*This article by INSTALL executive director David Gross was originally featured in Floor Covering News.

INSTALLments: Laying the Groundwork — A Q&A on the Booming Synthetic Turf Market and the Skills Needed to Get In

The synthetic turf market is growing at an impressive rate, with some projections exceeding the $8 billion mark by 2033. With this expansion comes a new pathway for installers to learn a trade that’s in high demand and for seasoned pros to diversify with a new skill set. While some may enter the field without specialized education, newer turf materials are making it increasingly challenging to be successful without formal training.

To better understand synthetic turf opportunities, INSTALL training partner Bryan Humiston, co-owner of Play Safe Turf & Track in Ithaca, NY, offers some insights.

What is driving growth in the synthetic turf market?

Growth is being driven by increasing demand for low-maintenance, cost-effective, and water-efficient landscaping solutions, as well as rising interest in year-round sports. In the Northeast, for instance, outdoor sports fields and playgrounds are subject to seasonal changes and weather that make natural grass fields difficult and costly to maintain. Expanding populations in cities and suburbs are also limiting available recreational spaces, creating increased demand for durable community fields and playgrounds.

What should installers know about synthetic turf’s safety and sustainability?

Questions around safety and sustainability often involve older-style synthetic surfaces that rely on infill such as crumb rubber derived from recycled tires. Infill helps blades of synthetic grass stand upright and provides shock absorption; however, many of these older systems are largely unrecyclable. Newer products and systems now eliminate the need for infill and can be 100 percent recyclable. Some states, including New York, are phasing out infill turf in favor of non-infill alternatives, and additional turf recycling facilities are being developed to support this transition.

What impact do newer non-infill turf materials have on installers and their training?

Older infill turf systems can mask minor installation imperfections because the material settles between fibers, lifting and stabilizing them. In contrast, newer non-infill turf has no loose material to disguise errors. Fibers lie flat and tight, making any misalignment, gapping, or inconsistency in seam finish highly visible. As a result, installers must:

• • Cut seams more precisely
  • Match fiber direction carefully
  • Glue and tape with exacting alignment and pressure
  • Use special seam treatments or invisible seam techniques when necessary

Overall, non-infill turf systems require greater precision and a different installation approach to achieve a seamless, professional appearance that lasts beyond the first season.

What are the takeaways for installers considering synthetic turf training?

The synthetic turf market presents strong opportunities for flooring professionals looking to expand or diversify their skill set. However, modern turf materials require specialized knowledge for successful installation. Professional training provides both the technical expertise and hands-on experience needed to perform this work correctly, along with the credentials that help open doors to larger, higher-value projects. With turf owners investing significant resources into these systems, formal training is no longer optional — it is essential to long-term success in this growing segment.

Learn more: Flooring professionals can explore synthetic turf training opportunities in the Synthetic Turf Installation Training video.