Are you tired of maintaining a perfect lawn all year round? Do you live in a region where droughts are common, and maintaining a green yard feels like an uphill battle? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then artificial grass might be the perfect solution for you. With the increasing popularity of synthetic turf, you might be wondering if it’s worth it to make the switch from natural grass. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of artificial grass, and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your yard.
Firstly, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages of artificial grass, such as its low maintenance requirements and its ability to save water. We’ll also talk about the various types of artificial grass available, and what you should consider when choosing the right one for your yard. On the other hand, we’ll also discuss some of the downsides of artificial grass, such as the upfront cost, the possibility of it becoming too hot to walk on during the summer months, and the environmental impact of producing and disposing of synthetic turf. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of whether artificial grass is a good fit for your needs and priorities.
Table of Contents
1. Artificial Grass Wholesalers Artificial Grass Pet Turf – Best Quality Artificial Grass
Artificial Grass Wholesalers represents the residential and commercial sector of Artificial Turf Supply, renowned as a prominent and esteemed manufacturer of artificial grass products. With an exclusive focus on artificial grass production and a diverse range tailored to specific requirements, Artificial Grass Wholesalers proudly offers the highest-performing artificial grass in our compilation.
However, it is important to acknowledge that their artificial grass assortment encompasses various grades of quality. Even their lowest-grade variant, weighing 47 oz, ranks among the upper echelons of low-grade artificial grass available in the market. Notably, Artificial Grass Wholesalers’ superior grade of artificial grass weighs 88 oz, surpassing competing companies’ purported “high-grade” artificial grass by a significant 8 oz. Demonstrating their industry leadership, Artificial Grass Wholesalers further elevates their offerings with a remarkable “premium” line of artificial grass.
While their standard artificial grass boasts a pile height of 1 1/3″, exceeding the performance of most products on our list, their premium artificial grass astoundingly reaches a towering 2″ in pile height. This exceptional height places it far above its counterparts, with only a few brands coming close to matching, let alone surpassing, this level. Furthermore, the artificial grass incorporates a polyurethane rug, renowned for its superior durability compared to the rubber commonly utilized in other reviewed products.
Nonetheless, it is worth noting that this artificial grass may present slightly more challenges during installation compared to lower-grade models. Notably, one of the key advantages of artificial grass is its capacity to be precisely cut to conform flawlessly with surface shapes and lines. Although this is still achievable with Artificial Grass Wholesalers’ product, it necessitates a more substantial investment of effort and resources, including the use of additional razors.
How to Lay Artificial Grass
- Pile is 1 ⅓”
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- Has Drainage holes
- Has polyurethane rug
- Has good multi-tone
- Is UV protected
- Has a “Premium” version
- Is more expensive artificial grass
- Rug must be tacked
- Difficult to cut
- Regular model a bit rough
2. Pet Zen Garden Premium Artificial Grass – Best Price Artificial Grass
Zen Garden is a brand of artificial grass manufacturers that generally focus on the budget-minded consumer market. Unlike some of the other companies that we reviewed, this brand does not offer too terribly many different types of grasses, though they do provide numerous sizes. That said, Zen Garden does have a premium and elite version, though the sizes for those are far more limited.
Beyond the backing, this artificial grass is also notable for its pile in a couple of ways. First, this is the tallest base model pile for artificial grass on our list – though there is a premium version we saw which is taller. On top of the pile height, this artificial grass also features two layers, both short and curly as well as long and straight, to provide a more natural look that requires less infill. Even better, the Zen Garden uses a 4 tone color scheme which provides a further lifelike look to the artificial grass.
That said, the budget-friendly element definitely makes an appearance over the long run. While this is actually one of the better artificial grasses we saw at the outset, its long-term viability leaves a bit to be desired. Beyond the limited lifespan of the rubber backing, the grass fibers are not the most durable are known to shed fairly rapidly, making this a poor choice for heavily trafficked areas. On top of that, the blended piles do not always provide a uniform look even weeks after installation.
- Pile is 1 3/5”
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- Has Drainage holes
- Is less expensive artificial grass
- Two layers of grass
- Blades have 4 tones
- Backing is rubber
- Wide variation in how it lays
- Grass will shed
- Not the most durable
- Grass gets hot
3. LITA Realistic Deluxe Artificial Grass – Most Realistic Artificial Grass
LITA is actually a brand owned by the company Altruistic Grass. While altruistic grass may not have the same cache as some of the other companies’ products we reviewed, they have at least been making artificial grass for 2 decades. In that time, they have found a solid formula for artificial grass that puts them a step above most for indoor uses.
This ultimately begins with the threading of the artificial grass. LITA makes it a point to provide a double layer, but not only do they offer dual layers, they also mix the thread materials.
This allows the artificial grass to provide a fairly soft feel to the touch while also having a bit more strength. For use indoors – where high traffic is likely – this is a must.
Beyond the threads, this artificial grass is one of the less expensive products that we reviewed which is what you would expect for an artificial grass that is used indoors and subjected to high traffic. Chances are, you will have to replace indoor grass sooner than outdoor grass – regardless the starting quality. Beyond the cost, the pile height is also more suitable for indoor use. While you generally want a taller pile than the 1 3/8” that LITA provides, that is not the case when used indoors where the additional height adds nothing to the experience.
When used outdoors, this artificial grass is not terrible, but it is nowhere near the top of our list. For one, this artificial grass has a tendency to get significantly hotter than some of the other products we reviewed. This means that it will not be appreciably cooler than whatever surface it is covering up. That said, the artificial grass is at least UV protected, so you do not have to worry about unsightly discoloration.- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- Has Drainage holes
- Is less expensive artificial grass
- Polyethylene and polypropylene yarns
- Is UV protected
- Blades have 4 tones
- Grass is soft
- Pile is only 1 3/8”
- Rug must be tacked
- Wide product variation
- Grass gets hot
4. iCustomRug Synthetic Artificial Grass – Most Durable Artificial Grass
If the name does not tip you off, iCustomRug does not actually specialize in artificial grass. In fact, this company does not even try to sell artificial grass in that context. Instead, this brand specializes in indoor rugs and actually markets their artificial grass as a rug. That is fine because iCustomRug has still managed to set the bar a bit higher than most by producing the most durable artificial grass that we saw.
