As more and more people are looking to install synthetic grass in their homes, people have more and more questions about this new trend in outdoor living. If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’re one of the many persons interested in artificial grass, and naturally, you have questions. As a SYNLawn-trained artificial grass installer, I thought I'd share some of the most important things customers should know before they put turf in their backyards.
What's your Budget?
With any home improvement project, it is important to know how much you're willing and able to spend. This can help inform other important decisions like the size of your project and the materials used. There's a Jamaican proverb that says, "If yuh want good, yuh nose haffi run." Truer words have never been spoken. With low maintenance options like high-quality synthetic grass, the upfront cost is usually high. With other cheaper alternatives, you may have to replace your turf more frequently or put more effort into maintenance to keep it in good condition.
There's no escaping spending, but it's important for you to make the decision on what you're willing to spend on.
What's the Area?
The next important questions to answer are, "How do I want to use the space?" and "How much space am I using?" This goes for any decision with your outdoor space, direction is the first step. Maybe you just want to replace a lawn, maybe you want something for your apartment balcony or terrace, or maybe you're a sports enthusiast looking to put in a putting green or football pitch. Once you have an idea of how you'll be using the space, an experienced installer will be able to recommend the best grass type to use in that space.
Area and cost have a direct relationship - the greater the square footage the greater the cost. After deciding what you want to use the space for, you need to look at how much of the space is going to be used. Every project is different but usually, the area doesn’t have to be covered entirely by synthetic turf. You can include a bit of landscaping, or add other features like a deck or patio for a separate living space. A combination of things gives more visual appeal and usability to the space.
Answering this question helps you get a clear image of what you're looking forward to at the end of the project, and an understanding of what your options are and what they might cost. This helps to manage your expectations and budgeting.
What Artificial Grass are You Using?
It's important to be familiar with the synthetic grass you're using because all fake grasses are not created equal. There are differences in how realistic they look, how long they last, durability, and overall performance. I would recommend getting your hands on some samples to get an idea of how the grass actually looks and feels to give yourself a better picture of what you're spending your money on, and if it works for your space. In addition to knowing how it looks, you also want to get the relevant facts on the grass. It's important to find out the lifespan and any warranty information, special features, care instructions and any warnings from the manufacturer.
This kind of information is beneficial especially if you're concerned with getting value for your money.
Who is Doing the Install?
Just as all turf is not the same, all installers are not the same. There is no local standard or guideline for installing synthetic turf. I've seen a number of cases of installers cutting corners or completely botching jobs at homes and restaurants. A bad installation job can make even high-quality grass look tacky and it wastes your time and money. It can also bring up new issues and might mean having to spend more to correct or replace parts or all of the artificial grass. To avoid double spending you want to ensure that your installer has done this before and that they follow set standards or best practice guides.
I would encourage you to get relevant information before starting the process to save yourself in the long run. Another great place to get your questions answered would be on our website or the Synthetic Turf Council's (STC) website.