Many homeowners invest in having luscious greenery in their property, whether indoors or outdoors. It’s because green space can quickly energize an area, boost its aesthetic appeal, and add comfort as well.
While most homes have natural grass or ground cover in their lawns and backyards, some homeowners are making a switch to artificial grass, making it rise to popularity in recent years.
Artificial grass is popular due to its many desirable characteristics. For instance, it’s relatively low-maintenance compared to natural greenery. Also, it’s more resistant to weather changes and degradation. For these reasons, more and more homeowners are becoming interested in purchasing grass carpets for their property.
If you’d like to know what factors should be considered before purchasing an indoor-outdoor grass carpet, here are a few points you may find helpful:
1. Determine The Purpose Of The Grass Carpet
Before choosing artificial turf for your home, you may need to identify the area where it will be installed and its purpose. These will help you select the ideal material that best suits your preferences and requirements.
Here are some of the most common purposes for installing grass carpets:
- To expand green space of a backyard or a garden for aesthetic purposes
- To allocate an activity area for the family
- To dedicate a pet-friendly space outdoors
- To create a comfortable space for entertaining guests and hosting gatherings
Aside from the purpose, you’ll also need to know how much foot traffic is expected in each area. This way, you can select the right kind of material that would suit your needs.
2. Decide On The Aesthetic Quality
The aesthetic appeal of an artificial lawn usually depends on three factors. First is the pile height of the grass carpet, then the pile density, and lastly, the color variant. The pile height commonly used in lawns ranges between 20 to 40 millimeters. A shorter pile height gives off the look of freshly-cut grass, while the longer ones look more natural.
On the other hand, the pile density recommended for each area depends on how much contact or foot traffic is expected. For play areas or sports fields, the recommended thickness ranges from 16,500 and 18,000 stitches per square meter. Meanwhile, you can consider a thinner density between 13,000 and 16,000 stitches per square meter for ornamental lawns with less foot traffic.
You’ll have various options from natural green to pink, red, and blue when it comes to color. These color variations allow more flexibility when it comes to designing your space. It also allows you to be more creative with your styling.
3. Consider Durability
It’s essential to purchase quality artificial grass to maximize your investment. This way, you can have the visual appeal for your space while ensuring that the grass carpet won’t be easily damaged.
Here are some factors that you’ll need to consider when it comes to the grass carpet’s durability:
A. Resistance To Wear
Premium quality grass carpets are abrasion-resistant. It means that it’s resistant to wear, mainly if installed in an area with high foot traffic. Also, the grass blades are durable enough to retain their shape even under heavyweight and constant contact. It’s crucial to select wear-resistant carpeting to avoid excessive maintenance and repair costs in the long run.
B. Resistance To Sun Damage
Natural grass is susceptible to damage due to too much sun exposure, and it’s also possible to encounter the same problem with artificial grass if it’s of inferior quality. High-quality grass carpets usually come with UV protection, so the grass blades will be able to retain their vibrance regardless of exposure. This way, you can enjoy having a beautiful lawn even on hot summer days.
C. Resistance To Weather Changes
Artificial turfs of premium quality should preserve their appearance and strength under extreme weather changes. This way, you won’t have to worry about maintenance and repair after heavy rainfall, drought, or snow. The water also won’t be retained on the carpet’s surface since it comes with a perforated backing that allows water to drain through.
4. Installation Process
Before installation, it’s essential to install a good base layer on top of the ground that will allow proper water drainage. It’s crucial to allow adequate drainage as this will prevent water accumulation on the carpet’s surface, which can cause mold and bacteria growth. Aside from this, sub-layers can help lengthen the lifespan and quality of the grass carpet. Also, the grass blades stay upright with the correct sub-layer installation.
Many grass carpet companies offer free installation when you purchase a product as a complete service package. You can take advantage of these offers as this would be more convenient and cost-effective.
5. Cleaning And Maintenance
While hiring professional cleaning services is an option, you can also clean your outdoor grass carpet on your own using a garden hose and a brush with a long handle. Synthetic lawns are easy to clean since the water will directly flow down to the drainage system.
Therefore, you can use your water hose to remove dirt and debris and use the brush or rake to fix the flattened areas. The carpet should also be able to completely dry on its own with proper installation and drainage system in place.
Meanwhile, you can spot clean dirtied surfaces using a wet cloth with gentle all-purpose cleaners for indoor grass carpets. It’s essential to select cleaners that won’t cause damage to the grass blades since most synthetic turfs are made from soft materials such as nylon or polyethylene. After the spot dries, you can use a broom to clear other debris and a plastic rake to keep the grass blades upright.
6. Cost
Basic artificial grass usually starts at GBP£5 per square meter, while luxury variants can go up to GBP£30. In the basic price range, it could take around GBP£500 to cover a 100 square meter lot area, which is the average garden size in the UK.
7. Lifespan
With proper care and upkeep, grass carpets can last from 15 to 20 years. High-quality carpets are also guaranteed not to fade or discolor and are generally considered environmentally safe.
Conclusion
With the right grass carpet, you’ll be sure to enjoy the benefits of having beautiful greenery in your living space. It’s easy to clean and maintain, resistant to damage and weather changes and is guaranteed to last for a long time as well. Given these characteristics, you can consider having a grass carpet in your household a wise investment to make.
Read Also:
