Thinking about artificial grass for your yard or home gym? You probably have some questions. To help you out, we've made this artificial grass FAQ, so you can learn everything you need to know and shop with confidence.
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In this guide, you'll get answers to the most common questions about artificial grass, including the different types of turf, how to install it, and how much it costs. Let's get started.
Related Content >> About Artificial GrassArtificial grass is a synthetic grass alternative made from durable fibers like nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Most artificial grass is built to withstand the outdoor elements. It's heat-resistant, frost-resistant, and UV stable (meaning it won't fade in the sun).
While popular for landscaping and sports fields, artificial turf is way more versatile than just that! You'll find turf as flooring in gyms, doggy daycares, playgrounds, and even as putting green turf. Artificial grass comes in rolls, tiles, and rugs.
Artificial grass is better than natural grass in terms of maintenance. It doesn't require watering, mowing, or trimming, which saves you time and money in the long run. Plus, it won't attract bugs and other pests, and there's no mud or dirt for you to accidentally track into your home.
If sustainability is important to you, natural grass might have a slight edge since synthetic grass is made from plastic. However, it's also important to remember that artificial grass doesn't need to be watered, which can save thousands of gallons of water each year.
Artificial grass is growing in popularity thanks to new hyperrealist looks and heavy-duty, durable materials. But those aren't the only benefits. Here are even more reasons why you should choose artificial grass.
Artificial grass is non-toxic, made from pet-friendly, kid-friendly nylon or plastic materials. In the past, there have been concerns about the crumb rubber infill used with turf for sports fields, but extensive testing has shown that the recycled rubber is not a carcinogen. Plus, you don't even have to use crumb rubber in the first place! You have a ton of options that we'll talk more about below, so stay tuned.
Artificial grass is eco-friendly in many ways. It's good for the environment because it saves water and doesn't need to be mowed. Many turf products are also made of recycled materials.
Artificial turf isn't completely sustainable, though. The plastic in turf is a petroleum-based product. Also, while it can be made from recycled plastic, turf isn't biodegradable.
Related Content >> Landscape Turf Buying GuideArtificial turf is made of plastic fibers or nylon. Manufacturers keep coming up with newer and better materials all the time. Here are the most common turf fibers:
How do you want to use your fake grass? There are tons of specialized options designed for optimal performance in a variety of spaces, from putting greens to playgrounds and even doggy daycares.
Check out your options to find the perfect match!
Artificial grass face weight refers to the weight of one square yard of turf. Turf with more densely-packed fibers and a heavy-duty backing will have a higher face weight.
Most people have never heard of the term face weight, but it is one of the most important factors because it determines the durability of your grass. The higher the face weight, the more durable your grass will be.
Infill is the filler material used to weigh down turf and make the blades stand up straight. This creates a more natural, less matted look. But infill is essential for more than just looks! Infill protects the lower layer of your turf where the blades connect to the backing sheet.
Rubber crumb is the most common infill, but there are plenty of options beyond that. Some come with specialized features, like odor-resistance and even cooling technology.
Depending on how you plan to use your turf, you may find that a more specialized infill will suit you. The best part is that you can always mix and layer infill to get the benefit of multiple options.
Related Content >> How to Maintain and Clean Artificial GrassArtificial grass is easy enough to install that many people choose to make it a DIY project. In four simple steps, you can completely transform the look of your lawn. It saves you some money on installation, and of course, you get the bragging rights to say you did it yourself.
Install artificial grass on your own:
Make your project a success by starting with the right tools and materials!
Lots of people want to know what surfaces you can install artificial grass over. Good news: We've got the answers!
You can install artificial grass over concrete and paving slabs. For extra cushioning and comfort, you can always lay down a lawn pad before installing the turf.
If you're installing it outside, make sure the concrete or paving has proper drainage. Additionally, ensure there are no major cracks or dips in the concrete because this can eventually cause damage to the turf.
It's not a good idea to place artificial turf over existing grass, because you can run into issues with drainage and it won't be completely level. Plus, some of the weeds and grass underneath will attempt to grow up through your artificial turf.
Instead, you should either cover the natural grass with sand or dig it up to provide a smooth surface for your artificial grass.
Yes, it's possible to install artificial grass over decking, and lots of people do it! In fact, there are now special artificial grass deck tiles designed specifically for this purpose. Grass deck tiles go right over your existing decking, and they're just as easy to install as composite decking.
