When it comes to artificial grass, there is a lot that you need to consider. You want the best product for your lawn and backyard, but you also want it to be affordable as well.
While there are many options out there, not all of them will meet your needs. In this article we are going to help you learn how to choose one that is right for you. Let’s get started!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Artificial grass is a synthetic alternative to natural grass that requires less maintenance and can be a good option for difficult-to-maintain areas. |
| When choosing artificial grass, consider factors like blade shape, color, texture, and pile height. Additionally, look for high-quality materials that are durable and UV-resistant. |
| Proper installation of artificial grass can be time-consuming and challenging, so it may be best to hire a professional. |
| Care for artificial grass by brushing it regularly, removing debris, and rinsing with water periodically. Avoid using harsh chemicals or equipment that could damage the grass. |
Choose The Right Type of Artificial Grass
Grass is not all the same. There are different types of artificial grass that are suited to different uses, and you need to choose the right one for your needs.
Don’t think of your choice as a “one size fits all” solution—grass is not a one size fits all solution!
When calculating the cost of artificial grass, make sure to factor in the cost of installation, maintenance, and infill materials. Check out our easy-to-follow guide on how to calculate the cost of artificial grass to help you make an informed decision before investing.
Pick The Right Pile Height
The pile height of your grass is important because it affects the look and feel of your lawn. Having high-quality artificial turf installed with a low pile height will create a more realistic effect, but will also require more regular maintenance as it gets worn down over time.
A higher pile height means that you can expect less maintenance, as well as an overall softer surface that feels more comfortable on bare feet.
However, if you want an even higher level of realism—and don’t mind paying for it—you can opt to get artificial grass with no pile at all!
Artificial grass comes in two basic types: woven or tufted. Woven turf looks very similar to natural grass and has good drainage properties; however, its fibres are less flexible than those used in tufted varieties (which makes them easier to cut).
On top of this difference between types of artificial lawns lies another distinction: for both woven and tufted products there are various styles available depending on how thickly they’re made up (from 15 mm right up through 50 mm);
So before making any kind of purchase decision based on price alone it would be wise first consider which style best suits your needs while also considering how much maintenance they’ll require afterwards as well
Choosing the Right Pile Height
| Pile Height | Appearance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Short (around 20mm) | Less realistic, but easier to maintain and good for high-traffic areas. | Little or no brushing needed, periodic sweeping or hosing. |
| Medium (between 25mm and 35mm) | A balance between realistic appearance and maintenance requirements. Good for families with children or pets. | Regular brushing and occasional sweeping or hosing needed. |
| Long (over 35mm) | Most realistic appearance, but requires the most maintenance. Ideal for residential or commercial landscaping applications. | Frequent brushing and occasional sweeping or hosing needed. |
This table provides information on the most common pile height options for artificial grass, along with their respective appearance and maintenance requirements. Choosing the right pile height is important to achieve the perfect look for your lawn while considering maintenance requirements as well.
Avoid Low Quality Plastic Backings
Avoid low quality plastic backing.
Make sure the artificial grass has a high-quality and durable plastic backing. This should be UV resistant, as this will help prevent it from fading over time.
It should also be easy to clean, especially if you’re planning on having kids or pets around the lawn.
Choosing the right artificial grass for your home or business can be overwhelming. Consider the pile height, durability, and blade shape when making a decision. Check out our guide on things to consider when choosing artificial grass to make an informed decision.
Pick The Right Density
Without getting into the physics of it, the density of grass refers to how many kilograms of weight per square meter each blade can withstand.
When you’re thinking about choosing the best artificial grass for your needs, think about having a high-traffic area that might need extra durability. If this is you, look for a higher density in your artificial grass product (between 50 and 80 Kg/m3).
Generally speaking, denser grass is preferable as it will last longer and require less maintenance than others. It’s also great if kids or pets will be playing on it regularly because they’ll be less likely to rip through the blades and require more infill underneath them.
However, if you don’t have much traffic on your synthetic lawns then there’s no need in spending extra money on such high-density products; they’ll simply sit unused while other parts rot away!
Choosing the Right Density
| Density | Characteristics | Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Fewer fibers per square meter, good for decorative or low-traffic areas. | Less able to withstand constant traffic or use. |
| Medium | A balance between durability and cost, suitable for most residential gardens. | Can handle moderate foot traffic and pet use. |
| High | Maximum durability and lasting appearance, good for commercial or high-traffic areas. | Can withstand heavy foot traffic and pet use. |
This table provides information on the most common density options for artificial grass, along with their characteristics and resistance capacities. Choosing the right density is important for the longevity of your artificial lawn, taking into consideration the area’s foot traffic, purpose, and cost.
Consider The Yarn Quality
To ensure that your artificial grass looks and feels like real grass, you should consider the yarn quality. There are three main types of artificial turf. These include:
Polypropylene – This is a type of plastic material and is known for its incredible durability. It has a high density, so it will not lose shape or color over time. You should look for this material if you want your synthetic lawn to last longer than other types of fake grasses on the market today!
Polyethylene – This is another type of plastic-like material that comes in different colors such as black or brownish-green (to resemble real dirt). While it may not last as long as polypropylene, you can still expect it to last several years before needing replacement due to wear or tear.
