What are the different types of artificial turf, and how do I pick the right one?

Types of artificial turf at a glance

Start with the use case. Each turf category is engineered for a purpose, which drives pile height, density, backing, drainage, and infill choices.

Landscape and residential lawns

• Ideal uses: Front and back yards, medians, pool surrounds, low-slope areas.
• Typical pile height: About 1.25 to 2.0 inches for a natural look.
• Key traits: Multi-tone blades with thatch, medium to high face weight for density, soft feel.
• Infill: Rounded silica sand or coated sand to stabilize blades and support cooling.
• Notes: Balance realism with maintenance. Taller piles look plush but need more brushing.

Pet-friendly turf

• Ideal uses: Dog runs, side yards, kennels, high-traffic pet zones.
• Typical pile height: About 1.0 to 1.25 inches for easy cleaning.
• Key traits: High drainage rate, durable yarns, antimicrobial or odor-adsorbing infill options.
• Infill: Coated sand or zeolite-type infill to help manage odors.
• Notes: Choose fully permeable backing where fast drainage is a priority.

Sports turf

• Ideal uses: Multi-sport practice areas, performance training, fields specified by sport.
• Typical pile height: About 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on sport and infill system.
• Key traits: High resilience, performance infill, shock attenuation targets guided by standards.
• Infill: Engineered infills such as TPE, EPDM, or coated sand; rubber in some systems.
• Notes: Ask for performance data like Gmax and HIC ratings where applicable.

Putting greens

• Ideal uses: Backyard putting, indoor sims, commercial practice greens.
• Typical pile height: About 0.375 to 0.75 inches, rolled with fine sand for speed.
• Key traits: Tight stitch pattern, short pile, true roll when infilled and groomed correctly.
• Infill: Fine dried silica sand for speed tuning and stability.
• Notes: Fringe turf around the green often uses a taller landscape turf.

Playground and recreation

• Ideal uses: Play areas, daycares, schools, high-fall zones with pads.
• Typical system: Landscape-style pile on an impact pad to meet fall height targets.
• Key traits: Consistent surface, safety system tested to performance standards.
• Notes: Look for third-party verified systems designed to a stated fall height.

Rooftop, balcony, and patios

• Ideal uses: Decks, terraces, rooftop amenity spaces, balconies.
• Typical pile height: About 1.0 to 1.5 inches to manage weight and maintenance.
• Key traits: Lightweight options, excellent drainage, modular pads for airflow.
• Notes: Confirm local fire, building, and wind uplift requirements.

Multipurpose and commercial

• Ideal uses: Common areas, retail displays, event spaces, indoor training.
• Key traits: Durable yarns, easy cleaning, color options.
• Notes: Choose by expected traffic and cleaning frequency.

How to choose the right turf

1. Define use case and traffic

• Use case sets the category. Traffic sets durability and density needs.
• Pets present? Prioritize drainage, odor management, and easy cleaning.
• Kids or sports? Prioritize safety, traction, and shock performance.

2. Focus on the specs that matter

• Pile height: Short for pets and greens. Medium for most lawns. Taller for plush looks.
• Face weight and stitch density: More material generally means denser feel and better recovery.
• Blade shape and yarn: S, C, W, or flat profiles balance softness, resilience, and sheen.
• Thatch layer: Adds realism and helps fibers stand up.
• Backing: Perforated or fully permeable. Choose fully permeable for fast drainage needs.
• Drainage rate: Higher is better in wet climates or pet zones. Confirm a tested value.
• Infill: Stabilizes blades, tunes performance, aids cooling, and supports safety.
• UV stabilization: Look for UV-resistant yarns and a clear fade and degradation warranty.

3. Match to climate and heat

• Hot, sunny regions: Consider lighter blade tones, cooling infills, shade, and airflow.
• Wet climates or freeze-thaw: Prioritize drainage and a well-compacted, free-draining base.

4. Safety, health, and compliance

• Play areas: Use an impact system engineered and tested to the target fall height.
• Materials: Specify lead-safe, heavy-metal compliant products from reputable suppliers.
• Fire and building codes: Verify rooftop and indoor requirements before you buy.

5. Total cost of ownership

• Evaluate base work, turf, infill, edging, and accessories as a system.
• Durable, well-specified turf reduces grooming time and replacement cycles.

Quick selector

• Low-maintenance family lawn: 1.5 to 1.75 inch landscape turf, medium-high density, silica sand infill.
• Dogs and heavy pet use: 1.0 to 1.25 inch pet turf, fully permeable backing, antimicrobial or odor-control infill.
• Backyard putting green: 0.375 to 0.75 inch putting turf with fine sand infill, taller fringe around perimeter.
• Playground: Landscape pile over an impact pad, verified to the required fall height.
• Rooftop or balcony: Lightweight turf with drainage pad and secure perimeter edging.
• Training or sports area: Performance turf with appropriate infill and shock metrics.

Installation factors that change performance

Base preparation

• Use a stable, compacted, free-draining base. Slope away from structures.
• For rooftops and concrete, use drainage pads to promote airflow and water movement.

Seams and edges

• Use quality seam tape and adhesive. Align grain direction to avoid sheen changes.
• Secure edges with nails, stakes, or perimeter edging suited to the substrate.

Infill selection

• Lawns: Rounded silica sand or coated sand.
• Pets: Coated sand or odor-control infills that rinse clean.
• Greens: Fine dried sand for speed tuning.
• Sports: Engineered infills specified for performance and safety.

Care and maintenance

• Rinse and brush high-traffic areas to keep fibers upright.
• Remove debris to protect drainage. Top up infill as needed.
• For pets, rinse regularly and treat with enzyme-based cleaners as needed.

Warranties and documentation

• Look for clear UV, wear, and backing warranties from established manufacturers.
• For safety systems, keep test reports and installation records.

Need a spec-matched recommendation?

Tell FusionTurf your use case, traffic level, climate, safety needs, and budget. We will match a turf system that performs the way you expect, with specs and data to back it up.