If you want to install a turf roll or rug, that's an option, too. In this case, you may want to use a lawn pad to level out the surface and add some extra cushioning.
Related Content >> Pet Turf Buying GuideTo keep artificial turf clean and beautiful, you should rinse it off regularly to remove dirt and dust. Raking takes care of leaves and other debris, and can also keep the blades upright and natural-looking by 'blooming' the turf. For larger messes like pet waste, pick up the mess, then hose down the area and let the water drain. You can also apply a turf deodorizer if needed.
Artificial grass can melt in extreme conditions because it is made from a kind of plastic. According to Jill Odom of Total Landscape Care, 'Most synthetic turfs have a melting point of around 175-200 degrees Fahrenheit.'
Obviously, sunlight can't reach those temperatures on its own, but when that radiation reflects off low-emissivity glass (Low E) windows, it's easy to reach a temperature that can melt plastic.
To prevent this, you can buy anti-glare windows or add more shade to the area.
The fiber material is the main difference between artificial grass for outdoor vs. indoor use. While some materials are tough and durable, they don't hold up well in the elements. Still, these less outdoor-friendly products come with their own benefits, and that's why we still use them indoors.
According to HomeAdvisor, artificial grass costs '$2 to $8 per square foot' in , 'depending on the brand and type you choose.' Typically, artificial grass with a higher face weight or thickness will be more expensive. Additionally, smaller artificial grass rugs will often cost more per square foot than the larger artificial grass rolls.
If you want to hire someone to install artificial grass for you, it will range from $5 to $20 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor. The installation cost will be higher if you have a larger area.
Please note: This estimate doesn't include the cost of installation materials like infill, weed fabric, and any extra labor required to prepare the installation area.
And there you have it! Now you know everything you need to know about artificial grass. You've got the facts, so you can shop with confidence and find the perfect artificial grass for you.
Everyone is familiar with grass.
It's all around you, whether you're at home, around town, or out in the wilderness.
And while you might not understand the nuances of fescue versus Kentucky blue, you get the general gist of how to get grass to grow.
Artificial grass is another matter.
If you've never had it installed, you may not know the terminology or specifications associated with it.
This makes it particularly challenging when you go shopping for synthetic grass products.
You likely have a lot of questions you want to be answered before you're ready to settle on a turf product.
If the world of artificial grass is new to you, you've come to the right place.
Here are the answers to the questions you should ask before buying turf or choosing an artificial grass company.
We get it'artificial grass is a brave new world with a language all its own. (What the heck is pile height anyway?)
You naturally have questions about how artificial grass will work in your space.
At Ideal Turf, we've been in the artificial grass business since , and we've heard it all.
We know the niche of artificial grass is a unique one, and you may not even know what questions to ask like, how it works, how it's installed, and whether it makes sense for your yard.
We're committed to educating consumers to empower them to make the best decision possible when considering artificial grass for their home or business.
Many people are attracted to the low-maintenance profile of artificial grass, but they're concerned about the environmental impact.
Truth be told, fake grass used to be manufactured with damaging chemicals such as lead.
These days, however, nearly all grass companies make products that are 100% lead-free, and they test for harmful chemicals like PFAS.
Manufacturers are also getting more creative with ways to make artificial grass as 'green' as the real stuff, using renewable materials such as soybeans and sugar cane fibers, as well as recycled ocean plastics.
Additionally, there are numerous environmental benefits of artificial grass.
Fake grass drastically reduces the need for water.
It doesn't require chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides either, preventing these harmful chemicals from disrupting the ecosystem through lawn runoff.
A synthetic lawn also eliminates the pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment (as well as the time and energy that lawn chores require).
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but the answer may surprise you.
Obviously, your artificial grass does not need water to grow.
That said, there are a few cases in which you may need or want to 'water' your artificial lawn.
Yes!
Artificial grass works so well around swimming pools that it's very common in both residential & commercial artificial turf applications.
Many homeowners enjoy the traction and aesthetic provided by artificial grass around swimming pools.
It provides a green, realistic-looking, and slip-resistant pool area ground cover that won't be damaged by heavy foot traffic or pool chemicals.
