Artificial Grass Buying Guide

Maybe you’ve been considering artificial grass for a while now, but weren’t sure which artificial turf was best for you. No worries, I’ll cover everything you need to know about artificial grass. Trust me, there’s an artificial grass out there to meet your needs. Let’s get started!

Whether you’re just starting your research into artificial grass or you're ready to make that big purchase, this guide will show you how to buy turf.

There are many types of artificial grass, and it can be difficult to navigate through them all. The good news is most artificial grass is multi-use, but some are better in certain uses than others. Depending on what your plan is for artificial grass, you can be looking at a wide range of options. For reference, let’s take a quick look at our best-selling artificial turf:

Artificial grass is the perfect way to have a maintenance-free lawn. Our landscape grass stays green for enjoyment for years to come.

There are plenty of reasons to choose landscape turf.

To be honest though, the best reason is because it’s beautiful.

Let's face it - water can be expensive, and if you live in an area that experiences drought, it’s not always readily available. Not only that, but constant lawn maintenance can be a drain when all you want to do is enjoy your outdoor area. I say, spend less time caring for your lawn and more time enjoying it!

This is where artificial grass comes in. It stays green all year round and requires very little maintenance. That means no wasting water and no pushing lawnmowers during hot afternoons! Aritifical grass is for enjoyment, simple as that.

What is Landscape Turf?

Landscape turf is a little different than other types of artificial grass. It has certain qualities that make it perfect for your lawn.

Most fake grass for landscape will look like real grass blades. Manufacturers are working hard to make artificial turf look and feel more realistic than ever before. Artificial grass mimics real grasses found throughout the United States. For example, artificial grass that looks like bermuda grass is popular on the West Coast.

Landscape artificial turf is also UV stable and often heat and frost resistant for high durability. It’s made to last outdoors for a very long time! It’s also perforated for drainage and it tends to be more dense and plush than other types of artificial turf. That means the turf won’t get soggy under heavy rain.

Landscape artificial turf is also used indoors or outdoors. Usually, indoor artificial turf is low-pile and not as realistically made. It can even come in different colors! This landscape turf is temporary or installed on patios and is typically not used for entire lawns.

Pros of Landscape Turf:

Bug-be-Gone: You’ve got artificial grass covering your lawn. That means bugs will be a thing of the past. Everybody wants fewer creepy-crawlies when enjoying their yard.
Maintenance Free: One of the best things about artificial grass is that you don’t have to mow or water it. The heat-of-the-day labor is gone for good.
Forever Green: To keep your lawn green, you might end up using more water than your city can afford to lose. No need to sweat a water shortage; this lawn is green without the water.
Eco-Friendly: Artificial grass is made of recycled materials and has a measurable, positive impact on the environment.

Cons of Landscape Turf:

Up-Front Expense: Buying and installing artificial grass can get expensive. You need accessories and time to get the perfect lawn. We like to think it’s worth it though. You’ll find in the long term, it’s actually cheaper!
Heat: When the heat rises, so does the temperature of your artificial turf grass. There are turf fill products to help keep the temperature down, but artificial grass is hotter to the touch than real grass.

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Pet turf is perfect for your four-legged furry friends to have fun in! Artificial grass for pets is safe for animals and gives them a comfortable green space to roll around on.

Artificial grass for pets can range from grass that’s great for lawns to fake grass that's great for balconies or indoor areas. Whether you’re looking for an artificial grass lawn or fake grass potty area, there’s a pet turf for your needs.

Why Use Artificial Grass for Pets?

Using artificial grass for dogs and pets has several benefits over using the real stuff. Many of our landscape turf rolls are made intentionally with a slight curl and flatter blades, making them more pet-friendly. Your pup will love rolling around in a soft bed of fake grass without pricklies poking at him. Our pet turf ensures that your backyard is a haven for your dog.

The best part? Fido can run around all he wants without tearing up your grass, tracking mud in the house or catching fleas and ticks. Artificial grass is durable and less inviting for dogs to dig, not to mention you won’t see the usual brown spots where he chooses to relieve himself. Also, you won’t have to worry about watering grass or filling in holes of buried bones.

In fact, fake grass for dogs is quite the low-maintenance alternative to caring for a real lawn. With a realistic, natural look and feel, pet turf helps you conserve water and save money on monthly maintenance costs. Just think how much more time you’ll have to play fetch without all that mowing and weeding!

