Most synthetic turf carpets are finished with either latex or polyurethane (PU) to anchor the yarn fibres, add stability, durability and functionality to the turf carpet. Historically, carpet producers in the US have predominantly used PU, while those in Europe favoured latex. The main reason for this difference is the different ways in which synthetic turf is produced on either side of the ocean. In the US an industry has evolved around just the finishing of carpet products with companies providing only this specific service, while in Europe, this is mainly done by the carpet producer themselves. Either finish has its advantages and disadvantages. Latex requires more raw materials than PU. It is a water-based finish, and, as such, demands volumes of water and, more importantly, significant energy input to dry the final product. A latex coating line can easily be between 50 and 100m in length to ensure proper application and drying. This has its impact on the building required to install the unit. The ovens require a constant temperature of 240 degrees Celsius. Wastewater retrieved from the production requires cleaning before it can be discharged, while the disposal of excess latex can only be done through a specialised disposal company. Latex also requires antimicrobial and anti-fungal additives to prevent the build-up of unhealthy microorganisms in the long term. Despite all this, a latex finish is cheaper compared to a PU finish. It also offers elasticity and resilience to the final product, making it less prone to cracking under stress or environmental changes. For that reason, latex is the favoured finishing for carpets used in areas with frequent temperature fluctuations or installations that require significant movement or adjustment during installation.

While the application of PU requires hardly any water and significantly less energy and is being hailed as providing a better tuft lock, the composition of the material is less environmentally friendly than latex. PU is a chemical combination of the two components polyols (a type of polymer) and isocyanates. Traditional PU formulations can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing and application, thus posing a hazard to employees and contributing to air pollution. Synthetic turf carpets finished with PU appear to also be impossible to recycle, leaving hardly any option than burning the material once reclaimed. This is a practice that many try to outlaw in the interest of the environment.