Helpful Artificial Turf Terminology You Need To Know
FACE WEIGHT
Face weight is the amount of material used per square yard, not including the backing material. The higher the face weight, the more dense the turf. Most artificial turf products offer a face weight of anywhere between 30 and 80 ounces per square yard with the majority of residential turf options falling between 50 and 80 ounces.
PILE HEIGHT
Pile is the name given to the artificial turf grass blades when referring to length and direction. Pile height is used to explain the length of the grass blades. This can range from under 1″ (typically a putting green type material) up to 2.5″. A typical residential turf pile height usually measures around 1.25″ to 2″. This gives the turf the most durability and ability to withstand moderate to heavy foot traffic.
THATCH
Many residential and commercial artificial grass products have a layer of brown or tan curly fibers at the base, mimicking natural grass thatch. Thatch helps the blades stand upright and adds to a realistic look.
GAUGE
Refers to the spacing between rows of stitches in the artificial turf backing. A smaller gauge means stitches are closer together, resulting in a denser turf.
BACKING
Turf backing refers to the stabilizing fabrics that are used to secure the fiber tufts. This typically is a urethane or latex coating and comes in several different styles (perforated, fully permeable, etc) depending on the type of turf you are looking at.

DENSITY
Density refers to the number of blades or synthetic fibers per unit area in a synthetic turf system. The density of the turf can affect the appearance, feel, and durability of the turf. Turf density is typically measured in terms of tufts or stitches per square foot. A higher density indicates a greater number of fibers tightly packed together, while a lower density means fewer fibers spread farther apart. The ideal turf density varies greatly on the specific application and intended use of the artificial turf. Sports, landscaping, or recreational areas may have different density recommendations based on several factors including expected usage patterns, performance expectations, aesthetics, and more.

INFILL
Infill is a sand-like material that is the last step of your artificial turf installation. The infill provides a few benefits for your artificial turf, including adding weight to the turf to keep it in place and providing ballast to the blades, keeping them standing up. There are also several types of infill options including an antimicrobial infill or a cooling infill. To learn more about infill options, visit our blog post Why Infill Matters.

BASE
Base or base material refers to the foundation on which the artificial turf is installed. The base layer consists of 4″-6″ of crushed stone, typically consisting of 2 layers: coarse gravel and fine gravel, which is then graded and compacted down. The base system is, arguably, the most important part of your artificial turf installation. A solid base system allows for proper drainage and an even surface for the turf to be installed on.

Don’t let turf terminology frieghten you!
We know that selecting artificial grass can be a daunting task. That’s why our experts are here to make the process easier, helping you find the perfect solution for your needs. With a diverse selection of top-quality artificial grass and expert guidance, we’ll ensure your project is a success.






