Padel court turf is the contact surface that defines how the court plays — speed, bounce, slide, and how quickly it tires the legs. Two specifications dominate the market: monofilament fibres and fibrillated fibres, each laid over a sand infill that supports the fibres and weights the surface.
Monofilament
Monofilament turf uses individual round fibres, similar to the strands in modern football turf. It plays slightly faster, drains well, and tends to give a more consistent bounce as it wears. It's the more common modern choice for new high-quality courts.
Fibrillated
Fibrillated turf uses a sheet that is split into multiple flat fibres. It typically plays slightly slower with more grip, which some players prefer for longer rallies. It can wear less evenly and may need infill top-ups more frequently.
The infill matters more than people think
Whatever the fibre choice, the sand infill underneath is what supports the fibres upright and gives the surface its weight and bounce characteristics. Under-infilled or poorly-distributed infill is the single most common reason a court "doesn't play right" within a year of opening. A regular brushing schedule and infill top-up regime extends surface life materially.