Still, being a manufacturer of high-end rugs, and especially because this product is actually a niche model for the company, it only makes sense that the iCustomRug is a bit more expensive than most – and this is before considering how durable the product is. Still, one of the disappointing qualities of this artificial grass is that the pile is only 1 1/4” tall. This is actually the second shortest on our list, though it makes a bit more sense from an aesthetic perspective. Keep in mind, this artificial grass is actually intended to cover an outdoor deck rather than a yard.
However, being intended for the porch, it is also far more likely to have to heal with heavy foot traffic than artificial grass that is simply a substitute for the yard.
Regardless, iCustomRug definitely put their all into this product and the veritable laundry list of protections and treatments show. First, this is the only product on our list that is 100 percent Olefin UV stabilized. This allows the polypropylene thread to retain its color far better than the thread material otherwise would. Using polypropylene also has the advantage of resisting water and other forms of moisture better than most which is only enhanced by stain-resistant and mildew-resistant treatments.
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- Has Drainage holes
- 100 percent Olefin UV Stabilized
- Is stain resistant
- Is mildew resistant
- Rug is flame retardant
- Grass is soft
- Is more expensive artificial grass
- Pile is only 1 1/4”
- Grass has a strong odor
- Wide variation in how it lays
5. Synturfmats Artificial Grass Carpert Rug – Best Artificial Grass for Dogs
Synturfmats does not necessarily produce the absolute best performing artificial grass that we reviewed, but that is not actually the company’s goal. Instead, this brand focuses more on manufacturing a durable outdoor artificial grass that can stand up to plenty of natural abuse. Case in point, this artificial grass is in a large part designed to be used for pets and children.
This is apparent in a couple ways, but one of the most important comes in the form of what this product actually lacks. This is the only artificial grass that we reviewed which is certified VOC free. VOCs, or volatile organic chemicals, are common byproducts of oxidation with many synthetic materials. The smell of new furniture, a new car, and even some older types of paint are all indicative of VOCs. This list also extends to include carpet and many brands of artificial grass. The problem is that VOCs have been shown to be carcinogenic, increasing the risk of cancer. As such, if you are looking for artificial grass safest for children and pets, this is a good place to start.
That said, this company does not necessarily go the extra mile to make its artificial grass especially appealing in other ways. For instance, the pile height of the Synturfmats is only 1” – by far the shortest on our list and barely tall enough to qualify as the minimum acceptable limit. Beyond the shortness of the pile, the backing of this artificial grass is also especially thin which can lead to the grass constantly shedding without significant infill.
- Has Drainage holes
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- Blades have 4 tones
- Does not release VOCs
- Is UV protected
- Grass is soft
- Is more expensive artificial grass
- Pile is only 1”
- Rug must be tacked
- Base is thin
Buyer’s Guide
Pile
The pile of the artificial grass refers to the shape and length of the grass fibers. Generally, the longer the fibers the better, though certain needs may actually be better suited for shorter fibers. For instance, if you are building a putting green at your home, you will want to opt for the shorter fibers as that more accurately replicates the length of the blades of grass on a golf course putting green. Conversely, if the artificial grass is more for show than use, you will likely only need the long fibers to provide the look of a healthy yard.
Height
The height of the pile is generally seen as one of the defining characteristics of artificial grass quality. Essentially, the taller the fibers the higher quality the artificial grass. That said, there are some general standards in regards to pile height. For instance, it is highly unlikely that you will find too many types of artificial grass with a pile below 1”. On the flip side, it is uncommon for artificial grass pile to exceed more than 2” – though, part of this is due to the fact that more than 2” will begin to encroach upon the “unkempt” look.
Short/Curly
This is considered the lowest grade of pile type. This type of pile will rarely exceed more than 1” to 1 1/4” in height. On top of that, the grass will have a tendency to remain flat or curled even once the tract of artificial grass is laid flat and brushed. In general, this type of artificial grass pile is reserved either for situations where the pile’s height need to be short or when you simply want to cover up a bare area without much concern over the aesthetics.
Long/Straight
This is the next grade of artificial grass pile and is far more natural looking than the short and curly type. This pile will be at least 1 3/8” long but will often exceed 1 1/2” or more. Keep in mind, once you reach 2” in pile height this generally considered the “premium” level of pile and you will likely have to pay significantly more for it. This type of pile will look great and natural from a distance, but once you get closer, the uniformity of it will clue observers into its artificial nature.
Blend
This is considered the highest grade of artificial grass and is really just a blending of the first two grades into a single product. There are a couple of reasons to do this. First, having both long, dark green fibers, as well as short curly fibers, give the grass a more natural look that may be able to full onlookers even upon closer inspection. On top of that, the blended pile is generally more durable to being pulled out and responds better to heavy traffic. Finally, the dual pile blend will require less infill – potentially none at all.
Color
The color of the artificial grass is important depending on its purpose. If you are trying to replace actual grass and provide your lawn a natural look, then this quality should be high on your list of considerations. On the other hand, if you are simply looking to provide a suitable substitute for a play area or for pets to use the restroom, the color is likely not that big of a deal.
There are a couple of color features that can greatly affect how realistic the artificial grass looks. First, having fibers of varying shades will give the artificial grass a more life-like look due to the natural color variance of real grass. Beyond that, look for artificial grass that is not shiny as this is a dead giveaway that your grass is not natural. That said, shininess is often a result of the fiber used as much as the coloring process.
