Tips For Choosing And Purchasing Artificial Grass
By Created: March, 2018 - Modified: July, 2023
Related Product: V-Max Artificial Grass Turf 3/4 Inch x 15 Ft. Wide 5mm Pad Per SF
Here’s what you need to know about choosing and buying artificial grass.
Qualities to Look for in Artificial Grass
As you shop for synthetic turf grass for your home, consider the following qualities.Blades and Colors
Artificial turf comes with a variety of blade types and colors. Blades can be straight or curly, and they’re available in multiple thicknesses. A combination of short, straight blades and curly blades is often best and produces a natural feel.
Consider the turf color, too. A turf color that’s too bright or too uniform can look fake. Some of the most realistic looking turf products feature blades in multiple shades. A turf that includes thatch, an extra fiber that varies in color, thickness, and texture, often most closely resembles the imperfections in a real lawn.
Pile Height
The pile height, or the height of the individual blades, impacts how the turf will perform. If you’re going to be using the turf for a sports field or a run for dogs, a shorter pile height between ⅜ and ⅝ inches is ideal.
But if you’re going to use the turf to create a comfortable backyard surface that your family can enjoy, then a taller pile between 1 ¼ and 2 ½ inches will be most realistic and comfortable.
Drainage
The turf that you choose needs to let water and pet urine easily pass through, meaning the liquid has to be able to travel through the turf’s backing. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding or pooling water, or if you’re using the turf for an area for your dogs, then choose a product with 100% permeable backing. This backing style lets liquids pass directly through the turf at any point.
Some artificial turf products feature hole-punched backing, which features drainage holes every few inches in the backing. This type of turf is a good choice for very dry areas where runoff water is somewhat rare.
Durability
When installed outdoors, artificial grass is exposed to harsh elements year-round. It must withstand UV light, extreme temperatures, and precipitation.
Consider the turf’s durability when choosing the best product for your needs. Look for features like UV resistance and a manufacturer’s warranty that indicate the product is durable and that your installation will be long-lasting.
Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
If you’ll be using turf to landscape an area where your kids and pets will play, look for a product with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. An antibacterial and antimicrobial additive is used during the manufacturing process to help protect your family from dangerous microbes and bacteria. The result is a safer, more hygienic space for your family to enjoy.
Infill Requirements
Think about whether the turf that you’re purchasing is designed for use without an infill, or if you will need to budget for an infill during the installation. The infill layer contributes to the turf’s performance and feel underfoot, so it’s important to plan for this essential layer. Opting for an artificial turf product that is designed for use without an infill could help to save you on installation costs and could keep the overall pricing of your project down.
How to Measure How Much Artificial Grass You Need
Once you’ve decided on the product that you want to purchase, it’s important to take the time to measure the area, plan out your installation, and determine how much artificial grass you need.
In most cases, you will be buying artificial turf that is sold by the roll. Most rolls are 15 feet wide, and rolls can be as long as 100 feet. At Greatmats, we sell artificial turf in rolls by the foot, allowing you to buy precisely what you need for your home while minimizing waste.
Keep in mind that large rolls of turf are substantially larger and heavier, which can make the installation more difficult. For example, if your area is 100 feet long, ordering multiple 50-foot rolls will help to make the installation process easier.
When you calculate the turf that you need, you should plan on having enough turf to cover a rectangle over the area, and then you can cut away any turf that you don’t need. For example, if the area you need to cover is an oval or a triangle, you will cover the area and beyond with a rectangle of turf, then cut the excess. This approach produces better results than trying to piece smaller lengths of turf together.
To calculate how much artificial grass you need, measure the height and length around the space of your project. Always order more artificial turf than you will need.