Artificial grass: Advantages, Types, and how to buy the best synthetic. Detailed guide!

Artificial grass

It has been a long time since artificial grass (synthetic grass in Mexico) moved from football fields to form a green mat of synthetic grass in outdoor areas of gardens, pools, new pavements for attics, balconies, terraces, public spaces, or hotels.

With technical advances in its materials, synthetic grass is the perfect substitute for natural grass with significant advantages in its maintenance and with results that look really realistic.

Moreover, it is perfect in places where, due to climatic or other circumstances, it is difficult for natural grass to grow. Undoubtedly, there are three aspects that define its quality:

Artificial grass consists of synthetic fibers that look like natural grass, these hide many secrets you should know to buy the most suitable one in quality. Here, we explain everything step by step, let’s start!

Artificial grass vs. natural grass: Advantages and disadvantages

Let’s not be mistaken, both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, there is no perfect one! The differences start to become noticeable the more surface and garden space we need to cover with synthetic grass.

Advantages of artificial grass

For us, it’s not about price (which does matter), because we believe the debate is more about preferences. Everything has its pros and cons.

A natural garden has nothing to do with artificial grass, no matter how well the product is made! That’s the reality!

A natural garden cannot be compared to an artificial one, that’s the reality! but you will enjoy more free time and fewer headaches

A natural garden is a “time taker” (planting, cutting the grass and burning it, watering, fertilizing and transplanting dead areas, changing broken sprinklers, etc.) its maintenance is very important. And in a prefabricated grass, the maintenance is minimal, saving you time to dedicate to whatever you want.

Disadvantages of artificial grass

Types of artificial grass

Although we could classify it by the type of material (We explain it in detail later) or those that require silica sand and those that do not.

For us, the most appropriate is to order it according to use. This aspect usually influences the thickness, softness, green aesthetics, its assembly, and the purchase price. The types of artificial grass we find in the market by use are:

In stores, there is a wide range of synthetic grass models to buy, great! Many options mean being able to choose, but, in turn, it also means a lot of competition and bad practices to sell us a material that is not really as good as they tell us.

Installing this green pavement in our garden represents a significant investment and therefore, we want good results and for it to last over time. But… What increases the price of artificial grass?

The only way to know if we are buying a quality artificial material to replace natural grass is to know its characteristics and components to be able to compare

The only way to know if we are buying a good quality artificial material to replace natural grass is to know its characteristics and components.

How to know if synthetic grass is of quality? You will have to read a little more if you don’t want to throw money out the window, that’s the reality!

Characteristics of artificial grass

Let’s see all the key points to identify a quality industrial grass, look closely and you will buy the best! That’s the best recommendation we can make.

Most recommended use of synthetic grass

Although we can install synthetic grass wherever we want, indoor areas, outdoor spaces, vertically, etc., the most recommended uses by manufacturers can be broken down into:

By the way, about indoor gardens and decoration, we have an extensive guide on how to set up a vertical garden at home, recommended! With many tips.

Scheme of parts of artificial grass

In the following scheme, we have indicated the parts we consider most important to identify a quality piece of artificial grass. And then, we will explain them in detail.

There are some components of the structure that we need to review their concepts to then be able to choose the best product for our installation:

• Fibers. Set of green filaments (threads) that together form the green mat of synthetic grass.
• Microns. Thickness of the thread in thousandths of a millimeter.
• Gauge. Distance between the rows of sewn threads. In landscaping, for example, on average it is 3/8 of an inch. They depend on the fiber and purpose of the installation.
• Stitches. Number per linear meter of the points in each sewing line.
• Yarn. Number of ends – hairs – of a fiber in each stitch.
• Primary backing layer. Support on which the fibers are anchored and fixed.
• Secondary backing layer or latex. It is the finishing layer. It is important for durability. Latex layer (cheaper, but lower quality) or polyurethane that binds the fibers to the primary backing.
• Decitex (DTEX). Thread measurement unit that comprises the weight in grams of 10,000 meters of thread. The lower the Dtex, the less thickness in fibers or the narrower the thread.

And what can we extract from here? In part, these aspects indicate the quality of the model we are going to buy and we simplify it in:

A quick way that indicates the quality of a fiber is the yarn density. Although it depends on its weight (DTEX) and volume (Microns, height, and width), the density of the threads can be checked by looking at it against the light.

Tip: If we look at the density of the threads against the light. Fibers with few decitex are very transparent and, therefore, less resistant and durable

From the previous image, if we go to a store to ask about prices, we will see a label that more or less corresponds to the previous notes. We will see a label like:

We are starting to understand a little more about the components that make up synthetic grass. Now it’s time to analyze a little more to see what we should focus on…

Type of fibers and shapes

The synthetic fibers that look like natural grass can be divided into two large groups according to how the thread is manufactured: fibrillated and monofilament. Broadly speaking, we would have:

In the factory, monofilament thread fiber undergoes an extrusion at its end that gives it a different shape with the intention – mainly – of improving its stability underfoot (preventing the green mat from bending):

• Flat shape. Industrial grass tends to bend and not recover its initial shape.
• C, V, or W shape. It tries to solve the lack of recovery with that tendency to fall.
• Shape with central rib. It has good recovery thanks to the central rib.

As we mentioned in the previous section, the fibrillation of artificial grass in width and thickness of the fiber is important as it provides wear resistance, more is better! It will be a factor we can compare when buying this substrate.

In addition, the fibers must have some guarantee seal for fire resistance, UV protection (Sun protection) and if it is for around the pool in the garden, protection for chlorine! There are also those that are 100% recyclable!

By the way, avoid a field of colored grass, it’s only useful for parks with children!

What is the ideal height of artificial grass? Depending on the use and foot traffic, we should opt for a grass height. On average, for the garden, landscaping, and decoration, it is recommended between 30 and 50 mm. If we are a bit confused about the height, we can see:

• Gardening with little use and traffic: between 40 mm to about 60 mm in height.
• Gardening with medium use and traffic: between 25 mm to about 40 mm in height.
• Gardening with high use and traffic in outdoor areas: from 9 mm to about 40 mm in height.

We must set the height according to use, higher is not always better! Taller grass also means more wear from friction

At this key point! we have to look at the materials to see their resistance and water drainage…

Materials of industrial grass fibers

Each manufacturer has its innovations in materials and manufacturing to create a green space, but the base material used for the synthetic fiber or the backing (Base), more or less, is the same for everyone.

As a general rule, the fiber in roll and the base mat manufactured in Europe are of good quality! There are good manufacturers in Spain! Avoid those made in Asia, they do not provide good results. Nor is the green grass carpet considered as such.

• Materials of synthetic grass fibers. Mainly three materials; Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyamide (PA). We have an interesting materials guide.
• Materials of synthetic grass backing. The first layer, known as primary support, is a non-woven textile, usually made with polypropylene. It is the layer to which the artificial fibers are sewn. The second layer, known as secondary layer, is usually latex (good quality will have a minimum of 900 grams of latex per square meter) or polyurethane (PU). Both are adhesive sealants.

These materials have their advantages and disadvantages; more or less resistance and hardness, flexibility, softness, better withstand temperature changes, etc. So we have a scheme to better see the properties and characteristics:

There is usually a discussion about whether the base carpet (Backing), when applying the sealing material; latex or polyurethane (PU), which is better. But, in reality, new technologies are providing quality materials in both products.

The best way to know it has good support is; first, get a free sample of the product you want to buy. And second, grab the corner of the piece of grass with your thumbs and try to separate the two layers, if you can easily! Avoid that product.

If you can easily separate the two layers that form the Backing (grass base)… avoid that product!

When we go to buy, they are sold in rolls sealed with plastic. Professionals opt for rolls 2 meters wide (the most common) and 4 m. In large stores, we can also find it 1 meter wide and “cut to length” for its convenience in transport.

The smaller the grass roll, the more joints, more work in installation, and more possible aesthetic problems, keep that in mind!

Artificial grass with or without silica sand

A filler material is necessary for a blade – fiber (thread) to remain vertical. If there is nothing, it will lie down after a while.

In addition, it provides weight and stability to the green carpet. A more comfortable, cushioned, and soft feeling underfoot. It better retains moisture in summer or acts as a filter regulating in case of crazy rain.

Here manufacturers have several systems to achieve that filler material that will provide us with extra properties:

• The first is to use some type of sand, natural cork, coconut fibers, etc. Usually, it is silica sand and is the best option. That is, once the industrialized grass is installed, we will carefully add a sand carpet that we will distribute evenly (an approximate amount of 3/5 kg per m2 is sufficient) and the process is usually done with a rake and brush, or mechanized with some spreading or topdressing machine.
• The second is to use industrial grass that has two types of threads – fibers. The first layer, which is taller and with straighter filaments, and a second, with curly threads to maintain stability.
• Combine the above.
• For football fields, rugby, etc. Very professional topics, several layers can be put; a first of sand, and a secondary of some synthetic material or even old tire shavings.

Drainage in artificial grass and water

We must not forget that a grass field needs some type of conduit for water to circulate properly How does it allow water to pass through the base properly?

In the final stages of synthetic grass manufacturing, small holes are made in the support material to create perforations. These perforations allow water to drain through the plastic surface, preventing stagnation.

