Artificial Turf: Installation Ideas

Full Yard Coverage

Full yard coverage refers to covering every part of your yard, lawn, or garden with synthetic grass. It covers areas from 1,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. and saves up to 70% of water compared to natural grass. This artificial turf can withstand extreme weather conditions up to 60 degrees and is protected for color retention. You can install it in your outdoor space by removing existing grass, debris, and rock and including 5-10% extra for edge trimming. Proper stability results from laying decomposed granite or crushed stone with drainage while adding 1–2 pounds of silica sand or rubber infill. Full yard coverage lasts 10–20 years and helps to enhance your yard’s aesthetic appeal with a year-round green look. 

Pet-Friendly Areas

Pet-friendly areas serve owners and their pets by supplying enduring surfaces with safety standards for outdoor landscapes. This turf drains 30–60 gallons per minute per sq. ft, which helps to keep the turf clean and in good condition. Pet-friendly areas provide a safe and comfortable environment for your pets, lasting 10–15 years with proper care. It can be installed easily in your preferred location, spread 2–4 inches of crushed stones, or decomposed granite with 6 inches of nails or staples for better security of pets. You must also brush the turf regularly, as it reduces order by up to 99% with anti-microbial treatments. Pet-friendly areas in your landscape enhance the value of your property and ensure a hassle-free outdoor environment.

Child Play Areas

Child play areas covered with artificial turf help create a safe, low-maintenance surface in your landscape that promotes play and exploration. This turf keeps the surface 30% cooler than synthetic turf, with efficient water drainage ranging from 30 to 60 gallons per minute per sq. ft. It is easy to clean, and you need only 1–2 hours per week for cleaning and grooming this turf. Child play area installation requires an extra 5-10% area for trimming and planning for additional safety, like shock-absorbing padding. Add 2–4 inches of crushed stone, and don’t forget to spread child-safe infill for better protection in your landscape. This child play area turf lasts 15 to 20 years and consumes 80% less water than grass.

Poolside Areas

Poolside area artificial turf adds a zone of protection to your swimming pool area and is a safe alternative to traditional decking. This turf drains 30 to 60 gallons per minute per sq. ft, keeping your landscape area dry, and stays 15-20% cooler than standard turf. Poolside turf is made from lead-free, non-toxic polyethylene or polypropylene and saves up to 75% water. You can easily install it in your outdoor space by laying a base of 2–4 inches of crushed stones or decomposed granite for safety. Poolside area turf lasts 10–20 years with proper care. It enhances the ambiance of your poolside with vibrant and aesthetic turf.

Patios or Decks

Artificial turf for patios or decks helps to create a unique living space in your landscape by combining the aesthetic of natural grass with durable material. It is made from Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Nylon, which saves up to 70% water and drains 30 to 60 gallons of water per minute per sq. ft. This turf is the best for your landscape as it is soft and comfortable for walking and sitting, or laying down, which reduces slip risk by 40-50%. You can install them by ensuring the surface is dry before proceeding, using 5-10 mm thick foam padding, and using double-sided tape to fix them properly. Patios or decks of artificial turf last for 10 to 20 years and provide a stylish finish if you decorate them with accent features.

Turf and Paver Combination

The turf and paver combination helps you to create an attractive and inviting space with resilience and longevity. It enhances your outdoor space with unique patterns or colors and reduces maintenance costs by 50-70 %. This turf saves 50% water, and its paver size ranges between 6*6 and 24*24 inches. Measure the area and calculate the needed materials before installing them; dig 3–6 inches of soil to create a stable base and spread 1–2 inches of sand. The turf and paver combination helps lower your landscape’s surface temperature by 20-30% and delivers beauty, durability, and efficiency. 

Low-Maintenance Flower Beds

Low-maintenance flower beds offer beauty and functionality in your outdoor spaces with minimal effort. These beds are made from perennials, succulents, or ornamental grasses and save up to 60% water compared to traditional flower beds. It promotes a sustainable landscape design for your outdoor areas and cuts landscaping costs by 50% annually. Install this flower bed by removing weeds or debris from your garden, spreading 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture, and including your preferred features like rock ornaments or lights. Low-maintenance flower beds are perfect for a modern lifestyle as they blend your outdoor space’s functionality, eco-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal.

