A Complete Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Artificial Grass for Your Space

Artificial grass was first introduced in the 1960s with the launch of a single product: AstroTurf. Fast forward to today, and the market has expanded significantly, with countless companies offering a wide variety of artificial grass options. This abundance of choices can make selecting the best artificial grass for your needs seem overwhelming.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your home, playground, patio, or even a putting green, understanding the key features and types of artificial grass is essential. With different appearances, grades, and price points available, finding the perfect match involves navigating through a wealth of information and terminology.

To simplify the process, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to confidently choose the best artificial grass for your unique space.

Choosing the Right Artificial Grass for Your Needs

Artificial grass is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Various types of turf are designed to suit specific purposes and applications, making it important to choose the right one for your needs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key features of artificial grass and highlight what to consider when selecting the ideal turf for your space.

How to Find the Best Artificial Grass for Any Space

Selecting synthetic turf can feel daunting, given the wide range of brands, features, and options available.

To simplify the process, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you find the best artificial grass for your space with confidence.

1. Researching the Best Artificial Grass for Your Needs

Start by evaluating the area where the artificial grass will be installed.

Consider factors like foot traffic, exposure to sunlight or shade, and whether the space is prone to puddles or standing water. If pets will use the area, that’s another important aspect to factor in. Answering these questions will help you identify the key features you’ll need in your artificial grass.

Once you’ve assessed your space, research the available brands and products. Reputable turf distributors and installers should provide detailed information about their artificial grass options, helping you make an informed decision.

2. Understanding Artificial Grass Terminology

Who would have thought that artificial grass could come with so much complexity?

In this section, we’ll break down the essential terms used in the world of synthetic turf, making it easier for you to understand product details and choose the perfect artificial grass for your project.

Understanding Yarn in Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is made from three main types of yarn: polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon.

Polyethylene is the most widely used due to its ideal combination of durability, appearance, and softness, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

Polypropylene, on the other hand, is commonly found in putting greens and used as a thatch layer in landscaping turf, offering a more specialized function.

Nylon, while the most expensive and robust, is not as soft as the other two and is primarily used in putting greens due to its high durability.

Yarn for artificial grass comes in different colors, thicknesses, and textures, designed to replicate the look and feel of various types of natural grass.

The Importance of Density in Artificial Grass

Density, also known as stitch count, refers to the number of grass blades per square inch.

Much like the thread count in bed sheets, a higher stitch count indicates a superior-quality turf.

Turf with a higher density is not only more durable but also offers a more lifelike appearance, closely resembling a natural grass lawn.

The Significance of Pile Height in Artificial Grass

Pile height refers to the length of the blades of artificial grass.

For high-traffic areas like sports fields or dog runs, it’s best to choose artificial grass with a shorter pile height, typically between ⅜ and ⅝ inches, as it offers better durability.

On the other hand, for a lush, realistic look in your front yard, opt for the best artificial grass with a longer pile height, ranging from 1 ¼ to 2 ½ inches, to create a beautiful and natural appearance.

Understanding Face Weight for High-Quality Artificial Grass

Face weight measures the number of ounces of material per square yard in a turf product.

The best artificial grass typically has a higher face weight, which indicates better quality and greater durability.

It’s important to note that face weight refers only to the grass fibers themselves and does not account for the weight of the backing material.

The Role of Thatch in Artificial Grass Quality

Thatch is an added layer of fiber with varying colors, weights, and textures that helps replicate the natural inconsistencies found in real grass.

It often features brown fibers designed to mimic the dying underlayer of grass, which contrasts with the bright, green blades on top.

For the best artificial grass that closely resembles a natural lawn, choose a product with thatch, as it provides a more authentic look for both front and back yards.

Understanding Infill: The Secret to Long-Lasting Artificial Grass

Infill serves several important purposes in maintaining the appearance and functionality of artificial grass.

It helps keep the fibers standing upright, prevents the turf from shifting, and enhances the overall look and feel of the grass, making it appear more realistic.

Without infill, the fibers would become flattened and matted over time.

Additionally, it provides cushioning for feet and paws, while protecting the backing material from sun damage.

The best artificial grass options use infill made from various materials, such as silica sand and crumb rubber, and some even offer added benefits like antimicrobial, anti-odor, or cooling properties.

The Role of Artificial Grass Backing

The backing of synthetic grass consists of two layers: primary and secondary backing, which work in tandem to provide structural stability for the entire turf system.

The primary backing is made from woven polypropylene fabric, which allows the artificial grass fibers to be tufted in rows and facilitates the seaming of grass panels. Essentially, it serves as the strong foundation to which the grass fibers are stitched.

A quality backing will resist stretching, ensuring long-lasting durability.

The secondary backing, often referred to as the ‘coating,’ is applied to the underside of the primary backing to securely lock the tufted fibers in place, providing additional strength.

Together, these two layers form the back weight of the turf. High-quality artificial grass typically features a back weight of over 26 oz, which is essential for areas that experience heavy traffic, ensuring the turf maintains its integrity and performance.

The Role of Color in Best Artificial Grass

Just like natural grass, the best artificial grass comes in a range of colors to mimic the appearance of real grass.

