The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Artificial Turf Backings Compared; Latex or Polyurethane, which is better?

06 May.,2024

 

Artificial Grass: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

Maintaining your lawn can be difficult in Australia, particularly in warm climates, and it can feel like a constant battle watering and seeding in dead areas after foot traffic. When it first came out, the concept of artificial grass went against the status quo in the 1970s especially considering there had not been much product development. It was widely considered to look ‘very fake’.

For more Artificial Turf Backings Compared; Latex or Polyurethane, which is better?information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Due to product development and a broader selection in recent years, fake or artificial grass has gained popularity and appearance. Housing areas are denser, and people generally work more and have less time to maintain a lawn. For some, there might be a slight sense of defeat when deciding to go with fake grass, but we believe you will be pleasantly surprised at how many benefits there can be. Artificial grass has taken hold and becomes a part of the modern Australian home, creating a low-maintenance outdoor space.

Although there is no more fighting over who has to mow the lawn; there are some points we would like to make you aware of before you finalise your purchase.

Overview:

Why Choose Artificial Grass?

  • Fake grass provides an immediate impact all year round, with no need to wait for the grass to grow
  • An area that once took up so much time now requires little to no maintenance with durability specifically designed to withstand children and pets’ constant wear and tear
  • If you worry about mud being walked inside the house in wet months, fake grass completely alleviates that problem
  • No pesticides or weed killers are needed
  • Eco friendly in the sense you don’t need to water it

Side note: Get clear on what you need fake grass for, as this will determine the type, colour and texture you decide.

Affordability

From a time point of view, fake grass is cheap, but the initial outlay will cost more than natural grass (see our page for artificial grass price Australia examples). Fake grass is sold as square metres, making it easy to compare quality and cost. Be sure to measure your area well to get a good idea of the overall cost. DIY installation can be a good option, but if you are not already in the know-how, then extensive research on your behalf will be required to ensure you get it right. For the best result, we recommend a professional installer, which may save you money in the long run.

Artificial grass price fluctuates quite dramatically, and as we outline below generally, the more you pay in the beginning, the less stress you deal with later on.

We would also like to point out that there are great Australian made products that Australian suppliers will be biased towards. But in all honesty, some fantastic options are coming from places like China also, and at the Online Flooring Store, we believe in giving people a choice in both quality and origin of products (provided they pass our quality tests of course).

Side note: Installing fake grass will roughly cost double what it costs to grow a natural lawn area, depending on whether you use a professional installer or not.

Later on, we disclose approximate costs in a DIY/Professional installation comparison.

 

Backing and Infill

In a nutshell, infill is the stuff you spread on top of your lawn to anchor it in place.

Standard infill is sand, but some other products may be used:

  • Cooling infills to lower grass temperature
  • Pet-friendly infills absorb ammonia in urine
  • Shock absorption infill can further safety proof your turf

Determining the amount of ground preparation work before artificial grass is put down will dramatically affect the cost. Synthetic grass is a porous surface, meaning water will drain through it. If the texture is too dense, you will need to remove some existing soil and introduce sand or gravel to ensure this doesn’t happen. This can be a huge job for DIY’ers.

For very high rainfall areas, you may be required to install a heavy-duty drainage system such as a soak well. Artificial grass is very problematic without proper drainage.

Side note: Polyurethane or latex is used for synthetic grass backing. We recommend sticking to polyurethane because it will not expand or contract in extreme heat fluctuation.

How to Lay Artificial Grass on Uneven Ground

Uneven ground such as tree roots, weeds, and mounds must be removed and rectified before installation. You shouldn’t install over rough ground, and you need a completely level surface to lay on. Installing artificial grass on uneven ground leaves you wide open to various problems, including unsecured edges, visibly messy appearance, inevitably uneven joins and drainage issues. But by far, the biggest concern is a safety issue for kids and pets who run around in the area.

Levelling sloping gardens can be a tedious job for inexperienced first-time DIYers.

Generally, you will need to dig up the entire area, remove older grass and debris & smoothen out the ground with sand and gravel.

 

Can You Drive on Artificial Turf?

Whether you can drive on synthetic grass will depend on proper ground preparation. The ground will need to be well compacted and 100ml plus of a gravel & sand subbase to sustain the weight of an SUV in parking areas adequately.

 

Pile Height

Various grass heights (Pile heights) are measured from the backing to the end of the tip. It would help if you chose a pile height in congruence with your lifestyle needs.

Grass over 30mm will give a greener, luscious look, whereas below this measurement will give a neater look for high traffic areas. Be careful not to choose longer blades in high traffic areas as they will bend over time. You will still have to brush forward any blades with a broom but not nearly as much. If backyard cricket is your family’s jam, opt for the shorter option and happy batting.

If you intend to lay tables and chairs over the grass, the shorter option will be a superior choice for your family.

Denser and often more expensive options will also come with more substantial and extended guarantees, so check that information before purchasing. Although some suppliers offer up to 25 years or even a lifetime warranty, standard warranties are ten years.

