There are few sights more beautiful to an athlete than a fresh playing field or a pristine track surface. Whether you’re an athletic director looking to enhance the look of your campus’s sports complex or oversee the update of a private or public park, choosing the right materials can make all the difference. Here, American Athletic Track and Turf will help you understand your options when it comes to court, field, and running track materials so you can make an informed decision.
Track Surfaces
The type of track surface you need depends on its intended uses. For facilities that host athletic competitions, you need material that enables top performance and holds up to wear and tear. The main running track surface materials are:
Natural Surfaces
Natural surfaces include cinder, clay, and grass. These surfaces are generally softer than most, offering a comfortable and cushioned running environment. This helps prevent injuries, which is ideal for training athletes. Natural surfaces are often inexpensive upfront cost but are harder and more expensive to maintain than other surface types, requiring consistent leveling, re-marking, and more.
All-Weather Surfaces
Made of asphalt combined with rubber or sand, all-weather surfaces provide a durable and dependable alternative. They help runners achieve increased speeds and hold up well against harsh conditions, making them great for particularly rainy or snowy areas. However, they are costly and begin to lose their resilience over time, which can lead to aches or injuries.
Synthetic Surfaces
The most popular track material today, synthetic surfaces are great for facilities that host athletic events. These surfaces bind rubber particles with latex, creating textured layers that offer great traction. This design allows runners to excel while offering great durability with low maintenance.
Field Surfaces
There are plenty of different uses for an athletic field. As with tracks, you’ll want to consider the intended uses for the field before making your decision. Is football or soccer the main event? You’ll need an option that lets athletes showcase their skills at the highest level. Some options are:
Natural Grass
Natural grass provides a classic look and feel that any athlete will appreciate. However, like grass tracks, they require regular maintenance to keep them up to the highest standards.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf fields provide a steady, predictable surface, making them easier for athletes to get used to. Because these surfaces don’t grow like grass does, they don’t need nearly as much upkeep, which can save you money over time.
Tennis Courts
If you’re adding or updating a tennis court, you’ll find a variety of enticing options. Some of the tennis court materials available are:
- Asphalt
- Concrete
- Clay
- Artificial clay
- Hybrid clay
- Grass
- Artificial grass
- Acrylic
- Carpet
- Wood
Each of these materials provides advantages and disadvantages, including faster play, bigger bounces, and more forgiving surfaces. In all situations, it’s best to talk to an expert to help you decide which is right for you.
Turn to American Athletic for Running Track Materials and More
With so many options, selecting the right court, field, or running track materials can be difficult. Because it’s such a key decision for the future of your sports complex, look to the experts at American Athletic to help. We have been in business since 1983, helping those in Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Orlando, Florida. Our awards and warranties make our team easy to trust, and we even do repairs and maintenance to keep your surfaces looking great.
If you use our SmartBuy Program, you can skip the traditional bidding process to get more control over your project and save time and money. We also work with FieldTurf A Tarkett Sports Company to provide some of the best materials in the industry. If you have any questions or are interested in any of our services, contact us today.
