Home & Garden

Are you looking to install the best artificial grass in your garden?

Artificial grass is more than just fake turf—it’s a lifestyle improvement. It offers the appearance of natural grass without the upkeep.

What Makes an Artificial Grass Product Truly Premium?

Not all fake grass is created equal. The difference between a product that remains stunning for 15+ years and one that needs replacing after only a few seasons boils down to several critical factors. We reveal what separates exceptional artificial grass from the mediocre options and how to select the perfect solution for your specific garden needs.

Understanding Quality: What Makes Artificial Grass Truly Premium?

The type of polymer used to create the grass blades is the most critical factor determining quality and artificial lawn longevity:

Material Quality Grade Key Advantages & Disadvantages for Gardens
Polypropylene (PP) Entry-Level Disadvantages: Flattens easily (low resilience), poor UV stability (fades quickly), weak fibre strength, and often has an unnatural, shiny finish. Verdict: Generally unsuitable for primary garden areas or high traffic.
Polyethylene (PE) Mid-Range Advantages: Good softness for comfort, natural appearance, and moderate resilience. Verdict: Suitable for standard residential gardens with light to moderate use.
Nylon (Polyamide) ⭐ Premium Choice Advantages: Superior resilience (recovers better from furniture), exceptional strength (up to 33% stronger), excellent heat resistance, and superior dimensional stability. Verdict: Ideal for high-traffic gardens, active families, and areas requiring maximum durability.
Are you struggling to find the best fake grass for your garden?

With hundreds of artificial grass products varying widely in quality, look, and price, finding the perfect artificial lawn can feel overwhelming. Many homeowners in Cornwall and across the UK often face disappointment when investing in products that quickly fade, flatten, or deteriorate after just a few seasons.

At Cornwall Artificial Lawns, we understand that selecting artificial grass for your home is a major decision. That’s why we’ve created this in-depth guide. We aim to help you confidently identify truly premium synthetic turf that will deliver years of beautiful enjoyment and lasting value.

Pile Height and Density: Critical for Garden Applications

For garden installations, pile height (the length of the grass blades) and density (the number of blades per square metre) are crucial considerations:

Optimal Pile Height for Gardens

Different pile heights suit different garden applications:

  • Short pile (20-30mm): Ideal for high-traffic areas, provides a more manicured look
  • Medium pile (30-35mm): The most versatile option for most UK gardens, balancing natural appearance with practicality
  • Long pile (35-40mm+): Creates a lush, luxurious look but requires more regular brushing to maintain


For most UK garden applications, a medium pile height of 30-35mm provides the ideal balance between natural appearance and practical performance.

Pile Density Considerations

Pile density, measured in stitches per square metre, significantly impacts both appearance and durability:

  • Budget products: 12,000-15,000 stitches per m²
  • Mid-range products: 16,000-18,000 stitches per m²
  • Premium products: 19,000+ stitches per m²

For garden applications, we recommend a minimum of 16,000 stitches per square metre. Our premium ranges exceed 20,000 stitches, providing exceptional appearance and durability even in busy family gardens.

🏡 Garden-Specific Features: Choosing the Right Artificial Grass

When selecting synthetic turf for your garden, look beyond basic specifications. These three features are essential for ensuring beauty, durability, and comfort in an outdoor living space:

1. Achieving a Truly Natural Garden Appearance

Since your lawn is viewed from all angles and under constantly changing light, maximum realism is paramount. Premium artificial grass delivers this through:

Multi-Tone Technology: Incorporating 3-4 distinct shades of green, plus a realistic brown or beige thatch layer, to perfectly replicate the variation found in natural turf.

Non-Directional Fibres: Designed to look lush and realistic no matter where you are standing or viewing your lawn from.

Anti-Shine Finish: This specialized treatment eliminates the plastic, glossy look often associated with cheap products, ensuring your lawn stays natural-looking, even in bright sunlight.

✅ Our Solution: Natural Look, delivering an artificial lawn that is virtually indistinguishable from perfectly maintained natural grass.

2. Durability and Recovery for Garden Furniture

Garden furniture, from dining sets to loungers, can compress and flatten lower-quality turf permanently. To prevent this, insist on products with superior resilience:

Memory Fibre Technology: High-grade fibres engineered to spring back quickly and effectively after prolonged pressure.