Is Artificial Grass Safe for Pets?

Your pet’s happiness is one thing, but safety is the most important. With dog turf, you can let your dog run free without worrying about what kind of trouble he could get into. In fact, most fake grass is pet-friendly, and pet turf is definitely safe for pets. Here are a few features of fake grass for dogs that ensure their safety:

Lead-free: No need to worry about your pet or kids being exposed to toxic metals. Dog turf is a safe landscape option for your home. Increased lead exposure was a concern with synthetic grass years ago, but today’s artificial turf contains no detectable traces of lead.
No need for fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides: A great feature about pet turf is that it does not attract bugs, so you will not have to use insecticides and harmful chemicals on the artificial grass. Especially if your dog likes to chew grass, using chemicals for regular lawn care should be a concern. Synthetic grass requires no chemical use to keep the bugs away and the yard looking great.
Bacteria-free play area: A concern with real grass is bacterial buildup in your dog’s favorite bathroom spots. Eradicating bacteria that seeps into the soil can be difficult and unsafe for pets or kids. A great thing about synthetic turf is that it has perforations to drain those liquids. Our pet turf actually drains more than 30 inches of rain per hour per square yard!

Pros of Pet Turf:

Glowing green: Don’t worry about the sun or pet pee fading out your fake grass. Synthetic turf is UV stable and durable through heat and frost. Enjoy green grass all year long!
Non-toxic: Relax knowing your pet is playing on safe turf – no lead, heavy metals or chemicals found here!
Easy maintenance: No, you’re not getting out of picking up dog poop, but how does getting rid of the lawnmower sound to you? Synthetic grass is incredibly easy to maintain. The turf rolls themselves do the hard work for you by draining your pet’s liquids, reducing any worry of bacteria buildup or faded spots on your lawn.
Indoor/outdoor installation: While Fido may love to play outside, he might not be psyched about going out there to relieve himself during a thunderstorm. Give him an indoor turf to use for emergencies!

Cons of Pet Turf:

The artificial turf will get warmer than natural grass in direct sunlight but can be cooled with the use of a hose.
While you can install pet turf yourself, typically it’s best to hire a professional.

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Artificial grass is the best choice when it comes to putting practice, and the closest to being out on the range. Learn more about artificial putting green.

So you want to buy putting green? We’ve got putting green.

Don’t’ succumb to the temptation of buying putting green carpet on Amazon and expecting your golf ball to roll true. Instead of green felt, what you want is artificial grass.

Artificial grass is the best choice when it comes to putting practice, and the closest to being out on the range.

If you’re looking to perfect your short game, learn a bit more about artificial putting green.

What is Putting Green Turf?

Putting green turf is a low-pile artificial grass that allows golf balls to roll true.

It’s different than standard turf because it’s less thick, or lower pile, than the type of artificial grass on your lawn. Because its surface is thinner and the pile is tight, the golf ball is able to roll and stop like it would on natural Bentgrass.

There are other qualities to putting green as well. If you’re not sure what face weight, pile hight and stimp readings are, keep reading! It’ll help make your putting green decision even easier.

Putting green turf face weight: The face weight is the amount of material used per square yard in your artificial grass. The higher the face weight, the tighter the turf pile, which creates an ideal surface for putting. For putting green, the optimal face weight is between 40 and 60 ounces.
Putting green turf pile height: Pile height is the thickness of your turf. Putting green should have a low pile height to ensure your ball rolls true. Imagine hacking away in tall grass. Yikes. Most putting green surfaces are ½” thick to ¾” thick.
Indoor putting green or outdoor putting green: Most putting greens can be installed indoors and outdoors, but it’s good to check to make sure. For example, indoor putting green might have nylon fibers, which can fade in direct sunlight. You’ll definitely want to check if the turf is UV stable to prevent fading.
Putting green turf stimp reading: A stimp reading tells you how fast the ball will roll on putting green. The higher the stimp reading, the faster the ball will roll. Stimp readings can vary depending on how putting green is installed, but most of the stimp readings on our putting green turf is a 9 to 11.

Pros of Putting Green Turf:

Maintenance-free: One of the best things about artificial grass is that you don’t have to mow or water it. All that labor is gone. You can just golf.
Forever green: When you think of golf, you think of rolling green hills. Our putting green stays forever green just like you remember it.
Great practice: Perhaps most importantly, you get to practice your short game without leaving your home.
Great fun: It’s also FUN! Teach your kids how to put, or just have some friends over. Remember to have fun on your putting green.

