Deciding to upgrade my backyard with artificial grass was exciting but also a bit daunting. Since AstroTurf first came out in the 1960s, synthetic grass has come a long way. We now have many styles, textures, and colors to choose from. Installing artificial grass myself two years ago cost me less than $3 per square foot. From this experience, I learned a lot about its good and bad sides. I want to share my insights on the best artificial grass selections available now. This guide aims to help homeowners make the best choices based on my experiences.
Let’s take a closer look together at what you need to think about when choosing artificial turf. We’ll review the top features of the best artificial grass options available. By the end, you’ll know how to make sure your investment lasts.
What Are Your Artificial Grass Needs?
Before buying artificial grass, it’s vital to know what you need. Different factors affect the choice of synthetic turf. Consider things like:
- Area of installation, especially if it will experience heavy foot traffic.
- Presence of pets, which can affect durability and maintenance aspects.
- Sun exposure, as some products perform better in direct sunlight.
- Possible drainage issues, which influence the type of infill and turf design.
Knowing what you need from synthetic turf helps narrow down the choices. This leads to picking something that fits well with how you live. For example, lots of people find synthetic lawns easier since they don’t need mowing like regular grass.
Just raking from time to time keeps the turf looking great. It saves all the effort of cutting grass 40 times a year.
Also, investing in artificial grass can be smart over the long term. The cost to install it is around $12 for every square foot. For an average-sized lawn of 600 square feet, the total comes to around $7,200. This makes it a budget-friendly home upgrade that many say is the best decision they’ve made in years.
How to Choose the Best Artificial Grass for Your Space?
Choosing artificial grass starts with good research. Every type has unique benefits. Knowing these ensures you pick what’s best for your needs.
Research, Research, Research
Look into different artificial turf brands. Explore options like the Kentucky Blue Grass 88, with its various weights—88 oz., 80 oz., 60 oz., and 40 oz. This helps you see how weight affects durability and feel. The range of colors, from blue to hot pink, also adds to your outdoor look.
Understand Artificial Grass Terminology
Learning the lingo is key. Knowing about materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon helps. For example, the details like stitch count, pile height, and face weight are important. They tell you about the turf’s quality. The Denali 80, with “Cool” technology, stays cooler and fights bacteria and pet smells.
Compare & Contrast Features
Comparing turf options helps find what’s best for your space. For busy spots, Pet Paradise and Rye Series are great for low upkeep and look. The Super Natural-80’s four-color blades offer durability and a real grass feel. It’s great for sports fields, play areas, or home lawns.
Characteristics of the Best Artificial Grass
When you choose artificial grass, knowing its key features is important. The best ones have characteristics that make them last long, perform well, and offer great value. Let’s dive into the important qualities you should look for in strong and lasting synthetic turf.
Durability and Longevity
Synthetic turf that lasts is made to handle lots of activity without losing its look. It’s made from materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. These materials help it last longer.
A denser turf with more stitches will perform better. It’s ideal for busy areas. Turf with back weights over 26 oz. is often higher quality, adding to its durability.
Realistic Appearance and Color
Artificial grass that looks real is very appealing. High-quality turf uses shades of green to look like natural grass.
The height of the grass blades can vary from ⅜ to 2 ½ inches. This lets you choose how lush your grass looks, making your space more attractive.
Drainage and Maintenance Features
Good drainage and simple upkeep are key for artificial grass. Using infill like silica sand or crumb rubber helps keep its shape and stability.
Regular maintenance, maybe with a Power Broom, will keep your turf fresh. The best artificial grass makes this upkeep easier, which is great for any homeowner.
Lawn Upgrade Reviews: The Best Artificial Grass Available
I looked into the best artificial grass based on reviews. Global Syn-Turf in Burbank, California, is a notable supplier. They offer a 15-year warranty on products, which brings peace of mind. Their vast inventory serves both home and business needs.