Supportive Thatch: A dense, structured under-layer that provides internal support, helping the blades retain their upright shape.

Reinforcement: Used to enhance the core strength and resilience of the grass, specifically targeting the pressure points created by heavy items.

Recovery Technology: ensures your garden grass retains its flawless, upright appearance, easily bouncing back even after regular use of furniture.

3. Temperature Management for Barefoot Comfort

Gardens are for enjoying barefoot in the summer, but many standard artificial grasses become painfully hot. For comfortable summer use, look for:

Heat-Reflective Materials: Specialized fibres or coatings that actively reflect sunlight away from the surface instead of absorbing it.

Cooling Features: These treatments can successfully keep the turf surface up to 12 degrees cooler than conventional synthetic grass, making it safe and enjoyable for children and pets.

The Core Strength: Why Backing is Crucial for UK Garden Stability

Understanding Artificial Grass Backing for Long-Term Performance

The backing material provides the structure needed for a stable, high-performing garden installation, especially where effective water management is necessary.

Primary Layer: A strong, tightly woven primary backing is vital. It acts like a secure net, locking the synthetic grass fibres in place to prevent them from becoming loose during normal garden activities.

Secondary Layer: Quality products feature a substantial secondary coating (ideally ≥900g/m2 of latex). This high material density is what gives the lawn its dimensional stability, ensuring it resists shrinking or stretching.

Drainage Rate: Optimal drainage is essential. We recommend choosing products with a proven drainage rate of at least 30L/min/m2 to easily cope with the heaviest downpours and keep your lawn useable year-round.

Garden-Specific Applications

Not all lawns are the same! The best artificial grass product depends entirely on how you intend to use that specific area of your garden. Tailoring your selection ensures optimal performance, longevity, and aesthetics.

1. The Main Family Lawn Area

For the central area of your garden, where you want the most realistic look and feel, focus on a blend of aesthetics and resilience.

Optimal Pile Height: We recommend a balanced pile height of 30–35mm, which mimics the look of a freshly cut UK lawn.

Superior Durability: Look for a high stitch density, ideally 18,000 stitches per m2 or more, to handle regular foot traffic.

Authentic Appearance: Choose multi-tone blades with a natural brown thatch layer for a highly realistic, vibrant look.

Soft Texture: Ensure the fibres are soft enough for bare feet, picnics, and comfortable family play.

2. Dedicated Children’s Play Areas

When safety and toughness are the top priority, your grass needs to stand up to heavy activity.

Enhanced Safety: Select products with softer, rounded fibres. For added protection, install a shock-absorbing underlay to cushion falls.


Maximum Resilience: Grass containing Nylon or high-grade polymers offers superior spring-back and better resistance to flattening.


Non-Toxic Guarantee: Always confirm that the materials used are certified as child-safe and non-toxic.


3. Decorative & Ornamental Features

For areas used mainly for display, such as borders or surrounding planters, you can prioritize luxury and visual impact over hardiness.

Luxury Finish: Opt for a longer pile height (35mm+) for a lush, luxurious appearance.

Visual Impact: Choose richer, more vibrant green tones to perfectly highlight surrounding features.

Manicured Look: Select grasses with strong, upright blades to maintain a tidy, well-defined structure.

4. Shaded & North-Facing Gardens

These challenging areas require grass with specialized performance features to prevent issues related to damp and lack of sun.

Moisture Resistance: Look for products with integrated anti-fungal or mold resistance to cope with consistent dampness.

Superior Drainage: Ensure the backing material allows for rapid, effective water flow, preventing puddles and saturation.

UV Stability: Choose a product that maintains its color and quality without relying on strong, direct sunlight.

1. The Main Family Lawn Area

For the central area of your garden, where you want the most realistic look and feel, focus on a blend of aesthetics and resilience.

  • Optimal Pile Height: We recommend a balanced pile height of 30–35mm, which mimics the look of a freshly cut UK lawn.

  • Superior Durability: Look for a high stitch density, ideally 18,000 stitches per or more, to handle regular foot traffic.

