Below we have outlined and explained the key parameters to evaluate when selecting good quality artificial grass and how to pick the right one to suit your space.
1. Pile Height
What is pile height?
This is the height of each blade of grass when upright and excludes the height of the backing.
Depending on your space you may want to choose a shorter or longer blade of grass so this is why we stock 20mm, 30mm, 40mm and 50mm pile heights to ensure we have something that will work best for you no matter where you need it for!
How To Pick The Right Height For You?
20mm pile height – an excellent choice for very high traffic spaces or if you are looking for a more budget friendly choice. For only €7.99 sqm our 20mm Central grass is a great option for larger spaces due to it’s affordability as well as for covering unsightly hard surfaces that need an easy transformation (concrete balconies/ beer gardens/ activity run off areas).
30mm pile height – A little bit fluffier in appearance and softer underfoot, our 30mm Phoenix grass at €14.50 sqm is the perfect addition to any family home, with a bit more cushion for playing on whilst still being durable and easy to maintain. This height is a great choice for play/sports areas and pet owners.
40mm pile height – Luxurious in look and feel whilst still appearing natural, our 40mm Hyde grass is the perfect mix between durability and aesthetics! Only €16.50 sqm!
50mm pile height – A perfect lush manicured lawn does exist, and our 50mm Celtic grass is how to achieve it! A great choice for areas with less traffic ie. lounging areas/ balconies/ areas surrounding patios and provides brilliant padding and softness underfoot. The ultimate luxury for less bargain at €24.50 sqm (the current average price on the market for 30mm/40mm grass)
2. Gauge
What does gauge refer to?
This is the distance between the stitch lines on the backing which affects the appearance of the grass. If the gauge is too large the grass will look sparse and patchy. When the rows are closer together this creates higher density and a fuller looking grass. All our grasses have a 3/8 inch gauge which is recommended for residential spaces.
3. Stitch Rate
What does stitch rate mean?
Going hand in hand with gauge, stitch rate also greatly influences the density of the grass and refers to how many stitches there are per meter of grass. A combination of stitch rate and gauge impacts the quality of the grass with a higher density making better quality grass. For durability and a realistic looking lawn a stitch rate of 15,000 and up is ideal for domestic areas, including homes that see regular activity from children and pets.
20mm Central grass – stitch rate 15700 per sqm
30mm Phoenix grass -stitch rate 18900 per sqm
40mm Hyde grass – stitch rate 21000 per sqm
50mm Celtic grass – stitch rate 25200 per sqm
4. Dtex
What is dtex?
Dtex measures the linear weight of the yarn per 10,000 meters and is a key measurement for indicating the thickness of the fibres used. A higher dtex reflects a stronger grass and a slightly low dtex will create a softer feel grass . For residential spaces the standard range is from 5600 to 17000.
20mm Central – 5,300 ( a shorter pile height therefore has less overall density and thinner fibres )
30mm Phoenix – 10,000 (Resistant to flattening and great for heavy traffic)
40mm Hyde – 8,000 (the slightly lower dtex than the 30mm creates a softer feel underfoot and a very natural appearance without loosing its quality due to its high stitch density)
50mm Celtic – 10,400 ( A good mix between durability and softness)
5. Backing
What does backing refer to?
The backing is the foundation layer that artificial grass fibres are tufted into. The is an important part as it determines the overall strength, durability, stability and drainage of your grass. The backing is made up of two layers, the base cloth which is what the yarn is stitched into during manufacturing and the second layer which is an adhesive coating used to lock in the fibres after. The base cloth is typically made from polypropylene (PP) fabric which is a strong and stable material. In some grasses the PP can be reinforced by adding extra layers making it more resilient to weather conditions (in our 30,40 & 50mm it is with mesh). The second adhesive layer is typically a latex based mixture ensuring the blades of grass are held firmly in place whilst keeping flexibility.
30mm, 40mm & 50mm -UV Stabilized PP + Mesh + SBR Latex
20mm -UV Stabilized PP + SBR Latex
6. Colour
Colour might seem like a silly consideration however there are many variations available on the market with some looking more natural than others. Grass that only has green blades or 1-2 tones will not have that realistic look to it whereas grasses with blades of yellow or brown throughout appear much more realistic to the eye.
All our grasses are 4 tones to create the perfect balance between realistic and beautiful looking grass!
For more information on our grasses chat to a member of staff on 014600300 or via email at sales@homeoutdoors.ie
All our grass ranges are available to view in lifestyle settings at our Dublin showroom located at Robinhood Road, D22F437
And the best bit… ALL our grass styles are in stock and ready for immediate dispatch at incredible factory floor prices!