Fibers
While the pile height and shape may get all of the fanfare, the true testament to the quality of artificial grass is the fibers. More specifically, you want to know what the fibers are made out of. Depending on their material, the fibers will be softer or pricklier. On top of how they feel, the different materials respond differently to sunlight, water, and general traffic. That said, there is no type of fiber that is simply best for all situations.
1. Polypropylene
Polypropylene, or PP, is considered the lowest quality of fiber for use with artificial grass, though it is not appreciably worse in most respect than polyethylene. One of the primary differences between polypropylene and polyethylene is the finish. Polypropylene has a natural luster to it that is similar to crystal in appearance. For many applications, this actually makes polypropylene the preferred material, but when you are trying to replicate a naturally dull or flat color it comes off as looking fake. This material is also stiffer than any of the others and will feel more prickly on the skin. That said, polypropylene is by far the best material used for artificial grass in a setting where it is likely to get wet often.
2. Polyethylene
As mentioned, polyethylene, or PE, is fairly similar to polypropylene in most physical characteristics, but some of the few differences make this material better for specific situations. For instance, polyethylene is the most naturally UV resistant materials used for artificial grass fibers. While pretty much every material used in artificial grass will be treated with a UV protective coating, polyethylene will respond better over time than either polypropylene or nylon. On top of that, polyethylene sits in the middle ground in terms of softness. It is far more pliable than polypropylene and feels softer to the touch. It is also more water-resistant than nylon, though not as much as polypropylene.
3. Nylon
Nylon is considered the premium fiber for artificial grass for a couple reasons, but it also ultimately comes with some legitimate limitations. In terms of the good, nylon is by far the softest material used for artificial grass, though it is also the only material used that is not technically a plastic. Nylon is also the most durable material used and can handle heavy traffic the best. That said, nylon is the most susceptible to UV degradation and will be more prone to changing color in the sunlight regardless of protection applied. Nylon is also the least water-resistant material used and will take longer to dry out. That said, nylon absorbs color better and is easier to make look natural.
Backing
The backing of the artificial grass is important for a couple reasons. For one, the material will ultimately help determine the durability of the artificial grass as the fibers are ultimately fastened to it. That said, you will need to consider how wet you expect your artificial grass to get because the two primary materials will respond differently. The consideration when it comes to the backing is feel. Basically, how firm is the surface and how does it feel to walk on. Unfortunately, these two factors are often at odds with one another where the more durable backing material is also the firmer.
1. Urethane
Urethane is by far one the most common materials used for artificial grass backings, and it is not hard to see why. This material is by the most durable out of the materials used in virtually every category. In terms of traffic, urethane can handle far more weight and more regular applications of weight without losing its structural integrity. On top of that, urethane is also far more resistant to water and will not suffer any ill effects from constant exposure. That said, urethane is also the stiffest material used for artificial grass backing and provides little to no rebound.
2. Rubber
Rubber is not nearly as common an artificial grass backing material as urethane for a number of reasons. That said, rubber has one big advantage over urethane that makes it a better choice for certain circumstances: feel. Ultimately, rubber is a much softer material than urethane which allows it to provide a bit of rebound when stepped on. Aside from the fact that this ultimately feels better when walking it also makes artificial grass backed by rubber the superior choice for use with children. That said, rubber is naturally biodegradable and does not respond well to water. As such, if you use rubber backed artificial grass, make sure it has excellent drainage.
Conclusion
The best artificial grass will be different things to different people and will depend primarily on where you intend to install it. The best grass for use outdoors where it needs to be able to handle the elements but is unlikely to see as heavy of foot traffic is not the best artificial grass that will be indoors where it will see plenty of foot traffic but be completely protected by the elements.
If you are looking for artificial grass that can provide both a beautiful appearance as well as a quality performance, we recommend the Artificial Grass Wholesalers. Keep in mind, this is specifically focusing on their premium model with its impressive 2” pile, though their 88 oz model is still a cut above the rest.
If you need something a bit more specialized, the LITA is an excellent option for use indoors. The use of blended fibers and blended materials provides this artificial grass with a great balance between durability that can handle heavy foot traffic and softness of touch. Though its pile may only be 1 3/8”, this actually works in its favor in an indoor setting where tall pile does not provide additional advantages.
I am still confused, I am looking for a section of my front lawn done: which one would you suggest for price and wear?
Thank you
Jean Martin
Hi!
iCustomRug is the best value artificial grass. It is one of the long-lasting and affordable fake grass on today’s market.
Hello -what product would you recommend for a flat backyard, no pets, lots of fog, must look natural, low maintenance. Thank you.
Hi!
LITA Artificial Grass would be a great choice for your needs.
Good Morning ! what would be the best choice for a patio? the grass will not be directly exposed to the there will not be a lot of traffic.
Thank you
Hi Marthe!
I see no reason to spend extra money in your case. You can choose a budget product, for instance, Pet Zen Artificial Grass.
Hello, Which one would you recommend for football/soccer?
Otherwise thanks for this article
Thanks
Hello!
Sorry, can`t help you…
Looking for a product recommendation.:
I live in northwest Ny state in the Finger lakes region. I have an OUTDOOR area of approximately 250 sq feet that is located near a lakeshore. The turf will be exposed to all sorts of conditions. The winters can be very tough with lots of snow and spring rain. The area is generally flat but sloped with some contours. It is mostly shaded in the summer by a large maple tree but some portion of it gets a fair amount of sun. It will be bordered on 2 sides by natural grass and 2 other sides by paver areas. This is a picnic table area that gets relatively high traffic in the summer months.
Hello, Alan!
The iCustomRug is pretty durable and I think it would be the perfect choice for you.
Would like to know the most durable for hot sunny weather of California would be installed in a front yard that is sloped and totally exposed no shade high traffic
Hi!
If you are looking for really durable grass, then I would advise you to look at the commercial version. Such as PZG Commerical Artificial Grass. It will cost more, but it’s really worth it!
Which artificial grass is most durable and manage well for multiple dogs in the back yard as its flat. Yard does have sun and shade.
