Artificial turf has gained significant popularity among homeowners and businesses as an alternative to natural grass. Its low maintenance requirements and durability make it an attractive option for those seeking an attractive lawn with minimal upkeep.
However, the vast array of artificial turf types available in the market can make it challenging to determine the best choice.
This article aims to examine various artificial turf types that you can obtain from turf suppliers. It will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each type to enable you to make an informed decision on the most suitable artificial turf for your needs.
Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyurethane, and monofilament are the most popular materials used for artificial grass, all with their own benefits and drawbacks you can read about below.
Types of Artificial Grass You Can Purchase from Turf Suppliers
Here are some of the best choices for buying artificial grass from turf suppliers:
1. Polyethylene
Polyethylene is one of the most popular artificial turf materials available on the market today (read here: www.gardengatemagazine.com/review/synthetic-grass/) and is a relatively soft, yet durable fiber that can withstand high temperatures and excessive weight, making it a great choice for a wide variety of applications.
Although it’s not as durable as nylon, polyethylene can still stand up to the harsh elements that can cause damage to real grass; however, it is also more susceptible to heat and can melt if exposed to extreme temperatures, so it’s not ideal for hot climates or patios that receive a lot of sunlight.
A common complaint about polyethylene is that it can fade in color over time and become slippery when wet which can be a problem for people who have a tendency to slip or fall on their lawn or older people who tend to fall more often, in general.
2. Polypropylene
The most budget-friendly artificial grass option, polypropylene offers a number of benefits for homeowners: the material is non-porous, so it won’t retain odors and is easy to clean, it doesn’t fade quickly like other artificial lawns, and it comes in a wide range of price points to fit most budgets.
Moreover, this synthetic grass has several disadvantages as well, like the fact that it isn’t as durable as other options, and it doesn’t hold up well to high temperatures.
Furthermore, it is less abrasion-resistant than polyethylene and nylon and is more susceptible to flattening and fading in hot climates such as the American Southwest, which is reportedly getting warmer and dryer every year.
3. Polyamide
Nylon is one of the strongest plastics available, making it an excellent choice for artificial turf with its strong fibers that can stand up to heavy foot traffic, which makes it perfect for sports fields and playgrounds. Its resilience also means that it holds up well in high temperatures and direct sunlight, which can damage thinner artificial grass.
Polyethylene is a popular option for synthetic turf, as it offers a good balance between softness and strength and is often used in combination with nylon to provide a high level of resilience and durability.
4. Polyurethane
One of the most versatile and durable artificial turf backing materials is polyurethane, which you can read about here, has a flexible and moldable nature that makes it a great option for custom synthetic grass applications, especially those that involve uneven terrain or non-traditionally shaped areas.
Polyurethane is a good choice for homes with children or pets because it does not contain latex, but it is important to note that some people may be allergic to latex and so this should be considered when choosing an artificial turf product.
Nylon (also known as polyamide) is another plastic that is commonly used in synthetic grass manufacturing, along with polyurethane, so it has a high tensile strength and it is also very resistant to abrasion, making it a great choice for synthetic grass applications.
Nylon is the strongest of the three plastics, and it is also the most durable. Also, nylon is highly UV-resistant, which is essential for outdoor artificial grass applications, and is a good choice for home lawns because it is resistant to moisture and can withstand traffic from feet, which means that it can last for years without needing any maintenance.
5. Monofilament
Monofilament artificial turf is a type of grass that contains individual strands of fiber, making it a popular choice for sports fields and is aesthetically pleasing because it looks similar to real grass.
Compared to other types of artificial turf, monofilament is more durable and is also a good choice for soccer fields. This style of grass from turf suppliers is more expensive than others and can be difficult to keep clean and maintained properly. It’s also not very common, thus it’s not available everywhere.
There are several different types of monofilament yarn, and each is suited for a specific application, so it is important to use the right kind of monofilament yarn for your project to ensure that it will last.
A high-quality monofilament yarn will give you a lawn that looks realistic and maintains its colors well over time and can be found in different colors, ranging from light greens to tan, and has different shapes available for a variety of uses.
The main advantage of monofilament fibers is that they are not prone to fraying, unlike fibrillated grass, which means that they are a better choice for soccer fields and other high-use athletic fields.
Conclusion
Artificial turf has become a preferred alternative to natural grass as it requires less maintenance and has better durability. However, with various types of artificial turf available, selecting the best one for your requirements can be challenging.
This article has explored the advantages and disadvantages of different materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyurethane, and monofilament.
Each material has its unique benefits and limitations. Thus, understanding their differences can assist you in picking the appropriate material for your project.
You can find an artificial turf option that suits your needs, whether you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative, a material that can endure high foot traffic, or a grass-like appearance and feel.