Although they are small and barely noticeable, they must be there! To withstand even the heaviest downpours. Most products allow drainage of at least 50 liters of water per square meter per minute.

Be very careful with grass on rooftops, balconies, and terraces of homes that do not have adequate drainage. Water pockets are created, the neighbor can get a good scare!

We insist again that, in the case of installing it near a pool, it is advisable for the thread to have some certified protection for the chlorine in the pool. And review our article on pool maintenance, cleaning, and treatment, it’s a good guide! With several useful tips.

It is advisable to use a drainage sheet that will go under the synthetic grass. Lightweight and flexible material, with a polypropylene filament core, that provides better drainage capacity.

When used underneath in paved installations or garden terraces, it provides a more comfortable step and promotes drainage.

How to choose the best industrial grass (Summary)

At this key point, we already know that the details are where the quality lies, and that’s why we have written a fairly extensive guide. About the product, we should look at:

Forget about cheap artificial grass, time will prove us right! You are facing a long-term investment, and quality is very noticeable.

Tip: Forget about cheap synthetic grass. In the long run, you will wish you hadn’t bought it, don’t waste your money!

And broadly speaking, along with the budget we want to spend, we can follow these steps for a correct choice:

Remember that we don’t just have to buy artificial grass at Leroy Melin, Home Depot, Carrefour, Bricomart, Bricodepot, Lidl. There are many specialized gardening companies with quality synthetic models and fibers, with coherent prices that launch interesting offers and adjusted budgets. Also, they know what they are doing!

Also online, we can compare prices quickly that appear on Amazon or search for brands to verify the sale price.

By the way, in measurements, the rolls of artificial grass have different lengths; 2 meters, 3, and 4 m, and in width, it is usually around 2 m linear. Those are the most common measurements.

There is also the possibility of buying artificial grass by the cut, that is, you can choose the width that will be cut from a roll, very useful for terraces! And places where we need less quantity.

How to install artificial grass

For small surfaces and if you are handy, you can install it without any problem! (Small terraces, balcony, rooftops, or a small garden). When we talk about medium or large surfaces. My recommendation is to look for a professional company that offers an adequate guarantee in installation and materials (Material warranty is around 8 – 10 years).

Remember to always ask for a warranty; both for the product, the artificial grass, and the installation (If applicable)

How to measure a surface to install synthetic grass? A good explanation can be found in the following video…

In the assembly, a series of tools are needed to work coherently; from gloves to the joining tape, adhesive, a possible anti-weed mesh, some staples, or a protection base for impact more used in recreational spaces. A general summary would be:

If you combine with live plants and other small shrubs in corners. It will give you a greater sense of comfort and overall, it will look very good. We advise you to read the article on indoor plants for homes for the tips.

Here we mainly find two situations:

• The first is that we already have a floor, base, or firm, whether ceramic or concrete more or less straight. Easier and cheaper installation.
• The second, we have a natural base. An uneven soil, of earth or any other material. More difficult and expensive assembly.

If you need any DIY tools, online there are usually some offers as you can see from HERE.

1.- Installation of artificial grass on slab or pavement

We better leave a video on how to install synthetic grass on pavement that we believe has a coherent explanation.

Two useful tips when you put it:

• If we always take the same path in our garden (for example, going to the barbecue). It is better to put a small path of stones or tiles than synthetic grass to avoid visible wear over time.
• In outdoor space. Avoid putting it in the barbecue or dining area in the garden. It will end up full of crumbs (ants and bugs of all kinds) and/or burning from some charcoal from the barbecue.
• The wider the roll, the fewer joints. But you know it’s harder to move.

2.- Installation of artificial grass on soil or natural base

We better leave a video on how to execute synthetic grass on soil that we believe has a coherent explanation.

Basic maintenance of industrially manufactured grass

Simple care is required to prolong its good appearance and preserve its properties over the years.

A synthetic pavement, like any other, when exposed to the elements and foot traffic, its appearance tarnishes. We must follow at least:

• Cleaning. Spills of liquids, dust, animal droppings, etc., can be removed with a short spray or a simple “hose down” of water. It is possible to disinfect the synthetic carpet with any non-abrasive product.
• Refresh with water. Being a synthetic product, especially in summer, the temperature rises due to the sun’s incidence. It needs to be refreshed for a few minutes.
• Eliminate weeds and fungi. Even with an anti-weed mesh, weeds may germinate, both on the perimeters and on the grass itself. Also, in shaded, humid, and little-trafficked areas, fungi or moss may appear. An annual application of a non-oil-based fungicide is recommended.

And as a final note. From a professional perspective or sports and training facilities, the Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (Spain) organizes a specific training course on ARTIFICIAL GRASS. I don’t know the prices, but it’s a leading center in technology and highly reputed internationally.

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