What is the difference between the term 'Astro Turf' and 'Artificial Grass'?

Admin • Apr 05, 2019

Artificial Grass terminology explained

We are always receiving enquiries about ‘Astro Turf’, ‘Astro Turf Australia’, ‘Synthetic Turf’,’Synthetic Grass’ 'Synthetic Lawn', 'Artificial Grass', ‘Artificial Turf’ 'Artificial lawn', 'Fake Grass' 'Fake lawn' and “Fake Turf’. All these terms are generally used to describe the same product with a slight difference. We thought we might break these terms down to enable a better understanding of the product and terms.

Artificial or synthetic turf:

Artificial or synthetic turf is a surface of synthetic fibres made to look like natural grass. Both artificial and synthetic turf as a search term essentially mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

Artificial or synthetic grass:

The term synthetic turf / grass is used interchangeable with artificial turf / grass. These terms are the most common through the artificial grass industry and all essentially mean the same thing.

Fake turf /grass:

Fake grass or turf is just another term used for artificial and synthetic turf. Easy Turf’s artificial grass comes in range different styles; each with differing height, colour, thickness and dimensions and are designed to replicate natural turf.

Astro Turf:

Astro Turf is a specific product rather than a generic name for artificial turf. The Astro Turf product was created in America in 1965. Astro Turf is a trademark.

The term isn’t as common as it used to be, although is still used by people when enquiring about artificial turf.

Easy Turf® can supply and install artificial turf for call areas including play grounds, parks, childcare centres and residential backyards, check out our gallery which shows inspiring ideas.

If you require a quote to supply and install your turf, simply give Easy Turf® a call on 1800 EASY TURF or request a quote online.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Reasons Why You Should Choose Synthetic Grass For Your Landscaping Project

28 Apr, 2022

One of the notable reasons property owners make landscape investments is that around 90% of real estate agents recommend it, acknowledging that landscaping efforts can help increase the value of any home.

Different Ways To Transform Your Outdoor Space with Artificial Grass

22 Apr, 2022

We all want to make the most out of our outdoor space. Simple garden ideas can make it easier to plan, plant, and prime your space to fully enjoy it. There are different ways to give your outdoor space an instant lift.

What To Expect from Artificial Grass Installation

15 Apr, 2022

You may be wondering about what things go into installing synthetic grass? Here we will discuss everything you need to know about the artificial grass installation process, so you have an idea of what you can expect with your new artificial grass.

Artificial Grass Design Ideas for Your Garden

12 Apr, 2022

If you are looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home with artificial grass, here are some of the design ideas that are exciting and worth considering for your home.

EASY TURF QUICK NAV MENU

SELECT FAKE GRASS FOR...

CONTACT EASY TURF PTY LTD ®

Easy Turf Melbourne, VIC:

6/180-194 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine West VIC 3020

Phone: 1300 475 499

Email: enquiries@easyturf.com.au

Easy Turf Albury/Wodonga

Phone: 1300 475 499

Email: luke@easyturf.com.au

EASY TURF® VERIFIED REVIEWS

Easy Turf Site Map | Privacy Policy -Website Designed and built by

In10tion Digital Agency

How to Lay Artificial Grass (Step by Step Video Guide)

As suppliers and installers of the leading artificial grass in Australia, Easy Turf is the name to trust when it comes providing the best tips and tricks for laying your synthetic grass. Furthermore, by following our expert guide, you, your family, young kids and animals can enjoy the year-round outdoor lifestyle that artificial turf provides and all without the hassles and expense of maintaining a traditional lawn.

Any questions about your artificial grass? No problem. We are happy to help our customers and answer any questions or worries that might arise with the installation of your synthetic grass. How to get in contact? Reach us on (03) 9315 3041 or, at www.easyturf.com.au

We’ve broken down the process of laying your synthetic grass into simple steps. Take your time, read everything through at least once and when you’re ready. Get to work!

Getting ready – your checklist
Measuring up for synthetic grass
Choosing the right grass for you
Preparing the ground for your synthetic grass
Rolling and pegging out your grass
Expert tips for natural-looking artificial grass

Getting ready - your checklist

Preparation is vital when it comes to laying your synthetic lawn. So, before you get started, make sure you have everything on the list below:

Grass – Easy Turf’s range of synthetic grasses are designed to look and feel just like real grass
Pegs and nails to hold down the grass and prevent movement
Industrial gloves – to protect your hands
Peel and stick tape - to join synthetic grass together and provide a neat finish
Industrial strength synthetic grass glue – ideal if you are putting your lawn on top of concrete, pavers or other hard surfaces
Artificial grass sand and fine rock – for a reliable base and for finishing off the prep
Foam underlay – if you are using grass on hard surfaces such as concrete and pavers
Wooden planks – to help flatten the earth
Compactor (either manual or machine-driven) – to flatten the ground and ensure a professional finish
Standard tools such as a broom, rake, hammer, spirit level, hose, retractable tape measure, nails, quality retractable or fixed blade knife

Artificial Turf Products
Step 1: Measuring up for artificial grass installation

It’s crucial to know exactly how much artificial turf you are going to need for your project. Just imagine the pain of getting close to finishing only to find you’ve not ordered enough grass or, that you’ve massively over-estimated and blown your budget! We suggest that you always double-check your measurements and that you compensate for any miscalculations or unforeseen errors by adding a little extra to your total.