If you opt for fake grass around your pool, be sure to choose a variety with a fully permeable backing to allow splashed water to drain properly.
Definitely.
Fake grass is extremely versatile, and it can even be installed on hard surfaces like a deck or patio.
Installing synthetic grass on concrete is actually easier than installing it on dirt or soil, as the even surface eliminates a lot of the labor-intensive prep work that's necessary for smoothing out the ground.
Artificial grass for dogs and pets has become increasingly popular in recent years.
In fact, it's the most popular turf application for residential properties that we install.
Dogs especially are murder on lawns, creating well-worn ruts and brown urine spots that are tough to get rid of.
Artificial grass is perfect for building a dog run or creating a dog-friendly backyard that's going to last for a long time.
The popularity of fake grass for dogs is due in large part to how easy it is to maintain and how durable it is.
As long as you choose a quality product designed with pets in mind, artificial grass stands up to heavy foot/paw traffic, prevents dogs from digging, and won't end up covered with brown dog urine spots.
The durability, low maintenance, and high ROI of manufactured grass is evident in its popularity amongst dog parks, veterinarians, and pet-care facilities.
Dogs tend to pee in the same areas over and over, leading to a build-up of urine in the backing of the artificial turf.
This accumulation of urine is a prime breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
The build-up is exacerbated by things like dog hair, leaves, dust, and other debris, as these prevent the turf from draining properly and give the bacteria more surfaces to cling to.
To prevent pet odor on your artificial grass, clear the debris with a rake or a hose regularly.
Remove solid waste from your yard promptly, and thoroughly spray down any 'pet potty' areas with a hose at least once a week.
If the urine smell continues, you can buy a pet odor removal product that is specifically designed for artificial grass, or you can just sprinkle the offending areas with baking soda and rinse with vinegar and water.
If you know your pets will be using your artificial grass to do their business, look for turf products that have antimicrobial properties built-in, such as our Microbe-Safe' turf backing.
These features do a lot to prevent pet odor before it happens.
If you aren't sure where to begin, we put together a buyer's guide to the best artificial grass for dogs.
Artificial grass has recently become popular in playgrounds and parks.
As it's so new, many parents wonder if this playing surface is safe for their kids.
Unbeknownst to many, the pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers routinely used in natural grass lawns contain toxins and carcinogens that are harmful to children.
Artificial grass needs none of these chemicals and is safe for children and pets, making it perfect for kid-friendly landscaping.
Modern artificial turf is manufactured without lead or other toxins (ask your artificial turf retailer if you have specific concerns).
It's also hypo-allergenic, which makes outdoor play a lot more fun for kids with seasonal allergies.
Artificial grass improves playground safety by providing a softer surface for trips and falls than natural grass does.
You can enhance this benefit even more by placing a shock pad under the turf for greater cushion.
It also negates the need to use polluting and potentially dangerous lawn care equipment in areas where children play.
Whether your lawn is shaped like a square, circle, hexagon, or amoeba, you can install artificial grass on it!
Synthetic turf is extremely versatile and can be installed on pretty much any shape you can imagine.
Much like carpet, strips of fake grass can be cut to size then joined using joining tape and adhesive.
Cutting and installing artificial grass in odd-shaped areas can be a bit tricky, so we recommend working with a professional turf installer to do this.
The cost of installing artificial grass varies significantly and is dependent upon a number of factors:
On average, you can expect to pay $8-$20 per square foot.
The company is the world’s best Artificial Grass For Gyms supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
For more information on the costs of artificial grass, check out our Free Artificial Grass Cost Calculator.
Installing artificial turf can be a large financial investment.
While it will pay for itself in savings on water and maintenance over time, synthetic grass represents a high upfront cost.
Each turf company offers different financing options, but most companies will finance 100% of the costs, including installation.
Financing terms are usually for 18 to 84 months, with some companies offering an 18-month same-as-cash option.
Find out about Ideal Turf's financing options here.
This can be the most difficult part of the buying process, especially given the sheer number of options available in the turf industry.
Different turf products are best suited to certain applications, and all come with different specifications, durability, and features.
To find out which products would best suit your location, we recommend speaking with a turf design and installation expert for specific recommendations.
If you are looking to familiarize yourself with the industry's lingo and offerings, please check out our buyer's guide to the best artificial grass.
Liquid passes through artificial grass and its backing and drains away through the sub-base beneath.
