Tips for choosing artificial grass for gardens and terraces

Artificial turf has improved its appearance and reduced prices in recent times. Therefore, it is increasingly considered an alternative to natural grass prairie, both aesthetically and environmentally. And you do not have a garden to enjoy it, as it can also be installed on patios, terraces and penthouses… We help you to choose!

Artificial turf has become a real option to enjoy a clean, fluffy and maintenance, outdoor spaces of houses, which charge it a new dimension surface. The wide use of the product in nurseries, hotels and sports facilities such as tennis and football paddle or leisure parks and miniature golf has also been accompanied by an increase in the use of artificial turf in private residences. And more and more that no longer resist its charm to beautify gardens, patios and terraces: easy and economical maintenance, always looks neat, does not cause allergies or generates “bugs” durability…

Can it be installed anywhere?

Artificial turf can be installed on any type of floor (concrete, tile, asphalt…). If installed on land, the only consideration that must be taken is put under a layer of gravel to act as drainage. Such surface should always be fireproof, i.e. it does not burn, and be prepared to drain a huge amount of water if it rains or when cleaning with a hose (from 30 to 60l/m2 per minute). Perfectly resists the weather and if quality does not deteriorate nor sunlight or moisture. But how to know what you’re buying a great artificial lawn…

How to choose a good quality / price

If consultations at home centers or specialized online stores, you will see that the prices are vary greatly… By that time should take into account different criteria of choosing a good artificial turf: the quality of the yarn, the base type, if you need or not filling, the origin of the product and the warranty that gives the manufacturer (required minimum 8 years)…

Fiber quality

The quality of the fibers made from polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene or polyamide) is a very important factor, which determines the durability of the product and the absence of negative effects on the health of people. In general, polypropylene (soft and durable) on the polyamide is preferable (and very shiny underfoot chirps). It is also best that the fibers are fibrillated monofilament for its more natural look.

Artificial turf must be fireproof, as mentioned, and also have protection against UV rays and resist the action of chlorine in pools. But above all, it must meet the strict regulations of the European Union in terms of materials no heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, lead…) potentially carcinogenic in composition. It should be, to be sure, that incorporates a quality seal type SGS, Bureau Veritas or RoHS.

Base composition

The base or backing is the structure to which the threads are sewn, and is conferred by its resistance to the entire sod. It may be of polyurethane or latex interchangeably. Normally, it is the price that determines the lawn is good quality, and any material can be a good base. In many cases, the polyurethane is presented as an option that has improved the qualities of latex in terms of lightness, ease of installation, resistance even in extreme weather conditions… But is not proven to be so, so best to seek advice from a good professional in the industry.

Filler

There are two types of artificial turf, with and without fill. The filling consists of silica sand, coconut fiber, rubber or similar materials, and serves to provide comfort to the surface and make its appearance always reset after depressed. Also anchor surface, and acts as a thermal and fire insulation, since the base is not fireproof. However, it is not essential, especially in homes where their use is relative compared to intensive use in large sports facilities, hotels, etc..

Formats and appearance

Typically, artificial grass comes in rolls of different width and length depending on the application that is going to give. In many cases these plates 2 m2, but there is in tile format. The choice of format logically depends on the amount of surface that wants to cover with it. Probably to a small balcony, a sufficient tiles, while for a more practical garden rolls.

Importantly, there are different colors and lengths of grass, so you should be clear about what we want to achieve at home with artificial grass. In general, the artificial turf of dwellings to the intended for sports use in aesthetic terms is different: for the House, it is important that we like their hue, which is not too bright so you don’t have too “plastic” look and that is we welcome its touch and its toughness.

Installation

Installation is done in two ways, depending on the surface:

Artificial flooring is the ideal base, as only the surface to be cleaned. If inside, do not need drainage gravel, but when it comes to outdoor space.

Natural flooring should be cleaned of vegetation, rocks, etc.. the ground and take a herbicide to weeds do not grow back. The soil is compacted gravel and thrown over to create a draw. Then evenly spreads a layer of geotextile surface, which is a new protection against the growth of weeds, and also prevents the gravel from damaging the artificial turf.

The grass is cutting with a cutter, and large areas can be essential the installation work of a good professional.

If necessary fill, which evens the surface is added, but not necessary, just brushing the surface to the thread make its upright position.