the carpet. Correct drainage, an even base and the right fibre and infill keep the pitch safe and consistent for years.

Artificial turf pitches can be used dozens of hours a week regardless of climate, making them attractive to clubs, municipalities, schools and commercial operators. But most problems seen on a pitch (undulations, ponding, hardness, infill migration) come from the base, not the carpet. This article summarises the construction stages.

1. Survey and design

Soil survey, topographic survey and the stormwater discharge point are established. The intended use (professional club, school, commercial small-sided) directly affects fibre, infill and shock pad choice. Pitch dimensions and safety zones are fixed at this stage; see football pitch dimensions.

2. Excavation, grading and drainage

Topsoil is stripped, the subgrade is compacted and graded (usually no more than 1%). Drain trenches are cut and perforated drains and collectors laid. A drainage channel and manholes are installed at the pitch edge for surface water. See our football pitch drainage article.

3. Stone base and levelling layer

A permeable crushed stone base is laid in layers and rolled. A fine levelling layer on top is brought to precise levels with a laser grader. Its evenness determines how even the surface will be once the carpet is down. Some projects use porous asphalt instead.

4. Shock pad (optional)

A shock pad between base and carpet improves impact absorption and allows less infill. It keeps performance more consistent over the years and can be reused when the carpet is replaced. It is increasingly common on professional pitches and in low- or no-infill systems.

5. Laying the turf

• Fibre: football usually uses monofilament fibres with 40–60 mm pile. Fibre profile affects wear resistance and ball roll.
• Laying: rolls are laid along the pitch and seams are bonded with tape and polyurethane adhesive.
• Lines: white lines are cut in (inlaid) or tufted in at the factory. Line width is at most 12 cm.

6. Infill

• Stabilising infill: rounded, washed silica sand gives the carpet weight and keeps fibres upright.
• Performance infill: provides shock absorption and comfort. Rubber-based granules such as SBR, EPDM and TPE, or organic infills such as cork and coconut fibre, can be used.

The EU microplastics regulation adopted in 2023 restricts placing polymer granular infill on the market after a transition period. Organic, low-infill and shock pad systems are therefore considered more often in new projects.

7. Testing and acceptance

Professional pitches can be tested under the FIFA Quality Programme. Shock absorption, vertical deformation, ball rebound, ball roll and rotational resistance are measured by a laboratory. FIFA Quality and the higher FIFA Quality Pro certificates document playing performance.

8. Equipment and surrounds

Goals, corner flags, dugouts, ball stop netting and lighting complete the pitch. Products: goalposts, ball stop netting, substitute bench.

Maintenance

Regular brushing, checking and topping up infill, deep cleaning to prevent compaction and removing debris all extend pitch life. See our synthetic turf maintenance guide.

SFS Engineering delivers the whole process from base to equipment on a turnkey basis in its artificial turf pitch construction projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build an artificial turf pitch?

It depends on size, base condition and weather. A standard football pitch including groundworks usually takes from a few weeks to a few months.

Does an artificial pitch need a shock pad?

It is not mandatory, but it improves impact absorption, keeps performance consistent and can be reused at carpet replacement. It is increasingly common on professional pitches.

Which infill should be used?

Silica sand below for stability and a performance infill on top. The choice between rubber-based and organic infill depends on budget, climate, maintenance and regulation.

What is FIFA Quality certification?

A certificate documenting the playing performance of an artificial pitch through on-site laboratory tests under the FIFA Quality Programme. It has two levels: FIFA Quality and the higher FIFA Quality Pro.

Get technical support for your project: SFS Engineering handles site survey, design, material selection and installation as a single contractor. Send us your dimensions and site details through our contact page and we will work out the right solution together.