Wrinkles, ripples, and creases in artificial turf are common issues—especially during hot weather or when turf is not installed under proper tension. While turf wrinkles may look serious, they are usually repairable if handled correctly and early.
In this complete guide, you will learn:
- Why artificial turf wrinkles happen
- How to fix turf wrinkles step-by-step
- How to prevent wrinkles during installation and long-term use
This guide applies to landscaping turf, garden turf, and many sports turf applications.
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Artificial Turf Wrinkles: Quick Fix Summary
Artificial turf wrinkles are usually caused by heat expansion, insufficient stretching, weak perimeter fixing, or inadequate infill ballast. To fix wrinkles, warm the turf (1–2 hours), remove infill in the area, release fasteners, stretch the turf flat, re-secure edges (150–300 mm spacing), then re-apply and brush in infill evenly. To prevent wrinkles, build a stable sub-base (95–98% compaction), allow turf to acclimatise (2–24 hours), stretch during installation, and apply the correct infill weight (often around 5 kg/m² depending on turf type).
Why Does Artificial Turf Wrinkle?
Artificial turf wrinkles typically happen because the turf system is not fully stabilised. The most common causes include:
1) Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Artificial turf backing expands slightly under high temperatures and contracts as it cools. This natural movement may create ripples if the turf is not secured and ballasted properly.
Key point: thermal movement is normal, but wrinkles are preventable with correct installation.
2) Insufficient Stretching During Installation
Turf must be installed under tension (similar to carpet). If installers skip stretching or rush fastening, wrinkles may appear immediately or develop later.
3) Inadequate Infill (Ballast)
Infill provides ballast, meaning it adds weight and stability to help keep the turf flat and secure.
A correct infill system helps:
- Weigh down the turf backing
- Reduce shifting and movement
- Support fibres and improve resilience
- Reduce wrinkle risk in hot weather
4) Weak Perimeter Fixing
Edges are the most vulnerable part of an installation. If perimeter fastening is too loose, the turf can move over time, causing ripples and creases.
5) Uneven Sub-base or Weed Membrane Problems
Artificial turf backing “memorises” the surface underneath. If the base has ridges, soft spots, or uneven compaction, the turf may form visible waves.
Also, if the weed membrane underneath is folded or bunched, those lines may show through the turf.
6) Packaging and Storage Creases (Before Installation)
Turf is delivered in rolls. Minor ripples after unrolling are normal and usually disappear after the turf relaxes in sunlight.
How to Fix Wrinkles in Artificial Turf (Step-by-Step)
Most wrinkles can be corrected using heat + stretching + re-securing + infill.
Step 1: Warm the Turf Backing
Lay the turf in direct sunlight for 1–2 hours. This softens the backing and allows the turf to relax, making stretching more effective.
Step 2: Remove Infill in the Wrinkled Area
If turf has already been infilled, remove infill from the wrinkled zone first. This is important because:
- You need access to nails/staples/U-pins
- Stretching works best when the turf is free to move
- Uneven ballast can make wrinkles worse
Step 3: Release Fasteners Carefully
Remove perimeter nails/staples/U-pins around the wrinkled area.
Important caution: If turf has been installed for a long period, fasteners may bond to the base due to moisture and oxidation. Pulling too aggressively can damage the backing fibres and create surface “divots”.
Step 4: Stretch Turf Tight Using a Carpet Kicker / Turf Stretcher
This is the most effective method:
- Anchor one side firmly
- Stretch the turf towards the wrinkle
- Work gradually until the surface becomes flat and taut
Step 5: Re-secure the Turf Properly
Re-secure the perimeter and key fixing points:
- Perimeter fasteners spacing: 150–300 mm
- Increase fastening density in high-traffic zones and corners
Wrinkles often return when the turf is only fixed loosely at the edges.
Step 6: Re-apply Infill and Brush In
After the turf lies flat:
- Apply infill evenly
- Brush infill into the turf with a stiff broom or power brush
- Ensure consistent distribution across the surface
General reference: many turf systems use around 5 kg/m² of infill, but the correct quantity depends on turf type, pile height, and intended use.