Cons of Putting Green Turf:

Up-front expense: Buying putting green can have a steep upfront cost, but that also depends on how much area you are dedicating to your golfing zone. Additionally, it lasts for years, so in the long term, it pays for itself.
Heat: It can get hot out there, and unfortunately outdoor putting green can get a little hot from the sun. Overall, artificial grass is hotter to the touch than real grass.

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Gym turf is a durable and long-lasting option that is perfect for pulling or pushing sleds, completing your CrossFit WOD or performing HIIT workouts. Learn more about sports turf.

Field turf is built to improve traction to offer a safe and optimal playing surface. The durable construction is perfect for holding up to the wear and tear of cleats and the impacts that come with running and falling. Artificial field turf also requires way less maintenance than the real thing.

Field turf is perfect for a number of outdoor sports, including soccer, football, field hockey, and more. During a single game or practice session, cleats can put a ton of mileage on natural grass, leading to damage and bare spots. With artificial turf, you know you’ve got a sturdy surface that isn’t going to be torn up.

In addition to its durability, sports and field turf is low-maintenance. You won’t need to mow it, reseed bare patches, or repaint lines that were worn down by traffic. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the pests and dirt that come with natural grass. There won’t be any worries about getting muddy or tracking dirt off the field.

What is Sports and Field Turf?

Sport turf is a durable turf made for withstanding the challenges of sports traffic. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and it provides the optimal surface for safety and traction. It’s typically made from a fiber called polyethylene. Polyethylene can be used indoors and out and is the preferred fiber for outdoor fields. This fiber is also very durable and has a higher UV rating compared to other fiber types, which means it won’t fade with extended exposure to sunlight.

Pros of Sports Turf:

Traction and cushion: Sports turf provides a safe surface that is easier on the joints, allowing athletes to push it to the max with less risk of injury.
Durability: Synthetic turf can withstand plenty of wear and tear while still looking awesome all year long.
Maintenance: There’s no need to mow or water, so you can save time and know your field turf is still in prime condition to play.

Cons of Sports Turf:

Temperature: Outdoor artificial turf will get warmer than natural grass in direct sunlight. If you’re installing sports turf outdoors, use Hydrochill, our non-toxic infill that helps keep your turf cool under the sun.

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Playground turf is great for under playsets and jungle gyms.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single kid in possession of a great jungle gym, must be in want of a safe landing.”

Okay, so that’s not the actual quote, but it makes a good point. Kiddos at play, play hard. They are more than happy to jump, and sometimes fall, from high places. What keeps them from getting hurt?

Playground turf.

Playground turf is great for under playsets and jungle gyms. With the right padding underneath, you or your kids won’t have to worry about the long drop to the ground.

What is Playground Turf?

Most fake grass for playgrounds looks like real grass blades. Manufacturers work hard to make artificial grass look and feel more realistic than ever before.

Playground artificial grass often mimics real grasses found throughout the United States. If you have a favorite grass, there’s probably a playground turf that matches it.

Playground turf is super UV stable and also heat and frost resistant. It typically has a higher face weight and more durable fibers than other types of turf. It’s built for kids to play and tumble around on it, so it can hold up to those summer afternoons. Both of these factors make playground turf extremely durable for the playground.

Playground turf is usually made from polyethylene or polypropylene. This fiber can hold a lot of wear and tear compared to other types of outdoor playground flooring.

Does Playground Turf Need Padding?

Unfortunately, the turf on its own will not give you a proper fall-height rating to keep your kids safe. To keep kids safe, you’ll also need a padding under the turf. Fall height is the highest point a child can safely stand on. If your playground flooring surface is fall-height rated for 7′, that means the child can fall from 7′ without serious injury.

Playground turf fall-height ratings depend on thickness and underlayment. The thickness is measured by adding the thickness of your lawn pad or play pad with the thickness of your playground turf.

It is important to note: These are the standard ratings, but playground flooring safety ratings vary by product, so make sure to check out the specs on the specific product you are looking at to ensure it will be safe.