  • Authentic Appearance: Choose multi-tone blades with a natural brown thatch layer for a highly realistic, vibrant look.

  • Soft Texture: Ensure the fibres are soft enough for bare feet, picnics, and comfortable family play.

 

2. Dedicated Children's Play Areas

When safety and toughness are the top priority, your grass needs to stand up to heavy activity.

  • Enhanced Safety: Select products with softer, rounded fibres. For added protection, install a shock-absorbing underlay to cushion falls.

  • Maximum Resilience: Grass containing Nylon or high-grade polymers offers superior spring-back and better resistance to flattening.

  • Non-Toxic Guarantee: Always confirm that the materials used are certified as child-safe and non-toxic.

 

3. Decorative & Ornamental Features

For areas used mainly for display, such as borders or surrounding planters, you can prioritize luxury and visual impact over hardiness.

  • Luxury Finish: Opt for a longer pile height (35mm+) for a lush, luxurious appearance.

  • Visual Impact: Choose richer, more vibrant green tones to perfectly highlight surrounding features.

  • Manicured Look: Select grasses with strong, upright blades to maintain a tidy, well-defined structure.

 

4. Shaded & North-Facing Gardens

These challenging areas require grass with specialized performance features to prevent issues related to damp and lack of sun.

  • Moisture Resistance: Look for products with integrated anti-fungal or mold resistance to cope with consistent dampness.

  • Superior Drainage: Ensure the backing material allows for rapid, effective water flow, preventing puddles and saturation.

  • UV Stability: Choose a product that maintains its color and quality without relying on strong, direct sunlight.

Installation Considerations for Garden Applications

The installation method significantly impacts the performance of garden artificial grass:

Sub-Base Requirements for Gardens

Different garden conditions require different sub-base approaches:

  • Standard garden soil replacement: 75-100mm of MOT Type 1 crushed stone
  • Clay or poorly-draining soils: Additional drainage solutions may be required
  • Existing concrete or patio: Shock pad underlay recommended for comfort

Edging Solutions for Garden Integration

How your artificial grass meets other garden elements is crucial for a professional finish:

  • Lawn-to-flower bed transitions: Timber edging provides a clean separation
  • Lawn-to-patio transitions: Aluminum edging creates a seamless join
  • Curved garden designs: Flexible edging allows for creative shapes

Pet Considerations for Family Gardens

If your garden will be used by pets, several installation modifications are beneficial:

  • Enhanced drainage: Additional measures to handle pet waste
  • Antimicrobial sand infill: Helps control odors
  • Secure perimeter: Prevents dogs from accessing and lifting edges

For more detailed information, see our guide on pet-friendly artificial grass.

🛠️ Key Installation Considerations for Your Perfect Artificial Lawn

The success and longevity of your new garden artificial grass heavily rely on a professional installation. Here are the critical factors we address to ensure optimal performance:

1. Optimal Sub-Base Preparation

 

Achieving a durable, well-draining lawn starts with the right foundation. Different garden landscapes require tailored sub-base solutions:

  • Standard Gardens: We typically recommend a foundation of 75-100mm of MOT Type 1 crushed stone, ensuring stability and drainage.

  • Clay or Poorly-Draining Areas: For difficult soils, we integrate advanced drainage solutions to prevent waterlogging and pooling.

  • Existing Hard Surfaces (Concrete/Patio): To enhance comfort and safety, a cushioning shock pad underlay is highly recommended beneath the turf.

 

2. Edging for a Flawless Finish

 

The way your synthetic turf transitions to other areas is vital for a clean, professional look:

  • Lawn-to-Flower Beds: Durable timber edging provides a defined, neat separation from planting areas.

  • Lawn-to-Patio/Paving: Discreet aluminum edging creates a smooth, almost seamless connection with hard landscaping.

  • Curved Designs: Flexible edging is essential for accommodating unique, creative garden shapes and boundaries.

 

3. Pet-Friendly Garden Modifications

 

If your garden is a playground for family pets, a few installation adjustments can significantly improve hygiene and maintenance:

  • Superior Drainage: We implement enhanced drainage to efficiently manage pet waste and keep the area hygienic.

  • Odor Control: An application of antimicrobial sand infill is used to neutralize odors and ensure freshness.

