Types of Artificial Grass – The Ultimate Guide

If you chose artificial grass in the 1960s and 1970s, you didn’t have to consider the type of artificial grass, because there was only one artificial grass in the world at that time (AstroTurf). After decades of development, the continuous improvement of manufacturing technology of artificial grass manufacturers has improved the overall quality of the lawn, and people’s growing interest in synthetic grass in today’s society has led to many people willing to buy artificial grass. 

The artificial grass market has expanded, and many artificial grass manufacturers  produce a variety of materials, appearances, and grades. The prices of different types of artificial turf also vary greatly. The emergence of dazzling synthetic grass makes you feel a little distressed in choosing. Next, we summarize the basic components, materials, physical properties, applications and how to choose artificial turf, hoping to help you make a choice.

Exploring The Composition of Artificial Grass

Let’s first take a look at the components of artificial grass. Almost all synthetic grass on the market is made up of two main parts: Grass Fiber and Backing.

Grass Fiber: Also known as Yarn or Turf Blades, it mimics the blades of natural grass and is the visible part of synthetic grass. MightyGrass is the first factory in China to develop and produce grass fiber, and we know that its shape, material, density and durability vary, and each factor may affect its performance. At MightyGrass, we commonly use three types of yarn materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon.

Tausta: The high-quality artificial turf produced by MightyGrass has a two-part backing. The first backing (also called the base fabric) is a woven mesh made of PP material, during the tufting process that holds the fibers in place and gives the turf structural integrity. The second backing is usually made of rubber or polyurethane to bond and seal the turf together. Some manufacturers also use latex as the backing of turf, but latex backings absorb odors, such as pet urine, causing the pet turf to emit an unpleasant odor. The best synthetic lawn for dogs backings at MightyGrass are usually made of polypropylene, which frees you from this worry.

Different Types of Artificial Turf

By Artificial Grass Materials

Artificial Turf Grass Fiber

Nylon Artificial Grass

Nylon is primarily made of polyamide and is known for its superior strength and durability. It is often used in commercial spaces or areas with high traffic. Nylon turf has a strong surface, low wear rate, and has self-lubricating and noise-reducing properties. It performs well at low temperatures and can safely withstand temperatures up to 100°C. However, it has relatively poor dyeability and is slightly less realistic than PE or PP artificial turf. In terms of touch, nylon is generally harder and may feel rougher than other fiber types.

Polypropylene (PP) Artificial Grass

PP artificial turf is often the most cost-effective option, especially for decorative areas or areas with low traffic. It is highly stable in water, with a water absorption rate of only 0.01% after 24 hours. PP has excellent moldability, a smooth surface, and is easy to color. Compared with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), it has better strength, stiffness, and elasticity. It also performs well in resistance to flexural fatigue and structural support. The dry coefficient of friction is similar to nylon, but it is less effective under oil lubrication. While it has strong mechanical properties, its performance at low temperatures is relatively limited.

Polyethylene (PE) Artificial Grass

At MightyGrass, we use high-quality, odorless, non-toxic polyethylene (PE) as the primary material for our turf fibers. PE has excellent chemical resistance, low water absorption, and strong anti-aging properties. It is also an excellent electrical insulator and has a softness and elasticity very similar to natural grass. PE is the most commonly used fiber in landscape turf because it strikes a perfect balance between cost-effectiveness, durability, and a realistic appearance. Although PE is soft to the touch, it is able to withstand high temperatures and heavy loads with minimal maintenance to maintain its best appearance.

Keinotekoinen ruohon tausta

The first layer of mesh woven cloth backing of MightyGrass artificial turf is basically made of high-quality PP material, and its main purpose is to provide fixation during the tufting process of the grass. The second layer backing plays a very important role in its overall durability, stability, drainage and easy installation. So at MightyGrass, we provide you with a variety of high-performance backing options to meet your different project needs.

Latex Backing: This is a widely used and cost-effective solution. It provides good flexibility and strength for most landscaping applications. Kindly note that it is not suitable for areas with extreme temperatures or humidity.

PU (Polyurethane) Backing: Our high-quality PU backing has excellent strength, weather resistance and waterproof performance, which is ideal for sports fields, pet areas or commercial uses with high traffic. And it is lighter in weight, easier and faster to install.

