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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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View Comments
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?