Artificial grass
It's been a long time since he artificial grass (synthetic grass in Mexico) went from soccer fields to form a green bush of synthetic grass in outdoor areas of gardens, swimming pools, a new flooring for attics, balconies, terraces, public spaces or hotels.
With technical advances in its materials, the synthetic grass is the perfect substitute for natural grass with important advantages in its maintenance and with really realistic looking results.
In addition, it is perfect in those places where due to weather conditions or other aspects, it is difficult for natural grass to grow. Without a doubt, there are three aspects that define its quality:
The artificial grass are synthetic fibers that look like natural grass, these hide many secrets that you must know to buy the most suitable in quality. Here, we explain everything step by step, let's get started!
Artificial grass vs. natural grass: Advantages and disadvantages
Make no mistake, both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, there is no perfect one! The differences begin to be noticed how much more surface and garden space we need to cover with synthetic grass.
Advantages artificial grass
| They have a warranty on parts and installation, if applicable. | High-priced ones look natural and nice. |
| Important savings in water compared to the natural grass model. | The touch can be soft and comfortable. |
| They are resistant and hygienic. | They are already manufactured with techniques for a vertical recovery of the fibers. |
| An important advantage. We have the green color all year. | The quality ones are not very abrasive. |
| Minimal maintenance (savings in money and time). | They are manufactured to resist fire (They have various certificates) |
| Weather-proof: cold, sun, rain, ice. | They do not generate bad odors. |
| The soil is not contaminated with fertilizers and chemicals. | There are manufactured to resist UV rays or chlorine from swimming pools. |
For us it is not about price (which does matter), because we believe that the debate is more about taste. Each thing has its pros and cons.
A natural garden has nothing to do with artificial turfNo matter how successful the product is, that is the reality!
A natural garden cannot be compared to an artificial one, it is reality! but you will enjoy more free time and fewer headaches
A natural garden is a "time saver" (planting, cutting the pasture and burning it, watering, fertilizing and transplanting dead areas, changing broken sprinklers, etc.) its maintenance is very important. And in a prefabricated grass, maintenance is minimal, which saves time to dedicate it to what you want.
Disadvantages artificial grass
| If you want to have quality material from a artificial grass. The square meter (m2) is high, no simple plastic chips! |
| For medium-large surfaces it is necessary to hire a specialized company so that its installation is adequate and lasts over time. |
| As we usually always walk through the same place, over time, the plastic shavings begin to look a bit squashed (Especially with cheap artificial grass) |
| Being a non-natural material, it heats up in summer. Especially when the filaments are of jaba quality. Some companies offer technologies that reduce their warming in the sun. |
| That freshness and smell of natural grass is lost |
| Dirt build-up is more difficult to remove than natural grass. |
| Although years have to pass, the loss of that initial color is there. |
Types of artificial grass
Although we could classify it by the type of material (We will explain it in detail later) or those that require silica sand and those that do not.
For us, the most appropriate thing is to order it according to use. This aspect normally influences the thickness, smoothness, greenish aesthetics, its assembly and the purchase price. The types of artificial grass that we find in the market by use are:
| Types of artificial grass | Average lawn height in millimeters | Estimated usage |
| Artificial grass for garden | 40 - 60 mm | moderate |
| Artificial grass for around swimming pools | 40 - 60 mm | moderate |
| Artificial grass for terraces, roofs and patios | 40 - 60 mm | moderate |
| Artificial grass for landscaping and decoration | 25 - 40 mm | frequent |
| Artificial grass for kindergartens and schools | 30 - 50 mm | intensive |
| Artificial grass for multisports | 25 mm in average (padel courts, tennis 15 - 20 mm) | intensive |
| Artificial grass for green areas and urban planning | 25 - 40 mm | frequent |
| Artificial grass for events (carpet style) | 9 - 25 mm | intensive |
| Artificial grass for corporate gardens (carpet style) | 9 - 25 mm | intensive |
In stores there is a wide range of models of synthetic grass to buy fine! Many options is synonymous with being able to choose, but, in turn, it is also synonymous with a lot of competition and bad practices to sell us a material that really is not as good as they tell us.
Mounting this green pavement in our garden represents an important investment and therefore, we want good results and that it 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 a synthetic grass is of quality? You will have to read a little more, if you do not want to throw money out the window, that is the reality!