Rubber Backing: MightyGrass’s durable and non-slip rubber backing provides you with enhanced comfort and shock absorption. It is a reliable choice for playgrounds and impact areas.

Latex-free Backing: For allergy-sensitive environments such as schools, hospitals or kindergartens, we also provide environmentally friendly latex-free artificial turf that meets strict safety and health standards.

Recyclable Backing: In order to meet the technical requirements of overall recyclability of artificial grass products and good adhesion with PP and PE materials, our R&D team has launched a new material that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly and has a broad market prospect for artificial grass. And MightyGrass is the only manufacturer that can mass-produce recyclable artificial grass.

PS: Choosing the right artificial turf material is not only about cost, but also about long-term performance, safety, and end-user satisfaction. At MightyGrass, we provide high-quality, certified turf solutions based on your project needs to help you make smarter purchasing decisions.

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Have questions about artificial grass materials? Or are you ready to learn about samples or request a quote? Contact our team today and you will receive professional guidance and fast delivery to support your business.

By Artificial Grass Physical Characteristics & Specifications

The physical properties and parameters of artificial grass can be divided into several different areas for your reference…

Grass Fiber/Pile High

Pile height refers to the length of the grass blades, from backing to tip, and is one of the most obvious differences between different types of artificial grass.

• 6 – 12 mm: 10 mm artificial grass is most common at MightyGrass and is often used for basketball, around pools, in kindergartens or landscaping.
• 20 – 32 mm: Ihanteellinen kansainvälisiin kilpailuihin, kuten tennikseen, jääkiekkoon, golfiin ja nurmikenttäkeilaan. Toisinaan myös yleisissä harjoituspaikoissa, kuten sulkapallossa ja lentopallossa.
• Above 32 mm: Known as high grass, it is best suited for football matches, training and horse racing. MightyGrass is one of more than 20 manufacturers and suppliers in the world with FIFA certification.

The right height strikes a balance between appearance and functionality. Shorter pile heights make turf easier to clean and generally more durable, while longer pile heights look more natural, more attractive, and provide a more cushioned surface.

Väri

Artificial grass in various shades of green, often mixed with brown or dead yellowish grass to create a realistic look. We can also customize colorful artificial grass for your different projects.

Color affects not only aesthetics, but also heat absorption and glare. For a natural effect, MightyGrass blends multi-tone fibers with spring green, olive green and beige accents.

Thatch

The thatch layer consists of curled or textured fibers beneath the main blades. Because real grass is not all green, putting some dead grass under the vivid green turf looks like realistic artificial grass.

It can add visual depth and realism to artificial grass, help the main blades stand upright, and enhance resilience and cushioning.

The thatch is particularly important in landscape or recreational lawns, where appearance and comfort are both factors.

Lawn Blades

The shape and structure of the blades affect softness, resilience and light reflection.

• U- and W-shaped blades: Improve rebound and reduce glare
• Flat blades: Softer feel, but less upright recovery
• Diamond or S-shaped blades: Visual appeal and structural integrity

The right blade shape improves both performance and user comfort.

Decitex (Dtex)

Dtex is a measure of the weight of 10,000 meters of yarn, measured in grams. It is a key indicator of fiber thickness and strength.

• Higher decitex = thicker, more durable fiber for high-use areas
• Lower decitex = softer, finer fiber for decorative or light-use areas

Choosing the right decitex depends on the foot traffic and performance needs of your application.

Tausta

As mentioned above, artificial turf should have two forms of backing that work together to stabilize the turf system and make it more durable. These materials, along with the face weight of the grass, make up the total weight of the artificial turf. Generally speaking, the backing should weigh at least 25 ounces in a quality turf that withstands moderate to heavy foot traffic.

The turf backing also affects the overall drainage performance of the turf. For almost all outdoor artificial grass applications, the drainage performance of the area is an important factor. This is largely determined by the construction of the backing, and the optimal turf should have a drainage rate of more than 30 inches per square hour, but the overall drainage performance of the artificial turf area will also be affected by ground preparation and installation.

At MightyGrass, we have developed a highly permeable artificial grass that does not require drainage rate issues and will drain water almost instantly.

