Outdoor spaces are an important part of many homes, providing room for recreation, relaxation, and landscaping creativity. When designing an outdoor area, two popular options are artificial turf and artificial grass. At first glance, these two synthetic materials may seem quite similar.
However, there are some key differences between artificial turf and artificial grass like aesthetics, durability, maintenance, pet-friendliness, and cost. Read on to learn more about how to distinguish between artificial turf and artificial grass, and determine which is better for your needs.
Main Differences Between Artificial Turf and Artificial Grass
Appearance
Artificial turf and artificial grass are both designed to simulate the look of natural grass in different ways. Artificial turf is made up of “blades” of plastic grass or polyethylene fibers that are evenly spaced and connected to a backing made of nylon or polyurethane. It usually has an inside filling made of things like crushed rubber. As a result, the texture of artificial turf is uniform and consistent, like that of an outdoor playground or stadium field. The material is flat and doesn’t have any flaws or differences in height.
Artificial grass uses longer blades of synthetic grass attached to one side of a water-resistant backing. The blades are designed to replicate the organic asymmetry and textural nuances of real grass. Some artificial grass has thatch and brown thatch woven through it for added realism. Better quality artificial grass has varied blade shapes, colors, and textures for a convincing natural appearance.
Maintenance Requirements
Artificial turf and grass have the advantage of not requiring the same regular maintenance as real sod, such as mowing, watering, fertilizing, and treating. But some upkeep still needs to be done. To keep the area clean and free of bacteria, artificial turf may need to be brushed, raked, and occasionally disinfected with a solution. The material that fills the spaces between the plastic blades can also settle or move over time and needs to be re-assisted and spread out again.
Most of the time, artificial grass is easier to take care of than artificial turf. Usually, all that is needed is to brush the blades every once in a while to keep them fluffy and water the grass every so often to keep dirt and dust from building up. Since fake grass doesn’t have a filler, there is no chance that the materials will get compacted or need to be replaced. Rainwater usually doesn’t pool because of the artificial grass backing, which allows drainage, unlike real turf.
Durability Considerations
Artificial turf is made to handle a lot of use and is very long-lasting. The tightly woven backing and infill make the surface solid and cushioned, so it can handle rough play without damage. With little to no wear and tear throughout 5 to 10 years, high-quality artificial turf performs admirably in all climates. Maintenance problems, such as improper raking or infill shifting that leads to bald spots or uneven patches, are the main threat to longevity.
Because the blades are so tightly woven, artificial grass doesn’t last as long as artificial turf. This is especially true in places that get a lot of foot traffic. To keep your hair from getting thick and patchy, you should brush it often and make sure it drains well. To last a long time, artificial grass also needs to be made with high-quality materials and be well-made.
Cheap artificial grass will become flattened and worn out much faster. High-end types of artificial grass use technology like stabilized thatch layers or built-in antimicrobial treatments to make the grass last longer. With regular maintenance, it can last up to 10 years.
Pet friendliness
Being pet-friendly is an important thing for dog owners to look at when comparing homes. Antimicrobial treatments, odor-neutralizing infill, and frequently built-in drainage are all features of artificial turf made for pets. Dog urine is typically not a problem because it drains through the backing of artificial turf fairly quickly and doesn’t leave behind any unsightly yellow spots. If you don’t clean up solid pet waste right away, it can be more of a problem. Some dog owners teach their dogs to go potty outside on turf. Getting rid of trash properly and cleaning are important for keeping things clean and smelling good.
Many cat owners don’t like fake grass as much because urine soaks into the blades instead of draining away from the base. Over time, stains and smells can form. in charge of getting rid of pet waste, which is necessary for keeping things clean and preventing smells. Pet artificial grass that has been treated with antimicrobials and has liquid-resistant barriers under the surface protects pets. Artificial grass that has been treated probably needs to be rinsed and cleaned more often than artificial turf in homes with pets.
Cost Comparison
Artificial grass cost more to buy and install at first, but basic quality artificial turf costs less overall. Some important factors do come into play, though. To make sure the surface drains well and is level, artificial turf projects need to have the base properly prepared and installed by a professional, which adds to the cost. High-quality materials for fake grass are about the same price as low- to mid-range artificial turf.
Artificial grass is usually cheaper in the long run because it needs less upkeep. On the other hand, the infill materials in artificial turf break down over time and need to be replaced or supplemented. When choosing a product, homeowners should not only look at the price at first but also how much it will cost in 10 to 15 years.
Conclusion
Both artificial turf and artificial grass are great ways to give your backyard a lush, well-kept look without having to do all the work that real grass needs. But, of course there are some differences between artificial turf and artificial grass which make them different from each other. Artificial turf is best for sports events, areas with a lot of foot traffic, and pet owners who want a durable, easy-to-clean surface.
If you want the most natural look at a reasonable price and don’t need something that will last a long time, artificial grass by fixitflooring.com is a great option that doesn’t need much upkeep. Before you put either product, make sure you carefully compare its features to make sure it fits your family’s needs and fits your budget.