High-quality synthetic turf typically incorporates multiple shades to replicate the natural variations found in real grass.

For a more authentic look, it’s best to select a color that closely resembles the grass species native to your area.

The Importance of a Strong Sub-Base for Artificial Grass

Installing artificial grass directly onto soil can result in dimples and wrinkles as the ground shifts with changing weather conditions, such as wet and dry seasons.

While not officially part of the turf itself, a proper sub-base is essential for a high-quality installation of the best artificial grass.

The sub-base is a layer of compacted materials, such as sand, decomposed granite, river rocks, and gravel, placed beneath the artificial grass.

This foundation is crucial for ensuring proper drainage and providing stability, helping your synthetic turf maintain its shape and performance over time.

3. Feature Comparison: Choosing the Right Artificial Grass

Now that you understand the key terms in the world of artificial grass, you have the knowledge to compare various synthetic turf products effectively.

Each artificial grass product comes with specific features, including:

Thatch Color
Blade Shape
Density
Blade Height
Drainage
Antimicrobial Properties

However, not all of these features hold the same level of importance, and their relevance will depend on the intended location and use of the turf.

Continue reading to discover which features are most crucial for your particular project.

4. Managing Your Artificial Grass Budget

Installing artificial grass can be a significant expense, but it’s crucial to consider more than just the initial cost when determining what fits your budget.

When comparing fake grass to real grass, the long-term savings on water and maintenance alone can make artificial grass pay for itself in about three to five years.

Additional financial advantages of synthetic turf include reduced need for mowing, weeding, and fertilizing, as well as increased home value and enhanced curb appeal.

Many providers of the best artificial grass also offer financing options, making it easier to invest in high-quality turf for your property.

Key Features of High-Quality Artificial Grass

Now that you have all the essential information, let’s highlight the most important characteristics to consider when choosing the best artificial grass.

It’s important to note that there isn’t a single “best” product, as the ideal turf will vary based on the installation location and intended use.

However, the key features we discuss below are generally applicable, helping you find the best artificial grass for your specific needs.

1. Artificial Grass Built to Handle Heavy Foot Traffic

Different artificial grass products are designed to handle varying levels of foot traffic and usage, so it’s important to choose one that can withstand the demands of your specific situation.

Will the turf be used by children or pets? Consider how many will use it and how often.

Keep in mind that while opting for a more durable option may come with a higher price tag, investing in the best artificial grass now can save you from having to replace it in just a few years. It’s one of those purchases where it’s worth spending more upfront to avoid buyer’s remorse later.

2. How to Get a Full, Natural-Looking Lawn with Artificial Grass

If achieving a lush, full appearance is a priority for your artificial grass, focus on key factors like pile height, thatch, infill, and density.

These elements play a significant role in creating the realistic look of the best artificial grass products.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep your turf looking its best. Using a Power Broom for Turf Rake will help maintain the plush, fluffy texture and prevent matting.

For more tips, be sure to explore our comprehensive guide to Artificial Turf Maintenance.

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3. How to Select the Most Durable Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is constantly exposed to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, sunlight, dust, and rain, around the clock.

When selecting the best artificial grass, it’s important to choose a product designed to withstand the specific weather patterns in your area.

The materials used in high-quality synthetic turf are highly durable, capable of handling significant foot traffic for many years with minimal maintenance—just occasional rinsing and fluffing to keep it looking fresh.

4. Achieving Resilient and Springy Artificial Grass

The best artificial grass is designed to resist matting and maintain its upright structure.

When you walk across it, the turf fibers should spring back into position.

This resilience is a result of both the fiber structure and the type of infill used.

For optimal performance, we recommend using rounded silica sand infill or T°Cool’s Evaporative Cooling Infill in turf installations.

These options help keep your synthetic grass springy and cool, closely mimicking the feel of natural grass.

5. Ensuring Proper Drainage for Artificial Grass

When choosing the best artificial grass, one crucial feature to consider is the quality of the drainage system, which is often overlooked in showrooms.

It’s essential that water and pet urine can flow through the turf and into the sub-base below. For this to happen, the liquids must pass through the turf’s backing.

There are two primary types of drainage systems for turf: 100% permeable and hole-punched.

The 100% permeable backing allows liquids to pass through any point in the turf, making it ideal for areas prone to heavy rainfall, flooding, or for lawns with pets. This drainage system works especially well in regions like coastal Texas.

On the other hand, hole-punched backing features drainage holes spaced several inches apart, which is suitable for dry areas that rarely experience excess runoff.

We also offer a proprietary hybrid drainage system called “DUAL FLOW,” which combines both permeable and hole-punched features, offering optimal drainage for all conditions.

6. How to Choose Artificial Grass with Natural-Looking Colors

The best artificial grass today offers an incredible resemblance to natural grass, closely mimicking various grass species.

To ensure your turf matches the look of the surrounding lawns, take a close-up photo or, with permission, a small sample from a neighbor’s yard.

Use this as a reference when selecting the color and texture of your synthetic grass to create a seamless, natural appearance that blends perfectly with your landscape.