Täydennysrakentaminen

Infill materials are distributed between the grass blades to:

• Keep the fibers upright
• Improve shock absorption and grip
• Enhance cooling and drainage

Common choices include silica sand, rubber particles, and organic infill such as cork or coconut shells. For environmentally conscious projects, choose infill materials that are recycled or non-toxic.

PS: Need help choosing the right performance and specifications for artificial grass? MightyGrass can help you match these to your project goals, whether it is for landscaping, sports, pets, or commercial applications.

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By Artificial Turf Application

Not all artificial grass is created equal. Each application requires specific synthetic grass performance characteristics ranging from durability and drainage to softness and safety. Below we summarize synthetic artificial grass for different application scenarios for your reference.

Artificial Grass for Sports Field

Synthetic grass for sports is designed to withstand heavy use, cleats and impacts, and we list the following features:

• Durable nylon or PE fiber material
• High pile (40-60 mm) for optimal ball rolling and shock absorption
• PU backing and silica or rubber infill for stability and performance
• Suitable for football fields, rugby fields or multi-purpose sports fields

Artificial Grass for Backyard Landscapes

Most homeowners want a low-maintenance lawn that looks flawless and natural all year round. MightyGrass focuses on natural beauty and comfort.

• Soft, multi-colored PE fibers for a realistic look
• Medium-height pile (30-40 mm)
• Optional thatch layer for fullness and upright support
• Ideal for residential projects, patios, roof gardens or commercial green spaces

Tekonurmi lemmikkieläimille

Artificial turf has many benefits for dog owners, and your canine friends will love it too. Pet turf systems are designed to handle a variety of situations with dogs, including play and pee. MightyGrass is designed for cleanliness, safety and fast drainage.

• Short pile turf (20-30 mm) with antimicrobial protection
• Highly permeable backing or perforated backing and odor-resistant infill
• Easy to maintain, dries quickly after flushing or rain
• A top choice for kennels, dog parks and pet-friendly landscapes

Artificial Grass for Golf and Putting Greens

Thanks to advances in synthetic turf technology, artificial greens can look and perform very similar to real grass greens with a fraction of the maintenance.

• Low pile (10 – 16 mm) for smooth putting
• Ultra-high density nylon or bulked PE yarn
• Flat surface with padded or sand base

The best artificial greens also feature an edge, fairway or chipping area outside the main green surface to extend the golf experience. Suitable for commercial mini golf, backyard greens or golf courses.

Tekonurmi uima-altaat

Artificial grass around swimming pools is best to be permeable, so that it not only has good drainage performance, but also will not be damaged by chlorine or UV rays. Adding anti-microbial padding is also a good choice. Beautiful and safe and reliable in wet conditions.

• UV-resistant non-slip PE turf
• Perforated backing for fast drainage
• Heat-resistant fiber to prevent overheating under sunlight
• Suitable for hotel pools, private villas or resorts

Artificial Turf for Playground

MightyGrass focuses on anti-fall safety and durability. Key specifications include:

• Shock-absorbing pad bottom layer absorbs impact to cushion the impact of falls
• Soft and resilient PE fiber with medium-high pile
• Available in bright turf colors for children
• Meets international safety standards for public and private play areas

Artificial Turf for Kindergarten

Create a safe and colorful space for children to play freely. MightyGrass kindergarten turf is soft underfoot, made of lead-free and non-toxic materials, and available in bright colors and themed patterns. The low-friction surface with excellent cushioning performance is perfect for daycare centers, preschool outdoor spaces or early childhood institutions.

MightyGrass As a leading artificial grass manufacturer, provides child-safe materials and custom designs that meet international safety standards, giving you peace of mind and lasting value.

PS: Need guidance for your specific use case? MightyGrass can tailor the right synthetic grass system for your application based on performance, budget and certification standards.

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Is There Environmentally Friendly Artificial Grass?

The answer is yes, environmentally friendly artificial grass is becoming more and more widely used, especially for you who care about sustainability and landscape design. Here is a brief description of how MightyGrass artificial grass is environmentally friendly:

Lead-free and Non-toxic Materials: Our high-quality artificial grass products are made of non-toxic polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), which are free of lead and harmful chemicals, safe for children, pets and the environment.