With 452 reviews and a 5-star rating, customer satisfaction is clear. Synthetic turf cuts down maintenance costs. It doesn’t need water, mowing, or chemicals like regular lawns do. This is especially valuable in places like California, where water is scarce.
Artificial grass improves the look of a home and might boost its value. For pet owners, products like K9Grass by ForeverLawn are ideal. They have good drainage, reduce mud, and handle foot traffic well. I’ve found that even affordable options last long and look great.
Choosing synthetic grass that looks real is key. It’s great for playgrounds, making them safer and easier to maintain.
Finding the right artificial grass matters. Looking at what users say and the product details helps pick the right one. This way, you get a beautiful lawn that’s also eco-friendly.
Best Fake Grass for Various Applications
Choosing the right fake grass depends on its use. If you have pets or need a child-friendly play area, there are options for both. We start with the benefits of artificial grass for pets, then talk about playground choices.
The Best Artificial Grass for Pets
Pet owners need a tough surface. SynLawn, for example, is great because it doesn’t have the tiny rubber pieces that get washed away. This makes it cleaner for pets and owners alike.
FieldTurf is another good choice. It’s durable and doesn’t need water, pesticides, or fertilizers. But, it can get hot in the sun. However, it’s great for keeping bugs away, so pets love it outdoors.
Top Options for Playgrounds and Play Areas
Playgrounds need to be safe and strong. Artificial grass here means soft falls for kids and stands up well to heavy use. It also drains well, so it’s ready for play even after rain.=””>
Choose a brand that looks real but still protects kids. High-quality fake grass can make playtime safer and more fun for children. This can turn any yard into a great play area.
Budgeting for Your Artificial Grass Project
Planning my budget for an artificial grass project was quite a task at first. I learned that knowing the costs of artificial grass is key to a good installation. There are different types of turf, each with its own price, which is crucial to know when planning.
Understanding Costs and Value Over Time
While estimating the total costs, I looked into several important factors:
- Material Costs: Polypropylene turf is the least expensive, costing between $2 and $6.50 for each square foot. Polyethylene turf ranges from $2.25 to $4.50 per square foot, and nylon turf is pricier, at $5.05 to $7 per square foot.
- Labor Expenses: Installation labor can add $3.75 to $4.50 per square foot to the bill, impacting the budget significantly.
- Additional Charges: Delivery fees from suppliers average between $400 and $700, which is also important to consider.
- Overall Costs: On average, artificial turf is $2.50 to $3 more per square foot than natural grass, adding $3,000 to $3,600 for a 1,200 square foot project.
Artificial grass can save on maintenance and water bills, offering payback in 16 to 20 months. Knowing the long-term savings helped me see the true value of investing in artificial turf.
Financing Options for Installation
I looked into financing options for covering the upfront costs. Here are a few common methods:
- Personal Loans: Many people use personal loans for their projects, which lets them spread out the cost over time.
- Credit Cards: Credit cards with special interest rates are handy, but it’s important to watch out for high rates later.
- Special Financing Offers: Some companies offer financing or payment plans, making it easier to afford the installation.
Looking into financing made investing in artificial grass seem more doable. With the right plan, I could enjoy the benefits but still stick to my budget.
Environmental and Health Considerations of Synthetic Turf
When looking at upgrading to artificial grass, knowing its environmental effects is key. Studies point to risks from harmful chemicals found in synthetic turf, like PAHs, VOCs, and heavy metals. Most of this research examines SBR infill, showing health concerns we can’t overlook.
Recent findings highlight over 350 chemicals in synthetic turf, some being potential carcinogens or disrupting the endocrine system. These can leak into our surroundings, harming not just us but also the environment. Though some research suggests these chemicals might not always pose a severe threat, the leakage of PAHs is particularly alarming for communities that use synthetic turf.
Artificial turf can also get much hotter than natural grass. This increases the chance of getting sick from the heat for kids and athletes. But, choosing organic maintenance for real grass can be both safer and fulfill recreational needs. Despite the allure of artificial lawns, the potential long-term damage to our health and planet urges us to think twice before making a choice.[p]>