 

Weight & Density

Put simply, Good quality grass will generally be heavier. Density refers to the number of yarns per square foot, and higher density means more durability. If you are installing on an elevated platform such as a patio, you will need to be aware of the load-bearing capabilities of the structure.

Side note: Density is measured by dividing face weight by pile height.

Weight is broken up into two categories:

Face Weight

  • It is measured in yarns per square metre
  • Higher means the grass is both denser and longer
  • It can be compared to thread counts in linen (the higher, the better)
  • Higher face weight means more strands of grass & thatch

Backing Weight

  • Refers to the backing and coating of the turf per square foot
  • A higher backing weight means a more durable product
  • Lower backing weight may also mean the product is only suitable for decorative purposes

Total Turf Weight

  • The combination of face and backing weights

 

Colour

There are two elements to keep in mind here. The grass colour and also the thatch (fake dead grass), and there is a vast range of combinations to consider. What looks natural in your garden will be different in another garden. The best and only way to get this right is to order samples and look at the sample at different kights and times of the day.

The best products to choose from have varying shades of green to create a much more natural look.

Side note: Artificial grass can often look “too immaculate” with cheap alternatives, and it will be so obvious it is not the real deal.

 

Quality

You can also compare quality with colour when you have samples. Look at the yarn and backing quality and make sure there is something that guarantees minimal (if any) fading from sun exposure. Texture-wise it should feel close to the real thing. Be sure to make sure water can quickly get through with larger holes for heavy rainfall.

A good quality synthetic grass will be made of polypropylene, polyamide, and polyethylene yarns and often blended. Look for an even backing and well-stitched tufts. Although pricier initially, you will save more later with a quality product.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website What are the uses of acrylic emulsion?.

 

Maintenance

You guessed it. The more it generally costs, the less time and money you will spend maintaining it.

Also, consider the area you live in. Will heavy runoff or tree limbs fall onto the synthetic grass? And will the durability match up?

We recommend cleaning your artificial grass by using a leave blower, stiff brush or rake to remove leaves and other debris. You will also need to use turf deodoriser to drive away pet urine stench if you have pets. Alternatively, you can use baking soda washed away with a water and vinegar solution, and solid pet waste requires a scoop followed by a quick hose squirt.

 

Radiant Heat

It is not just burning the grass itself we are concerned with. The air temperature surrounding unshaded fake grass can be elevated, which can be an issue for children and pets. In Australia, a hot summer’s day is already scorching, and in combination with hot artificial turf will increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related health issues.

If there is little airflow surrounding your property, it can even feel hotter inside your home. So your water bill might be lower, but your aircon bill could skyrocket.

How do we combat this? Simple! The online flooring store’s “cool touch” artificial grass is the perfect solution to this problem.

 

Features to Look for in Your Fake Turf

  • UV protection – prevents fading and breakdown of your lawn under UV exposure
  • Cooling Tech – Uses the latest product innovation to be cooler under radiant heat.
  • Sustainability – Some quality fake lawns substitute (some) materials with sugar cane instead of using 100% plastic

 

DIY vs Professional Installation

As we touched on before, the following will have the biggest bearing on immediate pricing:

  • Artificial grass quality
  • Choosing an installer or not
  • Required ground preparation

Side note: As a loose general rule, expect to pay double if you use an installer.

Many suppliers, including us, sell directly to customers. We estimate laying 50m2 yourself could cost you anywhere from $1450 to $3000.

DIY saves you money but put your ego aside and ask yourself if you have the required skills because there are a few.

Associated Costs with DIY

  • Good quality fake grass will cost between $19-$41 per square metre.
  • Base preparation is essential for proper drainage, and as you can imagine a nightmare to discover later, you must start again. You need a level crushed rock-based with a finer layer of stone and sand. For a 50m2 backyard, expect to pay $200 – $300 for the rocks & sand. On top of that, you need to hire a trailer for transport and a compactor ($40 – $60 per day) to create an even compacted surface.
  • The infill required will be roughly 10kg of sand per square metre (but follow the supplier’s recommendations). Most suppliers will recommend sand, and a 20kg bag will cost around $10.
  • Joining tape used to join the turf cost about $20 for 5 metres
  • Turf pegs are roughly $15 for a 20 pack and are used to secure the artificial grass

 

Cons of DIY

If you get it right, installing artificial turf undoubtedly saves you money. But is it worth the risk?

Some common pitfalls include:

  • Bad or no base preparation: The base layer might not be adequately compacted or compacted at all, causing uneven ground, drainage issues and a messy appearance
  • Poor laying: If the lawn is laid incorrectly, you will see apparent gaps and joins. If your joins are weak, the turf will move and break apart.
  • Not enough infill: The turf can move out of place easily

Side note: For the above reasons; we recommend using a professional installer.

 

Professional installation Costs

Expect to pay $50 – $65 per square metre for labour, depending on the intricacy of the job. A combination of turf plus labour costs will be anything from $80 – $105 per square metre.

