Shock pad thickness is one of the most critical parameters determining the cushioning performance of non-infill artificial turf. If the pad is too thin, it provides insufficient shock absorption and may cause discomfort or injury upon impact. If it’s too thick, it may affect surface evenness, increase load pressure on the sub-base, and drive up costs unnecessarily. Many users mistakenly assume that “thicker is better,” without considering actual scene requirements and ground conditions. This article explains how to select the proper shock pad thickness based on three core dimensions — scene function, usage intensity, and base condition — while referencing industry standards and VivaTurf’s real-world non-infill turf projects, to help you make the most efficient and safe choice.
1. Determine Thickness by Application Scenario: Functional Needs Define the Baseline
Different application scenarios — from children’s playgrounds to sports fields and landscaping — have distinct cushioning demands, which directly determine the recommended shock pad range.
(1) Children’s Activity Areas: 8–15mm — Safety First
Children’s spaces such as kindergartens, playgrounds, and parent–child farms prioritize fall protection and injury prevention. Thicker pads are necessary to absorb impact energy and reduce the risk of bumps and bruises.
Low-intensity zones (e.g., play corners, crawl areas): 8–10mm pads with 20–25mm turf height deliver 55–60% shock absorption.
High-intensity zones (e.g., slides, trampolines): 12–15mm pads with 25–30mm turf height provide up to 68% shock absorption, compliant with GB/T 39223-2020 safety standards.
VivaTurf Case Study: A Beijing kindergarten used VivaTurf’s 25mm non-infill turf with a 15mm XLPE closed-cell foam pad under slides. Third-party tests showed 66% shock absorption and zero serious child injury incidents after one year of use.
(2) Sports Fields: 5–12mm — Balancing Cushioning and Athletic Performance
Sports applications such as football, basketball, and tennis require a balance between shock absorption and stability. Overly thick pads make the field too soft, affecting ball roll and foot traction, while thin pads provide inadequate protection.
Light-use courts (community basketball, gateball): 5–8mm pads with 30–35mm turf height provide joint relief without affecting ball rebound.
Medium-use pitches (amateur football, tennis): 8–10mm pads with 35–40mm turf height ensure ≤5% deviation from natural turf ball bounce.
Professional training bases: 10–12mm pads with 40–45mm turf height achieve 52–58% shock absorption, minimizing joint stress during long sessions.
According to FIFA Basic Certification, non-infill football systems require pads within 8–12mm to balance cushioning and playability.
(3) Landscaping & Leisure: 3–8mm — Lightweight and Aesthetic
For leisure settings (gardens, rooftops, courtyards), cushioning needs are low. The goal is comfort and light load, not heavy shock absorption.
Low-traffic areas (rooftop greens, display spaces): 3–5mm pads with 15–20mm turf height maintain comfort while minimizing load (3mm pad ≈ 1.5kg/m²).
Moderate-traffic zones (home gardens, community paths): 5–8mm pads with 20–25mm turf height provide a comfortable walking feel.
Avoid over-thickening: Pads ≥10mm increase costs by 20–30% and may cause turf edge lift, affecting aesthetics.
2. Adjust Thickness by Usage Intensity: More Traffic, More Cushioning
Even within the same type of application, daily usage frequency affects pad choice — heavier use demands thicker, more durable pads to prevent early compression.
Low use (≤2 hrs/day): reduce thickness by 10–20%.
Medium use (3–5 hrs/day): use standard thickness.
High use (≥6 hrs/day): increase thickness by 10–30%.
VivaTurf Case Study: A Shenzhen commercial football field (8 hrs/day) used 35mm non-infill turf with a 12mm polypropylene bead pad (20% thicker than standard). After one year, compression deformation was just 8%, well below the 15% industry limit.
3. Adapt Thickness to Base Conditions: Hard Bases Need Thicker Pads
The hardness and elasticity of the foundation directly impact the turf system’s cushioning effect.
Hard bases (concrete, asphalt): increase thickness by 10–25% to offset low elasticity.
Soft bases (soil, gravel): decrease by 10–15% since the foundation already provides some cushioning.
Ensure hard bases have ≤3mm/2m flatness deviation, and soft bases are well-drained to prevent water damage and uneven settling.
VivaTurf Non-Infill Turf: Tailored Cushioning Solutions for Every Scenario
VivaTurf offers customized “turf + pad” pairing solutions based on site assessment, ensuring optimal performance, cost-efficiency, and comfort.
Kindergarten slides: 15mm XLPE pad + 25mm turf
Community football fields: 10mm PP pad + 35mm turf
Rooftop gardens: 3mm XPE pad + 18mm turf
All VivaTurf shock pads are produced using high-precision foaming or compression molding, guaranteeing ≤0.5mm thickness deviation and ≤10% deformation over two years. After installation, VivaTurf performs professional shock absorption testing to verify performance consistency across the field.
By 2025, VivaTurf has delivered customized shock pad solutions nationwide — from 15mm children’s zones to 3mm rooftop gardens — all meeting exact safety and comfort requirements. With VivaTurf’s expert system design, you’ll never have to guess whether the pad is “too thick or too thin” again.