Hi Linda!
Thanks for the great question and the fact that it is fairly focused makes it that much better. The fact that your primary focus is on durability, though it may refer to strength against multiple types of damage. Regardless, your particular focus allows us to examine the artificial grass options available to figure out which is the best product for your particular needs. That said, it is still important to keep in mind that the primary strength and durability the artificial grass provides needs to be able to handle physical damage.
However, since that is understood as the primary consideration, it is still a good idea to go through some of the other aspects that are either inherent to the main premise or are perhaps less obvious but still relevant. For instance, you mentioned that the yard has both sun and shade which is great for the dogs but probably means that the artificial grass you use will need to be able to withstand ultraviolet radiation. On top of that, while the UV radiation may degrade unprotected fibers, it is just as important to make sure that the artificial grass is thermally protected since there will be three regular users of the artificial grass.
In fact, there are a couple of considerations regarding the dog’s use of the artificial grass as well as how the grass will feel to the dogs. As mentioned already, you will want to make sure that the grass does not trap thermal heat and get hot, because then the grass will feel hot to the dog’s paws or when they lay down. On top of that, it is also important to consider how the artificial grass fibers will feel to the animal as it walks over or lays on it. That said, this is not as simple a consideration as it would otherwise be for a human because of our different biology.
Specifically, dog paws are far rougher and more calloused than a human foot which is generally far more delicate due to wearing socks and shoes most of the time. As such, artificial grass that is rough to human feet may not necessarily feel as rough to a dog’s paws as it would to us. Of course, if you want to be able to comfortably walk on the artificial grass, then you should consider how soft and dense the fibers are. This will depend a bit on the breeds of dog that you have in your familial pack as their differing biology will influence this decision as well.
For instance, if you have dogs with an undercoat, especially a thick undercoat, then there is a good chance that they may actually appreciate stiffer fibers which will not be able to get through the thick layers of fur to poke them. Conversely, dogs with extremely thick undercoats, like Huskies and other cold-climate breeds, will often prefer stiffer fibers because they can help scratch their itches – like a bear rubbing its back against a tree.
The final consideration regarding your dogs will involve cleanliness and the accompanying worry of hygiene. Thankfully, most artificial grass uses various types of plastic for the construction of their product. This means that the biological hazards of dog waste are far less likely to seep into the grass fibers and retain any dangerous microbes. That said, you can actually go the extra mile to ensure that you do not have to worry about that issue by getting an anti-microbial artificial grass. Keep in mind, that is not really as necessary if you clean up after the dogs daily, but if you only intend to clean a couple of times a week or less, then you will definitely want to opt for an antimicrobial product.
It is worth noting that dogs can often present a different durability issue altogether: digging. While children are prone to dig for fun too, it is often much easier to instruct them not to as well. Dogs, on the other hand, dig when they have the instinct to do so, generally to hide something – whether their smell or their treats. As such, if you have dogs that like to dig and are unable to train them not to dig, they will inevitably tear up the artificial grass – no matter who makes it.
Now, with everything we know about your situation as well as some of the possible things you may encounter, let us take a look at some of the products on our list and find out which best suits your needs. We can remove the first two automatically as you are not necessarily looking for the least expensive artificial grass nor are you interested in indoor artificial grass. This leaves us with three different options that each have their own particular strengths and weaknesses.
The first to consider is the Artificial Grass Wholesalers which is by far the most expensive but also one of the best all-around options. It is incredibly comfortable offering the thickest fiber density as well as the most natural appearance. Next is the iCustomrug which is definitely meant to be treated more like a rug than infilled artificial grass. However, this approach allows the iCustomrug to be the most durable product on our list and even has anti-mildew properties to help protect the artificial grass from the dog’s waste.
That said, our actual recommendation is the Synturfmats which was designed to be used specifically with those who may not handle the chemical smell that many artificial grasses have. Synturfmats goes that extra step to ensure that their product is VOC-free which will reduce the user’s exposure to dangerous carcinogens. On top of that, the fibers are durable as well as protected from heat and UV radiation. The only downside is that the fibers are not that dense or tall, but dogs are unlikely to worry too much about that.
Hi. I’m looking for artificial turf to cover a deck that has plywood over Douglas Fir. We get a lot of rain. A lot of leaves. This a cabin in the woods. I’m worried that drain holes would result in water being trapped between the plywood and the turf. What turf would you suggest? Thank you.
Hi Regina!
If your deck has space between the woods then the water would drain through. The drain holes on the grass so that water can drain off and not get stuck in the grass.
SavvyTurf should be a good fit. It has good drainage and can stand all the weather.
Hello! What type of turf would you recommend for Midland Texas weather? Please provide two choices. Thank you very much!
Hello Lana!
Thanks for the question, and since you asked for two recommendations, we will come at this answer from two different perspectives. The only qualifier of your question is that the recommended artificial grass must be able to handle the Midland, Texas climate. Thankfully, Midland, TX is actually a fairly temperate region, despite how far south it gets. Of course, this is all relative, and any artificial grass used in that region will need to be able to handle plenty of sunlight as well as heat.
However, Midland also has some other unique climate characteristics that should be taken into consideration depending on your circumstances. For instance, Midland, TX actually averages about 10-percent of the year in freezing or somewhat above freezing temperatures from December to February. This means that you may want to consider the brittleness of the artificial grass’ various materials used for the grass threads as well as the carpet backing.
Another thing to consider regarding Midland is the semi-arid nature of the region which means you do not really have to worry about precipitation. These various qualities all work together to provide a set of standards that allows for most products to be used. That being the case, we will provide you with one example of a product best suited for appearance purposes only as well as the model we feel would be up to the task of a trafficked space that has to be more durable than beautiful.
