Beacon BallieldDimensionsGuide-2024-WEB - Flipbook - Page 25
There are several options for flooring and the cost of maintenance requirements
vary. Below is a list of options and recommendations.
◾ Artificial turf over concrete or asphalt. The highest-cost option with low
maintenance requirements It requires professional installation of both the
concrete and turf to ensure proper glue-down. Always use hitting mats at
◾ Natural grass. Not recommended due to constant mowing and trimming,
which increases the risk of damage to netting. Grass wears way too quickly.
◾ Infield mix/clay. Not recommended due to intense maintenance and
slow recovery after rain.
◾ Crushed aggregate. A low-cost option that requires regular maintenance
the plate to prevent the permanent turf from wearing prematurely at the
batter’s boxes.
Padded backings on artificial turf are a considerable cost without providing
significant benefit in terms of durability. They also absorb and hold water in
outdoor applications and can negatively impact the life of the turf. Consider
(raking/leveling). Use crushed stone fines (3/16" minus) for best results.
instead a better quality (higher density) turf product with a greater face
Installing fortification (Jox Box, Porous Rubber BB Mats, etc.) in batters’ area
weight to achieve the best cushioned feel. This turf will last longer and dry
is highly recommended for best footing. This surface will scuff up practice
out more easily.
balls due to abrasiveness.
◾ Artificial turf over aggregate base. A medium-cost option. This surface
FACILITY AMENITIES
■ Batting cage flooring
If an infilled turf is used (filled with crumb rubber, sand, or some other filler
product), create a containment curb around the perimeter of your turf
requires a perimeter nailer board to be installed at ground level to anchor the
installation. This will reduce any migration of the infill. If the material piles
turf. To prevent movement of the aggregate base, it is highly recommended
along the edge, redistribute it around the floor of the cage and broom it
that a solid fortification be installed underneath the turf in the batters' area.
back in to the fibers. The infill will help the fibers stand upright and will slow
This will prevent low areas from developing. Always use a hitting mat on top
the fiber's wear.
of the permanent turf in order to extend the life of the turf around the plate.
◾ Bare concrete or asphalt. A high-cost option but low-cost maintenance.
Ricochet off the hard surface means players must use extreme caution.
■ When to use ground sleeves
Consider using ground sleeves for your poles when:
The abrasive surface will quickly scuff up practice balls.
◾ The project schedule requires quick sub-grade work or concrete to be
poured before support poles can arrive.
◾ The cage is set in a temporary location and you will be moving the cages in
subsequent years.
◾ The cage is located near parking lots or driveways where poles might be
damaged by backing vehicles.
◾ Seasonal removal of netting is not an option. Ice and snow may accumulate
on the netting and places the support poles in danger of bending.
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