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How to Identify High-Quality vs. Low-Quality Artificial Grass: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

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Table of Contents

1.Why Artificial Grass Quality Matters

Artificial turf is more than decoration—it’s a long-term investment. Whether you’re landscaping a residential yard, setting up a commercial space, or building a sports field, the quality of your grass directly impacts durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. Poor turf can fade, flatten, or break within a year or two, leading to frustration and added costs.

This guide helps you avoid those issues by showing you how to distinguish high-quality turf from low-grade products.

2. Turf Fiber Material: PE vs. PP

The turf fiber is the core of artificial grass, directly influencing touch, appearance, and durability.

  • PE (Polyethylene): Soft, natural-looking, UV-resistant — ideal for residential lawns and playgrounds
  • PP (Polypropylene): Low-cost — suitable for decorative or low-traffic areas

Which is better?
Overall, PE is considered superior due to its softness and realistic look. Here’s a comparison:

(1)Polyethylene (PE)

Pros:

  • Soft and comfortable — barefoot-friendly
  • Natural appearance — realistic color and texture
  • Durable — good UV resistance and long lifespan
  • Widely used — perfect for lawns, playgrounds, pet areas, and sports fields

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than PP
  • Softer structure — not ideal for high-wear industrial uses

(2) Polypropylene (PP)

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly — suitable for temporary or decorative use
  • Firmer fibers — hold shape better
  • Lightweight and easy to manufacture

Cons:

  • Stiff and rough — not suitable for barefoot use
  • Weaker UV stability — fades and wears out quickly outdoors
  • Not recommended for high-traffic or long-term use

3.Summary recommendation:

ApplicationRecommended Material
Residential LandscapingPE
Kids’ Play AreasPE
Outdoor Sports FieldsPE or PE+PP Blends
Temporary InstallationsPP
Industrial/Decorative GrassPP
Residential Landscaping
Residential Landscaping
Outdoor Sports Fields
Kids’ Play Areas
Temporary Installations
Industrial/Decorative Grass

👉 Tip: Rub the fiber with your fingers—high-quality turf feels soft and flexible, while low-quality turf feels stiff and plasticky.

4.Turf Density & Dtex Value

  • Higher density (e.g., 16,000–20,000 stitches/m²) = fuller, springier turf
  • Dtex measures fiber thickness and strength — the higher, the more durable

What is Dtex?
It’s a technical term indicating the weight per 10,000 meters of yarn—higher Dtex means thicker, stronger fibers.

5.Pile Height & Fiber Shape

Choose pile height based on the application:

ApplicationRecommended Pile Height
Rooftops / Gyms10–18 mm
Home Gardens / Lawns25–35 mm
Commercial Landscaping20–30 mm
Gyms
Lawns
Commercial Landscaping

Fiber shape affects elasticity and resilience:

  • C/W/U-shape blades: Upright, resilient under foot traffic
  • Flat blades: Tend to flatten over time

For high-traffic or commercial use, consider shape and pile height together.

6.Backing & Adhesive Quality

The backing structure supports turf durability.

  • Primary backing: Usually PP with a mesh layer
  • Coating: SBR latex or PU (PU is more durable and uniform)

How to check:
Try pulling on the fibers. On premium turf, they won’t come out easily. On cheap turf, strands shed with minimal force.

7.UV Resistance & Weather Durability

Inferior turf fades or cracks after 1–2 years of sun exposure.

PP+Grid
Styrene butadiene latex SBR or PU adhesive
  • Premium turf includes UV stabilizers for long-lasting color
  • Look for “UV Resistant” labeling on product specs

Does artificial grass fade?
Yes—if it lacks UV protection.

8.Environmental & Safety Certifications

Always check for:

  • Lead-free, non-toxic, and heavy-metal safe
  • Certified by EU RoHS, REACH, or SGS third-party labs
  • Pet- and child-friendly grass for safe play

Cheap turf may emit harsh odors or contain unsafe chemicals.

9.Packaging & Manufacturer Reliability

A trustworthy supplier should offer:

  • Clear labeling and full product specs
  • Sample books or swatches
  • 5–10 year product warranty
  • Factory test reports or third-party lab results

This reflects professionalism and commitment to quality.

10.Quick Field Tests to Judge Turf Quality

Use these easy on-site methods:

  1. Burn test: Nylon smells like burning hair; PE/PP smells like plastic
  2. Pull test: Gently pull fibers—more shedding = poor glue
  3. Foot test: Step and check recovery — slow bounce-back is a red flag
  4. Sun test: Leave in direct sunlight for days to check for fading

These are simple but powerful techniques for evaluating quality.

11.Final Checklist & Buying Advice

When evaluating artificial grass, look for:

  • ✅ PE or PP turf fibers
  • ✅ High density and high Dtex
  • ✅ Strong dual-layer backing with even glue application
  • ✅ UV protection and weather resistance
  • ✅ Verified safety and environmental certifications

💡 Reminder: Cheaper turf may cost you more in the long run due to maintenance and replacement. Don’t just compare price—compare value.

12.Still Not Sure What to Choose?

After learning how to identify premium artificial grass, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right product for your project—whether it’s for a lawn, gym, or commercial event space.

Need help?
Contact us to get free samples and tailored product recommendations. We offer factory-direct supply, professional support, and expert guidance to simplify your buying process.

Hello, I'm founder of yeegrass.com, Amily Lee. You can call me Amily. Over the past 17 years, we have assisted more than 100 clients, including wholesalers, contractors, and builders, with their artificial grass projects. If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation quote or to discuss your solutions. I am writing down our years' experience and sharing with the knowledge related to artificial grass.

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