Artificial turf provides us with idealistic yards, perfect play areas, and enhanced green spaces, but have you ever wondered what synthetic grass actually is? Or how it’s made to look so natural? 

The fact is that synthetic grass technology has changed a lot over the years. Gone are the days of dull, matted turf grass loaded with harmful chemicals — now, high-quality, modern turf grass is environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, and designed to deliver your dream yard year round. 

In this article we’re going to cover what artificial turf is made of, how it’s made, and how to choose artificial turf that’s specific to your needs.  

Learn: Why Synthetic Grass is Better Than Natural Grass

Modern turf is usually made of materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon that mimic grass blades, and is held together with backing material that keeps the individual fibers together to provide structural stability.

The most common turf materials include:

Polyethylene is the most popular, realistic, and softest choice for residential lawns with moderate traffic from families, kids, and pets.

This material is durable, non-porous (easy to clean), and very soft to the touch. The texture does require occasional brushing or raking to help it maintain its appearance. Learn: How to Take Care of Artificial Turf: Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

All of the premium-grade turf at Modern Grounds is made with UV-resistant polyethylene that is resistant to fading, matting, and deterioration from extreme temperatures and the sun’s rays.

Turf grass made with polypropylene is the cheapest and least durable option. While it is inexpensive and lightweight, it has the lowest melting point which means it is prone to damage in high heat. Learn: Does Artificial Turf Get Hot in Summer? (And How to Reduce Heat)

Polypropylene is moderately soft, but not designed to withstand regular use and foot traffic. This type of synthetic grass is really only ideal for indoor, low-traffic, or decorative areas.

Nylon is the strongest and most heat-resistant, but offers a stiffer, less natural feel and is the most expensive of the three materials. Typically, nylon is used for artificial turf in high-traffic areas and sports fields that need to withstand constant use and abuse.

Now that we understand the materials that are used for artificial turf, we can take a look at how turf grass is actually made.

The raw material chosen for the artificial turf is melted and mixed with UV stabilizers, green pigments, and other additives to prevent degradation and fading. Afterwards, this mixture is extruded (forced through a perforated plate) to create the long, continuous shapes that resemble natural blades of grass.

The long grass-like strands are then cooled and stretched by rollers to thin them while increasing their durability. During this phase, the turf fibers can be shaped to be flat, C-shaped, or manufactured to have a soft, curly texture. Once the turf fibers have been stretched into these “yarns”, they are wound onto spools.

Next, a high-speed tufting machine (similar to a sewing machine) stitches the synthetic grass fiber “yarn” into a primary, woven backing material. The machine can be set to create a specific pile height (how tall the grass stands) of the artificial turf, creating rows of synthetic grass fibers. Artificial turf with shorter pile height is popular for putting greens, while longer pile height is often preferred for lawns.

Once the synthetic fibers are applied to the backing (typically a dual-layer system of polypropylene or mesh for stability and strength), a secondary coating of polyurethane or latex is applied to the back of the tufted material to lock the grass fibers in place.

To finish the process, the artificial turf is dried in an oven, and then using hot pins, drainage holes are punched into the backing to allow water to pass through effectively. Proper drainage is critical for synthetic grass, and this step ensures its longevity.

This step is not technically part of the manufacturing process for synthetic grass, but premium-grade turf is installed with infill materials like silica sand or crumb rubber to provide additional cushioning, drainage, and to help keep turf grass fibers upright. Budget turf installations often skip this step.

Whenever you’re looking to upgrade your home or landscaping, the quality of the materials used plays a huge role in the final outcome.

Professional-grade turf is engineered with advanced backings, UV protection, proper infill compatibility, and realistic blade structure. It resists fading, matting, and deterioration from harsh sun and heavy rains. Premium turf from Modern Grounds even comes with a full 15-year warranty. 

High-quality, professionally-installed synthetic grass can last anywhere from 15-20 years for residential properties. 

When choosing artificial turf for your property, we recommend choosing turf that is made in the United States or Europe — not only because of the higher quality, but because they are subject to stricter regulations that ensure the turf is lead-free and does not include harmful chemicals. 

Related: How Long Does Artificial Turf Last?

Budget turf grass has a lower face weight, resulting in fewer, thinner blades that flatten and wear down quickly, especially with heavy use. The appearance is also generally unnatural and fake, with a uniform, bright green color, excessive shine, and no blade variations. Budget turf grass options generally only offer a limited or restrictive warranty. 

If you choose budget turf, DIY installation, or don’t take care of your artificial turf, you could find yourself needing to replace it in as little as 4-7 years.

Most budget turf is also not manufactured with proper drainage, is not eco-friendly, and when produced overseas, may suffer from quality defects like inconsistent blade length, color, and more.

Experienced turf installers will be able to help you choose the right turf option for your needs.

Here’s a quick guide for selecting turf materials based on intended usage:

• Residential Landscaping & Backyards: Landscaping turf usually requires polyethylene turf with a medium to high pile height for softness and realism.
• Pet Areas: Pet turf is usually designed with polyethylene with antimicrobial backing and strong drainage.
• Putting Greens: Putting greens benefit from short-pile height turf made of polyethylene for a smooth, fast surface.
• Playgrounds & Schools: Polyethylene turf with strong backing and padding for impact protection.
• Commercial Applications: Commercial turf often requires nylon or polyethylene that is designed to handle high-traffic.

Learn: Does Artificial Turf Increase Your Home Value?

Modern Grounds’ professional turf installations include skilled labor and craftsmanship, proper insurance, advanced equipment, and warranties, ensuring that your synthetic grass can last for decades.

When you trust Modern Grounds to install your synthetic turf you’ll receive the following benefits:

• Proper Drainage: Excavation and grading to ensure proper drainage.
• Sturdy Foundation: Base installation using crushed stone, compacted in multiple layers.
• Growth Prevention: Weed barriers to stop growth from underneath.
• Precision Edging: Works to lock the system in place.
• Seamless Appearance: Cutting and seaming turf so the lines disappear.
• Wrinkle Prevention: Stretching material properly to prevent wrinkles.
• Structural Integrity: Applying adhesives and seam tape for structural strength.
• Increased Longevity: Ensuring infill installation to proper levels to help turf look great and stand the test of time.

Learn: Why High-Quality Turf Installation is Worth the Investment

Understanding what artificial turf is and how it’s made can help you recognize the value of professional-grade turf and installation. 

Trusting experts to help you choose the right synthetic grass for your needs, opting for US-made turf that is eco-friendly and backed by a lifetime warranty, and ensuring maximum longevity with proper installation, means you can bring your dream lawn to life — and rest easy knowing it will last long term. 

Don’t wait: Contact Modern Grounds for a free quote today!