Cooling Infill for Artificial Lawns in Perth: Costs & Results
Perth summers can make any outdoor surface uncomfortable, and artificial lawns are no exception especially on balconies, courtyards, and full-sun backyards where there’s less natural cooling. That’s why “cooling infill” has become a popular add-on when people are comparing artificial lawn Perth prices and trying to choose the best artificial lawn Perth option for pets and family use.
This guide explains what cooling infill is, when it works, what it costs (in practical terms), and how to decide if it’s worth adding to your fake lawn Perth setup.
What is “cooling infill” (and what does it actually do)?
“Infill” is the granular material brushed into artificial grass to support the fibres, improve feel underfoot, and help with performance. Standard infill is typically kiln-dried sand; pet systems sometimes add odour-focused minerals.
Cooling infill is designed to help lower surface temperature by using moisture to create an evaporative cooling effect. Some suppliers describe this as the infill absorbing moisture and releasing it as the surface heats, which can reduce the turf’s surface temperature compared to standard setups.
There are also branded cooling infill products that claim measurable reductions (for example, reductions “up to” a stated number of degrees and/or a percentage). Treat these as manufacturer claims and compare them against real-world conditions like sun exposure, wind, and how often the surface is re-wetted.
What cooling infill will not do
Cooling infill is not air-conditioning. It won’t make turf “cold” on a 38–40°C day. It works best when:
- the infill has some moisture available, and
- the area isn’t fully heat-soaked with no shade or airflow.
When cooling infill works best in Perth
Cooling infill tends to deliver the most noticeable benefit in these scenarios:
1) Full-sun family zones
If your artificial lawn is where kids or pets play in peak sun, cooling infill can help take the “sting” out of the surface especially if you can hose it briefly before use (a practical approach also recommended by turf installers for fast cooling).
2) Balconies and courtyards (high heat reflection)
Balcony installs often sit over concrete, which can reflect and store heat. If you’re installing artificial lawn Perth on a balcony and you actually use it daily (pets, mornings, evenings), cooling infill can be a worthwhile upgrade particularly when paired with shade or a light misting routine.
3) Pet areas
Cooling infill can be helpful in dog zones because pets feel heat closer to the ground. Note: for pet owners, cooling is only one part of comfort odour and hygiene routines still matter.
4) You already have shade or can add it
Shading (shade sail, pergola, plants) multiplies the impact of any cooling strategy. Even competitor guidance highlights shading as a core way to reduce turf heat.
Cooling infill vs other “cool turf” options
Cooling can come from multiple levers, and the best result is usually a combination:
- Turf selection: some products are engineered to run cooler than standard options (varies by brand and yarn technology).
- Infill choice: non-rubber, lighter-coloured infill is often recommended because rubber tends to absorb heat.
- Watering/misting: a quick hose-down can provide immediate short-term cooling.
- Shade: consistently one of the biggest real-world differences.
Cooling infill is best viewed as an upgrade not the only solution.
What it costs (and how it affects artificial lawn cost in Perth)
Because you’re targeting keywords like artificial lawn cost Perth and install artificial lawn Perth, here’s the simplest, honest way to frame cost without guesswork:
1) Artificial lawn Perth prices (context)
Market pricing varies widely based on turf quality, site prep, access, edging, and whether you’re doing supply-only or supply-and-install. As a Perth guide, one competitor states supply-and-install can range roughly $94–$120 per m² depending on product and quality.
Separately, an Australian supplier lists supply-only turf pricing starting from around $19.95 per m² (with other ranges above that).
Use these as “starting reference points,” not universal pricing.
2) Cooling infill (the add-on cost)
Cooling infill is typically a premium add-on compared to standard kiln-dried sand. For example, one supplier lists a branded cooling infill product at $32 (retail listing).
What matters for your total is:
- your lawn size (m²),
- the recommended application rate (kg per m²), and
- whether it’s installed during the initial build or retrofitted later.
A practical comparison: one Perth pricing guide notes infill can be applied at 15–20 kg per m² (they refer to silica sand in their installation breakdown).
Cooling infill products may have different rates, so the right approach is to price it by “coverage per bag” or “kg per m²” for your specific product.
3) When cooling infill is “worth it”
It’s usually worth it if:
- you actively use the lawn during hot periods (kids/pets),
- the lawn is in full sun, and
- you’re already investing in a quality base and install (because the base and drainage protect your total investment).
If the area is mostly decorative and rarely walked on in summer, shade and occasional hosing may be sufficient.
Decision checklist before you add cooling infill
- How much direct sun does the lawn get between 11am–3pm?
- Will kids/pets use it during hot periods?
- Can you add shade or at least do a quick hose-down before use?
- Are you using non-rubber infill options (generally preferred for heat)?
- Is your base and drainage built correctly (so you’re not solving heat while ignoring performance)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooling infill is an infill material designed to reduce surface temperature by using moisture and evaporative cooling. Performance depends on sun exposure, airflow, and whether the surface is re-wetted.
It can help reduce surface temperature, especially when paired with shade and a quick hose-down before use. It won’t make turf “cold,” but it can make it more comfortable.
It’s a premium add-on that scales with area and application rate. Some branded products are listed at a retail price (for example, $32), but the total depends on coverage per bag and your lawn size.
Yes, it can help reduce heat underfoot for pets. For pet zones, you should still prioritise drainage and cleaning routines for hygiene and odour control.
Often yes, many infill systems can be top-dressed and brushed in later. It’s usually simpler and more consistent if done during installation.
Shade plus a short hose-down is one of the quickest and most practical cooling methods, even without specialised infill.
