When it comes to artificial grass, there are many factors that you need to take into consideration before committing to a purchase.
With so many options available on the market today, it can be difficult for most homeowners and business owners alike to figure out what is best for them.
That’s why we are going to help you get started with everything you need to know about choosing an artificial lawn option from start to finish! Let’s jump right in!
| TAKEAWAY |
|---|
| Choose the right material for your needs |
| Select the best backing material for your project |
| Determine the most suitable pile height for your intended use |
| Consider the blade shape and face weight of the grass |
| Plan for installation and maintenance |
| Think about the intended use of the grass |
Fiber
There are three types of fiber: polypropylene, polyethylene and nylon. Each type has its own pros and cons.
Nylon fibers are the most durable of all three types of fiber because they have a higher tensile strength than either polypropylene or polyethylene. This means that it will withstand more stress before tearing or breaking in half.
However, this same strength makes it slightly more difficult to cut through during installation because it is not quite as flexible as other materials such as rubber infill or sand infill (which is better suited for smaller projects).
If you’re planning on installing artificial grass yourself then nylon may not be right for you since it takes longer to install with less flexibility in movement compared other options like rubber infill which allows you more freedom when working around your yard space.
Polypropylene fibers are known for being extremely resilient due to their elasticity so they tend not get damaged as easily by things like foot traffic over time which could lead them needing replacing less often than some other competitors’ products out there today;
however they’re also susceptible too UV rays from direct sun exposure so if installed outdoors without proper care taken beforehand then expect those costs added onto your budget later down the road….
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Pile Height and Density
When choosing your grass, you should consider the pile height and density. Pile height refers to the height of the blades that make up your grass.
Density is the number of blades per square inch (or cm). The higher these two numbers are, the more realistic your artificial grass will look. This is because it will have a more realistic appearance as well as feel when walked on or touched.
Pile Height: A wide range of pile heights exist for synthetic turf options; however, most commercially produced artificial turf comes in three varieties: 3/8″, 1/2″ and 5/8″.
High-quality synthetic turf products tend to have a longer lifespan than lower quality ones; therefore, it is highly recommended that you opt for higher pile heights if possible (5/8″ is ideal).
Density: Density refers to how tightly packed together each blade of grass is which affects its durability and longevity over time.
If there are fewer blades per square inch then those areas may become worn down quicker than others which could lead them needing replacement sooner than expected – especially during heavy foot traffic seasons such as springtime when many people like taking walks outdoors during this time period especially since they want fresh air after spending so much time indoors during winter months due to cold weather conditions outside!
Pile Height and Density
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Pile Height | Refers to the height of the blades that make up your grass. Choose the right height based on intended use |
| Density | Refers to the number of blades of grass per square inch. Higher density typically means more durability and longevity |
| Importance | Pile height and density impact the appearance, durability, and comfort of your artificial grass. It is important to choose the right balance between the two based on your specific needs. |
Performance Ratings
Performance ratings are based on a number of factors, including how much water the grass can absorb and how fast it dries.
The higher the performance rating, the better. Performance ratings also measure how well your lawn will resist wear and tear.
The common standards for performance ratings are given below:
- A+ (very high quality): Absorbs more than 6 inches of water per hour at 20 degrees Fahrenheit
- A (high quality): Absorbs between 3 and 6 inches per hour at 20 degrees Fahrenheit
- B (good quality): Absorbs between 1 to 3 inches per hour at 20 degrees Fahrenheit
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Color
The color of your artificial grass is an important consideration because it may not exactly match the existing soil and grass in your yard.
If you want to blend in with the rest of your yard, consider using a color wheel to help choose a realistic-looking color scheme.
Color wheels are organized by complementary colors: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow, green and blue (ROYGBIV).
With this information at hand, you can use complementary colors to create interesting contrasts and harmonies while still maintaining visual consistency throughout your landscape design.
Color
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Importance | The color of your artificial grass is an important consideration to ensure it matches the rest of your yard |
| Realistic-looking | Using a color wheel to choose a complementary color scheme can help make the grass look realistic |
| Complementary colors | Color wheels are organized by complementary colors: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow, green and blue (ROYGBIV) |
| Other considerations | Take into account the color of the exterior of your home or surrounding landscape, the location of your yard, and the level of sunlight when selecting a color for your artificial grass. |
| Suggestion | It is recommended to get a sample before committing to a specific color. |
Grade and Weight
When choosing your artificial grass, you’ll come across two terms that are important to understand: grade and weight.
The grade refers to the type of fiber used in the grass—whether it’s recycled or virgin plastic. The weight refers to the thickness of each individual strand (thicker strands are heavier). Both factors determine how durable your new lawn will be.
The higher-grade materials will last longer than lower-grade ones, so if durability is a top priority for you, we recommend buying a high-grade artificial lawn material.
We also recommend upgrading to a more heavy-weight material if durability is an issue because thicker strands tend to be more resilient against wear and tear over time—especially when they’re laid side by side as part of an installation process like ours!
Adding sand to your artificial grass can help to make it more stable and comfortable to walk on. If you’re interested in learning more about how to do this, check out our guide for tips and tricks on how to get the job done quickly and easily.
Infill
How much infill is used?
The amount of infill you need depends on the quality and thickness of your artificial grass. For example, if you have a very thin lawn and are using an inexpensive synthetic turf that doesn’t provide much cushioning, then less infill will be required.
However, if your artificial grass is thicker and has more padding underfoot, then more infill may be needed to keep it soft and comfortable to walk on.
