Sof Step 200 Artificial Grass Turf Roll
Wait for manufacturer to disclose waterproofing chemistry.
This artificial grass likely has water-resistant backing but SIS Pitches won't explain what waterproofing agents they use. Coating specifics remain unknown.
The better-graded swap
Realgrass
RealGrass Classic 5 ft. x 10 ft. Artificial Grass //sq. ft.
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyethylene backing with synthetic turf face, likely water-repellent coating-treated
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Conventional water-repellent coating finishes on polyethylene-backed artificial turf often contain fluorinated compounds. SIS Pitches has not disclosed whether Sof Step 200 uses PFAS or PFAS-free alternatives, making this a material unknown with moderate probability given standard industry practice at mid-market price points.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from turf fibers
Synthetic polyolefin turf fibers naturally shed microplastics during use, especially in high-traffic zones or with aggressive brushing. This is common to all artificial turf products and not specific to Sof Step 200, but notable for installations near water bodies or where stormwater runoff is a concern.
UV degradation and coating breakdown
Polyethylene backing and water-repellent coating coatings degrade under prolonged UV exposure and temperature cycling. After 5-10 years of outdoor use, loss of water repellency and backing brittleness are expected; accelerated breakdown increases fiber shedding and potential exposure to underlying coating residues.
What’s reassuring
Leaching from backing adhesive or laminate
No recalls or published contamination reports for this specific product. Polyethylene backing itself is chemically stable, but adhesives between backing and turf face are not detailed; any leaching risk would be minimal under normal outdoor weathering.
Heavy metals
No published test results or recalls indicating lead, cadmium, or antimony in Sof Step 200 turf face. Reputable manufacturers have phased out heavy-metal dyes, but without third-party certification from SIS Pitches, this remains unverified for this product.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Sof Step 200 consists of a polyethylene (PE) backing layer bonded to synthetic turf fibers, typically polypropylene or polyethylene. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish is the critical unknown, conventional water-repellent coating coatings on artificial turf historically use fluorinated compounds (PFAS-class chemicals) to achieve water and stain resistance. The backing itself is stable PE, which does not leach under normal outdoor conditions, but the coating composition directly determines whether the product poses PFAS exposure risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
SIS Pitches is a UK-based sports pitch installer with no publicly available safety disclosures regarding PFAS content, heavy metals, or third-party certifications for their turf products. No major product recalls or contamination incidents are on record. The manufacturer has not communicated whether their water-repellent coating treatment uses PFAS-free alternatives or conventional fluorinated chemistry, which is a significant transparency gap for a product marketed for residential and commercial use.
How it compares in its category
Artificial turf products are increasingly available with certified PFAS-free backings and water repellents, though these command price premiums. Standard PE-backed turf (like Sof Step 200) sits in the middle of the market and typically uses cost-effective water-repellent coating treatments that may contain legacy PFAS. Premium brands now market fluorine-free options and provide third-party testing certificates; Sof Step 200 lacks this transparency advantage.
If you buy it
Contact SIS Pitches directly to request documentation of water-repellent coating chemistry and whether PFAS-free treatment was used. Installation on well-draining soil or gravel reduces water pooling and any potential leachate contact. Avoid using in areas with high foot traffic on children's play zones unless PFAS-free certification is confirmed. Regular brushing and rinse-cleaning with plain water maintains the turf without accelerating coating degradation; avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers that may compromise the backing seal.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Artificial Turf
AstroTurf
SeeGreen 5 ft. W X 7 ft. L Green Polypropylene Astroturf
Polypropylene (PP) astroturf
VOC off-gassing from polyurethane or latex adhesive
Limited concern
Polypropylene UV degradation and microplastic shedding
High concern
Backing adhesive failure and fiber separation
Moderate concern
Infill contamination (if rubber granules used)
Limited concern
Lower concern; polypropylene rarely requires PFAS, but no brand disclosure on treatments.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
LITA
ECO Ultra Thick Cut to Length
Synthetic turf fibers (polyethylene/polypropylene backing)
PFAS
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from fibers
Moderate concern
Leaching from backing polymers or adhesives
Limited concern
Infill contamination (if sand or crumb used)
Limited concern
Wait for brand to disclose turf composition; synthetic turf historically may use PFAS.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Multi Sport Turf
synthetic turf (polyethylene/polypropylene fibers, infill material unspecified)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Undisclosed infill composition and leachates
Moderate concern
Fiber degradation and microplastic generation
Limited concern
Volatile organic compound off-gassing during installation
Limited concern
Insufficient brand disclosure.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
More artificial turf grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.