How will you use your artificial turf?
Which type of artificial turf is the best investment for you? In this article we discuss quality, lifespan and value for money.
Best artificial grass for ornamental gardens
If you are installing artificial grass purely for decorative purposes (ie it won’t be walked on, played on or sat on) then you need to find something that will look as good as possible for as long as possible.
Look for artificial turf that has UV protection – there’s nothing worse than the stuff that fades to a nasty greeny-blue colour in sunlight.
A dense sward is important too. Having closely packed fibres in your artificial turf gives it that luxurious look and feel and will set it apart from the green fuzz you sometimes see outside the greengrocer’s.
Best artificial grass for pets and children
If your artificial lawn will be played on by dogs or children (of any age!) safety is paramount. Before parting with any money, please please please make sure that the turf is free from heavy metals and harmful chemicals.
Durability is of course always going to be an issue. Make sure that the fibres are flexible and have been UV treated so that they don’t become brittle and break off. Check too on how well the fibres are fixed to the backing. If you want your new lawn to last a long time, remember the old adage “buy it cheap, buy it twice”. Budget grade artificial turf may not be as durable as you’d hope.
You may find this article answers some of your questions about artificial lawns for dogs.
Best artificial turf for roof terraces and balconies
These are the type of applications that really do lend themselves to artificial turf. Where there is no soil, no water and potential loading issues with adding heavy landscaping materials such as porcelain pavers.
On a small area, the wear and tear tends to be more concentrated and so you need a grade of artificial turf that is incredibly durable.
Good drainage is essential too – there’s nothing worse than soggy surfaces underfoot. Look for the more modern types of artificial turf with a water repellent PU backing.
This is Manhattan PU backed artificial turf being installed on a large commercial roof terrace in London’s Canary Wharf
Best artificial turf for landscaping
When you are installing artificial turf over a large area you may need to join sections together – just as you would an interior carpet. Ensure that your chosen grade can be joined almost seamlessly. Ask your supplier to recommend adhesives that will work well without damaging the fabric. Don’t forget to use an appropriate edging. Most important of all – do not skimp on the preparation work. Those base layers will determine how your new lawn looks, drains and resists wear and tear.
Green As Grass specialise in supplying professional grade artificial turf and fixings to landscapers and installers.
Perfect for ornamental gardens, play areas, gardens for dogs, roof terraces and indoor use. And, if you are not sure about those base layers, we offer a fitting service too.
To find out which is the best artificial turf for your project, tell us a little bit about your space and how you would like to use it. We’ll help you find the products that will suit your application and your budget. And if you’d like to see samples before you make your choice, we’re more than happy to send you some.
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