Different Kinds of Artificial Grass

Dec 29, 2021

Today's usage of artificial grass is continuously increasing as its features like significantly less required maintenance and saving money on water bills make it a preferred choice over natural grass. However, there is still not much awareness among people about artificial turf's different features and usability.
In the same way that different varieties of natural grass have varied characteristics, you can also find different types of artificial turf grass, which are specifically developed to meet different needs and preferences. For example, there are times that we want the grass to feel naturally soft and fluffy while barefoot. More delicate and softer materials for artificial turf are not as durable as those with a stiffer and more resilient surface.
Selecting the correct type of artificial grass that dictates product choice depends on various aspects like looks, feel, durability, and cost. With that, here are the different types of fake grass.

Types of Synthetic Turf According to Material

Nylon Artificial Grass

Artificial grass made from nylon is firm and has the stiffest blades. Nylon holds its original shape, even under hard athletic play or other types of high foot traffic. Nylon can also withstand high temperatures without melting and losing its stability. Such attributes make nylon artificial grass the most expensive material.
While nylon might look like natural grass, it does not respond the same way as the real thing. Nylon is typically used to produce secondary thatch in high-end synthetic turf products and for putting greens.

Compared to all artificial grass types, nylon also has better temperature and UV light resistance. However, these features can be obtained as an installation company modifies them. Among the many places where nylon artificial grass fits are the following:

Play areas
Sports fields
Lawns
Outdoor Entertainment Areas
Hillsides and Pool Decks

Polyethylene Artificial Grass

This material produces the most life-like grass among the types of artificial grass. Taking care of polyethylene artificial grass is relatively easy as it only needs minimal maintenance like raking or brushing to ensure that its blades are upright and look their best.
Unsurprisingly, polyethylene artificial grass is a popular choice for homeowners looking to replace their natural lawn with synthetic turf products without sacrificing visual aesthetics.
Polyethylene artificial grass is made from a similar material to the one used for bags or bottles. Polyethylene makes it vibrantly green in colour, soft to the touch, yet very resilient. It is treated with additives that make it a UV-resistant option, and it is especially durable when combined with nylon as a secondary thatch, making it a good choice for athletic fields.
This type of grass can also be used in different places and purposes, similar to how nylon grass is used. Even though the surface is not level or flat, you can still install this type of artificial grass for the following areas:

Pool areas
Outdoor play spaces
Entire home lawns
Old Areas

Polypropylene Artificial Grass

This material is the least expensive among the types of artificial grass. Polypropylene artificial grass has a more delicate texture made from solid pellets. However, it is also the least durable artificial grass among the three options.
It can seem like a great deal for homeowners looking for a great landscaping bargain in the market, but it would not stand up very well to people walking or playing on it. Polypropylene wears out very quickly, and it cannot stand up to high temperatures like nylon and polyethylene.
If you install polypropylene artificial grass in a scorching hot area, it would not hold its shape very well and lead to an unnatural-looking lawn with flat spots and misshapen regions because of heat exposure. However, you can still install polypropylene artificial grass in smaller spaces and areas with less usage as it cannot withstand high foot traffic.

Types of Artificial Grass According to Pile Height

Short Pile Height

Pile heights shorter than 30mm can make your artificial grass look as natural as more extended pile heights. However, slightly shorter pile height choices have some benefits and usage, making it an excellent option for homeowners.
For example, it is helpful for yards dedicated to pets that ensure the grass is accessible and not harsh on their paws while being durable enough to stand up to their activity. Another use for a short pile height of artificial grass is for setting up a putting green at home. Choosing the perfect pile height can help ensure that your putt is perfect without ever leaving the comfort of your house.

Medium Pile Height

Most artificial grass in the market average between 30mm and 37mm as it ensures that there is enough height in the pile that can create a whole and natural look without the heaviness that makes it unable to stand up on its own.
Choosing a medium pile height would most likely result in a yard or recreational space that you will surely love. Medium pile height is perfect for a multi-use backyard that everyone can play on comfortably without worrying about matting down the grass, making it a safe and versatile purchase in the long run.

Long Pile Height

Precaution is needed if you buy artificial grass with a pile of around 37mm, as the grass will become heavy and look flat. Even though many people associate a nice whole lawn with more extended pile heights of artificial grass, those that look too long tend to look unnatural. The heavier the blade of artificial grass, the more likely it is to become too heavy to stand upright, which is not a look anyone wants for the overall appearance of their lawn or backyard.

Conclusion

Various factors need to be considered in choosing the best type of artificial grass for you, such as how you want it to look, how you plan to use it, and how long you expect the product to last. Additionally, you'll also need to consider others who would be using it as well, such as children, passersby, and pets.
You can always choose and rely on Easy Turf for more crucial information on premium synthetic grass solutions. We offer quality and life-like turf suited to Australia's harsh climate conditions and provide quality artificial grass installation for commercial, sporting, and residential landscapes. You can contact us at 1800 327 988 or 1300 475 498. You can also visit our website at www.easyturf.com.au to learn more about our products and services.

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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