Look for a high-quality synthetic lawn that offers excellent cushioning without being too soft or hard underfoot – this will make for a truly luxurious experience!
What is the infill made from?
The most common type of material used as an artificial turf infill is sand or silica sand. It’s important to ensure that this material isn’t going to cause any damage or injury while walking on it though;
some people might prefer not having sand in their garden at all so they opt instead for rubber granules which can also provide adequate support but won’t get everywhere when you walk across them!
If allergies are an issue then choose safe materials such as recycled plastics which won’t cause trouble down below either; just remember that some plants don’t do well near metal particles like those in aluminum sulfate so check carefully before buying anything containing these substances too!
Warranty
If your artificial grass is not covered by at least a five-year warranty, you may want to reconsider your purchase.
You want to know that you’ll be able to get replacement parts if something goes wrong with the synthetic turf.
Also, if there is any kind of defect in the product—even if it’s not your fault—the company should cover return shipping and replacement labor costs as well.
Ideally, this will include both shipping (the cost of returning) as well as labor (the cost of installing).
Infill is an important factor to consider when installing artificial grass, as it can help to keep the blades upright and make the surface more comfortable underfoot. If you want to learn more about how to add infill to your artificial grass, check out our guide for some helpful tips and tricks.
Inflated Price Tags
When you’re shopping for artificial grass, don’t be fooled by inflated price tags. While it’s true that higher-quality materials will generally cost more, there are ways to save money—such as buying in bulk or from a manufacturer.
Here are three ways to get the best deal on artificial grass:
Buy from an online retailer instead of a big box store. Online retailers sometimes charge less because they don’t have stores to maintain (or pay for), and they can pass those savings on to their customers.
Plus, many online retailers offer free shipping so you won’t have to worry about paying extra fees when your order arrives at your door step!
If you want something with more variety but still want those savings? Shop around different websites until you find what fits within your budget before making a purchase decision.”
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is a very important factor to consider when choosing an artificial grass. The aesthetics of your yard can be improved by installing an artificial grass in your yard that matches the surrounding natural environment, which will make it look like it has always been there.
Choosing the best artificial grass for your lawn can be difficult, especially if you’re new to the world of landscaping. To help you make the right choice, check out our beginner’s guide to artificial grass, which covers everything from materials and installation to maintenance and care.
Stitches per Gauge Ratio
This is a pretty simple concept, but it’s important to understand: stitches per gauge ratio is the number of stitches per inch that are used to make the backing material.
This can be confusing because there are two things you need to know about artificial grasses: how durable they are and what kind of infill they have.
If you want more durability, then you should look for a turf with a higher stitches-per-gauge ratio (i.e., more stitched fibers).
Backing Material
The backing material is the material that is used to hold the artificial grass in place. Its main function is to prevent it from shifting or moving around, which can cause damage to your lawn or garden.
A good choice of backing material will give you a safe and secure ground surface for many years to come. The most common choices are rubber, polypropylene and polyethylene (PE).
Rubber is by far the most popular choice of backing materials due its durability and ease of installation.
It is available in both granulated rubber or extruded strips which can also be rolled out over large areas without any need for seams or joints.
As well as being an excellent choice for sports surfaces such as tennis courts, golf greens and bowling greens, rubber backed artificial grass mats make great lawns for children’s play areas too because they are easy to clean when accidents happen!
Polypropylene (PP) is another very durable type of artificial turf matting which has been gaining popularity since it was first introduced into Australia over 20 years ago.
PP products tend not only be stronger than PE but are also highly resistant against UV damage so should provide excellent long term performance even under Australian conditions where there can sometimes be high levels of sunlight exposure throughout much of each year!
Conclusion
We hope that this guide on how to choose artificial grass has been helpful for you. Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to get out there and find the perfect lawn!
Further Reading
For more information on choosing the best artificial grass, you may find these resources helpful:
Artificial Grass Liquidators – Guide to Choosing Artificial Grass: This guide covers everything from material options to installation and maintenance tips.
Ideal Turf – 5 Best Artificial Grass Products for Your Landscape: This article reviews some of the best artificial grass products on the market and provides tips for choosing the right product for your needs.
Grass Direct Blog – Choosing Your Artificial Grass: This blog post provides a step-by-step guide to choosing the best artificial grass for your lawn and includes tips for installation and maintenance.
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing artificial grass?
There are several factors to consider when choosing artificial grass, including the pile height, face weight, blade shape, and backing material. You should also consider the intended use of the grass and your budget.
How do I determine the best pile height for my artificial grass?
The pile height you choose will depend on your intended use for the grass. For example, if you plan to use the grass for landscaping, a pile height of 1.5 to 2 inches is typically ideal. However, if you plan to use the grass for sports activities, a shorter pile height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches may be better.
What is face weight in artificial grass?
Face weight refers to the weight of the yarn in the artificial grass per square yard. A higher face weight generally indicates a more durable and longer-lasting product.
How often do I need to clean and maintain my artificial grass?
Depending on the frequency of use and the amount of foot traffic your artificial grass receives, you should plan to rinse it off with a hose and brush it lightly every few weeks. You may also want to use a special artificial grass cleaner to remove stains or debris.
Can I install artificial grass myself, or should I hire a professional?
While it is possible to install artificial grass yourself, hiring a professional installer can be a good idea if you have little experience with landscaping or if you want to ensure that your grass is installed properly and will last a long time.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