Different products offer two main varieties of backing: fully permeable and hole-punched.
Synthetic turf with permeable backing is best suited for areas where quick drainage is essential, such as under downspouts, areas where pets will urinate, and low spots that are prone to collect water.
Top-rated synthetic grass with fully permeable backing can drain away up to 1,500+ inches of water per hour.
Hole-punched backing is adequate for installations that will see only moderate rainfall.
This kind of turf drains at an average rate of 50 ' 500 inches of water per hour.
To learn more about how artificial grass drains water & pet urine, visit our turf drainage page.
Not much.
Maintaining fake grass is a cakewalk compared to natural grass maintenance, which requires a significant amount of time, effort, and money.
Fake grass is not maintenance-free, however.
To keep your lawn looking its best, plan on removing solid debris (leaves, branches, solid pet waste) once a week or so.
Spraying it off with a hose twice a month will rinse off any pet urine and dust that might accumulate on the fibers.
To prevent matting and lengthen the life of your artificial grass, have it brushed with a power broom once a year.
Depending on the foot traffic to your yard, you may also need to replenish the infill about once a year.
Keeping your fake grass well supplied with infill helps the fibers stand up straighter and protects the grass's backing from sun damage.
A rinse with the hose is great for routine, weekly cleaning of your synthetic turf, but occasionally your yard may need a more thorough, heavy-duty clean.
You can purchase an antimicrobial, deodorizing cleaner designed for artificial grass (such as Simple Green or Turf Renu), or opt for more natural cleansers such as baking soda and vinegar.
Do NOT attempt to vacuum your artificial grass if it has infill; this will ruin your vacuum very quickly.
Cheap, low-quality artificial grass products will stain easily and will fade quickly in the sun.
High-quality turf products include UV inhibitors that are added to the fibers to prevent fading, keeping your grass green for years to come.
While a very small amount of fading can still occur over a long period of time, reputable companies will offer a warranty that covers potential fading.
The summer sun in Texas tends to make pretty much everything hot, and synthetic grass is no exception.
That said, we provide a simple and affordable solution that will keep your fake grass 30° ' 50°F cooler through the process of evaporative cooling.
We offer T°Cool® Infill, which traps moisture and slowly releases it, cooling the turf.
This is especially advantageous for homeowners with children or pets that like to play outdoors in bare feet.
Infill is small particles that are poured over and tamped down into the artificial grass.
It sits between the blades, keeping them upright and supported when they're walked on giving your artificial grass a springy, soft feel.
The weight of the infill acts as a ballast and prevents the turf from shifting around or buckling.
Additionally, infill shields the turf's backing from the sun's damaging UV rays.
There is a wide variety of infill options available that are made from different materials: silica sand, crumb rubber, zeolite (a moisture-absorbing volcanic material), walnut hulls, acrylic-coated sand, and more.
Each has pros and cons and is suited for different situations.
Zeolite, for instance, is best for pet turf as it traps odor-causing ammonia in pet urine.
When you replace real grass with fake grass, you remove the food sources and hiding places of bugs and rodents.
The quick drainage of artificial grass takes care of muddy puddles, eliminating any spots where mosquitoes can breed.
While fake grass won't eliminate all bugs completely, homeowners with a synthetic lawn will have fewer troubles with insects, ticks, and other unwanted pests.
It is possible for weeds to make their way through the drainage holes of turf products with a hole-punched backing, but it's not very common.
Hole-punched turf is usually installed with a weed barrier to help prevent this, but some weeds are exceptionally stubborn and will find a way.
As with a natural lawn, if you spot a tenacious weed or two poking through, simply pull them out and throw them away.
The length of the artificial turf installation process will vary depending upon several factors: the area of the installation, the prep work needed to flatten the lawn, the site's location, accessibility, etc.
On average, most residential projects can be completed in 1-3 days.
Turf installations are far from a one-size-fits-all commodity.
The quality of the installation is very important for aesthetics and longevity.
Small nuances such as how the sub-base is compacted, how the edges are addressed, how the turf is secured, and most importantly how the seams are put together will impact the beauty and durability of the synthetic lawn for years to come.
Inexperienced crews will leave noticeable seams, which are not aesthetically pleasing and will continue to open up over time.
