Purchasing Synthetic Turf
Posted by Matt Garrabrants on
When buying synthetic turf, it is wise to put some research into it beforehand. Brush up on some useful facts to know about the different types of artificial turf, as well as the different brands and their price ranges.
Browse through the different types of synthetic turf available. Generally, the two main options are between deciding whether you want to install a carpet-like turf - like astro turf - or fake grass made out of synthetic blades of fiber.
For a front yard or lawn, artificial lawn grass is the obvious choice. However, if you're looking to install a personal putting green turf to play golf during down-time, then perhaps a more mat-like fake turf would be the better option. Another aspect of artificial turf is the presence of infill. Infill can be either sand or even crumb rubber, and it is used to give the fake turf a more natural and authentic quality.
If you want to give your artificial grass a realistic feel, then infill would be the answer. However, purchasing turf without infill tends to be a more practical decision in most cases.
The quality of the synthetic turf is the most important factor in choosing it. It needs to be durable and reliable, and not fade or tear down easily in a short amount of time. The manufacturers of the artificial turf can also be looked into, as it will clue you in to what to expect from the product quality-wise.
Another thing to focus on is whether the lead content in the fake turf is low. Since lead and other similar metallic substances are used to emulate the bright green color of grass, a high amount can be a bit toxic. Both aforementioned aspects are especially significant if children or pets are going to be playing and running around on the artificial turf.
Before looking into prices, the area that the synthetic turf is going to be covering needs to be known. This is because turf prices are usually quoted per square foot. Other than the price for the actual artificial turf, the price to install the product may vary.
Given a good amount of research, the company that you find is best-suited to meet your turf needs can be chosen. Keep in mind that the retailers and companies for residential fake turfs are usually separate from those that handle stadium fields and the like.
If you're looking into discounts, then it is advised to be careful about the quality of the artificial turf. You can even save up on money by buying fake turf that has previously been used. A great number of retailers sell artificial turf that was used in a professional stadium or a field, but are still usable.
These tend to have signs of wear about them but can still be bought at a lowered price. Such pieces aren't good for aesthetic purposes, but can still be installed in areas where activities causing increased wear and tear are bound to occur. On another note, it is imperative that the fake grass or fake turf be installed properly. It can be done by yourself, but it is better to hire a professional so that the job is thorough. The quality of installation is just as important as the product's quality to contribute to its future durability.