Caring for your artificial grass properly can ensure that it lasts for many years. Make sure to brush the grass regularly, remove debris, and rinse with water periodically. For more tips on how to care for your artificial grass, check out our landscape advice guide.
Consider Your Location
When you buy artificial grass, consider the climate and weather in your area. If you live in a cold climate, consider a more durable type of grass (like polypropylene) that will not fade or discolor as easily. If you live in a hot climate, consider a grass that will stay green year round.
Buy From Reputable Brands Only
When you are looking for artificial grass, it’s important to buy from reputable brands only. Choosing the right brand will ensure that you have a good experience and get your money’s worth.
A good brand has been in business for a long time and has built up its reputation by providing excellent customer service and quality products.
When buying any product, it is important to take into account what kind of warranty or money back guarantee they offer.
This way if anything goes wrong with the item, you can still be sure that your purchase is protected by these policies as well as having access to professional help if needed.
Before investing in artificial grass, it’s essential to check for quality. Test the backing, check the gauge and stitch rate, and inquire about the manufacturer’s warranty. Learn more with our pro tips guide on checking the quality of artificial grass.
Check Out the Warranty
When you’re looking for artificial grass, you’ll want to check out the warranty. This can protect your investment and make sure that it’s protected against any damage caused by routine or unexpected wear and tear.
Warranties range from one year to ten years, so be sure to check what length of time the warranty covers and if there are any exclusions on what is covered (for example, wear caused by pets).
Many warranties also have an additional money back guarantee policy that gives you even more peace of mind!
Consider the Infill Options Available
Infill is the material you place between each blade of artificial grass to prevent it from becoming a slippery mess. That’s why it’s important to consider what type of infill you want for your new lawn. There are three options:
- Sand
- Shredded rubber
- Recycled plastic
Sometimes, artificial grass can get wet and require drying out. Use a leaf blower or a towel to absorb the water and prevent mold growth. Check out our simple tips on how to dry out artificial grass to keep your lawn looking good as new.
Select The Right Color and Pattern
- Select the right pattern for your home.
- Choose a color that will blend in with your home.
- Choose a color that will complement your landscape.
Select a pattern that matches the style of your home, but also consider how it will look when it’s installed on your lawn.
If you want to make sure that you get the best looking artificial grass for your money, then you need to take into account all aspects of choosing this type of product from what size of yard it should be installed on through to how much maintenance is required once installed and everything in between!
Get A Sample Or Visit The Store In Person
In the old days, you had to go down to your local garden center and take a look at the grass in person.
Nowadays that’s much easier thanks to the internet. Most companies offer samples for you to try out at home or require you to visit their website before purchasing so that they can send you a sample of what it’ll look like when installed.
The sooner this happens, the better! You want to get it installed as soon as possible so that weeds don’t grow through it and discoloration is lessened.
It also gives you more time than later on when plants start growing up through them because they’re not fully rooted into place yet (or maybe even if they are).
Don’t Forget About Installation Costs And Maintenance Requirements
As with any project, installation is not a DIY job. Costs vary depending on the size of the area you are installing, and you will also need to pay for the removal of your old lawn. Maintenance requirements depend on the type of artificial grass you choose.
For example, if you are going with artificial grass that requires infill, this can add up over time as there are many different types available on the market today. If it’s hard enough for me to keep track of my own finances, imagine how challenging it would be for someone who doesn’t know anything about finance!
So before diving in headfirst into an artificial turf installation project or any major home improvement initiative for that matter do yourself a favor and research all possible costs associated with each option before making any decisions about what works best for you.
In addition to per square foot costs related directly with installing new synthetic surfaces (which vary widely depending on whether they’re installed vertically versus horizontally), there may be other factors involved such as:
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best artificial grass, there are many factors to consider. As you can see from the above list, there are plenty of things that need consideration before deciding on which one is right for your home or business.
The most important thing is to make sure you do enough research and get as much information about each product as possible so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing something like this.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you choose the best artificial grass for your needs:
Ideal Turf’s Guide to the Best Artificial Grass: Ideal Turf offers a helpful guide to artificial grass selection, including options for different uses and types of grass.
Namgrass’s Buying Artificial Grass Guide: Namgrass provides a comprehensive guide to buying artificial grass, including installation tips and maintenance advice.
Install Artificial’s Guide to the Best Artificial Grass: Install Artificial’s guide offers tips on how to choose the best artificial grass for your specific needs, including factors like color, texture, and drainage.
FAQs
What is artificial grass?
Artificial grass is a synthetic alternative to natural grass, typically made from a blend of plastic fibers that mimic the look and feel of grass.
What are the benefits of artificial grass?
Artificial grass requires less maintenance than natural grass, doesn’t need water, and can look great year-round. Additionally, it can be a good option for high-traffic or otherwise difficult-to-maintain areas.
How do I choose the best artificial grass?
Consider factors like blade shape, color, texture, and pile height when choosing artificial grass. Additionally, make sure to look for high-quality materials that are durable and UV-resistant.
Is artificial grass difficult to install?
While it’s possible to install artificial grass yourself, it can be time-consuming and challenging. It may be best to hire a professional to ensure proper installation.
How do I care for artificial grass?
Care for artificial grass by brushing it regularly, removing debris, and rinsing with water periodically. Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals or equipment like pressure washers that could damage the grass.
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.
