How much sand infill does artificial turf need on a newly built padel court?

A padel court generally needs between 20 and 30 kilograms of sand per square metre of artificial turf. For a standard padel court of 200 square metres, that means a total sand infill of roughly 4,000 to 6,000 kilograms. The exact amount depends on the type of artificial turf, the pile height and the recommendation of the turf supplier. In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions about sand infill when building a padel court.

Which type of sand is used as infill for artificial turf on a padel court?

Only quartz sand is used for artificial turf on a padel court. This is a fine-grained, rounded sand that is specially washed and dried before it is used. The grain size is generally between 0.3 and 0.8 millimetres. Quartz sand is stable, moisture-resistant and does not deform under load, which makes it ideal as an infill material.

Ordinary building sand or beach sand is not suitable. That type of sand contains organic material, has sharp grains or too variable a grain size, so the artificial turf lies unevenly and the ball bounce becomes inconsistent. When building a padel court, choosing certified quartz sand is therefore not a detail but a basic requirement. Suppliers who meet the standards of Kiwa ISA Sport work with approved material as standard.

How many kilograms of sand per square metre does a padel court need?

As a guideline, a sand infill of 20 to 30 kilograms per square metre of artificial turf applies. The playing area of a padel court is 200 square metres (20 by 10 metres), which comes to a total amount of 4,000 to 6,000 kilograms of sand. The precise amount depends on the pile height of the artificial turf and the manufacturer’s specifications.

A taller pile needs more sand to keep the fibres properly upright and achieve the desired playing characteristics. Artificial turf with a pile height of 12 millimetres requires a different infill than turf with a pile height of 16 millimetres. The turf supplier always provides a recommendation for the amount and type of sand, matched to the specific product. Follow that recommendation, because too little or too much sand has a direct effect on playing quality.

What happens if there is too little or too much sand in the artificial turf?

Both too little and too much sand lead to problems on the court. With too little sand, the artificial turf fibres lie flat, the ball bounces irregularly and the turf wears faster. With too much sand, the playing surface becomes too hard, the fibres get trapped and the turf loses its resilience. In both cases playing quality suffers directly.

Too little sand also affects safety. The turf then offers insufficient grip, which increases the risk of slipping. In addition, the sand infill acts as ballast that holds the artificial turf in place. Without sufficient weight, the turf can start to bulge or shift, especially on outdoor courts where wind plays a role.

Too much sand hinders water drainage. On outdoor courts, good permeability of the artificial turf surface is essential, especially in combination with a water-permeable foundation such as drainage concrete or Supersub. An overly dense sand infill can limit that permeability and cause puddles, even if the foundation itself is technically in order.

How is the sand applied when building a padel court?

The sand is applied after the artificial turf has been laid and fixed. It is introduced in several layers, spread with a broom or a special brushing-in machine, and lightly compacted after each layer. This layered process ensures an even distribution and prevents the sand from piling up in one place.

The order of work is as follows: first the artificial turf is rolled out and cut precisely to size. Then the seams are glued or taped. After that the lines are applied, after which the sand is brushed in in stages. After brushing in, the court is lightly sprinkled with water to let the sand settle and compact. Only then is the court ready to play.

With professional installation, the amount of sand is weighed and documented, so that for future maintenance it is known exactly how much sand was originally applied. This makes topping up later much easier and more accurate.

How often should the sand infill of a padel court be topped up or checked?

The sand infill should be checked at least once a year and topped up where necessary. With intensive use, such as at commercial venues with several playing hours a day, a six-monthly check is wiser. Sand gradually disappears through intensive play, cleaning of the court and, on outdoor courts, the effects of the weather.

Signs that topping up is needed include a changed ball bounce, visibly flattened turf fibres or a feeling of hardness when playing. A visual inspection by a professional is the most reliable way to assess the infill. Some operators have this combined with a broader maintenance inspection of the artificial turf, the seams and the condition of the glass.

On outdoor courts, sand can also wash away if the water drainage is not optimal. A good foundation, such as drainage concrete or Supersub, helps prevent this by draining rainwater quickly without taking the sand bed with it. Even so, periodic checking of the sand infill is advisable with well-draining systems too.

Does the type of foundation affect the sand infill of the artificial turf?

The type of foundation has no direct influence on the amount of sand needed in the artificial turf itself, but it does influence how the sand behaves over time. A stable, level foundation ensures that the sand stays evenly distributed. With an uneven or subsided base, the sand can shift and areas with too little or too much infill develop.

Water-permeable foundations such as drainage concrete or Supersub have an additional advantage on outdoor courts: rainwater drains quickly through the foundation without disturbing the sand bed. With a non-permeable base, water can accumulate under the artificial turf, erode the sand bed and damage the fibres. Choosing the right foundation type is therefore also indirectly important for the durability of the sand infill.

On indoor padel courts, water drainage plays no role, but levelness is all the more important. A Supersub foundation, which is applied self-levelling, provides an exceptionally even base. This contributes to a consistent sand infill across the entire playing area and a predictable ball bounce, which benefits playing quality. Want to know more about the options for indoor padel courts? We are happy to explain the options.

How I-Padel helps with laying artificial turf and sand infill

At I-Padel, we handle the entire process from foundation to handover, including laying the artificial turf and the sand infill. We work exclusively with certified materials that meet the standards of Kiwa ISA Sport, so you can be sure the court meets all professional requirements.

• We advise per location on the right type of artificial turf and the corresponding sand infill, tailored to use and surroundings.
• The sand is applied professionally and in layers with the right equipment, not estimated by hand.
• We document the infill at handover, so that future maintenance can be carried out easily and accurately.
• For outdoor courts we advise on the combination of foundation and artificial turf to prevent erosion of the sand bed.
• We offer the complete package: from groundwork and foundation to structure, glass, artificial turf and LED lighting, all from one source.

Would you like to know what a complete padel court costs, including artificial turf and sand infill? Take a look at our pricing information for indoor padel courts or get in touch for a no-obligation quote. We are happy to help you think about the best solution for your location.

Frequently asked questions