Residential Artificial Turf: 4 Essential Things to Consider Before You Buy
According to Up Market Research, there has been a rise in demand for artificial turf in recent years for use at sporting and non-sporting events as well as for residential applications.
Artificial turf is a versatile material that is used for a variety of different reasons. If you’re considering buying from reliable turf suppliers, keep reading here to check out our guide on how to choose the best artificial grass to suit your needs.
What is Artificial Turf and Why is it Beneficial?
Artificial turf is essentially fake grass. It gives your garden or yard the appearance that you have grass, but without you having to maintain and look after it. The fake grass is made from nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene. The grass is often colored to look like a specific species of grass so that you have the most realistic looking lawn.
Artificial turf allows water to get through it because it consists of filaments which are threaded into a backing. This means you don’t need to worry about protecting it against water damage. Artificial grass is also sturdy against any weather conditions. The backing of the grass is often laid upon a drainage layer and then fastened along the perimeter of your garden. Then it’s filled in with something to weigh it down, such as sand or crumb rubber.
Benefits of Artificial Turf
Buying artificial turf has many benefits. For example, it means that you don’t need to tend to or look after your lawn. With a natural lawn, you need to weed, water, and mow it to ensure it stays alive and looks healthy. But an artificial lawn means you get a great looking lawn without having to do all the hard work.
Another benefit of choosing artificial turf is that it’ll reduce the cost of your summer water bills. Depending on the temperature during the summer months, your water bill will likely increase if you have a real grass lawn because of the need to water it more. Artificial lawns are also great for those who live in areas where there are water draughts or where it is difficult to access a lot of water during the summer months. Another benefit is that synthetic grass is environmentally friendly because you’re using less water. And also because you don’t need to use any chemicals or fertilizers to keep it looking healthy.
How to Choose Artificial Grass
The average artificial turf cost can range from $5 to $20 per square foot. Once it’s installed it will be much cheaper to maintain than natural grass. However, the upfront cost can be quite expensive, especially if you have a lot of ground to cover. Before you buy synthetic grass, make sure you consider these factors:
-
Lawn Usage
Artificial grass can last up to 10-20 years when it is installed and treated correctly. However, it’s important you choose artificial grass that is fit for your purpose, otherwise, it might cost you more money in the long run. For example, if you expect that your lawn will be used a lot because your children like to play out in the garden, you’ll need to find a turf that can withstand heavy usage. Durable turfs might cost more to begin with, but are worth the investment.
-
Product Quality
You must consider the quality of artificial turf before you buy it. Some materials will work better for your needs than others. For example, the best quality turfs are made from polypropylene, polyamide, or polyethylene yarns. Sometimes, artificial turf might also be made from a combination of all three materials. The higher quality the material, the longer your artificial grass will last and the cheaper it will be for you in the long run.
-
Weight and Density
Artificial turf that has a higher density (i.e. has more synthetic yarns per square foot) is more durable. The more the artificial turf weighs, the higher quality it is. Sometimes there are other factors that contribute to how much your artificial grass weighs, such as if the load is too heavy for the foundation underneath it. Both a higher density and a heavier weight will impact the price of your artificial turf installation. However, heavier and denser turf means the quality will be better, so you can rest assured knowing your lawn was the best quality for money.
-
Color
When you’re deciding which turf to go for, a big factor to consider is the color. You’ll want something that looks as realistic as grass so that your garden looks natural. It is better to choose a type of artificial grass that has varying shades of green so that it looks more natural than one big block color. For example, you might want to choose artificial grass that has olive green, lime green, and dark green all mixed together. If you think you’re ready to get artificial grass, check out this application for synthetic turf. We offer free consultations and estimates so you can find out how much it will cost before you commit.
Find Your Residential Artificial Turf
Taking the time to choose the right residential artificial turf that works best for your garden or outdoor space is very important. Be sure to follow our guide on how to choose artificial turf and you’ll soon have the perfect, low-maintenance garden. Artificial turf is just one of many ways you can transform any outdoor space. Read our latest articles to find more great home improvement tips and tricks.