When choosing artificial turf for your yard, you need to consider a range of factors. Some are technical, like the material used to make the grass and how it’s been processed. Others are more subjective and aesthetic, such as color or thickness.
Here are some tips on how to pick out the best synthetic lawn for your needs:
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| Takeaways |
|---|
| Artificial grass is gaining popularity as a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass lawns. |
| It is suitable for various applications, such as landscaping, sports fields, and playgrounds. |
| Artificial grass comes in different types, styles, and colors, and it can be customized to fit specific needs. |
| Proper installation and maintenance are key to maximizing the benefits and longevity of artificial grass. |
| There are many resources available to help homeowners and professionals learn about the benefits and best practices for artificial grass. |
Thickness
This is the number of ounces per square yard. Thicker turf will be more durable, but also more expensive. It’s best to compare a few different options in person or online and decide which thickness will meet your needs for durability and comfort.
If you’re looking for a very durable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic or being walked on by pets frequently, consider a thicker option like 2-3 oz/sq yd or even 4 oz/sq yd turf.
If you don’t need quite as much durability and just want something that’ll last longer than average artificial grass, 1-2 oz/sq yd may be sufficient for your needs.
If you want to learn about cost-effective ways of digging out artificial grass for your landscaping project, check out our article on how much does it cost to dig out artificial grass. You’ll find valuable tips and tricks for digging out artificial grass without breaking the bank.
Denier
Denier is a measure of the weight of the fiber in an artificial turf. The higher the denier, the thicker and more durable your turf will be.
This means it can withstand heavy use without showing signs of wear or fading. However, because denser fibers cost more to produce (and therefore cost you more), they tend to be found only on high-end products.
In addition to being longer-lasting than low-denier fibers, denser ones are also less likely to move after installation because they’re heavier than lighter ones; this makes them ideal for areas where movement is unwanted or difficult—like sports fields and playgrounds that see lots of traffic.
Artificial Grass Denier Guide
| Denier | Thickness | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| 200-250 | Thin | Low |
| 300-400 | Medium | Medium |
| 450-500 | Thick | High |
| 550+ | Very thick | Very high |
Denier is an essential factor that determines the thickness and durability of artificial turf. The thicker the fibers are, the higher the denier rating, which means that the turf will be more durable and have better performance. This table provides a general guide to the relationship between denier and thickness/durability. Keep in mind that different manufacturers or products may have slightly different specifications.
Type of Fiber Used
The type of fiber used to make the artificial grass will have a big impact on its durability, temperature resistance and other factors.
There are essentially two types: natural or synthetic. Synthetic fibers include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide and acrylic while natural fibers include wool, silk, cotton and jute.
Synthetic fibers are more durable than their counterparts because they don’t deteriorate over time with exposure to sunlight or moisture. However natural fibres can be cheaper than synthetic ones because they’re made from renewable resources such as cotton (which is also biodegradable).
Are you a beginner who wants to learn about choosing the best type of artificial grass? Our guide on how to choose the best artificial grass is just what you need! We’ll walk you through the different types of artificial grass and help you make an informed decision.
Color
Color is one of the most important factors to consider when buying artificial turf. The color should be a close match to the existing grass, so it will blend in with the rest of your lawn.
The color also needs to be natural looking, not too bright or too dark. This will help keep everything looking realistic and uniform throughout your yard.
Artificial Grass Color Guide
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Olive | A shade of green with a subtle brown or gray undertone, similar to natural grass. |
| Spring | A brighter, more vibrant green that can complement a range of landscapes. |
| Forest | A darker, earthier green that mimics the look of natural grass in a woodland setting. |
| Beige | A soft, neutral color that can work well as an accentuated patch in a lawn or to mimic natural, faded grass. |
| Field Green | A mid-toned green that is often used for sports fields, as it provides maximum visibility for players. |
When selecting artificial turf, color is a critical consideration because it helps the turf appear uniform and natural. This guide offers a selection of common colors and their descriptions, which can help you find the right option to match the surrounding natural landscaping. Artificial grass in olive or spring green is often the most popular choice for residential yards, while darker or more neutral hues can provide natural-looking accents to complete a natural aesthetic.
Backing
Backing is the material that holds your artificial turf in place. The backing can be made of rubber, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and polyethylene.
The backing should be strong enough to hold the artificial turf in place and should not break down easily over time.
Checking the quality of artificial grass before buying is important to ensure you get the best value for money. Our article on how to check the quality of artificial grass offers valuable tips on how to spot inferior quality grass, so you can avoid costly mistakes.
Type of Infill
The infill of an artificial grass is the material that gives it its shape. There are two types of infill: sand, which is the most common type of infill for artificial grass, and rubber.