That said, there are a couple of different qualities we should consider regardless of the approach you end up favoring. First and foremost, the ability to withstand ultraviolet radiation as well as dissipate heat will be incredibly important. It is worth noting that if the space where you plan to lay the grass is heavily shaded, then you do not have to worry about this aspect quite as much. However, even with a heavily shaded space, this will still be one of the more important qualities due to the inherent pressures placed on the grass by the climate.
Now, in terms of pure aesthetics, the Artificial Grass Wholesalers is without question at the top of our list. For one, this product is by far the densest in terms of the grass thread weight. Essentially the heavier the total weight of fibers used, generally the more realistic and pleasant the grass will both look and feel. That last part is especially important if you, family, or friends plan to walk on the grass barefoot. The numerous fibers of differing type and length combined with a thick bed will often feel more pleasant than real grass and is significantly softer than much of the scrub native to the region.
Of course, even though the climate would technically be considered warm to mild, it can still have to contend with exactly how dry the region can be. While this in and of itself will not necessarily cause too many problems, once you combine that with the dirt and hardscrabble landscape, it can be important to get an artificial grass that can handle an infill. Keep in mind, many brands are trying to move away from that model with a thicker rug and fiber density. However, your region will likely dump infill amount of sand onto the artificial grass anyway during windy, dusty days.
Regardless, when considering our next suggestion, we are taking into consideration the various durability concerns the region may present. In this case, the more durable artificial grass is not designed to look quite as good or feel quite as comfortable to walk on, but it is no slouch in either department. Specifically, the iCustomRug is easily the most durable artificial grass on our list and even covers some of the edge situations that Midland can present.
A good example of this would be the fact that, despite how far south it is located, the aridity of the region, and the generally warm weather, Midland still often gets a little bit of snow. While there is artificial grass for all biomes, it can be a bit tricky to make sure that the grass can handle such extremes. The use of polypropylene for the rug backing is a bit unique as it is not the most impact resistant material but handles various climate conditions better than both the rubber or polyurethane commonly used.
The one real downside with the iCustomRug is the fact that it is engineered using a carpet or rug design. This means that while the fibers and rug are durable to the environment, they will not handle a poor installation as well. On top of that, the difference in feel in terms of buoyancy is significant too as this is one of the all-around thinner products on our list from both the rug and the fiber pile perspective. This means that the iCustomRug will not provide much cushion for your steps and is likely not the best option if children will be playing on the grass.
Hi! Which one you recommend for concrete slabs driveway? Which Turf strips?
Hi! Which artificial turf strip is most durable for a driveway ?
Thank you
Any of the artificial turf or grass shags would be great as they all have water drainage holes. Also, the majority of artificial grass does have rubber back so it should work ok on concrete but if you want to make sure it stays tight in one place, you can get artificial grass adhesive tape to tape it down. I would prefer iCustomRug or Savvy Grow in your case.
hello i am making a large entertainment space/sculpture garden in Miami. of course miami is very sunny and also very rainy. the space is 4500 sqft i want it to look real but be very durable. what would you suggest.
Thank you
Hello!
For your project, I would recommend AWS artificial grass which is 1.6″ pile height. One roll is 15ft X 100ft, so three rolls can cover the 4500 sqft space.
Hi!, I am looking for a product that is for a small shaded area in Western Washington, so lots of moisture. This is a part of the yard that is for my dog. Thanks!!
Hi Claire!
Sunturfmats is a good choice for your dog. And its rubber backed is with drainage holes, so don’t worry about moisture.
Hello!
Thank you for this article. I am looking to cover my entire backyard with artificial turf. We have a lot of weather fluctuations, really hot, really cold, lots of rain, snow, hail, and wind. I also have three HUGE dogs that run a ton un the yard so they easily destroy grass, but they do not dig. WHat would you recommend for my needs?
Hi Katelyn!
I would recommend iCustomRug turf rugs. It would best stand up to your dogs.
Hello. Can you recommend the best and softest grass for a children’s undercover play area please.
Hello Zoe!
Thanks for the great question. Sometimes getting right to the point and ignoring all of the fluff can really help narrow down your options. This question is interesting because the setting basically tells us that the overwhelming majority of features used to judge artificial grass are irrelevant. With that in mind, it allows us to focus on the most important factors in a bit more depth considering you need a highly specialized product as opposed to a more generalist approach.
As such, I will not cover aesthetics, UV protection, ease of customization, or uncommon features. Instead, your question is best answered by comparing the materials, pile heights, general durability, and the carpets or backing. In terms of general tactile sensation, the fiber materials will play the most important role, though the pile height also factors in. On the other hand, the carpet or backing will be the most important factor in terms of how impacts feel, like a child falling down, with the pile height once again playing a secondary role. General durability is our interpretation of ‘best’ with regards to a children’s play area since it will definitely need to handle foot traffic at the least.
For fiber materials, nothing in the consumer market currently beats the use of synthetic fibers commonly found in clothing. Artificial grass that uses polyester or nylon or a mixture of the two is likely going to be some of the softest artificial grass on the market. That said, to provide a natural feel, stiffer fibers have to be woven into the mix, or it will not feel natural. Generally, manufacturers use polyethylene and polypropylene, two types of moldable plastic, for the stiffer fibers. Any good artificial grass will have a combination of the two, but the actual proportions of stiff to soft will ultimately determine which feels best.
In terms of the carpet or backing, your options are generally limited to polyurethane or rubber. While polyurethane is more durable, the grass will be located in a protected and controlled environment, so you do not need the backing to be resistant to the elements. On the other hand, rubber may not fare as well against Mother Nature, but it is ‘softer’ and does a much better job of absorbing impact shocks from falls than polyurethane does. One thing to consider is cleanup since children are messy, but they are nowhere near as messy as say two dozen puppies. If you go with rubber, just remember to let the rubber air dry after rinsing the grass off while cleaning to prevent rot.
