Construction of Artificial Turf Pitches in Izmir
13 September 2026
Prices for artificial turf granules On its own, it looks like a small pencil, but a 30 × 50-metre pitch requires 12 tonnes of rubber granules and around 37 tonnes of silica sand. The choice of infill determines both the initial investment and how much reinforcement the pitch will require each year, how hot it will get in summer, and the load placed on a player’s knees. In this article, we explain the purpose of granule and sand infill, the price ranges per kg and m² for 2026, the total infill cost based on pitch dimensions, and what should be included in a quotation.
What is the purpose of infill in artificial grass?
In infilled synthetic turf, the fibres do not stand on their own. Infill is laid in two layers on the base of the turf:
- Silica sand (lower layer): It acts as a weight; it keeps the grass in place, helps to keep the fibres upright and prevents the carpet from shifting in the wind or when struck by a ball. Round-grained, washed and sieved sand (typically 0.3–0.8 mm) is used.
- Rubber or elastomer granules (top layer): It provides flexibility. It absorbs impact, controls the ball’s bounce and roll, and ensures the boot studs grip the ground. The typical particle size is 0.5–2.5 mm.
The infill is not a layer laid beneath the turf for drainage; drainage is provided by the stabilised base, gravel and drainage pipes beneath the turf. The length of the fibres remaining above the infill clear headroom It is known as… and, in 50–60 mm turf, a height of 15–25 mm is generally targeted. As the pile height decreases, the fibres lie flat, players step directly onto the turf, and the turf’s lifespan is reduced.
Types and properties of granules
| Filling | What it is | Its strength | Point to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBR granules | Black rubber derived from recycled tyres | The most economical elastic filler; widely available | The filling that heats up the most in the sun; a certificate confirming its odour and PAH content should be requested |
| Coated (coloured) SBR | SBR coated with polyurethane pigment, usually green | Improvements in appearance, dust and odour; a reasonable price difference compared to SBR | The coating wears away over time; the core is still made of SBR |
| EPDM granules | Zero (primary) production of synthetic rubber | Colour and UV resistance, low odour; preferred for use in schools and public spaces | Several times the price of SBR; should not be confused with “recycled EPDM” |
| TPE granules | Thermoplastic elastomer, primary production | Consistent grain structure, light-coloured options, recyclable | Among the most expensive synthetic options; the softening points at high temperatures should be enquired about |
| Organic filler | Mixtures of mushrooms, coconut fibre and olive stones | Does not contain microplastics; cooler surface | Moisture retention, susceptibility to being blown about by the wind and the need for regular watering/maintenance; availability and price should be confirmed with the supplier |
| Silica sand | Washed, screened quartz sand | The base layer of any filled system; inexpensive | Gravelly, dusty or clayey sand impairs drainage and damages the turf |
Prices of gravel and sand (2026)
The following prices per kg This is a market forecast for 2026. The price varies significantly depending on grain size, whether purchased in bags (25 kg) or big bags (1 tonne), the quantity purchased, the transport distance and exchange rate fluctuations. The current supplier’s quotation should be used as the basis for the exact price.
| Materials | Estimated price (excluding VAT) |
|---|---|
| Silica sand (0.3–0.8 mm, washed) | 3–6 ₺/kg |
| SBR granules | 14–22 ₺/kg |
| Coated (coloured) SBR granules | 30–50 ₺/kg |
| EPDM granules (primary) | 60–110 ₺/kg |
| TPE granules | 70–120 ₺/kg |
How much fill is required per square metre?
