Astro Turf Pitch

"Astro turf pitch" is still the way most people describe a synthetic sports surface, whatever the generation or governing body certification. At Synthetic Turf Management (STM), we design, install, resurface and maintain them across the UK - for football clubs and schools, rugby and hockey facilities, and multi-sport venues that need a reliable surface 52 weeks of the year.

This page covers the main types of synthetic pitch, which surface suits which sport, and how to work out what you actually need before getting in touch.

Types of astro turf pitch

Not all synthetic surfaces are the same product. The right choice depends primarily on which sports the pitch needs to serve and how many hours per week it will be used.

2G pitches

Second generation (2G) surfaces use a short pile, typically 13 to 24mm with either a sand fill or a light sand dressing. The shorter pile and denser surface makes them well-suited to hockey, tennis and recreational multi-sport use rather than football or rugby, where the longer pile of a 3G pitch gives better ball and player performance. 2G surfaces are often installed with a shockpad where BS EN or FIH standards need to be met.

3G pitches

Third generation (3G) surfaces are the standard for football and rugby. A 3G pitch uses a long pile, 40 to 65mm depending on the sport, with a blend of sand and rubber crumb infill laid over a shockpad. This combination gives the surface its natural-grass-like feel underfoot and the shock absorption that governing bodies test for.

3G is the only generation currently accredited by FIFA and World Rugby for affiliated match play, which is why it's the most common pitch type we install for clubs, schools and community facilities. A 3G pitch built to FIFA Quality standard can be listed on the FA's 3G Pitch Register, making it eligible to host affiliated league and cup matches. Read our complete guide to what a 3G pitch is and how it's built for more detail.

Hybrid pitches

A hybrid pitch is not a fully synthetic surface. It combines 95% natural grass with 5% synthetic fibres stitched or injected through it to reinforce the surface and extend playing hours. Hybrid is the technology used at Premier League stadiums and many top-flight rugby and football venues, it provides the look and feel of natural grass with greater durability under heavy use. For most clubs, schools and community facilities, a 3G synthetic surface is more practical than hybrid, but hybrid is the right answer where a natural playing surface is required alongside better performance than pure grass.

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Which astro turf pitch is right for your sport?

Why choose STM for your astro turf pitch?

We've been installing and maintaining synthetic sports surfaces for over 20 years, working with venues ranging from primary schools and grassroots clubs to Wembley Stadium and Twickenham. Our surfaces are manufactured by TigerTurf, a British manufacturer, and backed by a standard guarantee of 8 years from installation.

As a Constructionline Gold and CHAS-accredited contractor, and a member of SAPCA (the Sports and Play Construction Association), every pitch we install meets the independent safety, construction and environmental standards that governing bodies and local authorities expect.

For club and school projects, we also offer a free Pitchbuilder tool to help you plan layout, markings and fencing before committing to a consultation.

Astro turf pitch services

Whether you need a new pitch built from the ground up or an existing surface brought back to standard, we offer:

Construction: Full design and build from site survey to certification, including sub-base, shockpad, carpet installation, infill and line markings.

Resurfacing: Uplift and removal of the old surface, sub-base inspection and repair, and full replacement of the carpet and infill. We resurface 3G pitches, football, hockey and tennis surfaces.

Maintenance: Regular drag brushing, infill top-ups, moss and algae treatment, and annual performance testing to keep your pitch on the FA's 3G Pitch Register and within governing body standards.

MUGAs: Multi-use games areas on synthetic turf, macadam or polymeric surfacing, with fencing and floodlighting where needed.

FAQs

What's the difference between astro turf and a 3G pitch? "Astro turf" is a generic term for any synthetic grass surface. A 3G pitch is a specific type of synthetic surface using long pile (40-65mm) and dual sand and rubber infill, and it's the only type accredited by FIFA and World Rugby for competitive football and rugby.

How long does an astro turf pitch last? A well-built, regularly maintained 3G pitch typically lasts 8-10 years. Some surfaces go well beyond that at lower usage levels. The manufacturer's guarantee is usually 8 years from installation, subject to appropriate maintenance being carried out.

How much does an astro turf pitch cost? Cost varies significantly based on size, sport, specification and certification level. A community 3G football pitch typically runs from the low hundreds of thousands upward. Smaller 5-a-side pitches and MUGAs are priced per square metre. A free site survey gives you the most accurate figure for your project.

Can any astro turf pitch be used for affiliated football matches? Only pitches listed on the FA's 3G Pitch Register. To get on the Register, the pitch needs to be built and tested to FIFA Quality standard by an accredited installer. Not all synthetic pitches meet this standard automatically.

Do you need planning permission for an astro turf pitch? Usually yes for a full-size pitch, and almost always for any associated floodlighting. Planning requirements vary by location — we advise discussing this with your local planning authority early in the process.

Can you resurface an existing astro turf pitch rather than replacing it completely? In many cases, yes. If the sub-base and shockpad are sound, a carpet-only replacement can be more cost-effective than a full rebuild. Our resurfacing guide covers when each option makes sense.

Get a free site survey and quote

Every project starts with understanding what you need the pitch to do. Get in touch and we'll arrange a free site visit, walk you through the right surface and specification for your sport and budget, and provide a detailed quote.

 01642 713 555 | ️ info@stmworld.co.uk | Get a quote

Want to plan your pitch before you call? Try the Pitchbuilder tool