The last real factor is the pile height, though the thickness or density could be considered important as well. Regardless, the pile does not actually determine how soft or cushiony the artificial grass is, but it supplements those qualities, offering minor and novel improvements. The taller and thicker the pile, the better it will cushion against impacts as well as provide as ‘full’ bouncy feel as you stand or walk on it. While these qualities are favored, they do carry with them a bit of price premium and will increase the amount of cleanup required to keep the grass hygienic.
Now when taking what we know here and looking at our list we see a few options that each have their strengths and weaknesses. The obvious choice would be the best indoor artificial grass, the LITA, but iCustomrug and Artificial Grass Wholesalers are worth consideration. The LITA does not use nylon or propylene, but their threading approach still places the softer polyethylene on top of the stiffer polypropylene. This also provides the LITA with more general durability against heavy foot traffic than the more delicate nylon and polyester fibers. Also, the pile is an adequate, if mediocre, height but makes up for it with a 70 oz thickness density, meaning it will provide some cushion. The backing does not offer much impact resistance, but it is easy to clean to keep hygienic.
With the Artificial Grass Wholesalers, the grass itself is soft and even comes in the thickest density pile on our list. However, it is also significantly more expensive and not inherently designed for heavy traffic. It will handle traffic fine, but what are you really paying for at that point? It is a premium product meant more for a focus on high-end aesthetics with good feel and durability.
The iCustomrug isn’t necessarily the softest, though it is reasonably soft. Neither is it the most impact resistant, but it will handle rough play better than most on our list.
Thanks again for the great question and be sure to check back often for updates and new information!
I live in Yuma, Arizona where it commonly gets over 120 degrees for days on end. I have 3 labrador Retrievers that need cool grass to lay on that is soft and not absorb odor! We have an area about 60 feet long and 4-5 foot wide that is normally shaded all year around. What would you recommend that looks and feels great, rinses well and lasts a long time without absorbing odors?
Hello Carol!
Thanks for the amazingly specific question. All of the extra details really help us narrow down the options to find which is the best artificial grass for your needs. That said, there are a couple of qualities which end up being more important than others, so the search is not a terribly difficult one. It simply requires patience and attention to detail, but at the end of it, you will know which artificial grass is the best for your needs and, just as important, why.
You started off by noting your location which is arguably one of the more important considerations when choosing artificial grass, but you end up undercutting that idea a bit later by informing us that the grass will be shaded all year. Now, since we do not know to what extent that shade provides coverage, we will provide options for both an area that has 90-percent coverage or more as well as an area that has 75-percent coverage or less. This is made all the more difficult to discern with the operative word related to the shade coverage being “normally.” This is crucial for making your decision as it will ultimately determine whether or not that 120-degree weather is as scary as it looks.
However, a quick break down of the different things you actually mentioned shows a couple of different qualities that seem to matter more. Specifically, you mention that the grass needs to avoid odors and feel pleasant twice, the only two qualities you did. This means when looking for your artificial grass, the feel and the odor repellent are the two most important qualities and the others should only have to meet a baseline of quality. Granted, it is always nice to get the very best product in a market, but sometimes it is not always practical.
One thing to consider, though you already included it as part of your ideal artificial grass checklist, is maintenance. You mentioned 3 Labrador Retrievers as being the likely cause of the odor and the individuals who would be using the grass most, in general. While there are certainly some artificial grasses which are better suited for those purposes, that does not change the fact the 3 medium-large to large dogs are still going to produce significant amounts of waste.
With organic grass and soil, the waste breaks down into nutrients for the flora, but with artificial grass, there is no natural ecosystem. This means that you will need to clean the artificial grass every day, potentially multiple times per day depending on the scenario. This is not meant to dissuade you as cleanup can be as simple as rinsing, though the amount of defecate will definitely determine whether or not a simple rinse is suitable – regardless the product chosen. There is only so much artificial grass can do before you run into the wall that is the laws of physics.
So while some of the products available offer better protection against microbial growth and odor, no artificial grass will stand up to the abuse and waste of 3 Labrador Retrievers without plenty of maintenance. The weekly rinsing that some homeowners can get away with is a distant fantasy for the owner of 3 even medium-sized dogs. Though, this brings us to the next most important quality for your needs: comfort, but not comfort for children or bare feet.
That distinction is important because comfort to a dog will not mean the same things as comfort to a person – just ask a dog comfortably lounging on a cold, hardwood floor. As such, when looking for comfort for a dog, it is important not to project your own preferences onto them or anthropomorphize them. They are dogs. They like dog things. For instance, some artificial grass uses plastic fibers that feel a bit prickly to soft, human feet. However, the rough pads on a dog’s paws likely will not notice much of a difference, and the dog may even appreciate the stiffer bristle’s ability to burrow through fur and scratch their back.
Of course, it can be a bit difficult to tell ahead of time, though you probably have a rough idea about which type of situation your dogs would genuinely prefer. It is also important to remember that over the course of lying down, the dogs will eventually create spots on the turf that are flattened and more comfortable. One word of warning though: dogs have a number of ways of marking their territory and defining a space as ‘theirs.’ I bring this up because you also mentioned durability, and this factor really depends on the dogs’ temperament.
If your dogs like to dig, there is no artificial grass that will be able to survive their efforts. At the very least, a digging dog will remove threads from a patch of the artificial grass, exposing the bare rubber or polyurethane rug below. As the owner of 3 Labradors, chances are you already have experience with them incidentally destroying something in the natural course of their day – especially chewers. So when considering the artificial grass’ durability, only consider normal-use wear and tear, or it might be better to consider an alternative.
One quality to comfort which brings us to the secondary concerns you might have involves the heat. Thankfully, Yuma is one of the driest places in the US, so you do not have to worry about inclement weather outside of some freak summer Gulf Surge that pushes a tropical storm up the coast of Mexico. However, this does bring up back to exactly how much shade coverage ‘normally’ actually provides. This is because a number of plastic fibers will absorb heat from direct sunlight and can become quite hot. On top of that, the 120-degree heat in direct sunlight can even melt some of the types of plastic fibers used for some products.
