How do you recognise good-quality artificial grass? 7 things to look out for
But how do you recognise good-quality artificial grass? From its appearance and fibre structure to the backing and water permeability: here are 7 things to look out for.
1. A natural look starts with the fibre
Good artificial grass doesn’t have to be perfectly uniform in colour. It’s precisely that variation that makes a lawn look natural.
So look for a combination of different shades of green, fibre shapes and textures. Some blades of grass stand upright, whilst others are slightly more curved. This natural variation prevents a uniform, ‘plastic’ look.
Colour also plays an important role. Realistic artificial grass usually has multiple colour nuances and a shade that matches natural grass.
Tip: always view artificial grass in daylight. Artificial light can make colours appear different.
2. Look beyond the pile height
A common mistake is to judge artificial grass solely on the height of the fibres. Taller grass is not automatically better.
A pile height of, for example, 30, 35 or 40 mm says little in itself about the quality. Density, fibre shape and composition also determine how the grass looks and behaves.
A shorter artificial grass can therefore look fuller and more natural than a much taller product.
In short: look at the full picture, not just the number of millimetres.
3. Feel the difference
Artificial grass shouldn’t just look natural; it should also feel pleasant underfoot.
Walk across it barefoot, run your hand through the fibres and notice how supple the material feels. For a garden, patio or play area, comfort underfoot is often just as important as the appearance.
At the same time, artificial grass shouldn’t feel too flimsy. A good fibre combines softness with sufficient resilience, so that the grass retains its appearance and structure as well as possible.
4. Pay attention to the fibre structure
Not all artificial grass fibres are the same. The shape, thickness and structure of the fibres influence both the appearance and the performance.
Straight fibres, for example, create a fresh, upright effect, whilst curled fibres can help the grass look fuller and support the straight fibres.
The way the fibres are distributed also plays a role. A well-designed grass system forms a cohesive whole: the different fibres complement one another and create a natural appearance.
5. Examine the grass both up close and from a distance
A good test is simple: look at a sample from different distances.
Up close, you can see the details of the fibres and colours. From a few metres away, you mainly see the overall picture. High-quality artificial grass still looks natural even then.
For example, look out for repetition in the pattern. If the same structure or colour recurs in exactly the same way every time, the lawn can look artificial more quickly.
That’s why it’s worth not just looking at photos online, but actually holding a real sample in your hands.
Can you spot the difference?
6. Don’t forget the backing
What you see on the top is only part of the story. The backing – the underside of the artificial grass – also plays an important role.
The backing holds the fibres in place and contributes to the product’s stability. Water permeability is also important, especially when artificial grass is used outdoors.
A high-quality system is tailored to the intended use and to the substrate on which it is laid.
So don’t just look at how the grass looks, but also at what’s underneath it.
7. Ask for the specifications, not just the price
A low price may seem attractive, but says little about the overall quality or suitability of artificial grass.
You should therefore ask for the product’s technical specifications. Consider the composition of the fibres, pile height, density, backing, water permeability, intended use and warranty.
Installation is also important. Even high-quality artificial grass only performs to its full potential when the sub-base is properly prepared and the system is installed correctly.
Quality must be proven.
Some differences are immediately apparent. Others only become apparent after years of use. And some differences are not visible at all.
Where does the artificial grass come from? What materials have been used? How has it been tested? Which standards does it meet? And how is the quality monitored?
These may be less obvious questions, but they make a huge difference!
At Namgrass, we therefore look beyond just the appearance of the grass. As part of TenCate, we combine over 20 years’ experience in artificial grass with expertise in fibres, backing and production. Our products are developed and tested with a focus on quality, safety and performance.
Here are some of the features and checks you can look out for:
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REACH-compliant
materials comply with European regulations on chemical substances.
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ISO 9001
certified quality management.
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ISO 14001
certified environmental management.
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PFAS-free
with no intentionally added PFAS.
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Tested for lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium, amongst other substances
so that the composition of the material is also scrutinised.
You can recognise good artificial grass by the overall picture
So there isn’t just one characteristic by which you can recognise good artificial grass. It’s the combination of appearance, fibre structure, softness, resilience, backing and technical properties that make the difference.
And so, when comparing artificial grass, it’s best to look beyond the colour, pile height or price.
Can you tell the difference? Perhaps not always. But you can certainly check.
Ask about the origin, materials, certificates and test results. Because quality is more than just what you see.
Quality must be proven.
Curious about the difference?
Discover the Namgrass artificial grass collection and request a sample. See, feel and compare for yourself.