Edging

Edging in landscaping, used to secure synthetic grass in place, gives a finished, professional look to your landscape. It is made from recycled material like sand or crushed rock and saves up to 50% of your maintenance time. Edging stops weeds from growing along the edges and lasts 5–10 years. Mark the boundary lines clearly when you plan for edging in your landscape, dig a trench around 2–3 inches deep, then place the edging into the trench. Edging offers functionality and aesthetic appeal to your garden by providing structure, preventing weed growth, and securing turf in place.

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardening is a plant cultivation method that enables growth on vertical walls and fences as well as purpose-built structures. They allow you to utilize unused vertical spaces and use up to 50% less water than horizontal gardening. A vertical garden in your landscape can reduce noise by up to 10 decibels and offer a versatile and attractive solution for your garden. Install vertical gardens on a wall inside or outside your home, ensuring light exposure, wind direction, and easy access for maintenance. Select your system, like grid, modular, pocket, or hydroponic, then clean the surface where you want to install the vertical gardens. These gardens add a touch of nature and enhance the overall look of your landscape. 

Mini Sports Courts

Mini sports courts are built to fit into small outdoor spaces and provide you and your family with endless enjoyment. They are used for various games like basketball, football, tennis, and multi-sport play, and the installation cost is 30-50% less than that of a full-size basketball court. The surface of mini sports courts is made from acrylic coatings, rubberized tiles, or synthetic turf, lasting 10–15 years with proper maintenance. You can install them by measuring the space 20 feet by 30 feet, laying down the foundation material like concrete or gravel, and painting your favorite color to make it look more appealing. Mini sports courts are a great addition to your garden area, allowing for year-round outdoor activity. 

Putting Greens

Putting greens in your garden area allows effective water draining and keeps the green secure for extended periods. It delivers a realistic playing experience for your garden area ranging from 500 to 1,500 sq. feet with an installation cost of between $10 to $20 per square foot, depending on your chosen material. These are made from Polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon fiber material, which require low maintenance and are perfect for family gatherings. You can install them by selecting a flat area in your backyard and ensuring ample space to make it easy to lay down a base layer of crushed stone or gravel. Depending on your design, you can add holes, sand traps, or undulating terrain. Putting greens in your landscape adds value to your home and yard by creating an attractive and functional outdoor space.

Mosaic Patterns 

Landscape mosaic patterns use small, colorful materials such as glass or ceramic to design artistic representations of natural scenery. They cover an area of 100-500 square feet and require less maintenance. These patterns provide a timeless and creative touch to your landscape and can last 10–20 years with proper maintenance. They are easy to install, select a clean area where you need to add this pattern by using a thin-set mortar or adhesive. You must carefully press each piece into the adhesive by following the design. The mosaic pattern includes 20 colors, protecting your garden surface from stains and weathering. 

Zen Gardens

Zen or Japanese gardens are designed to provide relaxation, meditation, and contemplation in your outdoor spaces. They fascinate the world with their pure beauty and are made from rocks and gravel, which are long-lasting and weather-resistant and have a lifespan of 20+ years. Zen gardens range from 50 to 1,000 sq. ft. and offer customizable landscaping options. The installation cost ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot by clearing the ground of debris and weeds. Lay down landscape fabric in your garden to prevent weed growth, and cover the surface with a 2-4-inch layer of gravel or sand. Zen garden highlights the simplicity and natural beauty of your landscape. 

What are the Characteristics of Artificial Turf?

Here are the 13 main characteristics of Artificial Turf:

1. Material Composition
2. Pile Height
3. Durability and Lifespan
4. Yarn Shape
5. Infill Materials
6. UV Protection
7. Drainage Capacity
8. Turf Weight
9. Fiber Density
10. Color and Appearance
11. Cost per Square Foot
12. Eco-Friendly Attributes
13. Safety Features

Material Composition

Material composition comprises two or more material parts, which enhance durability and improve foot traction in your landscape. The composition includes 60% to 100% cotton, 30% to 100% polyester, and 40% to 100% wool. Every composition provides strength and stability and helps to create an interesting contrast in your landscape. A material composition like natural wood and stone provides a rustic, natural look to your garden structure.

Pile Height

Pile height is the length or thickness to measure from where the tufts bind to the backing of the tips of the blade. It can be organized into a short pile (0.1 to 0.5 inches), medium pile (0.5 to 1 inch), long pile (1 to 1.5 inches), and very high pile or shag (1.5 inches or more). It helps to create an even surface for outdoor activities, and the short pile enhances durability and longevity compared to the other two piles. Pile height creates a soft, plush surface in your landscape by improving the aesthetic appeal of your artificial grass lawn.