As such, if the 60’ x 5’ stretch of ground you plan on covering is not shaded all the time, the unshaded sections could be at risk of discoloration or deformation. The good news is that it does sound like some part of the stretch will always be shaded, and you can count on your dogs to be smart enough to always find that spot – even if that means they have to get up from another spot the sun has reached. Still, UV protections and heat-resistant fibers will be important secondary considerations.
Finally, for everything that you need the artificial grass to be able to do, you are likely going to have to settle for good, but not great, aesthetics or you are going to have to pay significantly more. One thing to remember is that while a longer pile might ultimately look better, it will also increase the amount and intensity of cleanup. Since you mentioned the cleanliness more often than the appearance, I will assume it is of higher priority.
When we add all of these qualities together, the iCustomrug is by far one of the best choices available as it ticks off pretty much every box. First, the iCustomrug is both stain and mildew resistant which means that you do not have to worry so much about odors and other hygienic issues should you stay on top of the maintenance. But even better, the iCustomrug is also almost ideal for Yuma, AZ weather too.
This artificial grass is not the only UV protected but is the only 100-percent Olefin UV stabilized product we saw. This will protect the iCustomrug from both the UV radiation degrading the color or fibers as well as the heat. In fact, even the rug the fibers are sewn into is flame retardant which means that your pups will remain cool no matter what temperature or sunlight they have to deal with. Even better, the fibers themselves are soft, so it will feel comfortable to both you and your dogs.
Some words of note: because of the various treatments, you will probably need to lay the artificial grass down and air it out before letting your dogs lounge on it for hours at a time. It is one of the more treated products we reviewed, which makes it incredibly durable in a wide range of situations, but also carries a chemical smell. The pile is also rather short, though that will help keep it hygienic and clean. Still, for the serious strain your situation will place on any artificial turf used, the iCustomrug is probably your best bet.
Other options are the lower pile Artificial Grass Wholesalers or the Synturfmats. The former is pretty much the gold standard for top-tier artificial grass, but it is not as focused on animals and will require more maintenance more often. The Synturfmats is great for animals in a general way, but it also sheds a good bit. As such, if your dogs like to dig or play, they will quickly wear the Synturfmats to the rug. Regardless, the iCustomrug comes out on top as the best artificial grass for your particular needs.
I am looking for turf to withstand east coast NC. Front yard – no traffic, no shade, direct sun – strictly for looks. I am tired of watering and cutting the weeds.
Thanks,
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne!
Thanks for the great question as it shifts the conversation from a broadly performing product to a hyper-specialized one. Rather than requiring artificial grass that can handle a multitude of different circumstances of scenarios, your need it to handle a fairly consistent context without issue or fail. As such, this means a number of features other people might find necessary for their needs will simply be superfluous expense adding to the price unnecessarily. Of course, there are a number of subtle and nuanced terms in your two-sentence question that will help us narrow down some otherwise similar options.
First and foremost, we should address what amounts to the drive or purpose of the artificial grass. While ostensibly designed to reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do, its primary purpose is to look aesthetically pleasing. There are a number of different qualities that provide artificial grass its aesthetic look, though they can roughly be broken down into tone, saturation, and variety. These three qualities combined will ultimately determine the overall aesthetic appeal, but can also provide idiosyncratic appeal depending on your preference. For instance, the short, tight, monocolor design of golf putting green serves a specific purpose while also demonstrating a particular aesthetic.
That said, artificial grass does have industry standards of aesthetics which are generally accepted by most groups at large but can still have detractors. So when breaking down the qualities, consider whether or not the standard applies to you how you might prefer it different, if you do. While tone and saturation are arguably more apparent on first impression, it is actually variety that ends up being the most important. The tone refers to the specific color and the saturation refers to the richness of the color in application – whether the tone feels thicker or not.
But the real world does not work that way with single colors of one saturation and is instead a medley of different tones and saturations. Because of this, artificial grass with a variety of different tones and saturations feel more natural than a product with a single tone or saturation. As such, you will definitely need to consider the tone and saturation you want as well as what fits the landscape, but any general tone or saturation choice must be enhanced with a design that utilizes a variety of tones and saturations to achieve a more natural look. One of the more convenient things about ENC and the Banks regions is the fact that the native grasses are coarse and can often be monochrome themselves. This has to do with the type of soil found in the coastal plains as well as the abundance of sunlight in your subtropical region.
This means that you can actually choose from a wide range of different aesthetic options without too much regard to the setting as most styles naturally exist in the region. In fact, the natural grasses of the region are so coarse, your artificial lawn will feel much softer to walk on in bare feet by contrast. Though, you did mention that foot traffic is not a concern which also means that the heat of the grass itself is not much of an issue either. This is important because NE NC gets enough sunlight at points to make some artificial grass feel hot to the touch even if it does not really affect the grass all that much.
Still, we are going to want to make sure that the artificial grass chosen has UV protection to help prevent the colors from fading over time. It is worth noting that as part of a subtropical region, that area does get plenty of precipitation, mostly in the form of rain and primarily during the summer and cyclone seasons. This means you may want to consider anti-microbial protections as well due to the seasonally warm, wet environment, though you can likely get by with a diluted antimicrobial spray that is safe for plastics once a month too.
That said, there is the harsh reality that you will still need to clean and maintain the artificial grass, but you can often get by giving it a quick hosing off as needed. However, you will need to make sure the grass gets a good cleaning probably once a month or so during the wet months. You have less to worry about during the winter months because of the Appalachian buffer of the western, mountainous parts of NC.
So, when we consider aesthetics and ease of maintenance as our primary concerns with awareness of the heat, sun, and humidity, we can get a much better idea about which artificial grass would be best for your needs. Now, if you are looking for the absolutely best-looking artificial grass and are unconcerned with price, the only game in town is Artificial Grass Wholesalers. However, you may be able to use iCustomRug to save a bit of money and still check all of your boxes. To be clear, the Artificial Grass Wholesalers is the better product, but iCustomRug still looks good and can handle the north east North Carolinian climate.