The amount varies depending on the height of the grass, the fibre structure and the use of the pitch. Typical values encountered on the pitch:
| Pitch and turf | Silica sand | Rubber granules | The cost of backfilling with SBR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mm — multi-purpose areas, schools, landscaping | 15–20 kg/m² | 4–6 kg/m² | ≈ 124–218 ₺/m² |
| 50–55 mm — artificial turf pitch | 25–28 kg/m² | 7–8 kg/m² | ≈ 187 – 326 ₺/m² |
| 60 mm — standard football pitch | 20–25 kg/m² | 11–14 kg/m² | ≈ 234 – 396 ₺/m² |
The ‘Cost’ column has been calculated using the typical values shown in the centre of the table (40 mm: 18 kg of sand + 5 kg of SBR; 55 mm: 25 kg of sand + 8 kg of SBR; 60 mm: 22 kg of sand + 12 kg of SBR). In standard pitches, the proportion of rubber increases, as a thicker elastic layer is required for impact absorption and ball behaviour. In some systems, a separate shock-absorbing underlay (shock pad) is placed beneath the turf and the amount of granules is reduced.
Total embankment cost based on site dimensions
For a 30 × 50-metre (1,500 m²) artificial turf pitch with 55 mm grass, assuming 25 kg/m² of sand and 8 kg/m² of granules:
| Granule type | cost per square metre of fill | 30 × 50 total area |
|---|---|---|
| SBR | 187 – 326 ₺ | 280,500 – 489,000 ₺ |
| Coated SBR | 315–550 ₺ | 472,500 – 825,000 ₺ |
| EPDM | 555 – 1,030 ₺ | 832,500 – 1,545,000 ₺ |
| TPE | 635 – 1,110 ₺ | 952,500 – 1,665,000 ₺ |
Approximately 37.5 tonnes of silica sand and 12 tonnes of granules is added. On a standard football pitch measuring 105 × 68 metres (7,140 m²), the SBR infill amounts to approximately 157 tonnes of sand and 86 tonnes of granules; the cost of the infill ranges from 1.67 to 2.83 million ₺.
For comparison: based on the 2026 forecast, a turnkey open-air artificial turf pitch costs between 1,900 and 2,500 ₺/m². SBR infill accounts for roughly %7 – 17‘…; when EPDM or TPE is selected, the infill ratio increases two to threefold. For the grass’s own prices per square metre: artificial grass prices, for standard pitches FIFA turf prices You can take a look at our articles.
Annual cost of granule replenishment and maintenance
The infill diminishes over time: it is carried off the pitch by players’ boots and clothing, washes up at the edges during rain, is removed from open areas by snow-clearing and leaf-clearing operations, and the remainder becomes compacted. Rather than estimating the amount of infill required, it must be measured: the free air height is measured at several points across the pitch; granules are added to areas where the level falls below the target value; and the pitch is then brushed.
In an open space heavily used for planning purposes 0.5–1.5 kg of granules per square metre per year Replenishment can be anticipated. On a 1,500 m² SBR-filled pitch, this amounts to approximately 750–2,250 kg of granules and 10,500–49,500 ₺ worth of material per year. Losses are lower on indoor pitches; however, high-traffic areas such as in front of the goal, in the corners and in midfield require replenishment before the rest of the pitch.
- Weekly / fortnightly: Brushing, redistribution of the granules to denser areas
- Start and end of the season: Free air measurement, reinforcement in under-resourced areas
- Once a year: Deep cleaning (decompaction), loosening of fill material using machinery where necessary
Health, the environment and legislation: why should documentation be required?
PAH limit. As SBR granules are made from rubber, they may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Since August 2022, the European Union has limited the total content of eight PAH compounds in granules and mulch fillers placed on the market to 20 mg/kg (Regulation (EU) 2021/1199). In projects in Turkey, it is also good practice to request a test report from the supplier in accordance with this limit, particularly for school and public areas.
Restrictions on microplastics. The EU’s microplastics regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2055), adopted in 2023, will prohibit the placing on the market of rubber and plastic granule infill used on synthetic sports pitches following an eight-year transition period, From 17 October 2031 prohibits this. Existing pitches may continue to be used; however, organisations planning long-term investments would be well advised to consider, as of now, infill-free turf systems, organic infill and pitch-side measures to minimise granule loss (such as granule barriers and cleaning areas).