Artificial grass characteristics
We are going to see all the key points to identify a industrial grass quality, look well and you will buy the best! That is the best recommendation we can make to you.
Most recommended use
Although we can install the synthetic grass wherever we want, interior areas, outdoor spaces, vertically, etc., the most recommended uses by manufacturers can be found in:
| Home area | Sports areas (Sports facilities) | Kids zone |
| Terrace | Football field | Day care centers |
| Garden | Paddle tennis court | Children's parks |
| Pool | Tennis court | |
| Playground | Golf Course and Minigolf | |
| Balcony | Gym (Crossfit) | |
| Penthouse | Multisport | |
| Wall (vertical garden) | ||
| Pets area | Events area | Public spaces area |
| Dog spaces | Outdoor events | Gardens |
| Spaces for cats | Fairs | Squares and urban areas |
By the way, about gardens for interiors and decoration, we have an extensive guide on how to set up a vertical garden at home, recommended! With many tips.
Artificial grass parts scheme
In the following diagram we have indicated the parts that we consider most important to identify a quality artificial grass piece. And then we will explain them in detail.
There are some components of the structure that we must review their concepts to later be able to choose the best product for our installation:
- Fibers. Set of green filaments (threads) that together form the green mantle of synthetic grass.
- Microns. Thread thickness in thousandths of a millimeter.
- Hound. Distance between the sewing rows of the threads. In landscaping, for example, the average is 3/8 of an inch. They depend on the fiber and purpose of the installation.
- Stitches. Number per linear meter of the points on each sewing line.
- Cape. Number of ends - hairs - of a fiber in each stitch.
- Primary backing layer. Support on which the fibers are anchored and fixed.
- Secondary or latex backing layer. It is the finishing coat. It is important for durability. Latex layer (cheaper, but worse in quality) or polyurethane that joins the fibers with the primary backing.
- Decitex (DTEX). Yarn measurement unit comprising the weight in grams of 10,000 meters of yarn. The smaller the Dtex, the thinner the fibers or the narrower the yarn.
And what can we extract from here? In part, these aspects indicate the quality of the model that we are going to buy and we simplify it in:
A quick way that tells us the quality of a fiber is the density of rope. Although it depends on its weight (DTEX) and volume (microns, height and width), the density of the threads can be checked by looking against the light.
Tip: If we look at the density of the threads against the light. Fibers with low decitex are highly transparent and therefore less strength and durability
From the previous image, if we go to a store to ask about prices, we will see a labeling that more or less corresponds to the previous annotations. We will see a label like:
We are already beginning to understand a little more about the components that make up synthetic grasses. Now it's time to analyze a little more to see what we should look at …
Type of fibers and shapes
Synthetic fibers that look like natural grass can be divided into two large groups depending on how the yarn is made: fibrillated Y monofilament. Broadly speaking, we would have:
| Fibrillated yarn fibers | Monofilament yarn fibers |
| Initially not natural looking. Over time it takes on a better appearance when splitting. | Has a more natural look |
| It is usually cheaper | It is usually more expensive |
| Frequent applications in sports spaces | Applications for all uses |
The monofilament yarn fiber, in the factory, is extruded in its final part that provides a different shape with the intention - mainly - of improving its stability when underfoot (preventing the green mantle from bending over):
- Flat shape. Industrial grass tends to bend and not regain its initial shape.
- C, V or W shape. An attempt is made to solve the lack of recovery with that tendency to fall.
- Midrib shape. He has a good recovery thanks to the central nerve.
As we have commented in the previous section, the Fibrillation of an artificial grass in width and thickness of the fiber is important since it provides resistance to wear More is better! It will be a factor that we can compare when buying the substrate.
Furthermore, the fibers must have some seal of guarantee for fire resistance, UV protection (Sun rays protection) and if it is for around the garden pool, protection for the chlorine There are also that they are 100% recyclable!
By the way, avoid a field of colored grass! It is only useful for parks with children!
What is the ideal height of artificial grass? Depending on the use and transit of people, we must choose a grass height. On average, for the garden, landscaping and decoration it is recommended between 30 and 50 mm. If we are a little clueless at the height we can see:
- Gardening with little use and traffic: between 40 mm to about 60 mm in height.
- Gardening of medium use and traffic: between 25 mm to about 40 mm in height.
