If you’ve decided to snap in Mud Control Grids, congrats—that’s the smart part. The next question is always: what do I put into the cells? The right infill makes a huge difference in usability, appearance, and maintenance. We get asked this all the time, so here’s a plain-spoken guide to help you pick the best option for your spot.
Sand: instant drainage, firmer footing
Sand drains quickly and gives a relatively firm walking surface right away. That makes it a favorite where drainage is the main problem—think gate entries, wheelbarrow routes, and areas that need to shed water fast after a storm. If you want a stable surface immediately and aren’t trying to regrow grass, sand is an efficient choice. It’s also low-maintenance compared with loose gravel, which can shift.
Topsoil: the green choice for turf-friendly zones
Want the look of a lawn but hate the mud? Topsoil (or a good sandy loam) lets grass re-establish through the lattice, so, over time, your grid blends in visually while protecting the roots from compaction. This is the option we recommend for play pads, pet runs, and backyard zones where you want a natural turf finish. Expect a little patience: grass will weave through the cells over weeks and months, not overnight.
Engineered Wood Fiber: playground-grade cushioning
If the area sees kids or playground equipment, or you want a softer surface under swings and slides, engineered wood fiber is a smart infill. It provides a shock-absorbing finish that reads like traditional playground surfacing but stays stable because the grid keeps the fiber from migrating. It’s a good middle ground when safety surfacing matters but you still want permeability and natural drainage.
When to leave cells open (let grass do the work)
In some spots, the best move is no infill at all. If the soil and seed conditions are right, leaving the lattice open allows turf to regrow naturally into the grid. That’s the most natural aesthetic and the lowest material cost—but it assumes you’re willing to let grass establish rather than expecting immediate, finished footing.
Matching infill to real use cases (quick guide):
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Daily heavy foot traffic (gates, trash runs): sand or engineered wood fiber
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Horse paddocks / equipment access: paddock slabs or a combo—slabs at stress points and grids with robust fill in surrounding runs
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Family play zones / backyard blend: topsoil for turf regrowth or wood fiber for cushioned play
A couple of practical notes from our installs
We design the system to be low-prep. The grids interlock and sit on the existing grade, so you usually don’t need excavation or a gravel base. That simplicity is why customers find them so fast to install and effective year-round. And because our grids are made from recycled plastic and engineered to last, the infill you choose becomes a long-term surface solution rather than a seasonal band-aid.
Still not sure? Think about function first.
Ask yourself: “Who uses this space, how often, and what do I want it to feel like?” Match the infill to that answer. Want immediate firm footing for equipment? Sand. Want a natural lawn that recovers? Topsoil. Need kid-safe cushioning? Engineered wood fiber. Pair that decision with our grid calculator and you’ll have a fast, cost-effective plan.