2.1-3.1” → 5′ fall-height rating, great for most residential playgrounds
3.3-4.3” → 7′ fall-height rating, great for most residential & commercial playgrounds

Pros of Playground Turf:

Bug-be-gone: You’ve got artificial grass covering your lawn. That means bugs will be a thing of the past. Everybody wants fewer creepy-crawlies when enjoying their yard.
Maintenance-free: One of the best things about artificial grass is that you don’t have to mow or water it. The heat-of-the-day labor is gone for good.
Safety: With play padding underneath, your playground turf doubles as a safety zone for your kiddos.
Eco-friendly: Artificial grass is made of recycled materials and has a measurable, positive impact on the environment.

Cons of Playground Turf:

Up-front expense: Buying and installing artificial grass can get expensive. You need accessories and time to get the perfect lawn. We like to think it’s worth it though. You’ll find in the long term, it’s actually cheaper!
Heat: When the heat rises, so does the temperature of your artificial turf grass. There are fills to help keep the temperature down, but artificial grass is hotter to the touch than real grass.

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Not all turf needs to be outside. In fact, many gyms use turf to add a new element to their workout! Gym turf is a durable and long-lasting option that is perfect for pulling or pushing sleds or completing your CrossFit workouts.

It adds variety to the workout and provides a good source of traction for lateral movement. Turf can withstand moderate to heavy traffic. For added comfort, gym lovers often choose turf with a cushion backing.

Synthetic turf floors allow you to transform your workout area into a space where you can challenge yourself in fun and varied ways. From strength training and conditioning to yoga and stretching, you can reach your full potential in your workouts with a safe and resilient surface beneath you.

What is Gym Turf?

Gym turf is a durable and long-lasting option that is perfect for pulling or pushing sleds, completing your CrossFit WOD or performing HIIT workouts. While its sound-absorbing qualities make it perfect for weight lifting and high-intensity work, the softness of the artificial grass provides an inviting space for your yoga mat. Take advantage of the flat, cushioned surface for body-weight work and stretching.

Training for a 5k or warrior dash? Many runners practice speedwork on grass because of the lower impact. If bad weather hits, take your workout inside while still getting the safety benefits of grass. Gym turf products make a great surface for speed and agility training because they’re made to absorb impact, helping to prevent athletic injuries.

Whether you work out at a health club or want to improve your home gym, this type of flooring can be just the ticket you need to up your fitness game.

Pros of Gym Turf:

Versatile: Gym turf works great for at-home gyms, outdoor yoga sessions, CrossFit studios, workout facilities and indoor sports arenas.
Low maintenance: Save costs and time with the little upkeep needed for your gym turf.
Appearance: Both functional and beautiful, fake grass gives your gym a modern design element with plenty of functionality.

Cons of Gym Turf:

Installation: While you can install gym turf yourself, typically it’s best to hire a professional.

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Fake grass rugs deliver the same performance and beauty of turf rolls, just on a smaller scale. For small spaces like porches or patios, a grass rug can make a huge difference in terms of both appearance and comfort. It creates the perfect spot to lounge with pets and kids.

The comfort of artificial grass rugs is only matched by their durability. Just like with turf rolls, these rugs can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. Their durable fibers are built to resist matting and crushing, even when faced with plenty of foot traffic.

Not to mention style! While many artificial grass rugs come in standard rectangular dimensions, you can also choose from fun shapes like circles and “jelly beans” to add a touch of personality to your indoor or outdoor space.

What are Artificial Grass Rugs?

Typically made from polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, artificial grass rugs are designed to handle the challenges of outdoor use. Fake grass rugs are both fade- and stain-proof, so the fresh, green appearance will last for years to come.

Concerned about hygiene if you’re leaving a grass rug outside all the time? There’s no need to worry. These rugs are mold and mildew resistant as well. Even if they get wet or you spill something on the surface, you can easily clean them up so they look good as new.

Pros of Artificial Grass Rugs:

Versatility: Grass rugs can go just about anywhere, including in the backyard, on a porch or patio, and even indoors. The smaller size and variety of shapes allows you to spread them out anywhere a soft, comfortable surface is needed.
Easy maintenance: You don’t have to put in a ton of effort to keep a rug looking its best. Simply sweep loose dirt, dust, and debris off the surface. If the grass ever looks flattened, all you have to do is brush it with a synthetic brush to restore the more natural-looking appearance.
Style: If it seems like something is missing in your outdoor hangout spot, a grass rug could be exactly what you need. With a splash of that refreshing green, and options for unique shapes, a rug can elevate the look of any setting.