- High-use and high-traffic gardening in outdoor areas: from 9 mm to about 40 mm in height.
We must put the height that touches us according to use. It is not worth higher, better! Taller grass also means more chafing wear
At this key point! we have to look at the materials to see their resistance and water drainage …
Industrial grass fiber materials
Each manufacturer has its innovations in materials and manufacturing to create a green space, but, the base of the material used for the synthetic fiber or the backing (Base), more or less, is the same for all.
As a general rule, European-made fiber in roll and base mantle are of good quality There are good manufacturers in Spain! Avoid the one made in Asia, it does not provide good results. Neither does the green grass carpet, is considered as such.
- Synthetic Grass Fibers Materials. Mainly three materials; Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) and of Polyamide (PA). We have an interesting materials guide.
- Synthetic Grass Backing Materials. The first layer, known as primary support, it is a non-woven textile, it is normally manufactured with Polypropylene. It is the layer to which the artificial fibers are sewn. The second layer, known as secondary layer, are usually of latex (good quality will have a minimum of 900 grams of latex per square meter) or polyurethane (PU). Both are sealant adhesives.
These materials have their advantages and disadvantages; more or less resistance and hardness, flexibility, softness, better withstands temperature changes, etc. So we have a schematic to better see the properties and characteristics:
There is usually a discussion about whether the base mat (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. At a professional level, for example in Soccer, FIFA has a quality guide on Artificial Grass.
The better way to know you have good support is; First, get a free sample of the product you want to buy. And secondly, grab the corner of the patch 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 make up the Backing (grass base) … avoid that product!
When are we going to buy, sold in rolls sealed with plastic. Professionals opt for rolls of 2 meters wide (the most common) and 4 m. In large surfaces we can also find it one meter wide and "cut" in length, for its convenience in transport.
The smaller the grass roll, more joints, more work in installation and more possible problems is aesthetics, keep it in the gutter!
Artificial grass with silica sand or not
A filler material is necessary for a blade - fiber (yarn) to remain vertical. If there is nothing, it will lie down after a while.
In addition, it adds weight and stability to the green carpet. A more comfortable, fluffy and soft feeling to the footsteps. It keeps humidity better in summer or acts as a filter regulating in case of crazy rain.
Manufacturers here have several systems to achieve this filling material that will give us properties extra:
- The first is to use some type of sand, natural cork, coconut fibers, etc. Usually this is silica sand and it is the best option. That is, once the industrialized grass is installed, we will carefully add a sand mat that we will distribute equally (approximate amount of 3/5 kg per m2 is enough) and that the process is normally carried out with a rake and brush, or mechanized with a machine spreader or top dressing.
- The second is to use an industrial grass that has two types of yarns - fibers. The first layer, which is taller and with straighter filaments, and a second, of curly-shaped yarns to maintain stability.
- You combine the above.
- Already for soccer fields, rugby, etc. Already very professional themes, you can put several layers; a first of sand, and a secondary of some synthetic material or even scratches from old tires.
| Artificial turf with infill is recommended for: | Artificial grass without infill is recommended for: |
| In spaces with intensive uses. | Terraces, patios, balconies, roofs (Avoid adding more weight) |
| When we cover medium and large surfaces. | Smaller surface coverage |
| In changing weather conditions (temperature variations). | In temporary applications: events, for example. |
| High temperatures in summer (sand holds more moisture). | Indoor applications or vertical use. |
| Highly recommended for public and recreational spaces. | Decorative use at fairs, counter, etc. |
| Coconut fiber, other synthetic materials, etc. can also be used. | The usage activity is less intensive. |
Drainage in artificial grass and water
We do not have to forget that a grass field needs some type of conduit for the water to circulate properly How do you allow water to pass properly through the base?
In the last stages of the manufacture of artificial grass, some small holes in the support material to create perforations. These perforations allow water to drain through the plastic surface, avoiding stagnation.
Although they are small and barely noticeable, they must be there! To withstand even the heaviest downpours. Most products allow the drainage of at least 50 liters of water, per square meter, per minute.
Be very careful with the grass on roofs, balconies and terraces of homes that do not have adequate drainage. Bags of water are created, the neighbor can get a good scare!
We once again insist that, in the case of installing it near a swimming pool, it is recommended that the thread has some certified protection for the chlorine of the same. And reviewing our article on pool maintenance, cleaning and treatment is a good guide! With various useful tips.