Temperature. Black SBR is the surface material that heats up the most in the sun. In open-air venues in hot climates, opting for a coated surface or light-coloured granules and postponing use until the evening hours enhances player comfort. This issue, taking Izmir as an example, Construction of artificial turf pitches in Izmir We have discussed this in detail in our article.
6 pieces of information that must be included in the tender regarding the fill material
- Sand quantity and grain size range: in kg/m² and mm (e.g. 25 kg/m², 0.3–0.8 mm).
- Granule type: SBR, coated SBR, EPDM or TPE — the phrase “including granules” is not sufficient.
- Granule quantity and particle size range: in kg/m² and mm.
- Documents: PAH and heavy metal test report; primary declaration of production for EPDM/TPE.
- Target free-air height: The value to be measured upon delivery.
- First reinforcement: Whether any free additional support will be provided during the settling-in period following handover.
The difference between two quotations often lies not in the turf but in the infill: a quotation specifying 5 kg/m² of granules instead of 8 kg/m² means 4.5 tonnes less material for a 1,500 m² pitch. The pitch will be hard to play on in the first few months, the fibres will flatten prematurely, and the cost of reinforcement will be borne by the club.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will artificial turf granules cost in 2026?
According to the 2026 market forecast, SBR granules are priced at 14–22 ₺/kg, coated SBR at 30–50 ₺/kg, EPDM granules at 60–110 ₺/kg, TPE granules at 70–120 ₺/kg, and silica sand at 3–6 ₺/kg. Prices vary depending on purchase quantity, packaging and transport.
How many tonnes of granules are needed for an artificial pitch?
On a 30 × 50-metre artificial turf pitch with a 55 mm grass layer, if approximately 8 kg of granules and 25 kg of silica sand are used per square metre, a total of 12 tonnes of granules and 37.5 tonnes of sand will be required. On a standard-sized pitch measuring 105 × 68 metres, this amount increases to approximately 86 tonnes of granules and 157 tonnes of sand.
Should one choose SBR or EPDM?
If budget is a priority and the area is to be heavily used, SBR is the most economical option. In schools, public spaces and areas heavily used by children, EPDM or TPE are preferred due to their odour resistance, colour retention, UV resistance and ease of certification; however, the cost of the infill is several times that of SBR. An intermediate option is coated SBR.
How often should the granules be replenished?
Top-dressing should be based on measurements rather than a schedule. When the free air space falls below the target value, granules should be added to the deficient areas. For planning purposes, a top-dressing rate of 0.5–1.5 kg per square metre per year can be estimated for heavily used open areas; in covered areas, this amount is lower.
Can backfill be carried out using only granules, without any sand?
This is not usually done on infilled football pitches. The sand acts as a weight-bearing layer that holds the turf in place; a pitch filled solely with granules remains too light, the turf may shift, and the granules are more likely to be blown away. If you wish to use a system without infill, you should choose turf systems specifically designed for this purpose.
Are black granules harmful to health?
As SBR rubber granules are derived from rubber, they may contain PAHs. In the European Union, a limit of 20 mg/kg has been in place since 2022 for the total of eight PAH compounds. The most appropriate approach is to use granules accompanied by a test report confirming compliance with this limit and to request this report in writing from the supplier.
Will the ban on granules in Europe affect sites in Turkey?
The EU’s microplastics regulation prohibits the placing on the EU market of rubber and plastic granule fillers from 17 October 2031 onwards and is directly binding on EU Member States. Current legislation in force in Turkey must also be checked; for organisations that incorporate EU standards into their specifications and those planning long-term investments, systems without fillers or with organic fillers are already worth considering.
Can old granules be reused?
When renewing a turf surface, the old infill can be removed using a machine and cleaned by sieving; if its condition is suitable, it may be partially reused. However, infill that has turned to dust or is mixed with oil or organic waste must not be transferred to the new pitch; this decision is made on the basis of samples taken from the pitch.
Request a quote for infill and artificial turf
We prepare itemised quotations, specifying the quantities of sand and granules in kg/m² based on the dimensions of your pitch, the height of the grass and its intended use. For existing pitches, we determine the need for infill using open-air measurements.
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