How to build an artificial turf football pitch

There are nine key stages in the construction of an artificial football pitch – it’s not just about the
playing surface (often referred to as ‘carpet’!). Football pitch construction stages include:

1. Design and planning

Designing the facility, obtaining planning permission, creating technical drawings and
specifications ready for construction.

2. Environmental considerations
This can include management of water run-off and drainage, mitigating the impact of the new
facility and considering overspill from floodlighting.

3. Health and safety

Creating a safe and thoroughly planned construction site that employs best practice and meets all
legislative requirements.

4. Earthworks
Properly prepared foundations are crucial to the performance of any football pitch.

5. Drainage
Appropriate drainage systems ensure that whatever the weather, the artificial football pitch
doesn’t become waterlogged.

6. Sub-base and base

Carefully chosen materials support the chosen artificial turf system and free drainage of the
pitch.

7. Shockpad
Depending on your artificial turf system, a shockpad may be employed to meet safety
requirements and enhance performance standards.

8. Artificial turf system

This is the part of the pitch you actually see – the artificial grass itself, often referred to as the
‘carpet’ on a football pitch, combined with sand and performance infill.

9. Ancillary equipment
This includes additional requirements for an approved football pitch, such as appropriate fencing,
floodlighting and goalposts – as well as project specific requirements such as team shelters,
pavilions and car parks.