Artificial Grass Pile Heights and Grades Explained

Pile height is simply how long the fibres are. Quality comes from density, the stitch rate, the dtex of the yarn and the shape of the fibre. A dense 30mm grass with a strong stitch rate will outlast a sparse 40mm every time, and will look better after a summer of children on it.

As a rule, the taller the pile the more it needs support from density and infill to stay upright. Tall and thin is the combination to avoid.

Density is how many stitches are packed into a square metre. Stitch rate is how many rows per ten centimetres. Dtex is the weight of the yarn. Together they tell you how much actual material you are buying, which is far more predictive of lifespan than the headline millimetres.

Push your thumb into the sample and let go. A good grass springs back and hides the backing. A poor one stays flattened and shows the lines of the stitches.

Fibre cross sections vary: C shape, S shape, diamond, stem. The shape controls how the fibre stands up and how it reflects light. Cheap grass looks plastic outdoors because the yarn is over shiny and uniform. A convincing grass has a matt finish, mixed green tones and a brown or beige thatch layer at the base.

Take samples outside and look at them in daylight on the ground, not indoors held up to a window. It is the single most useful thing you can do before choosing.

Family lawn with children and a trampoline: 25mm to 32mm, high density. Dogs: 25mm to 32mm with a permeable backing. Ornamental front garden or show space: 35mm to 40mm. Balcony or roof terrace where build up must stay low: 20mm to 25mm. Shaded side return: shorter pile, because there is less light and less need for a lush look, and it brushes clean more easily.