Tips for Choosing the Best Artificial Grass

Factors to Consider When Selecting Artificial Grass

Artificial grass makes a patio, playground, or any other space look more appealing and lively. However, selecting the best can be a daunting task because the market offers various types and brands to choose from. Different companies are making different types of turf grass for specific uses. Considering the following elements will help you confidently select the best “fake” grass for your space.

Quality

Just like any other product, synthetic grass is available in different qualities. The best quality is polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyamide. It also has a soft feel, a consistent color, and has well-stitched tufts. It is also likely to be more expensive. The high price should not deter you because it will save you more in the long run.

You should find manufacturers or suppliers with a variety of products. Compare to select the item that you find most appealing. If you are purchasing online, request the supplier to send you samples to avoid buying artificial grass that you do not even like.

Weight and Density

These two factors determine the durability of the artificial grass Las Vegas. The density of the synthetic grass is the number of artificial yarns per square foot of Las Vegas turf. Dense artificial lawns look more natural. Additionally, they will serve you for more years because they are more resilient to heavy foot traffic.

The weight of the “fake” grass often indicates its quality in that high-quality synthetic grass weighs more. You should pay attention to the amount of weight that your house structure can withstand if you are installing the grass on a rooftop bar or high-rise condo.

Color of the Artificial Grass

Synthetic grass is always green to give the space a natural look. However, you can find different shades of green. The common ones include olive green, lime green, and dark green. A product with a combination of all the shades is better than the perfectly green type because it will make your lawn look more natural and appealing.

Ensure that you take the samples outside and evaluate how great each color will look in the sun. The sampling will also give you an idea of how well the turf will complement the landscaping boulders.

Traffic or Usage

What will you be using the synthetic grass for? How often will you be using it? These are important questions that homeowners should ask themselves when determining the best product for their needs. Different types of synthetic grass are designed for different uses.

For example, synthetic grass intended for a play area or family lawn is designed to withstand heavy traffic and high usage. On the contrary, ornamental artificial grass is designed for improving the garden’s aesthetic and can only withstand low traffic. Pet-friendly laws can only handle pets’ urine and excrement. Selecting an artificial lawn created for the specific purpose you have in mind will help it last longer.

Pile Height/Blade Length

The best pile height or length depends on the buyer’s taste or preference. For instance, some homeowners prefer long blades while others prefer the size of freshly cut grass. Long blades are tempting because they create a luxurious look several days after installation. However, they start to bend over with time as they lie under their weight.

This change will make your lawn look flat. You will have to use a lot of time and effort to make the long blades stand again and offer an optimum look. To achieve a more natural look, you should consider selecting a blade length or between 30-37 millimeters. These blades are easier to maintain than the longer ones. It is essential to know that you will still need to stand them up through brushing once in a while.

Infill and Backing

According to artificial grass manufacturers, homeowners should infill the Las Vegas turf to keep it looking springy and lush. They can use different infill materials, such as sand and rubber crumb. The selected material will depend on your budget and preference.

Synthetic grass has latex or polyurethane backing. The difference is that polyurethane does not expand or contract while latex shrinks and expands, depending on the heat. If you are installing it in an area with extreme weather conditions, you should consider the former.

Maintenance

Just like natural grass, synthetic grass also requires maintenance for the lawn to look more appealing. It will also expand the turf’s lifespan. The advantage is that turf grass requires less maintenance. When buying this product, ensure that you understand how often you will need to care for it because some types need more care than others.

If your daily routine is hectic, you can consider hiring professionals for artificial lawn maintenance. The weather in your area is also a determining factor. For example, the turf grass will require more care if you live in a rainy area. Additionally, falling debris from various sources like trees will necessitate more maintenance.

The simple thumb rule is that the more expensive the grass, the less the maintenance costs. To reduce the maintenance costs, it is advisable to purchase high-quality artificial grass that will not require much time and effort to look amazing. Read about the materials used for creating the perfect patio here.

The Price of the Artificial Grass

The price is an equally important aspect to consider when choosing artificial grass Las Vegas for your lawn. You can find many types of affordable types that suit your goals. The good news is that most of them are reasonably priced.

However, you should not focus on price and neglect other factors that guarantee that the synthetic grass meets all your expectations. This will help you be confident about your long-term investment and install the turf Las Vegas comfortably.

Product Warranty

You should check whether the manufacturer offers any warranty for the turf grass you intend to buy. You might have selected a high-quality and durable product, but some unpredictable things might happen. For example, the synthetic grass might fade or lose its original appearance and feel.

Having a warranty will give you the confidence and peace of mind that your investment is protected if anything goes wrong. For example, the manufacturers will incur replacement costs if the turf falls apart. Product warranties depend on various factors, such as brand and quality. You should consider finding a company that offers a guarantee of at least five years.

Overall, artificial grass is an affordable and time-saving secret to an eye-catching space. The turf is a considerable investment, meaning that you should choose it wisely. Considering various attributes, such as color, weight, density, foot traffic, and maintenance, will help you make an informed decision. Sometimes, homeowners tend to focus on appearance alone. Of course, the artificial lawn must look good, but it should also perform excellently and serve you for as long as possible.

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