Would you like to enjoy a green carpet in your garden, terrace, or balcony all year round, with virtually no maintenance and always looking impeccable? Artificial grass It is positioned as one of the most versatile, durable, and aesthetic solutions for those seeking that natural touch without the exhausting work of natural grass.
Opting for artificial grass represents a turning point in the design and usability of outdoor spaces.It offers comfort, easy installation, durability, and significant savings in both water and chemicals. Furthermore, thanks to advances in fiber technology, today's models have a surprisingly natural look and feel.
If you want to know how to choose the best artificial grass and the model that best suits your needs, keep reading. You'll discover a complete guide, comparisons of recommended products, essential purchasing factors, and all the secrets that will help you enjoy a perfect garden or terrace.
Advantages of artificial grass over natural grass
- Minimal maintenance: does not require frequent watering, mowing or fertilization.
- Great durability: withstands the passage of time, inclement weather and intense use.
- Saving water: eliminates high irrigation consumption, ideal for dry or restricted areas.
- Installation on any surface: earth, cement, tiles, wood, even vertical walls.
- Always green: does not lose color in winter nor does it suffer from baldness or diseases.
- Hypoallergenic and safe: does not cause allergies, free of heavy metals and toxic products.
- Flame retardant: It is manufactured with materials that prevent the spread of fire.
- Facilitates cleaning and hygiene: does not attract insects, mud or fungi.
- Products: There are recycled/recyclable options and it helps save natural resources.
How does artificial turf work? What is it made of?
Artificial turf is made of synthetic fibers (mainly polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon/polyamide) that mimic the look of natural grass, sewn into a base that provides stability and drainage. The fibers vary in length, thickness, density and hue, allowing for different finishes, uses and levels of realism.
The back is designed to facilitate water drainage, preventing puddles and helping maintain the area's hygiene. Thanks to these improvements, you can enjoy from a soft, safe and visually natural surface, both indoors and outdoors.
What types of artificial grass are there? A guide based on use
Choosing the right model does not only depend on aesthetics or price, but above all on the use and the area where it will be installedBelow, we highlight the types and recommendations based on location:
- Artificial grass for gardens and general use areas: It typically requires a realistic appearance, softness, and resistance to medium-to-high traffic. Heights of 30-50 mm and medium/high densities are recommended.
- For terraces and balconies: Since these are passage and rest areas, it's a good idea to opt for heights of 20-40 mm, prioritizing soft, easy-to-clean fibers.
- Children's areas and games: They require soft, memory-like turf (it regains its shape after being stepped on), maximum softness, and durability. The pile height is between 30 and 40 mm and the fibers are dense.
- Pool environments: High tolerance to chlorine, sunlight, and excellent drainage are required to avoid puddles.
- Pet areas: The best turf with durable, permeable, and easy-to-clean fibers. Medium-height, non-toxic materials.
- Public or commercial spaces: Intensive use, so high density, durable fibers (nylon or polypropylene) and medium/low height are important for easy cleaning and durability.
Types of fibers main are:
- Polyethylene (PE): Soft, flexible, and durable. It's a favorite for gardens and terraces due to its natural feel.
- Polypropylene (PP): More rigid and economical. It can be combined with PE or reserved for decorative or sporting uses.
- Nylon (PA): Very strong and durable, although more expensive. It's primarily used on sports turf or high-traffic turf.
Essential keys to choosing the best artificial grass
- Fiber height (mm): Short grass (10-20 mm) is easy to clean and suitable for high-traffic areas. Taller grass (30-50 mm) is fluffy, looks more natural, and is more comfortable to sit/lie on.
- Stitch density: The more stitches per square meter, the thicker and softer the turf will be. Higher densities offer greater realism and bounce back underfoot.
- DTEX: Indicates the weight of 1.000 m of fiber. The higher the DTEX, the greater the weight and thickness of the fibers, and the greater the strength and durability of the turf.
- Memory effect: The ability of fibers to recover their shape after being stepped on. Essential in gardens, sports areas, and playgrounds.
- Tone and appearance: The best models mimic the mix of greens and browns found in real grass, with fibers of various shades and textures, achieving realism and controlled imperfection.
- Drainage capacity: Check that the base has holes and allows rain/pool water to drain quickly (at least 60 L/min for decorative models).
- UV protection: Essential to prevent discoloration and wear caused by the sun.
- Weather resistance: Check tolerance to cold, heat, humidity, chlorine, traffic, and pets.
- Warranty: Always choose grass with a minimum warranty of several years (the best models cover color loss and UV stability).
Top recommended artificial grass products
There are countless options on the market. Here's a varied and well-tested selection to help you choose:
Best artificial grass quality-price
- Level: 10 mm. Comfortable, soft and versatile.
- Material: Durable latex-backed polyethylene. Pet-friendly and non-toxic.
- UV resistant and easy to clean.
- Area 1 x 3 meters. Ideal for balconies, patios, and small gardens.
- Efficient drainage.
Cons: The 1 x 3 meter format may be too small for large surfaces and, like all outdoor materials, it deteriorates over the years. Even so, its durability and performance justify the investment.
