The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Kafka Granite only has one thing to say; “Let’s play ball!” Kafka is proud to manufacture a variety of premier ballyard, warning track and clay mound materials. We have helped create stunning fields for every field from little league to the majors. Visitors can view Kafka ballyard materials at Yankee Stadium, Northwestern University, and the Buffalo Grove Sports Complex, to name a few.
Our top-quality ballyard materials are made of decomposed granite mixtures that have been crafted to withstand a variety of environments. From torrential rains to blistering heat, our ballyard mixtures can take a beating and still performs at their highest level. With our wide range of ballyard products, we are able to work with your budgetary requirements and deliver a top-quality finished product. At Kafka Granite, we offer three variations of ballyard mixtures; Standard Mixes, Stabilized Mixes and Hilltopper* Mixes.
Traditional mixes that are comprised of clay, silt or sand become muddy and collect standing water in rainy conditions. By utilizing a proprietary decomposed granite blend, our ballyard materials are highly durable and permeable, meaning that they allow rainwater to quickly drain. This feature will drastically decrease the number of rainouts you experience each year and will keep your ballpark mud and dust-free.
Standard Ballyard Mix at Kafka Granite
Burma Red Standard Topdressing
Kafka offers both Burma Red Standard Topdressing and Standard Warning Track Mixes. Our Burma Red Standard Topdressing is a great addition to existing fields due to its excellent drainage characteristics. With our Burma Red Standard Topdressing, you can eliminate puddles on your field and substantially reduce rain-outs.
Additionally, our Burma Red Standard Topdressing is a cost-effective way to refinish your existing ballfield to achieve safe footing, consistent ball hops, and smooth sliding. We recommend a depth of ¼-inch to ½-inch when adding Burma Red Standard Topdressing to an existing ballpark.
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to refinish your existing ballfield while improving your field’s draining capabilities and correcting any imperfections that have accumulated over time, our Burma Red Standard Topdressing is the best option for you. Our Burma Red Standard Topdressing can be used on the infield, warning track, batter’s box or pitching mound.
Estimated Standard Topdressing Coverage Rates
| BASEBALL FIELD
(90 bases with a 95’ arc) |
Exposed Skinned Area | 1/4” Topdressing | 1/2” Topdressing |
| Grass Infield | 11,550 sq ft | 12.5 tons | 25 tons |
| Skinned Infield | 18,300 sq ft | 20 tons | 40 tons |
| LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD
(60 bases with a 50’ arc) |
Exposed Skinned Area | 1/4” Topdressing | 1/2” Topdressing |
| Grass Infield | 3,850 sq ft | 4 tons | 8.5 tons |
| Skinned Infield | 6,700 sq ft | 7.5 tons | 15 tons |
| SOFTBALL FIELD | Exposed Skinned Area | 1/4” Topdressing | 1/2” Topdressing |
| 55’ arc with 25’ foul territory skin | 10,443 sq ft | 11 tons | 22 tons |
| 60’ arc with 25’ foul territory skin | 11,190 sq ft | 11.5 tons | 23.5 tons |
| 65’ arc with 25’ foul territory skin | 11,974 sq ft | 12.5 tons | 25 tons |
Standard Warning Track Mixtures
Our unique Standard Warning Track Mixtures offer a highly durable warning track solution for those looking to replace their current warning track. Our Standard Warning Track Mixtures come in two vibrant colors: Burma Red and Red Cedar. With its signature crunch, Kafka Standard Warning Track Mixtures help players know when they are approaching the outfield fences to prevent injury.
Our Standard Warning Track Mixtures are durable and are created to withstand the abuse of maintenance vehicles and harsh weather alike. Due to its coarser nature, our Standard Warning Track Mixtures require less maintenance than other traditional Warning Track Mixtures. We recommend that our Standard Warning Track Mixtures be installed at a full depth of 3-4 inches around the entire perimeter of your ballfield. Our team of experts can help you estimate the amount of Standard Warning Track Mixture that you need for your next ballfield project today.
Stabilized Ballyard Mix At Kafka Granite
Stabilized Infield Mix
If you are tired of puddles that just won’t drain, our Burma Red Stabilized Infield Mix is the perfect solution for your ballfield. Pre-blended with a stabilizing organic binder, our Burma Red Stabilized Infield Mix is one of the best permeable infield mixes available. By utilizing an organic binder, our infield mix provides a firm, resilient playing surface that results in minimal mud or dust accumulation. Our Burma Red Stabilized Infield Mix has an excellent water-bearing capacity and load-bearing strength.
Even after heavy rains or high traffic, our Burma Red Stabilized Infield Mix will stay in place while retaining its flexibility and cushion. Stadiums can drastically cut down on wind and water erosion damage by utilizing a Burma Red Stabilized Infield Mix. All of the previously mentioned features combined result in near immediate play after rainfall, and fewer hours will be needed for ballyard maintenance.
Stabilized Warning Track Mix
Our Stabilized Warning Track Mix offers the same great features as our Standard Warning Track Mix, but requires less maintenance and can withstand heavier traffic. The Stabilized Warning Track Mix is ideal for larger projects, or areas that receive excess rainfall. With the addition of the stabilizing binder, the Stabilized Warning Track Mix retains water longer, requiring less manual watering. This Stabilized Warning Track Mix is ideal for universities and large sports complexes.