Durability and Lifespan

The durability and lifespan of artificial turf help it resist foot traffic, pet activity, and environmental conditions, lasting 15–25 years. The composition includes high-quality synthetic fibers like polyethylene or polypropylene, which provide UV resistance, preventing fading and degradation over time. It also helps to enhance stability and requires low maintenance, such as cleaning, brushing, and infill replacement, which help to extend the turf’s longevity. 

Yarn Shape

The yarn shape of artificial turf prioritizes the aesthetic and softness of your landscape, making it ideal for residential landscapes with children and pets. It consists of different blade shapes, including W-shaped, C-shaped, M-shaped, S-shaped, and U-shaped, and each is designed to provide proper functionality and finish to your landscape. Yarn shapes contribute to the turf’s durability, aesthetic appeal, and overall performance.

Infill Materials

Infill material enhances your landscape’s stability, durability, and performance by keeping the turf fibers upright and absorbing shock. It weighs around 2 pounds per square foot to provide proper coverage, and helps neutralize pet odors by absorbing ammonia from urine. Infill comprises silica sand, crumb rubber, Envirofill (quartz core with acrylic resin), and organic infill, providing an eco-friendly option with natural cooling benefits. 

UV Protection

The UV protection of artificial turf preserves durability and flexibility under intense sunlight by preventing cracking and brittleness in turf fibers. Top-quality artificial turfs include UV stabilizers and inhibitors to ensure long-term resistance against UV rays. They also help to reduce heat absorption, allowing artificial turf to cool down faster and creating a more comfortable surface for your landscape.  

Drainage Capacity

Drainage capacity helps to prevent water collection and ensure durability. The drainage rate of high-quality artificial turfs ranges from 30 to 60 inches per hour per square yard and provides a safe environment for your landscape. A 1-2% slope is generally recommended for artificial grass installations with an optimal runoff facility. Drainage capacity is designed for superior drainage, preventing puddling, and maintaining longevity.

Turf Weight

Turf weight is essential in determining your outdoor space’s durability, density, and overall quality. It consists of a pile and total weight, measured in grams per square meter. Turf provides a denser, richer appearance that resembles natural grass, which makes it suitable for high-traffic areas such as residential lawns, commercial spaces, and sports fields. It weighs from 40 to 90 ounces per square yard, with higher values that offer longevity and resilience against matting and wear. 

Fiber Density

Fiber density significantly impacts landscaping by influencing your outdoor surface’s durability, softness, and aesthetics. It is measured in stitches per square meter, with high density ranging from 16,500 to 18,000. High density provides a rich and fuller appearance suitable for heavy foot traffic. The fiber density of artificial turf helps maintain a consistent look and feel, reducing the visibility of seams and backing material.

Color and Appearance

Artificial turf’s color and appearance enhance the visual appeal of your landscape and remain constant across seasons. It seamlessly blends with hardscapes and plant life and combines shades of green, brown, and yellow to mimic natural grass variations. It is made from high-quality polyethylene, known for its softness and natural appearance, and creates a polished aesthetic in your gardens.

Cost per Square Foot 

The cost per square foot of artificial turf is based on brand, material quality, labor, and installation complexity. Professional installation costs range between $3.45 and $12 per square foot, but they can be exceeded by 10% to 20% if the installation area is curved. The labor cost for landscape installation ranges between $3.45 and $12 per square foot, influenced by factors like slope, accessibility, and additional preparation work. Artificial turf’s cost highly depends on how you want to design and install things.

Eco-Friendly Attributes

Eco-friendly attributes in artificial turf include using native plants, supporting local biodiversity, and enriching the soil. It comprises 30-100% recycled content with biodegradable material breaking down within 90–180 days. It helps to reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% and retain moisture to provide a natural and chemical-free environment for your outdoor space. Eco-friendly attributes are one of the best characteristics of artificial turf, as it reduces waste by 80% and creates durable and eco-friendly pathways.

Safety Features

The safety features help to minimize risk and enhance protection in your landscape. They provide slip-resistant surfaces that reduce the risk of falls, enhance visibility at night with proper lighting, and prevent water pooling and slippery surfaces through good drainage systems. Safety features include protective gear that reduces injury risks by 60-80% and noise reduction measures that cut exposure by 20–40 dB. These features prioritize your safety across various sectors and provide a stunning environment for your garden.