Sand has been used in gardens and playgrounds since Roman times because it prevents weeds from growing through the turf and lets water drain easily through the pile (the top layer).
This makes it suitable for all weather conditions as well as any climate zone. Sand is also environmentally friendly because it’s safe to use outdoors and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like some other materials do.
However, if you live in a windy area or near a beach where strong winds could cause damage to your turf, then you should consider using rubber instead since sand can get blown away quite easily!
Drainage
Selecting the right artificial turf is an important decision. It will be a great asset to your home, but only if it is the right choice for you.
To find the best one, it’s important to look at things like durability and color selection, but also other factors like drainage.
Drainage refers to how quickly water escapes from the surface of an artificial grass field. If there isn’t enough drainage, water may pool on top of your turf and cause it to become slippery or even moldy in some areas!
The best way to check for drainage is by pouring water onto your turf and seeing how long it takes for the majority of liquid to evaporate off its surface (this may vary depending on climate conditions). If you want more specific details about drainage features, please contact us with any questions!
Choosing the right artificial turf involves considering a range of factors, from the turf’s intended use to its durability and maintenance requirements. Our guide on how to choose an artificial grass covers all the key factors you should consider when choosing the right turf.
Underlayment
The underlayment is the layer that lies beneath the artificial turf. This material is very important in ensuring that your artificial lawn will not only look great but also be safe to walk on and function as an ideal surface for sports and games.
It should be a material that is not affected by water, heat or cold. It should also be able to withstand varying temperatures during installation in order to ensure there will be no damage done when it eventually meets with weather conditions such as snowfall or rain during winter months.
The underlayment can also contribute towards making sure that your lawn feels natural enough underneath your feet when walking on it – something which could be quite important if you’re planning on hosting many events outdoors!
Guarantee Period
The most important thing you’ll want to consider when buying an artificial turf is its warranty. This should be at least 10 years with coverage for the whole turf, installation and maintenance, as well as all types of damage. It should cover all types of weather conditions (including extreme heat!).
A good warranty will protect you from having to pay for any repairs or replacement in the event that something happens to your new turf over time.
If you are planning to install artificial turf in your batting cage, you need to ensure you get it right to maximize the benefits of the turf. Our article on how to install artificial turf in batting cage offers step-by-step guidance on how to prepare and install the turf correctly, so you can enjoy a smooth and successful installation process.
Price Per Square Foot
The price per square foot is an important factor to consider when purchasing turf. As with all products, you can expect to get a better deal if you buy more of it.
For example, if you’re ordering high-quality artificial grass for your backyard, it would be wise to purchase more than one bag (each bag is usually 150 square feet).
The best way to obtain the lowest possible price on your artificial lawn is by comparing prices from different companies. This will enable you to see how much they charge for the same product and give yourself an idea of where their prices stand in relation to other providers.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t always the most important factor when considering what kind of turf fits within your budget—after all, paying less doesn’t necessarily mean getting better quality!
Considerations such as durability and longevity should be equally weighted alongside cost considerations so that regardless of whether or not something costs more up front, its long-term value remains higher than those alternatives which may have cheaper upfront costs but don’t last nearly as long before needing replacement
Warranty Period
The warranty period is the time period during which the manufacturer or supplier will repair or replace the product if it is found to be defective.
It varies from one product to another and one manufacturer to another, so it’s important to check this before purchasing your artificial turf. The warranty period can last anywhere between 3 months and 5 years.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you in making the right choice when buying artificial turf. You’ll now know what to look for and have a better idea of which type suits your needs best!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about artificial grass:
Ideal Turf: Ideal Turf offers a comprehensive guide on the best artificial grass options for different applications, from residential landscaping to commercial golf greens.
NeoGrass: NeoGrass provides an ultimate guide to choosing artificial grass for your garden or lawn, covering everything from selecting the right type of grass to installation and maintenance.
Family Handyman: Family Handyman’s artificial grass guide offers a wide range of tips and advice on choosing, installing, and maintaining artificial grass for various purposes.
FAQs
What is artificial grass? Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf or fake grass, is a man-made surface that mimics the look and feel of natural grass.
What are the benefits of artificial grass? Artificial grass is low-maintenance, requires no watering or mowing, provides a consistent playing surface, and looks great year-round.
How long does artificial grass last? The lifespan of artificial grass depends on the quality of the product and the intensity of use. High-quality artificial grass can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Is artificial grass suitable for pets? Yes, artificial grass is pet-friendly and often preferred by pet owners due to its durability, low-maintenance, and easy cleanup.
What is the cost of artificial grass? The cost of artificial grass varies depending on factors such as the quality of the turf, installation method, and location. On average, the cost of installing artificial grass ranges from $8 to $14 per square foot.
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.
