As consumers, we are all aware that industry jargon may be a bit difficult to understand. While jargon is useful for communication within an industry, it might turn away others who are unfamiliar with the subject. When it comes to artificial grass installation, it can be difficult to choose the proper turf. This increases difficulty when you don’t quite understand what all the terms mean. We’re here to help you better understand the artificial turf industry so you can make the best decision.

INFILL

Infill is the sand (or sand-like material) that goes on top of artificial turf. Some immediately assume that infill goes beneath the lawn however, that is false. The infill is poured on top of the turf and brushed into the blades. The infill is essential for every artificial grass installation because it keeps the turf weighted and the blades robust. The turf would shift around if there was no infill, and it would be entirely matted down.

Depending on the turf application, there are various different types of infill that can be used. Be sure to ask about what infill works best for your project. The ounces of the turf product determine the pounds per square foot of infill required for a job. To achieve ultimate resilience, the more the better so don’t cut back on the infill.

FACE WEIGHT VS TOTAL WEIGHT

The weight of a product is described as “face weight” or “total weight,”. Both are expressed in ounces per square yard. Find out if the quoted weight of artificial turf is face weight or total weight if not clearly labeled.

The weight of the fibers used to make the artificial grass pile is the face weight of the product; it does not include the weight of the backing. The weight of the turf backing and the fiber face weight are both included in the total weight.

Face weight is more significant than overall weight. When you want a big, gorgeous grass, it doesn’t matter how much the backing weighs. The face weight of your grass will decide how long it will last and how full it will be. When comparing quotes from different grass companies, some competitors sell their products using total weight, which can be quite misleading.

THATCH

Every now and then, you could hear a firm use the term “thatch.” Here’s what you’ll need to know:

• Thatch is made up of shorter, lighter-colored synthetic grass blades that contrast with the higher, principal blades.
• The fibers of these blades are frequently curlier than the major blades.
• The main objective of thatch is to give the product a more realistic appearance. It simulates the fading blades found in natural grass.
• Thatch is commonly tan, brown, yellow, or green in hue.

Thatch contributes to the density of the turf in addition to giving it a realistic texture. This is due to the fact that thatch is included in the face weight. In general, top-of-the-pile materials without thatch are denser. Thatch-based products have a more evenly distributed density from top to bottom. Thatch can be short or lengthy, affecting the overall appearance and softness of the turf at different levels.

BASE

A widespread misunderstanding concerning artificial grass installation is that the turf is simply laid on top of the dirt. RUN if any firm claims to be able to install your project in this manner.

A business that does quality work will compact the “foundation” beneath the artificial turf. Underneath the artificial turf, a strong, drainable base is critical. The most prevalent basic materials are decomposed granite and road bases. Compacting 4″ of the base below a turf installation is the ideal practice for optimal drainage. The amount of base utilized, on the other hand, is entirely dependent on turf application and property characteristics.

If you’re comparing quotes with different companies with varying quantities of the base, you should ask for details. As previously said, a 4′′ base depth is the safest bet. However, a trained installation will be able to detect when less base is required. For example, if your grass has a natural slope), which can save you money. This is one of the many reasons why working with a seasoned team is crucial!

At Artificial Turf Factory Outlet, we’re here to answer all your questions. We’ll keep you fully educated on the turf that’s best for your project. Be sure to contact us at (888) 707-0794, with all your artificial turf questions and concerns.