If you’re planning an outdoor playground upgrade or building a new school or city play area, safety and cleanliness should be top of mind. That’s why more decision-makers are turning to synthetic turf for playgrounds. Unlike natural grass, wood chips, or rubber mats, artificial grass provides a safer surface that’s durable, low-maintenance, and looks great all year round. Whether it’s a local park or a preschool playground, the right turf transforms your space while protecting kids at play.
📞 Call now to speak with a turf expert and get a custom quote for your school or park project.
Why Turf Is the Best Choice for Modern Playground Flooring

The days of muddy fields and splintery mulch are over. Modern playgrounds demand surfacing that’s not only safe but long-lasting. Enter playground turf—a specialized type of artificial grass designed to withstand heavy play, weather changes, and more.
Key benefits of using turf as your playground flooring:
- Consistent cushioning with optional pad layers
- No mud, dust, or debris like you get with natural grass or sand
- Easy upkeep—just a quick rinse and brush
- Soft, green, inviting look that mimics grass lawn
Whether you’re covering a floor inside a daycare or designing a community play area, green turf offers the versatility to handle it all.
What Makes Playground Turf Different from Landscape Turf or Pet Turf
When shopping for turf, it’s crucial to understand that not all turf rolls are created equal. Playground turf is specifically engineered for child safety and performance. Here’s how it compares:
Playground Turf
- Includes turf padding for fall protection
- Often IPEMA-certified for playground safety
- Soft yet durable fibers for safe landings
Landscape Turf
- Aesthetic appeal for lawns and decorative areas
- Lower pile height and less foot impact resistance
Pet Turf
- Designed with drainage and antimicrobial backing
- Best for kennels, dog parks, or pet runs
Choose the right type of turf roll based on your floor function—safety comes first in play zones.
How Turf Installation Works for Outdoor Playgrounds
Installing artificial turf in outdoor playgrounds is a bit different from a backyard or decorative landscape. Recreational Industries provides full-service guidance or can support your contractor in doing a proper installation.
Steps for a solid play surface install:
- Ground excavation and base prep
- Laying shock-absorbing pad systems
- Rolling out and trimming your grass turf
- Seam joining and applying infill (like envirofill)
- Brushing fibers for realistic finish
An expert turf installation creates a seamless, low-maintenance, and safer surface that’s built to last.
🔗 Explore our complete guide to synthetic turf installation to see how to get it done right.
The Role of Infill, Turf Padding, and Certification in Playground Turf

A premium artificial playground system isn’t just faux grass—it’s a multi-layer system designed with safety in mind:
- Pad layers cushion falls and reduce injuries
- Infill like envirofill adds softness and keeps blades upright
- Optional antimicrobial infills help keep the turf clean
- IPEMA certifications confirm it meets fall safety standards
Parents and educators alike appreciate these features, especially when used in indoor and outdoor spaces like preschools or rec centers.
Choosing the Right Turf Roll: Pile Height, Faux Turf, and Safety Features
Here’s what to look for when selecting a turf roll for your playground flooring:
- Pile height: Shorter is safer for high-traffic play
- Faux turf blades that look and feel like real grass
- UV-resistant coating for year-round durability
- Drainage systems to avoid puddles and mess
The right faux grass will be soft underfoot, weather-tough, and easy to clean—making it ideal for busy playgrounds or sports fields.
🎯 Ready to upgrade your play area with clean, long-lasting turf?
Request a quote today and get expert help on product selection, pricing, and fast delivery.
Why Recreational Industries is the Trusted Source for Playground Turf
When it comes to safety and reliability, Recreational Industries is the only name you need to know. We offer:
- IPEMA-certified artificial turf systems
- Wholesaler pricing with nationwide delivery
- Custom solutions for residential or public playgrounds
- A full catalog of turf types, grass rolls, and accessories
We don’t just sell turf—we help craft safe, welcoming play spaces that elevate communities.
Related Reading:
Check out our supporting blog on Synthetic Turf Cost: What You’ll Really Pay for Residential, Commercial, and School Projects.
Final Thoughts: A Turf Solution That Lasts and Protects

From astro turf-inspired materials to today’s certified synthetic grass, playground turf has evolved into a reliable, professional-grade surface. It’s designed to mimic grass lawn looks while outperforming natural grass in durability, cleanliness, and safety.
Whether you’re designing a school playground, upgrading a city play area, or adding safe surfacing to a daycare, Recreational Industries has the product selection, expert support, and shipping reach to get it done.
📞 Call us today or request a quote to get the perfect turf solution for your next playground project.
Let’s create something the kids—and the whole neighborhood—can enjoy.
FAQs About Synthetic Playground Turf
What makes artificial turf a safe playground solution?
Artificial turf has been engineered for playground safety with shock-absorbing layers, smooth grass blades, and fall-tested ratings. Unlike mulch or hard natural turf, it provides a safer surface that protects when kids fall during playtime.
How does playground grass compare to natural grass?
Playground grass provides a safe and consistent play surface that stays level and green all year. When compared to natural grass, it doesn’t wear down in high-traffic areas and eliminates mud, pests, and inconsistent terrain.
Is there a difference between faux turf and real grass when it comes to safety?
Yes. Faux turf offers better cushioning, a predictable surface, and lower maintenance. Plus, it’s non-toxic, includes antistatic properties, and can help kill bacteria, making it one of the safest turf options available today.
What’s the benefit of playground turf with Polygreen Foam?
Playground turf with Polygreen Foam delivers superior fall protection. This foam pad system acts as a durable underlayment, helping reduce injury risk while remaining comfortable for extended playtime.
Is synthetic playground turf suitable for indoor and outdoor installations?
Absolutely. Synthetic playground turf is designed for indoor and outdoor use and is perfect for classrooms, gym spaces, and outdoor playground areas that need year-round performance.
What does the installation process include?
A proper install includes base prep, underlayment, laying the turf roll, applying envirofill, and securing the seams. The result is a safe, soft, and easy to clean surface that can withstand the elements.
Can I use turf in a backyard play area?
Yes! Many homeowners choose artificial grass products for a backyard play area. It’s safe for kids, resistant to wear, and keeps your space clean—ideal for year-round backyard play.
What is the best artificial turf for playgrounds?
The best artificial turf features a combination of premium artificial fibers, added turf padding, UV protection, and a soft pile height. Brands like XGrass playground turf with Polygreen have been used in millions of square feet of installs.
How does turf affect temperature in direct sunlight?
Turf gets hot in direct sunlight, especially in hotter climates. To reduce heat, choose green and tan thatch blends, install shade structures, or use lighter grass options to reflect heat.
Is turf safe for kids and sports fields?
Yes. Artificial turf is designed to be safe for kids and durable enough for sport fields. It’s been tested for performance and impact absorption, especially when paired with polygreen foam padding underlayment.
Does fake grass require much maintenance?
Fake grass is extremely low-maintenance. Simply rinse off debris, brush occasionally, and keep your turf clear of leaves. This is why turf saves time and cost in the long run compared to real grass.
What are grass rolls and how do I use them?
Grass rolls are large sheets of grass turf delivered for fast playground flooring installation. Just roll them out over your base and layer of padding, then secure with adhesives or stakes.
Can I get a sample or quote for turf products?
Yes! Browse our range of turf options and request a quote from Recreational Industries. Our team will help you find the perfect system for your next safe playground project.