It is advisable to use a drainage sheet that will go under the synthetic grass. Light and flexible material, with a core of polypropylene filaments, which provides better drainage capacity.
When used underneath in paved installations or landscaped terraces, it provides a more comfortable footprint and promotes drainage.
How To Choose The Best Industrial Lawn (Summary)
At this key point, we already know that quality is in the details and that is why we have written a fairly comprehensive guide. About the product we must look at:
Forget about cheap artificial grass Time will give us the reason! You are facing a long-term investment and the quality shows a lot.
Tip: Forget cheap artificial grass. In the long run, you will wish you didn't buy it - don't waste your money!
And roughly, along with the budget that we want to spend, we can follow these steps to make a correct choice:
Remember that we not only have to buy artificial grass at Leroy Melin, Home depot, Carrefour, Bricomart, Bricodepot, Lidl. There are many companies specialized in gardening with quality models and synthetic fibers, with consistent prices that launch interesting offers and tight budgets. Plus they know what they're doing!
Also online we can quickly compare prices that appear on Amazon or search for brands to verify the sale price.
By the way, in measurements, the artificial grass rolls have different lengths; 2 meters, 3 and 4 m, and in width it is usually around 2 linear meters. Those are the most common measurements.
There is also the possibility to buy artificial grass to cut, that is, you can choose the width to be cut from a roll, very useful for terraces! And places that we need less quantity.
How to install artificial grass
For small surfaces and if you are a handyman, 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 on installation and materials (Material guarantee is around 8 - 10 years).
Remember to always ask for a guarantee; both the product, the artificial grass, and the assembly (If applicable)
How to measure a surface to install artificial grass? You can find a good explanation in the following video …
In the assembly a series of tools are needed to work with coherence; from the gloves to the bonding tape, the adhesive, a possible anti-grass 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 the feeling of greater comfort and as a whole, it will look very good. We advise you to read the article on plants for home interiors for the tips.
Here we are mainly faced with two situations:
- The first is one that we already have a flooring, base or firm, be it more or less straight ceramic or concrete. Easier and cheaper installation.
- The second, we have a natural base. An uneven soil, dirt or any other material. More difficult and expensive assembly.
| Artificial grass installation tools | |
| On slab - pavement | On natural base |
| A cutter or blade for cutting | A cutter or blade for cutting |
| Bonding tape | Bonding tape |
| A serrated spatula | A serrated spatula |
| Two-component polyurethane adhesive | Two-component polyurethane adhesive |
| Anti-grass geotextile mesh | |
| Fixing staples or nails | |
If you need a DIY tool, some offers usually appear online as you can see from HERE.
1.- Installation of artificial grass on screed or pavement
Better we leave a video of how to install a synthetic grass on pavement that we believe has a coherent explanation.
Two helpful tips when you put it on:
- If we always make the same route in our garden (for example, go to the barbecue). It is better to put a small stone or tile path than synthetic grass to avoid visible wear over time.
- In outer space. Avoid putting it in barbecue area or food in the garden. It will end up being filled with crumbs (ants and bugs of all kinds) and / or getting burned by some charcoal from the barbecue.
- The wider the roll, the less joints. But you already know that it is more difficult to move.
2.- Installation of artificial grass on land or natural base
We better leave a video of how to run a synthetic grass on earth that we believe has a coherent explanation.
Basic Maintenance of Industrial Manufactured Lawn
Simple care is required to prolong its good appearance and preserve its properties over the years.
A synthetic pavement and like any other, when exposed to the elements and the traffic of people, its appearance tarnishes. We must follow as a minimum:
- Cleaning. Liquid spills, dust, animal droppings, etc., can be eliminated by a short spray or with a simple “hose” 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 incidence of the Sun. You have to cool off for a few minutes.
- Eliminate weeds and fungi. Even having an anti-herb mesh, sometimes herbs may germinate, both in the perimeters
as on the same lawn. Also in shady, humid, and little traveled areas, it could be the case of the appearance of fungi or moss. An annual application of a non-oil based fungicide is recommended.
And as a final data. From a professional or sports facilities and training perspective, the Valencia Institute of Biomechanics (Spain) organizes a specific training course on ARTIFICIAL GRASS. I do not know prices, but a leading center in technology and highly reputed internationally.
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