The idea of Used Artificial Turf is relatively new to most folks and so there are often many “Frequently Asked Questions.” We understand that it may require a little more education and explanation, so we’ve put together the list below which we hope will answer any questions or concerns. Over the last 11 years we have removed over 100 turf fields, re-installed much of it and have 5,000 customers worldwide. We’ve sold new turf for just as long and are well versed in turf science, such as the yarn, backing, face weights, pad, fill and the sub-bases on which it should be installed.

Will my used turf have lines in it?
How old is the used turf?
How much does it weigh?
What sizes are available?
How does shipping work?

Will my used turf have lines in it?

As most used turf comes from athletic fields, such as high school or college football and soccer fields, it typically has lines in it. On a football field, the belly of the field has a white line every 15′, or 5 yards, so those rolls will either have a line down the center or along the edge. This depends entirely on how the field was installed. Different turf manufacturers install fields in their own way. A football field is 160′ wide, and we cut the field down the middle, from goal post to goal post. This means that there are typically about 48, 15′ x 80′ rolls that come out of the belly of a field. If the seams are on the white line, this means that every roll will have a single number on it. If the white lines are in the middle of the turf panel, every other roll will have a 2 digit number on it, while the other rolls will have no numbers on it. Again, this depends on the field. Each of those rolls will have hashmarks on them, as well. One set of 4 hashmarks at the end, up against the sideline, and another set about 27′ in from the edge. The lines can be painted Green. Click here for video on how to paint turf lines.

Many fields are multi-sport fields, meaning that they may also have soccer, lacrosse or field hockey lines on them as well. These fields may have endzone lettering or center logos with different colors. We typically separate these out in our yard and sell them at a discounted price.

The sidelines will often be all green, or there may be an area behind the endzones that are all green. We separate these out, as well, and sell those as well.

How old is the used turf?

The standard warranty on an athletic field has historically been 10 to 8 years. We will often pull up a field that is younger than that, if there was damage from a natural disaster or the field simply had sub base issues. Its important to remember that different areas of the field get more wear than others. “Where” on the field the turf comes from, is often more important than “When” it came from. The center of the field between the hashmarks is often worn thinner and the seams start to separate, which is why fields need to be replaced. This leaves the edges of the active playing area and these sidelines with considerable life left in them. Often, the fibers in these areas are just as thick as they were when it was new.

How much does it weigh?

Our used turf averages 1 lb per sq ft. Most turf fields have the crumb rubber or a combination of crumb rubber and sand in them. This “infill” can often weigh 3 – 9 lbs per square foot. This means a 15′ x 80′ roll can weigh 3,600 to 10,000 lbs. In our plant here in Georgia, we extract the infill as much as we can, leaving this turf at an average of 1 lb per sq ft. Moisture can also effect the weight. If fields are wet from rain or dew when they are removed, we dry them out in our plant here, unless otherwise specified. This is light enough to ship to you. Other nylon turfs, or turf without infill, typically weigh about .5 lb per sq ft.

What sizes are available?

Turf is typically manufactured in 15′ wide rolls, and we remove the fields accordingly. Fields will often have narrower rolls cut in around the edges, so we sometimes have rolls that are 7 to 12′ ft wide. We can cut the length to what you need but our minimum is 225 sq ft. Its easy to cut the turf with a box cutter, so if you need to cut it into an area in your yard, or around ibeams inside of a facility, its easy to do so.

How does shipping work?

These rolls are too large to go UPS or FedEx so we use a freight company to deliver the rolls. This means it will arrive in an enclosed tractor trailer or box truck, where the customer is required to unload the freight. A lift gate will not help to unload 15′ long rolls of turf. If you are a business with a dock, you can drive a forklift into the truck and drag the rolls out, or if its going to an open parking lot, you will need to drag them out with tow straps. For smaller rolls, you can pull them out by hand with enough manpower. The turf will come rolled up on a 4″ diameter cardboard core wrapped in plastic.

As unloading the used turf can be a bit of a process, especially for larger orders, the freight company will call to schedule an advance appointment delivery so that you can be ready to unload. Freight companys typically load their trucks in the morning and you will be somewhere along their daily route. They will call to schedule a window of time, for example, Thursday between 2pm and 4pm. More remote zip codes may only be serviced 1 or 2 days a week, while more urban areas are more frequently serviced, possible every business day. They do not deliver on weekends. It is also possible for you to pick it up at the terminal nearest you, if you need the turf faster.

You are also more than welcome to come pick it up at our warehouse in Dripping Springs, TX or line up your own freight company. Trucks leave here everyday so we should be able to load you fairly quickly, but we do request that you give us a heads up that you are on the way. If you are bringing a Uhaul or Penske truck, remember that the measurements those companies use, include the cab overhead of the driver. You cannot fit a 15′ long roll of turf in a “17 foot Uhaul” because the floor is only about 12 feet long. You will need a 26′ Uhaul.

Feel free to call us with anymore questions about the product or installation. 888.369.8873.