Hi,
Such a great source of information. I’m in southwest Florida. Hot sun, no winter rain, a lot of summer rain, no traffic (pets children people) Just to look at. Only other things out there are a large drought resistant succulent garden with landscape edging, a few palm trees and a large trellised bleeding heart vine that sheds leaves. On a BUDGET, and also need to be able to clean it with blower as bleeding heart sheds leaves, palm trees produce a mess (pods of seeds fall down and other small but bountiful bits of debris fall from the palms). So cleaning it is important, retaining color is important, and budget is important. Thank you.
Hi Mary!
Thanks for the great question, and Florida is definitely the kind of environment that can make this decision that much more difficult. However, there are plenty of options for the initial circumstances of hot wet summers and warm dry winters. Also, since the artificial grass is not likely to receive much traffic, you do not need to worry about general durability quite as much. This is important since the budget is stressed because one of the more expensive aspects of artificial grass is how durable it is. If you had a couple of kids and a dog, you would need more durable, and thus more expensive, artificial grass.
Based on your question, it sounds like you need artificial grass that is easy to clean, inexpensive, and resistant to both moisture and UV radiation. A quick look at our list will exclude three options automatically as the Pet Zen Garden, iCustomRug, and Synturfmats models all feature a rubber base that will be more prone to rotting and molding in those moist, hot temperatures. This leaves us with the Artificial Grass Wholesalers and the Lita, but the Lita is the only one that falls within your budgetary prerequisites as well.
Of course, just being able to take the heat and coming in under budget were not the only qualifying factors influencing your decision. Thankfully, the Lita is also well made and protected in the idiosyncratic ways that are important to your needs. For instance, this artificial grass has been treated with UV protection, so you do not have to worry about the punishing Sun degrading or discoloring your grass.
Though it is worth mentioning that the grass does get hot, but that should not be a problem if no one will be walking on it barefoot. On top of that, the soft fibers and drainage holes allow you to rinse the grass off with a hose or use a leaf blower. Keep in mind, rinsing off the artificial grass with water is a vital part of the maintenance, even if a blower will keep the superficial debris off.
We have an area around a partial inground pool. It has a concrete deck area and the pool is kidney shaped so a couple of curves. Question: can artificial turf be placed over the concrete and if so which type would be best? It gets afternoon sun and we are in north California so it gets hot. Sometimes very hot. Pool is not used often but winters are rainy so it will get wet although the existing deck has drains. Trying to make it look good and maybe blend with the back area grass lawn and garden
Thanks and very helpful article
John
Hello John,
Thanks for the great question, and we are thrilled you found our article helpful. North California definitely presents some unique conditions to account for, and we know it is nothing like South California. While it’s geographic position might clue us in, North California is closer to the Pacific Northwest in terms of weather and environment than it is South California (just ask the ‘secessionists’…). Still, the general region’s climate combined with the particular qualifications you specified can at least help us narrow down the options.
One good thing is that all of the artificial grass products on our list are fully customizable, so the few curves in your kidney-shaped pool will present no issue. Granted, some artificial grass may only need simply scissors while others may require heavier shears, but all of them can be customized with an Exacto knife if nothing else. The point is, you could essentially carve the artificial grass like a jack-o-lantern with a scary face and all would be able to accomplish this.
One notable absence from your list or prerequisites was budget which is important because it means you are not opposed to spending a little bit more to get the product you need – something that will definitely come into play as we further explore the other qualifiers you defined to help refine our answer to the best option for your needs. Still, it is important to remember that to get the best, you often have to be willing to pay a bit more than you otherwise might.
While your first couple of qualifiers refer to the climate, which is only right, it is the last prereq that you identified which should be approached first: aesthetics. To be fair, aesthetics are not always the first or most important consideration, but in this instance, they are the most difficult to get right. However, we need to remember that aesthetics are judged twice: initially with our first impression but then again after months have allowed the aesthetics to become mundane once more.
As such, whichever product you choose should be able to hold its appearance after a year of use which includes the general climate as well as foot traffic – even if the pool is only occasionally used. This requires the artificial grass to be constructed so that it looks natural, using a number of different colored fibers to simulate a realistic look. On top of that, the fibers also have to be durable enough to maintain their appearance even after being beaten by the wind, rain, and sun – only to be trampled by walking feet.
The point is the starting appearance and features which extend the aesthetic lifespan are primary qualities for your search, not secondary like usual. However, the long term viability of artificial grass will inherently be affected by the environment, which brings us to the median of your question and climate-based prerequisites. North California does indeed get quite hot and has plenty of sunshine during the summer, but it is actually a more temperate climate. This is important because we may not always have the best bead when determining what the climate actually is compared to what it feels like to us – you know, the people who are used to air conditioning.
That said, the copious amount of sunlight that North California receives during the summer does affect the long term aesthetics of artificial grass. In order to safeguard the aesthetics of your grass, you will want to make sure that it is UV protected to prevent the sun from bleaching out the color. Simultaneously, you will want to make sure that the artificial grass can handle the wet winter months, though the absence of sticky humidity removes the need for anti-microbial treatments. When it is hot enough to spur microbial growth, it is too dry, but when it is finally wet enough, it is too cold.
Based off of this comprehensive analysis of your needs, we recommend the Artificial Grass Wholesalers. While you can certainly spring for the premium model and will not be disappointed with the results, you can likely buy a model one tier lower and still receive the desired results. At that point, it will be more about how comfortable and luxurious you are willing to go as the price climbs with the premium quality of the artificial grass. Regardless, Artificial Grass Wholesalers may be one of the most expensive options on our list, but it is the best for satisfying your idiosyncratic needs for years to come.
Wow, thank you so much for a thorough and informative response. Appreciate it!!!! Have a great day!