DIYers without the proper training are prone to making mistakes, such as leaving small rocks under the turf or wrinkles that may hide for a while but will show up eventually.
If you choose to install artificial grass in your yard, we recommend hiring a professional crew with the proper experience to get the job done right.
Yes, you can DIY install artificial grass, but we do not recommend it.
Installing artificial grass requires a lot of prep work and specialized tools as well as several people to handle the heavy rolls of turf.
Fake grass is expensive, and a miscut or poor installation can cost you more than hiring an experienced crew would.
With a professional & trustworthy turf installer, you can rest assured that your faux grass was installed right and will last for years to come.
The life expectancy of modern artificial grass is about 15 to 25 years.
How long your artificial grass lasts will depend largely on the quality of turf product you choose, how well it's installed, and how well it's cared for.
To maximize the lifespan of your grass, take care to hose it down to remove dust or pet urine, power brush it periodically, and keep the grass supplied with infill.
There's a lot of variability in the warranties offered by turf manufacturers, and the length of the warranty is usually indicative of the quality of the product.
Here at Ideal Turf, our turf products come with a 1-year installation warranty and a manufacturers' warranty that ranges from 8 ' 20 years.
At Ideal Turf, we only use turf products that are manufactured in the United States.
This ensures the highest quality materials and standards of testing for toxins like PFAs, so your turf is safe for your family.
Ideal Turf has been in business since .
Since then we've expanded from serving the DFW area to installing artificial grass throughout Texas and now in Oklahoma too!
Below is a list of the areas we serve:
Ideal Turf has been one of the leading artificial turf installers in Texas for several years.
In that time, we've completed hundreds of artificial grass installations for any application you can think of.
From artificial grass lawns & landscapes, backyard putting greens, bocce ball courts, commercial spaces, offices, and sports fields'we've seen it all!
We know how crucial the installation process is to a beautiful, long-lasting lawn, so have our own highly experienced, professional, and trustworthy teams of installers.
Our installation technicians have been trained in our proprietary turf installation techniques that we've been working with for years.
They're masters of the craft and will ensure your new artificial lawn looks nothing short of amazing.
A common artificial grass misconception is that it will decrease your home's value.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
One of the biggest advantages of artificial grass is that swapping out your natural grass for fake grass will boost your home's value, both actual and perceived.
Since it looks green and gorgeous whatever the weather, artificial grass will give you unmatched curb appeal.
On average, homes with great curb appeal sell for 7% more than those without.
Whether you're selling your house soon or just hedging your bets, a synthetic lawn will make your home more valuable.
While synthetic grass won't burst into flames from a hot ember landing on it, it will still melt under too much heat.
Burning embers or hot surfaces can leave marks on your lawn, which may require repair.
Because of this potential damage, you should not set portable or tabletop barbecue grills directly on your lawn.
If you're a dedicated outdoor chef who wants to have your grill and your fake grass too, opt for a gas-powered grill.
Gas grills allow you to avoid lit charcoal or burning wood from falling onto your grass.
A safer option would be to use your grill on a paving stone or concrete patio or create a dedicated gravel area for grilling.
Regularly parking cars on a synthetic lawn can cause damage over time, artificial grass products are not designed for the weight or friction of cars.
Automobiles, boats, and other heavy equipment can cause damage to the grass fibers or issues from gas or oil leaks.
That said, artificial grass can be used for driveways and parking areas, but consider the following before using turf for this purpose:
At Ideal Turf, we know the niche of artificial grass is a unique one, and our customers may not have all the answers'or even know what questions to ask!
There are a lot of specifics to understand about artificial grass, and the first step to creating a flawless, maintenance-free lawn is to educate yourself on the many features and options available.
We're committed to educating consumers to empower them to make the best decision possible when considering artificial grass for their home or business.
We've done our best to answer all the most frequently asked questions about artificial turf installation, but if we didn't address yours, please give us a call.
We are happy to give you all the information you need about products, features, installation, financing, and more.
We have artificial turf products for every situation, free quotes, and world-class customer support.
Let's get an expert on your side to help you put together the perfect installation plan.
We have teams of the best artificial grass installers located throughout Texas and in Oklahoma.
At Ideal Turf, we truly believe artificial grass is worth the money, and we are happy to help you explore this decision by answering any questions you have.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Outdoor Athletic Turf. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.