The varieties of artificial grass have really evolved over the years with how artificial turfs are gaining popularity. In fact, most artificial grasses look virtually identical to real grass. But there are even types within artificial grasses.
There are different factors on which the types of artificial grass can be based, but the material used to manufacture it is the most important. Primarily, artificial grass is made from one of these three materials.
- Nylon
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
So which of these types is the best artificial grass one? Well, there isn’t exactly the best type and users decide as per their preferences. Read below to find out how these three types differ from each other and their outstanding features.
Nylon Artificial Grass
This is the strongest and most durable choice of artificial grass.
Nylon has the strength to withstand high pressure and weight. This means that no matter how regularly you walk or run on the grass, or even put heavy items on it, the grass would be able to withstand the weight. Similarly, with a high melting temperature, nylon products do not easily lose shape. Thus, there is no risk of the grass losing its shape due to heat.
One of the cons of this type of artificial grass is that it is quite expensive. Therefore, either it’s used for commercial purposes or small applications at home.
Moreover, since nylon has a very stiff texture, this grass comes off as fake and the synthetic look is quite obvious. So if your main preference is a very natural-looking lawn, this is not the best idea.
This option is recommended for those who live in areas with high temperatures or want to place the grass in places that receive high sunlight. Moreover, the durability and long lifetime of nylon artificial grass are why it is a popular choice for commercial installation.
Polyethylene Artificial Grass
This choice is natural-looking, soft to the touch, easy to manage, and comes in a very lively green colour. The price of polyethylene artificial grass falls between that of nylon and polypropylene grasses.
If your prime priority is the aesthetic quality of the grass, polyethylene grass is your go-to choice. The stunning appearance of this grass is the reason why it is so widely used in sports fields, outdoor fields, and landscapes. This quality is why homeowners opt for this type of synthetic turf as they do not have to compromise on the aesthetics at all.
Another highlight of this type of grass is that with just brushing it weekly, you can keep it in top-notch condition since it requires very low effort for upkeep.
While this grass is not as durable as nylon grass, it can be paired with a nylon thatch to give it additional strength. However, even on its own, this grass is quite durable as is evident from the fact that even sports and athletic fields use polypropylene grass.
Polypropylene Artificial Grass
This is the ideal option for those who want a stunning artificial lawn but are shying away due to the high prices. The polypropylene artificial grass offers the solution for such people as this is the cheapest option of the three.
This type of artificial grass also stands out because of its fine texture. Due to its thin blades and very realistic-looking texture, polypropylene artificial grass is often considered to resemble real glass the most out of the three types.
If you want to spend your evenings walking on the grass or letting your children run around, this is not a suitable option as it would not hold against the weight.
Apart from this, artificial grass made from polypropylene would not be suitable in areas with higher temperatures. Since it has a low melting point, the shape of the grass might even get altered. Under intense heat, the blades of the grass can possibly get deformed. Therefore, if you decide to buy this grass, make sure it is kept in shady and cool conditions.
Since this is not a very high-quality option, it is not as durable as the other two options. It also does not last as long. This is why it might suit personal and household needs, but it isn’t really viable for commercial use.
Other Types of Artificial Grass
There are other classifications of artificial grass based on various factors. These are as follows.
- Different types of artificial grass differ based on the pile height. There is short, medium, and long pile height.
The short pile usually has a height of around 30 mm. This may not look very natural, however. The medium pile height is usually between 30 mm to 37 mm, and it looks quite natural and life-like. Pile height for long artificial grass is greater than 37 mm.
- Grass types are also categorized due to their use.
Some types are designed for playgrounds and it is ensured that they are extremely safe for children especially. Grass made for pet yards are manufactured while keeping wear and tear caused by animals in mind, so these are usually quite durable. Another common type according to use is the grass for sports complexes. These do not get muddy or slippery and can easily bear heavy weight.
Other types are designed for homes, artificial grass rugs, golf putting green, balcony surfaces, or truck bed liner.
- Colours are often used to put artificial grass in different types.
Although most people go for vibrant green colours to get the natural, lively look of real grass, bright-coloured grasses aren’t very uncommon. These are especially popular among children who love playing on bright-coloured grasses such as orange, pink, yellow, and turquoise, etc. Another very popular choice of colour is blue which is often used near water surfaces.
- There are various types of artificial grass that come with additional features such as being UV-stabilised. This ensures that sunlight does not damage the grass. Another attractive feature is the non-absorbent quality of the grass which ensures it would not smell strange after regular use. Interestingly, some artificial grass types are even non-flammable or heat-resistant.