Synthetic turf softfall
Synthetic turf over a shock-absorbing pad is one of the most popular playground surfaces we install — and it's easy to see why. It gives a soft, natural-looking green surface that stays usable in every season, doesn't compact or displace like loose-fill, and holds up to relentless daily use without turning to mud or dust.
Turf-and-pad systems must be tested together to AS 4422 and achieve an acceptable Head Injury Criterion (HIC) at the equipment's critical fall height — not every turf product qualifies on its own. We only specify systems that pass as a certified, matched assembly, so you get a surface that looks great and performs to standard from day one.
Synthetic Turf benefits
All-weather & durable
No mud, puddles or bare patches — a fully synthetic surface that looks and plays the same in every season and won't wear into patches.
Free-draining
Water drains straight through the turf, shock pad and base, so the surface is usable again quickly after rain.
Fully accessible
A firm, level surface that prams, walking frames and wheelchairs cross easily — unlike loose-fill or worn grass.
Certified & low-maintenance
A tested turf-and-pad system that meets AS 4422 at your fall height, needing only an occasional brush and rinse.
What synthetic turf is made of
Synthetic turf softfall is a layered system. Premium synthetic grass sits over an impact-absorbing shock pad, both laid on a compacted crushed-rock base. The pad cushions falls while the whole build-up drains freely, so the surface stays usable after rain. The shock pad is matched to your equipment's critical fall height so the surface meets AS 4422. In some cases the turf is infilled with sand to keep the blades standing upright.
How synthetic turf is installed
Artificial grass needs a more involved installation than loose-fill surfaces. A typical install runs:
- Excavate the area (often 100mm).
- Build and compact a stable base layer.
- Install shock pads where the area needs certified fall protection.
- Lay and join the turf with adhesives.
- Add sand infill (depending on the turf type).
This gives a flat, stable surface. It uses more material and effort upfront, and infilled turf needs the sand topped up periodically — but day-to-day maintenance in between is minimal.
Types of synthetic turf
Not all artificial grass is the same — we'll match the right type to how the space is used. It shines in high-traffic zones around equipment where natural grass turns to mud, as all-weather play or landscape surfaces, and in multi-use and sports areas where you want a consistent green look year-round with very little upkeep.
Play & landscape turf
A softer, garden-like grass laid over a shock pad for compliant playground softfall — our most common playground choice.
Sports & multi-use turf
A denser, harder-wearing grass for multi-use games areas and ball sports. Infilled types use sand for stability and need occasional top-ups.
Custom colours & designs
Turf can be supplied in different colours and cut into shapes, markings or themes to suit a playground's look.
Buy our synthetic turf on its own
Prefer to install it yourself? We also supply our turf by the roll — the same premium grass we lay on our own projects. A soft-touch pile that looks and feels natural, ready to roll out on a prepared base.
- Pile height40mm
- FeelSoft-touch premium
- Roll width2.5m wide
Synthetic Turf FAQs
What is synthetic turf?
A fully synthetic grass surface designed for durability and year-round use. For playgrounds it's laid over a shock-absorbing pad so the system cushions falls and meets AS 4422.
Is synthetic turf good for playgrounds?
Yes — laid as a tested turf-and-pad system it's soft, accessible and all-weather. It's especially good for high-traffic zones around equipment where natural grass wears into mud.
Can any synthetic turf be used under playground equipment?
No — not all turf qualifies. It must be tested together with its shock-absorbing pad as a matched system and achieve a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) of 1000 or less at the required critical fall height under AS 4422. We only specify certified turf-and-pad systems.
Does it drain after rain?
Yes — water drains through the turf, the shock pad and the compacted crushed-rock base, so the surface is usable again quickly after rain.
How much maintenance does it need?
Very little — occasional brushing and rinsing to keep it looking its best. Infilled sports turf needs periodic sand top-ups; playground turf-and-pad systems generally don't.
Does it get hot in summer?
Synthetic turf can run warmer than natural grass in direct sun. We can advise on lighter colourways and shade placement to help manage surface temperature for your site.
How long does synthetic turf softfall last?
Typically 10–15 years, depending on traffic and UV exposure. Impact performance is checked as part of an annual playground inspection to confirm the system still meets AS 4422 at depth.
Is synthetic turf more expensive than mulch or sand?
It costs more upfront than loose-fill, but needs very little ongoing maintenance — no topping up, raking or replacement every few years — so the total cost over the surface's life is often comparable or better.
Other surfacing options
Get synthetic turf specified for your project
Fixed-price quotes, matched to your equipment's fall height and certified to AS 4422 — supplied and installed Australia-wide.