7. The Benefits of Antimicrobial Properties in Artificial Grass

If your lawn frequently hosts pets or children, it’s highly recommended to choose artificial grass with antimicrobial properties.

These properties are achieved by adding antimicrobial additives during the manufacturing process.

The best artificial grass products from Ideal Turf feature “Microbe Safe” antimicrobial backing, which helps prevent the accumulation of odors from pet urine and inhibits the growth of bacteria and germs, ensuring your backyard remains clean, healthy, and odor-free.

8. Finding the Best Artificial Grass Installers You Can Trust

Even with the best artificial grass, poor installation can compromise the entire aesthetic of your landscape.

It’s essential to hire a reputable and trustworthy turf installation company with proven experience and expertise.

Be sure to read reviews from various sources to evaluate potential installers.

A reliable company will be transparent, providing you with all the details you need about their turf products and the installation process.

What Makes the Best Artificial Grass for Your Space?

There is no single “best” artificial grass product, as different types of turf are suited for specific applications.

To illustrate, using chalkboard paint on your home’s siding or topping your chicken parmesan with strawberry jam would lead to undesirable results—not because these are bad products, but because they’re not meant for those purposes.

Similarly, the best artificial grass depends on the intended use. Below, we’ll guide you through which turf products are ideal for various applications.

How to Select the Best Artificial Grass for Your Outdoor Space

Backyards are one of the most popular places to install artificial grass, and choosing the best artificial grass for your lawn involves considering a few important features.

Look for a high face weight and a long pile height to provide a soft, comfortable surface that can handle moderate to heavy foot traffic.

For added comfort, especially for little feet and paws, a cooling infill is recommended.

If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, opt for turf products with a fully permeable backing or our hybrid “DUAL FLOW” backing for optimal drainage.

How to Select the Best Artificial Grass for Outdoor Spaces

If you’re looking to add some greenery to your downtown apartment, deck, or patio, artificial grass is an excellent choice.

For hard surfaces like concrete, the best artificial grass for patios should feature a fully permeable backing to ensure proper drainage and prevent mold growth.

Since decks and patios typically experience less foot traffic compared to yards, you can opt for a turf product with a shorter pile height for a clean and low-maintenance look.

The Ideal Best Artificial Grass for Pets and Their Comfort

As more homeowners seek to create dog-friendly backyards, fake grass for dogs has become increasingly popular. Whether you’re looking to replace your entire lawn or create a dedicated dog run, the best artificial grass for dogs and pets should feature a fully permeable backing to ensure pet urine can easily drain through.

For added benefits, we recommend T°Cool Infill, which boasts antimicrobial properties to prevent odors and bacteria buildup, along with evaporative cooling that keeps your pet’s paws comfortable.

Ensure that the infill you choose is non-toxic to pets, and opt for a short pile height for easier cleanup of solid waste.

This combination of features ensures that your synthetic grass remains pet-friendly and durable for years to come.

Selecting the Best Artificial Grass for Pool Areas

Many pool owners opt for artificial grass around their swimming areas for its low maintenance and aesthetic appeal.

The best artificial grass for poolside use should feature a fully permeable backing to ensure that splashes and excess pool water drain away efficiently, preventing puddling and the buildup of unwanted bacteria.

Given the frequent exposure to water, artificial grass around pools benefits from antimicrobial properties and a lighter face weight, making it more resistant to mold and algae growth.

Choosing the Best Artificial Grass for Your Putting Green

For creating a putting green at home, opt for artificial grass with a short pile height of about ½ to ¾ inch.

The best artificial grass for putting greens typically features nylon fibers for durability and a smooth playing surface.

For added realism, you can select turf with two different pile heights to distinguish the putting green from the fairway.

Ensure the installation area is free of rocks, debris, and uneven spots to guarantee a consistent and smooth golf experience.

Additionally, choose a high-quality infill to ensure your golf balls roll evenly and predictably across the green.

Best Artificial Grass for Playgrounds: Safety and Durability

When choosing the best artificial grass for playgrounds and play areas, a fully-permeable backing is essential to prevent water buildup. Stagnant water in a children’s play area can create safety hazards, so proper drainage is crucial.

For added protection, opt for antimicrobial turf, which helps to control germs, odors, and bacteria, ensuring a cleaner environment for kids.

The grass itself should have a robust thatch layer, providing extra grip and cushioning to reduce the impact of falls. For additional comfort and safety, you may also want to install a foam underlay beneath the turf.

Look for a high-quality product with a substantial face weight to ensure the turf can withstand constant foot traffic and maintain its appearance over time.

Proper site preparation is just as important—make sure the ground beneath is level and free of rocks or debris to extend the lifespan of the turf and minimize the risk of injuries.

Wrapping Up: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Artificial Grass

There is a wide range of artificial grass products designed to suit different climates, uses, locations, and budgets.

However, the vast selection of fake grass options should not overwhelm you.

By understanding a few key terms and features, you’ll be equipped to choose the best artificial grass for your specific needs, whether you’re looking for durable turf for a sports field or soft, resilient grass for a children’s playground. With the right knowledge, you can confidently select the perfect product for your space.