Garden & Outdoor

Artificial Turf Buyers Guide

Artificial turf laid down in a garden, surrounded by a flower bed, with a white bench positioned on it
Nothing makes a garden look more perfect than a beautiful lawn. But getting it to look great – and keeping it that way – requires a lot of hard work and dedication. An artificial lawn offers a solution and can be more versatile than grass. It doesn’t just have to be used in the back yard, it can also be laid on rooftop terraces and balconies to bring a wonderful green touch to even the smallest of outdoor spaces. Whether you want to know about artificial grass installation or its general benefits, you’ll find everything you need to know in this quick and easy guide.

Why choose artificial turf

Artificial turf is the perfect choice if you don’t have a lot of time to spend maintaining your garden but still want to achieve a beautiful lawn. Artificial grass requires very little care and attention – you won’t ever need to worry about mowing, watering or feeding it.

It’s so easy to clean, making it the perfect choice for those who have pets or are looking to create a safe play area for young children.

Water will drain away from your artificial turf like it would with a real lawn. The cost will be a big factor in your decision when looking into artificial turf. However, you will always find a type that suits your budget and it’s worth noting that you won’t have to pay for regular maintenance as you would with grass.

Artificial Turf vs. Real Grass
Artificial Turf Real Grass
Maintenance Easy and irregular.
Spray with hose to remove dust or stains.
Rake away leaves in autumn.
Frequent watering.
Needs weeding.
Rake away leaves.
Durability Lasts between 15 to 20 years. Can get weeds and bald spots, but does grow back over time.
Overview of Cost Typically more expensive than grass. Usually a low-cost upfront.
Extras Looks good all year round. Softer.
Environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when changing up your lawn, with both types having pros and cons. Real grass and artificial turf both need maintenance, but artificial turf is a lot easier to care for and it’s also more durable. Laying grass is a cheaper option in terms of upfront costs, but ongoing maintenance costs should be considered.

What types of artificial turf are available?

Meadow grass

If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, meadow grass may be the one for you. Neat in appearance, meadow grass has a realistic light beige thatch and short manicured pile with a 20mm thickness. Meadow grass comes with a five-year guarantee and typically has a lifespan of 15 years.

Ideal for pet owners due to how easy it is to clean and maintain, especially when compared to real grass.

Garden grass

Has a light mossy thatch that is natural yet rich, making it perfect for those who like the appearance of well-maintained grass without the maintenance. Not only is it wonderfully soft, but our selection of garden grass is also designed to spring back just like the real thing. It has a full five-year guarantee and a lifespan of 20 years.

Ideal for play areas or creating picnic spots in the garden, as it has a medium length pile that’s soft under foot.

Luxury lawn

Luscious with a super realistic appearance, luxury grass really lives up to its name. At 40mm, the four coloured pile is the thickest of all and sustains a bouncy feel all year round. Luxury lawn comes with a five-year guarantee and will continue to look amazing for up to 20 years.

Ideal for a social spot in the garden, as it looks and feels incredibly soft.

How to lay artificial grass

Artificial lawns can be laid whatever the size and shape of your garden with only a little bit of preparation. It doesn’t matter what the existing surface is – whether it’s turf, bare soil, concrete, tarmac, paving or even timber decking – or if your garden is flat or has natural contours and undulations.

It’s easy to lay and can be done simply and effectively with just a few basic tools and a bit of time. However, you will need to use a joining kit if you’re planning on joining several rolls of artificial grass together. Artificial grass installation is surprisingly inexpensive, so you won’t have to worry about factoring high costs into your budget.

Shop artificial grass joining kits

How to clean artificial grass

Once it’s laid, your lawn will need only a basic level of care. Because it’s artificial, you won’t need to give it the same level of attention as a real lawn, and it will continue to look great all year round whatever the weather – not even bright sunlight will fade its colour.

To look after your artificial lawn just make sure you carry out the following tasks:

  • Remove any garden debris that might come to rest on the lawn such as leaves.
  • If you have any pets clean up any mess they leave behind


Homebase

Homebase

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