Cons of Artificial Grass Rugs:

Heat: When the heat rises, so does the temperature of your artificial grass rug. Some turf fill products, like Hydrochill, help to keep the temperature down, but artificial grass is hotter to the touch than real grass.

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Artificial plant decor is designed to give you the look of ivy-covered walls or ceilings without all the effort. If you’ve ever wanted to introduce some greenery into your indoor or outdoor space, but you don’t have a green thumb to keep plants thriving, then artificial plant panels are the perfect solution.

Easy to install and easy to maintain, artificial plant decor offers another decorative option when it’s time to upgrade your style. They work just as well in your backyard or sunroom as they do in commercial settings like restaurants and business lobbies.

What is Artificial Plant Decor?

Decorative plant panels are designed to look like real plants, such as ivy, but they’re built for people who don’t have the time, skill, or desire to cultivate real plants. This decor is made from durable polyurethane. Because of this, the vivid green color won’t fade in the sun. Artificial plant decor is also weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about inclement weather ruining their appearance.

Even better, you get the look of real plants without all the hassles associated with the real thing. That means no watering or trimming, and virtually no time spent on maintenance. Additionally, this plant decor won’t attract deer, rabbits, or other outdoor pests.

Pros of Artificial Plant Decor:

DIY-Friendly: There’s no need for a pro when you want to hang your new decor on the walls or ceilings. Installation is as simple as attaching the panels with fasteners like nails or zip-ties.
Low-maintenance: While it might look realistic, artificial plant decor is way easier to take care of compared to the real thing. There’s no watering, fertilizing, or trimming to take care of.
Stylish: It’s easy to kick style up a notch with a variety of leaves, ivy, and even small flowers. The natural beauty of plants works with any aesthetic, from the farmhouse style to more industrial looks.

Cons of Artificial Plant Decor:

Cleaning: While you don’t have to trim or water artificial plant panels, you do have to clean them regularly. All those intricate leaves can trap dust and dirt, leading to a less-than-perfect appearance. Make sure you regularly hose them down when they get dusty or dirty, and use soap or detergent to clean stubborn dirt or stains.

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Artificial grass is easy enough to install that many people choose to make it a DIY project. It saves you some money in installation, and of course, you get the bragging rights to say you did it yourself.

To make your project a complete success, you’ll just need a few tools and accessories. With the right equipment, you can make your lawn look professionally finished in no time.

Weed fabric: You don’t want weeds and grass poking through your perfect lawn. You’ll need to lay this down first.
Infill: Fill helps hold your turf down and keeps the blades standing up for a natural look.
Nails: Nails are used to hold the edges of the turf down.
Staples: Staples are great for holding seams together.
Turf Seam Tape: If you really don’t want staples, you can always use seam tape to stick turf together. Easy as pie.
Lawn pads: For some extra cushion under your feet, lay down a lawn pad. If you have some kiddos running around, these are fall height rated for safety.

Definitely look twice at your manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you have all the tools you need to make your landscape look amazing.

If you’re like me and need some visual learning, we have a great video on how to install artificial grass.

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At the end of the day, if you live in a hot climate or just want green grass without all the maintenance, artificial grass is the way to go.

From sports to outdoor play, there’s definitely artificial grass for sale. that is perfect for your needs. And once you find your perfect turf, make sure you spend plenty of time enjoying it!

Product Name	Low traffic	Moderate Traffic	High Traffic	Pets	Playground	Putting Green	Gym	Synthetic Lawn
Performance Turf Rolls			✓				✓
Pet Turf Rolls		✓		✓				✓
Newport Premium Turf Rolls		✓		✓				✓
Newport Turf Rolls	✓			✓				✓
Shock Turf X			✓				✓
Putting Green Turf Rolls		✓				✓
Daytona Turf Rolls			✓	✓	✓			✓
Catalina Turf Rolls		✓		✓				✓
5/8" Soft Turf Tiles		✓			✓
Playsafe Turf Rolls			✓		✓
Del Mar Turf Rolls	✓			✓				✓
Agility Turf Rolls			✓				✓
Shock Turf Tiles		✓					✓
Bow Wow Turf Rolls		✓		✓

Artificial Grass Buying Guide

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