The Beginners Guide to Buying Artificial Grass
When you’ve made the decision to get an artificial lawn installed in your garden a quick Google search will tell you that there’s a huge range of varieties out there.
Of course, before you commit to any purchase, you’ll want to know that what you are getting is right for your garden and the way you use it, which is why The Artificial Grass Group have put together this this handy beginners guide for those on the market for fake grass products.
Consider How The Lawn Will Be Used
Before you even begin shopping around, have a good idea of how your garden and lawn is used. This knowledge will play a huge part in your decision as different types of fake grass can be intended for different levels of use.
For example, if you are a young family with boisterous children it is advisable to plump for a hard-wearing variety made from a plastic fibre such as nylon. Alternatively, if your sole intention is to install a lawn that will be admired and enjoyed from garden furniture or the kitchen window, a polypropylene or polyethylene lawn may meet your needs more effectively.
So, before you begin putting in the leg work cast your mind back to last summer and have a good think about how you used your outdoor space. Once you’ve pinpointed its main use, you’ll be better placed to make a decision when the time comes.
How Do You Want It To Look?
Aesthetics aren’t the be all and end all when it comes to your garden, but at the very least you want it to look attractive. After all, that is one of the main reasons why people choose an artificial lawn.
Like anything, different people have different ideas of how their artificial lawns should look, so it’s worthwhile taking a little bit of time to get to know the features that contribute to the aesthetics of fake grass.
The first aspect to consider is the pile height. This is usually measured in millimetres and is essentially the length of each fibre (or blade) from the backing all the way to the tip. When it comes to choosing pile height, it usually comes down to personal preference, however there are a few things to know before you dive in.
If you are aiming for a natural looking lawn, the pile height should fall somewhere between 30-38mm. Any longer than this and you risk the grass looking flat as the blades tend to sag under their own weight rather than stand up right. This is remedied by regular brushing, but it means more maintenance for you!
The second specification to consider when it comes to aesthetics is the pile density. The general rule of thumb here is that the higher the pile density is, the fuller and lusher the grass will look. This is due to the blades being more densely packed together, which makes for a healthier aesthetic.
If your garden is frequently used by kids and pets, go for a density between 16,500 and 18,000 stitches per square metre. Alternatively, for ornamental lawns, you are perfectly safe in choosing fake grass with a lower pile density – whilst it may not look as lush when viewed from windows or balconies, it is generally a cheaper option for lawns that may not endure as much footfall.
What’s Your Budget?
This will most probably be one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to choosing your new artificial lawn. Like any product, there are a range of artificial grasses out there and they vary in price and quality.
As tempting as it may be to consider the cheapest variety out there, it is also important to remember that your artificial grass is an investment that will last you many years. Not only that, but in the long run it will cost less time and money to maintain to greater effect.
The Artificial Grass Group offer a variety of high-quality products to suit any budget, from their economy offering right through to their luxury range. Before you commit any of your hard-earned money to a lawn type you haven’t had the chance to try, book your free approved installers quote.
When you’ve had a chance to see and feel the fake grass it’ll be easier to visualise it in your space, making your decision much easier.
Function, aesthetics and budget are the three most important things for you to consider before you commit to an artificial lawn. There’s a whole world of fake grass products out there and it can feel overwhelming when it comes to getting the wheels in motion, so if you have any questions or would like some support in choosing the right artificial lawn for you, give The Artificial Grass Group a call today.