  • Edge Security: We secure the perimeter robustly to prevent pets from lifting or damaging the edges of the lawn.

For homes with dogs, be sure to read our complete guide on creating the ultimate pet-friendly artificial grass area!

✨ Expert Advice: Your 4-Step Guide to Choosing the Best Artificial Grass

1. Always Start by Ordering Samples (Crucial Step!)

Seeing is believing when it comes to artificial grass. Samples are non-negotiable for making an informed decision:

Color Assessment: Evaluate the true shade and vibrancy under your garden’s unique lighting.

Texture & Comfort: Feel the fibers and confirm the softness and density underfoot.

Quality Check: Compare pile recovery, thickness, and overall material quality.

Our complimentary sample service makes it easy to compare various products right in your own garden environment.

2. Focus on the Total Lifetime Value, Not Just Price

When comparing different price points, it’s vital to consider the full lifecycle cost:
Factor Budget Option Premium Option
Expected Lifespan Typically 5–8 years Often 15–20 years
Value Low initial cost, high replacement frequency Higher initial cost, better long-term investment

While premium synthetic turf requires a larger upfront investment, its superior durability and significantly longer lifespan mean it consistently offers better value over the product’s life.

3. Match the Grass to Your Garden’s Purpose

Be honest about how your outdoor space is used to ensure you choose the right product:

High-Traffic / Family Use: Select robust, highly resilient grass designed to withstand heavy wear and tear.

Aesthetic / Show Gardens: Opt for ultra-realistic, luxury fibers that mimic a perfect natural lawn.

Pet Owners: Look for specialized pet-friendly artificial grass with superior drainage and anti-odor features.

Shaded Areas: Choose products known for performing well without constant direct sunlight.

4. Never Compromise on Professional Installation

Even the highest-quality fake grass will disappoint if the installation is flawed. Always prioritize a professional service:

Sub-Base Preparation: A properly laid, stabilized sub-base is essential for longevity.

Drainage: Correct artificial lawn drainage must be put in place to prevent standing water.

Seams & Edges: Expert installers ensure invisible seams and secure, professional finishing.

While professional installation may add 50% to 100% to your material cost, this investment is crucial for maximizing long-term satisfaction and performance.

Case Study: Retirement Garden Transformation in Devon

Transforming a Garden Burden into a Retirement Pleasure

When a homeowner in Devon prepared to enter retirement, they chose to install our artificial grass product to dramatically reduce their garden maintenance workload.

The Original Challenges:

Physical Strain: The existing lawn was physically difficult for the owner to manage.

Rising Costs: Professional gardening services were becoming increasingly expensive.

Inconsistent Look: Despite significant effort, the lawn’s appearance remained patchy and unattractive.

Maintenance Burden: The need for constant upkeep limited their enjoyment of the outdoor space.

The Artificial Grass Solution & Benefits:

Regained Leisure Time: They instantly reclaimed valuable time previously dedicated to mowing and weeding.

Perfect Finish: Achieved a consistently lush, green appearance with zero effort.

Extended Use: The garden is now usable and enjoyable throughout all seasons.

Independent Care: The owner can now easily maintain their garden, even with minor mobility concerns.

The verdict, two years post-installation? The artificial turf completely revitalized their relationship with the garden, changing it from a source of stress into a personal, effortless sanctuary.

🏆 Conclusion: Investing in Premium Artificial Grass

Choosing the best artificial grass for your UK garden requires balancing several critical factors: realistic appearance, lasting durability, comfort underfoot, and overall value. By understanding these key quality indicators and carefully matching the synthetic turf to your family’s needs, you can secure an investment that provides years of beauty and low-maintenance enjoyment.

At Cornwall Artificial Lawns, we are dedicated to supplying the highest quality artificial grass products that guarantee exceptional performance and value for UK gardens. Our thoughtfully curated range includes options specifically designed for every application, from resilient pet-friendly artificial grass to ultra-realistic varieties that are practically indistinguishable from a natural lawn.

Ready to install beautiful, low-maintenance artificial grass in your garden? Order your free samples today!

Artificial grass is a convenient and cost-effective solution for your landscaping needs.

Call us 07454334891