How to Choose the Best Artificial Grass or Turf – Buyers Guide
Parts of Artificial Turf
The materials that go into artificial grasses and turfs can vary based on what part of the turf they will be used in. The functionality and durability of the turf also play an important role in deciding what materials are used.
Yarn / Grass Blades
The “yarn” of the turf is what you will interact with the most. This is the top layer of your artificial turf, the part that looks like grass. The yarn is made up of synthetic materials and is woven into the filling.
Filling or Infill
The filling is just as it sounds. It fills the space between the backing and the yarn. It acts as both a cushioning system and, for some synthetic turf, helps to keep the yarn standing upright. This improves the attractiveness of the finished product and helps to cushion the turf for comfort.
Backing
The backing is the part of the turf that is in direct contact with the ground. The backing will usually be made of plastic, rubber, or a combination of the two. It has to be durable enough to sustain the filling and yarn. It also needs to be able to be nailed or otherwise fixated to the ground for stability.
Now that you know the sectional breakdown of your synthetic grass or turf, you should understand that different materials are chosen and used for each section.
For areas that endure extreme weather changes, a polyurethane backing for your artificial turf would be ideal over latex. That is because Polyurethane does not contract or expand like latex will in different kinds of weather. Latex will expand or shrink up to 10mm, which can cause unsightly gaps or gaps in your yard.
Grass Blades / Yarn
For the yarn or the “blades of grass”, there are three main types of material used:
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is the least expensive material used in artificial grass. It is the most common choice for business and home use for decor. This is because it has a low melting point and overall lacks durability on its own.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a little more expensive than polypropylene. It has a more natural look than the cheaper alternative, and is notably more durable. This type of yarn is most often used in landscape edging, play areas, and is a relatively cheap way to turf your entire lawn.
Nylon
Nylon is the most durable option. It can withstand high temperatures, excessive weight, and withstands wear and tear the best. However, it typically isn’t used in large applications due to its high cost and the fact that the pile made of this yarn type is incredibly stiff.
The filling of the turf is one of the most important parts of the artificial turf. It provides the appropriate cushioning for impact absorption, and for keeping the yarn fluffed for an attractive, natural look.
The filling of your turf can come in a variety of materials, including latex, rubber, thatch netting, and all the same materials used in the yarning process. This material needs to be soft enough to cushion a fall, but firm and springy enough to support any activities that might take place.
For increased shock absorption, you can also have a shock-absorbing material layer installed under the turf. Ask your installer for details on scheduled maintenance and proper care, as this layer tends to wear out before the turf itself.
You can also add extra infill after your turf has been installed. Infills include materials like silica sand, subangular silica, crumb rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, coconut or cork fiber, and more. This will increase your turf’s aesthetic appeal and is easily applied with a broom or rake.
Toxicity
Most quality artificial grasses and turfs are manufactured with ecologically-friendly, non-toxic materials. These will not be poisonous if accidentally ingested, and will not leach into your soil or any surrounding sources of water.
You should always err on the side of caution and be sure to check reviews, manufacturer disclaimers, and websites to be sure that the turf you are selecting is non-toxic.
Function / Use
Artificial turf started primarily as an improvement and an alternative for sports fields. Football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, and other sports can be terribly destructive by nature in regards to the field of play. Fields made of natural grass were harder to maintain and took frequent, unforgiving abuse.
With the invention and manufacturing of artificial turf, many of the problems faced by sports stadiums and recreational fields were alleviated. Cleats no longer dug up patches of ground with every step, and the grass was no longer flooding after a night of rain.
Eventually, people began using artificial turf for their businesses and personal property due to the low maintenance and aesthetic value.
While many people still use artificial turf to improve the look of their yard or lawn, there are many things you could utilize artificial turf for. Some people use cuts of turf to train their dogs or for indoor pet use, while some use strips of turf to practice their golf swing.
There are dozens of possible uses for artificial grass and turf, and your intended use will give you a better idea of how durable you need the turf to be.