Other recommended artificial grass options
- Pangda – Fragments of 15 x 15 cm (8 units)
Perfect for repairing damaged areas or small decorative areas. Affordable, easy to install, and with a beautiful green hue. - Cofan Artificial Grass (7 mm) Roll 1 x 5 m
Standard-sized roll, suitable for poolside or high-traffic areas. Easy installation, good value. - Navaris Floor Mats (6 Pack, 30,3" x XNUMX")
Soft to the touch, very versatile for patios, balconies, or terraces. No tools required for installation. - Nortene Artificial Grass Lubeck (2 x 5 m, 7 mm)
Plush green appearance, UV-resistant, and efficient drainage. Especially suitable for outdoor use. - SUMC (1 x 2 m, 30 mm height)
Thick, fluffy, and very natural-looking grass. Four shades of green, a perfect imitation of real grass. - GARDIUN KCC20210 Highlands Pro III – 20 mm, 1000 x 200 cm
Realistic four-tone combination, ideal height for residential use and superior aesthetics.
Comparison of types of artificial grass according to height, density and use
| Zone/Use | Recommended height | Density (stitches/m²) | Resistance to use | Fluffy and memory effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-traffic areas (games, hotels, gyms) | 20-30 mm | High (>18.000) | Very high | High average |
| Gardens/swimming pools (family use) | 30-40 mm | High average | High average | High |
| Low-traffic areas (roundabouts, entrances, decorative use) | 30-40 mm | Low/medium | Low | Media |
| Commercial/hospitality spaces | 15-25 mm | High | Very high | Media |
| Terraces/balconies | 10-30 mm | Media | Media | Media |
Additional factors when choosing artificial grass
- Color: Look for a mix of fibers in different shades of green and brown, as natural grass is never just one color. The most realistic models They alternate several tones to simulate natural nuances.
- Format: Artificial grass is usually sold in rolls of various sizes (1x5m, 2x5m, etc.) or in tiles/modular pieces. Choose the format based on the surface area and ease of installation.
- Warranty: It's important to review exactly what the warranty covers: duration, sun resistance, color retention, and fiber loss.
- Certifications and security: If you have children or pets, make sure the grass is free of heavy metals and toxic chemicals and meets European fireproofing standards.
- Price: The material, format, density and technology of the fibers influence. It is worth investing in a quality product to ensure durability, realism and safety.
Buying Guide: How to Calculate Quantity and Choose Format?
Before purchasing, carefully measure the area you want to cover. It's a good idea to buy a little more turf than you need in case of trimming or future repairs.
- Large rolls: Ideal for gardens and large surfaces.
- Fragments or tiles: Easy to install and replace, perfect for balconies, terraces or small areas.
- Custom cut: Some stores offer custom cutting to reduce waste.
How to install artificial grass step by step?
- Preparing the terrain: Remove stones and weeds and level the ground. If it's on dirt, lay down a weed control mesh. If it's on pavement, clean the surface thoroughly.
- Laying the turf: Unroll or adjust the pieces starting from one corner.
- Join the joints: If there is more than one piece, join the joints by gluing them with special tape for artificial grass.
- Hold to the ground: Use double-sided tape (on terraces/balconies) or staples on soft floors. Check for air pockets.
- Trim excess: Use a ruler or ribbon to help you and cut off the excess with a cutter or sturdy scissors.
- Brush the fibers: To lift the grass and enhance its natural effect, brush against the grain.
How do you cut artificial grass?
Place a straight piece of strip over the area to be trimmed and, using a utility knife, make a firm cut. If the piece is large, ask for help to hold it. Use the cutouts for small areas or repairs.
Maintenance and cleaning of artificial grass
Maintenance is minimal and very simple:
- brush regularly to keep the fibers upright and remove leaves, dust or sand.
- Wash with water If there is dirt, organic remains or in the case of pets, to eliminate odors.
- Avoid the use of abrasive products or solvents. You can use neutral soap if there are persistent stains.
- Modern artificial grass is fireproof: If it comes into contact with embers or sparks, it melts but does not burn or spread fire.
Where to buy cheap and quality artificial grass
- Amazon: Wide selection and real customer reviews. Fast delivery and easy return policy.
- Bricodepot: Variety of models and affordable prices, both online and in-store. Check reviews on external websites.
- Crossroads: A variety of models at affordable prices, available online and in-store. Choose highly rated products.
- Leroy Merlin: Extensive catalog in-store, but less variety online. Ideal for seeing and touching different models before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions about artificial grass
- Can it be placed on any surface? Yes, as long as it is clean, level, and, if it is on land, free of weeds.
- Does it get very hot in the sun? It can raise its temperature compared to natural grass, but high-density and UV-treated models minimize this effect.
- Does it last for many years? With basic, quality maintenance, it will retain its appearance for 8 to 15 years.
- Does it attract insects? No, it does not generate flora or enough humidity to attract insects like natural grass.
- Is it suitable for swimming pools? Yes, choose a model with good drainage and resistance to chlorine discoloration.
Common mistakes when choosing artificial grass
- Choose by price only: It may result in lower quality, premature wear, or safety issues.
- Not considering actual usage: It is key to know whether it will be for children's play, pets, heavy traffic, or just decoration.
- Ignore density and DTEX: Not only the number of stitches matters, but also the thickness and weight of the thread.
- Failure to check warranty and certifications: They guarantee safety, durability and absence of toxins.
- Forget the drain: Essential for terraces, swimming pools and areas exposed to rain.
Enjoying a lush, lush, and hassle-free lawn is a reality within everyone's reach thanks to today's wide range of artificial turf. By analyzing the use, technical characteristics, and desired aesthetics, you'll see that there's a perfect option for every situation. By choosing well, your investment translates into years of comfort, safety, and beauty for your home or business.