Step 7 (If Needed): Cut and Re-seam the Wrinkled Area
If the wrinkle is severe or the backing has permanently deformed, a professional solution may be required:
- Cut the wrinkled section
- Stretch flat
- Re-seam using seam tape + adhesive
- Re-apply infill and brush
This should be done carefully to maintain seam strength and surface appearance.
Can Turf Wrinkles Become Permanent?
Yes. Artificial turf backing can “memorise” shapes. If wrinkles remain exposed to strong sunlight for long periods, creases may become difficult—or impossible—to remove.
Recommendation: fix wrinkles as early as possible.
How to Prevent Wrinkles in Artificial Turf (Best Practices)
Prevention is easier and cheaper than repair. Follow these proven installation practices:
1) Let Turf Acclimatise Before Cutting
Unroll turf and let it rest flat:
- Minimum: 2 hours
- Best practice: 24 hours
This helps the backing relax and reduces packaging creases.
2) Build a Stable, Non-Moving Sub-base
A shifting base is a major long-term cause of wrinkles. Best practices include:
- Excavate and remove organic soil
- Install a non-expansive base material
- Compact in layers
Recommended compaction: 95–98%
3) Keep Weed Membrane Flat and Fully Secured
Folded membrane can cause visible lines. To avoid this:
- Fix along edges
- Use U-pins in the middle
- Avoid overlaps that create ridges
4) Stretch Turf Properly During Installation
Use a carpet kicker or turf stretcher. Turf should be tight and flat before final fastening.
5) Secure the Perimeter Strongly
Perimeter fixing prevents movement and controls thermal expansion effects.
Recommended fastening spacing: around 150 mm for a high-quality finish.
6) Use Correct Infill Type and Amount
Infill should be:
- Dọn dẹp
- Consistent particle size
- Evenly applied and brushed into the backing
Avoid low-quality infill materials such as beach sand, dirty silica, cement sand, or coal slag.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
- Wrinkles appear right after installation: likely turf not acclimatised / not stretched enough → warm + stretch + re-secure.
- Wrinkles appear mostly in hot afternoons: likely thermal expansion + insufficient ballast → improve infill + strengthen perimeter fixing.
- Wrinkles near edges: likely weak perimeter fixing → release edge + stretch + re-fasten.
- Wrinkles in the middle of large areas: likely insufficient infill or lack of internal stabilisation → stretch + add infill + add additional fixing points if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Why is my artificial turf wrinkling?
Wrinkles are usually caused by thermal expansion, insufficient stretching during installation, inadequate infill ballast, or weak perimeter fixing. An uneven sub-base can also contribute.
2) Are wrinkles in artificial turf normal?
Minor ripples after unrolling are normal. However, persistent wrinkles after installation usually indicate the turf is not properly stabilised.
3) Can wrinkles disappear on their own?
Small ripples may reduce after warming in sunlight, but most wrinkles caused by installation issues will not disappear without correction.
4) How do I remove wrinkles from artificial turf?
Warm the turf for 1–2 hours, remove infill in the area, release fasteners, stretch using a carpet kicker, re-secure the turf, then re-apply infill and brush in.
5) Should I remove infill before stretching?
Yes. Removing infill helps you access fixings and ensures stretching is effective and even.
6) Can turf wrinkles become permanent?
Yes. If left in hot sunlight for long periods, the backing can memorise the crease, making it difficult to remove. Fix wrinkles early for best results.
7) How much infill is recommended to prevent wrinkles?
Many installations use around 5 kg/m² of infill, but the correct amount depends on turf specifications, pile height, and intended use.
8) Do wrinkles mean the turf is poor quality?
Not always. Most wrinkles are caused by installation, base preparation, or insufficient infill rather than turf manufacturing quality.
9) Why do wrinkles appear more in summer?
High temperatures increase backing expansion. If the turf is not secured and ballasted correctly, expansion and contraction can cause ripples.
10) My turf was flat before—why are wrinkles appearing now?
Over time, wrinkles can appear due to base settlement, perimeter loosening, infill loss or uneven infill, and heavy traffic shifting the turf.
About Arturf
Arturf is a professional artificial turf manufacturer in China, supplying high-quality sports turf, landscaping turf, and turf accessories worldwide. If you need product recommendations, installation guidance, or a full turf solution package, please contact our team.