See How Kafka Granite Stabilized Infield Mix Stands up to the Elements
Estimated Stabilized Infield Coverage Rates
| BASEBALL FIELD
(90 bases with a 95’ arc) |
Exposed Skinned Area | 3” Compacted
Depth |
4” Compacted
Depth |
| Grass Infield | 11,550 sq ft | 165 tons | 231 tons |
| Skinned Infield | 18,300 sq ft | 262 tons | 366 tons |
| LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD
(60 bases with a 50’ arc) |
Exposed Skinned Area | 1/4” Topdressing | 1/2” Topdressing |
| Grass Infield | 3,850 sq ft | 55 tons | 77 tons |
| Skinned Infield | 6,700 sq ft | 7.5 tons | 15 tons |
| SOFTBALL FIELD | Exposed Skinned Area | 1/4” Topdressing | 1/2” Topdressing |
| 55’ arc with 25’ foul territory skin | 10,443 sq ft | 150 tons | 209 tons |
| 60’ arc with 25’ foul territory skin | 11,190 sq ft | 160 tons | 224 tons |
| 65’ arc with 25’ foul territory skin | 11,974 sq ft | 172 tons | 240 tons |
Kafka Granite Stabilized Infield Mix and Warning Track Installation Instructions
Before you begin installation of your new Warning Track or Stabilized Infield Mix, make sure that you are familiar with the field’s drainage patterns and how the surrounding areas affect the field during heavy rains. Both infields and warning tracks should be sloped at ½% to drain laterally off the field.
- Measure and layout infield or warning track according to field dimensions.
- Flag sprinklers if already installed.
- Excavate future infield or warning track area to allow a minimum 3-inch depth. Complete drainage construction if desired.
- Prepare native soil to use as a base. Sand is not an acceptable base. Level, preferably with a laser grader.
- Water native soil base. Allow time for drying before proceeding to next step. Soil should be damp, but not muddy.
- Compact native soil using a one-ton drum roller. A plate compactor can be used in tight areas.
- Spread Kafka Stabilized Infield or Warning Track Mix with a front end loader. Lay down loose material to allow for a minimum of 3-inch compacted depth. The estimated coverage for Kafka Stabilized Infield and Warning Track Mix is 70 square feet per ton for a 3-inch depth and 50 square feet per ton for a 4-inch depth.
- Level with laser grader to achieve ½% slope.
- Thoroughly water to activate the stabilizing binder. It is better to over-water than under-water. Wait 24-48 hours, depending on the climate and the amount of water used. The field should be damp, but not muddy.
- As soon as the field allows, compact with one-ton roller. Do not use a vibratory plate or the compactor or vibratory setting on roller drums, as it may cause the binder to separate from the aggregate.
- Check for low areas, add additional infield or warning track mix as needed, and compact.
- Install base anchors and home plate.
Hilltopper* Ballyard Mix at Kafka Granite
Hilltopper* Ballyard Infield and Warning Track Mixes are the kings of ballyard mixes. With the help of today’s cutting-edge technology, we have been able to pair our custom aggregate blends with a water-shedding polymer coating developed by Stabilizer Solutions.
This unique technology creates a ballyard that is waterless, dustless, and completely free of mud, which will save your grounds crew hours in maintenance and watering. Our Hilltopper* Ballyard Mix has been used in such exciting venues as Harvard University, Dartmouth College, University of Iowa and more. Additionally, visitors can see our Hilltopper* Ballyard Warning Track Mix at Yankee Stadium!
The decomposed granite used in our Hilltopper* Ballyard Mix has been crushed to the best size to provide stable footing, consistent ball hops and optimal sliding conditions. You’ll see with our one-of-a-kind Hilltopper* Ballyard Mix that water beads on the surface of the field and then rolls away before your eyes. Our Hilltopper* Ballyard Mix is ideal for newly constructed ballyards, where we recommend a depth of 3-4 inches for our infield mix. If you’re ready to implement a Kafka Granite Hilltopper* Ballyard Mix at your ballpark our team is prepared to help you find the perfect solution.
Hilltopper* Mound Clay
Save time and money with our Hilltopper* Mound Clay Mix. Our Hilltopper* Mound Clay Mix contains the same polymer coating as our infield and Warning Track Mix and can be used on the mound, in the batter’s box, or wherever a clay alternative is desired. With Kafka’s Hilltopper* Mound Clay Mix, no water screening is necessary.
Our Hilltopper* Ballyard Mixes
- Preserves flexibility and cushion
- Eliminates the need for watering
- Dramatically reduces maintenance demands and costs
- Creates firm and stable playing surface in all weather
- Withstand rain, wind, snow and drought
Play Ball with Kafka Granite
Whether you decide to add some Topdressing to your existing field, refinish your field with a Stabilized Mix, or choose to implement a Hilltopper* Ballyard Mix in your next stadium build, our specialists can work with your budget to find you the perfect ballyard solution. Our team of experts is sure to knock your next ballpark project out of the park!
Hilltopper* is a registered trademark of Stabilizer Solutions. Kafka Granite no longer utilizes Hilltopper* in the composition of their ballfield mixes.