Step 2: Choosing the right synthetic grass for you

When you’re confident of how much artificial grass you need, it’s time to select the type of synthetic grass that is right for your DIY project. Easy Turf stocks a range of grass that is suitable for residential, educational establishments, sports and commercial needs.

Step 3: Preparing the ground for your synthetic grass

Preparing the base so that it is rubble-free, smooth and flat is essential to the success of your DIY turf-laying project. Skip a step and you risk unwanted lumps and bumps.

Remove any existing turf and soil including any stones, pebbles and debris. We suggest you dig to around 7.5cm deep.

To prevent any regrowth from weeds and unwanted plants, place a plastic membrane over the entire cleared area.
Apply a thin layer of crushed stone over the top of the plastic membrane.
Use planks of wood to create a new layer over the top of the crushed stone.
If you are laying your artificial grass over the top of concrete or paving stones, it’s essential to check that it is level. If not, you will need to use a spirit level and create extra height with additional concrete or other materials. You will also need to make sure that there is adequate drainage close by to handle excess rain and water.
We recommend that you use a foam underlay on the top of the concrete to create a more comfortable feel underfoot. Easy Turf suggests using 5mm of foam underlay on top of concrete and pavers to give some softness.
Use a compactor where necessary to ensure a level and robust finish to your foundations.

How To Lay Fake Grass On Dirt
How To Lay Artificial Grass On Sand
Step 4: Rolling out and pegging your grass

Once you have the foundations in place, it is time to peg out your turf, a crucial step before you permanently fix it into position. Follow these steps to ensure the best results.

Slowly unroll your synthetic turf over the carefully prepared foundations.
Use your nails and/or pegs and place at even intervals along the turf but about 30-40cm from the edge to hold it in place (the space between the nail and the edge of the grass will be held down by the adhesive tape used in step D).
If you are using artificial grass on concrete, paving stone or hard floor, use industrial-strength synthetic turf glue instead of nails. As before, leave a gap of approximately 30-40cm to the edge of the grass to allow for the use of tape.
Add the next strip of artificial grass and use the same principles, either nailing/pegging or gluing in place and leaving the space to allow for taping.
As you lay the consecutive strips being careful to ensure that the pile of the grass is running in the same direction (if the fibres are pointing in alternate ways you will have an uneven stripe in your grass). If in doubt, use your hand to feel which way the threads are pointing.
Once you have covered all your area with synthetic turf you are ready for the next step. Use your industrial strength tape to connect adjoining grass strips. Apply tape along the entire length one piece of grass and then ‘connect’ the section next to it by laying that on top of the remaining tape. Flatten and ensure that it is a tight fit without any gaps or unstuck areas.

Step 5: Expert tips for natural-looking artificial grass

Now that you have laid your artificial grass, you have two choices. The first, and one that is becoming more popular, is to leave the grass as is and embrace the look of your smart-thinking alternative to real, live grass.

The second option is to add sand to make what is artificial appear natural. Many of our customers prefer to make their synthetic turf look as natural as possible because they either want to match their interior/exterior or, fit in with neighbouring properties. If this is the case, our top tip is to apply sand (white) to your newly laid grass.

We recommend that you allow for approximately 10-15kg per sqm for coverage. Using a rake or a broom, sprinkle the sand on top of the grass and walk it in to make sure that it falls deep down into the pile and settles at the base. Then, water the lawn to help the sand settle down within the grass.

The benefits of using white artificial grass sand are:

The sand helps the ‘roots’ of the synthetic grass to stay upright, regardless of use; this avoids the grass appearing to flatten on high traffic areas.
As the sand helps the grass to remain upright it does create a variation on the angle that they point which resembles the blades of real grass.
Sand helps to prevent a flattening of the blades in high traffic areas.
Using the correct type of sand (only use artificial turf white sand) allows for excellent drainage without washing away the sand or soaking up excess water.
The sand remains within the turf and doesn’t rub off on clothing or on kids and pets who choose to roll on the grass.

No time for DIY?

We understand that even though you might prefer to install your artificial grass you don’t have the time. We understand if, due to time constraints (or you don’t like DIY), that you’d prefer that the other experts (us) did the job and you get to spend the weekend trying out your new lawn. No worries.

Easy Turf is happy to provide installation and supplier services and take away yet another hassle. As well as supplying samples of our range of artificial grass, we can also provide quotes and have a register of approved installers of our artificial grass in Australia. Select your State and you will see a list of our recommended suppliers and installers.

Contact Easy Turf today and let us help you choose from the best artificial grass in Australia. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service with honest and reliable advice. Contact us for a quote or more information sales@easyturf.com.au