Recyclable Backing and Yarn: As a professional artificial grass manufacturer, MightyGrass can provide you with synthetic grass with a recyclable backing system or a single material design in bulk, which makes it more cost-effective to use recyclable artificial grass.

Reduce Maintenance Emissions: Unlike natural grass, artificial grass does not require irrigation, mowing, and does not require the use of pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides.

Long Life = More Environmentally Friendly: MightyGrass’s top-quality artificial grass can last up to 10-15 years or even longer, delaying replacement time and minimizing waste.

PS: Are you looking for an environmentally friendly lawn? MightyGrass provides sustainable lawn solutions. Our synthetic grass has a low environmental impact, safe materials, and a long lifespan, making it perfect for your green project, LEED goals, or environmentally conscious consumer.

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What Factors Should be Considered Before Choosing Artificial Grass?

Identify your needs and applications: Determine what you want your artificial grass to be used for and how it will be used. Different applications require different turf specifications.

Be familiar with artificial turf industry terminology: Knowing the basics of artificial grass terminology will help you compare products like a pro.

Evaluate and compare the key features of high-quality artificial turf: Premium turf stands out in terms of performance and durability. Among them, it is important to consider whether it is non-toxic, lead-free, and fireproof artificial grass to avoid unnecessary harm.

Consider your artificial grass cost and budget: Artificial turf is a long-term investment. Avoid choosing it based on price alone. Cheap synthetic grass wears out faster and costs more in the long run.

Still Have Questions? Read our summary of how to choose the best artificial grass, which goes into more detail.

Mitä menee alle tekonurmi?

Choosing the right artificial turf is only half the equation; the base layer is just as important. A well-prepared base ensures durability, drainage, safety and long-term performance of your turf. Here’s a quick rundown of what we do underneath artificial turf:

Crushed stone or gravel (Most common base)

Decomposed granite (DG)

Fine aggregate and sand (Leveling layer)

Subgrade or paver base

Impact-absorbing pad (Optional, but recommended for safety reasons)

Weed barrier/geotextile

Silica sand, rubber, TPE or organic material to infill for artificial grass (Applied after turf installation)

Johtopäätös

There are many types of artificial turf available, with different textures, performance levels, and applications. Whether you’re looking to create an injury-free sports field, a safe playground surface, a lush landscape for commercial use, or to enhance your backyard, understanding turf materials, pile height, backing, infill, and overall construction can help you make smarter long-term decisions.

MightyGrass As a trusted tekonurmi valmistaja ja toimittaja, we specialize in helping you find a tailor-made artificial turf solution designed with durability, safety, and visual appeal in mind.

Need expert advice or custom specifications? Contact us today and we’ll custom build the right turf system to support your business.

FAQ

Which artificial turf is best for my project?

Choosing the best artificial grass material depends on the actual use, such as sports field, landscape, pet area or kindergarten. Different projects have different requirements in terms of grass fiber material (PE/PP/nylon), grass fiber height (Pile Height), backing and infill type.

Is artificial turf really water-free?

Although it does not need to be watered continuously like natural grass, it is recommended to regularly flush it with water to remove dust or pet residue and keep the lawn clean and cool, especially in the pet area.

Will artificial grass fade or change color permanently?

Synthetic grass produced by MightyGrass is usually added with UV inhibitors and high-quality masterbatches during the production process to maintain long-lasting color. Most high-quality products can provide 10–15 years of anti-fading.

Can artificial turf withstand high temperatures?

MightyGrass high-quality artificial grass has certain thermal stability, especially UV resistance and heat resistance. If you are using it in a hot environment, we recommend that you use white rubber or quartz sand to infill artificial grass, which is designed to have a cooling effect and can reduce the surface temperature by 30–50°F (about 16–28°C).

How long does artificial turf generally last?

The life span is related to the turf material, back-paving, frequency of use and maintenance. MightyGrass uses the best material for artificial grass to manufacture high end artificial grass, which can usually be used for 10–20 years, and commercial grade has a warranty period of 15 years or longer.

Is artificial grass safe for dogs or children?

Yes, MightyGrass is a high-standard artificial grass factory. We provide lead-free, non-toxic, and antibacterial materials that are suitable for children and pets. In addition, we also consider fast drainage structures and anti-odor treatment mechanisms in the design to ensure high hygiene standards.