Crafting the perfect outdoor oasis is no simple task in the UK given the unpredictability of British weather.
Keeping luscious grass and blooming flowerbeds healthy and happy becomes increasingly difficult with torrential rain and a perennial lack of sunlight.
Artificial grass has emerged as a popular, fuss-free alternative to real turf and is beloved for its ability to keep gardens looking verdant all year round. It’s also a far more cost-effective means of improving outdoor spaces, as synthetic grass drastically reduces costs associated with watering, weeding and feeding.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial grass?
Advantages
- Not only does artificial grass cost less in the long term and last far longer than traditional turf, but it’s also great for households with individuals who suffer from allergies.
- They require little to no maintenance, are pet-friendly, durable and always look wonderfully green – especially if UV stabilised.
- Artificial grass offers a vast variety of styles and types to suit your personal horticultural aesthetic, allowing you to choose between shades of green, textures, heights and more.
Disadvantages
- Downsides include the fact that artificial grass requires a longer installation process and is often more expensive than traditional turf.
- Synthetic grass also gets very hot in the summer as it absorbs heat, which can make it uncomfortable to walk on. This is another reason why artificial grass is typically recommended for shady areas where grass struggles to grow.
- Synthetic grass can additionally trap bacteria, which means that pet owners will still have to regularly clean and hose down the area.
- Though some artificial lawns can be recycled, many contribute to landfill waste. Before investing in artificial grass, consider the materials that it has been made with.
What should people consider before choosing artificial grass?
Blade shape and texture
There are a surprisingly large number of blade shapes for artificial grass, resulting in a variety of different textures. Turf Distributors has a handy guide to the top 10 different types of artificial grass. Broadly, W, S and wavy-shaped yarn help to deliver a natural look, while more rigid diamond and flat shapes have better durability and tend to hold their shape long-term.
Shade
Make sure you choose a shade of green that looks natural, isn’t just a trendy option that you might tire of, and is resistant to UV.
Density and height
Since artificial grass doesn’t grow, make sure you’re choosing a density which suits your outdoor needs. Longer, high-density artificial turf tends to be higher quality, lasts longer and looks more realistic. On the flipside, shorter, low-density artificial turf is cheaper and works well for low-traffic areas. The denser the turf, the thicker the grass will appear to be.
We’ve curated a selection of the best quality artificial grass to shop in the UK for your ideal lawn.
Shop now
Monaco Artificial Grass
- Blade shape: C
- Thickness: 35mm
- Weight: 2324g/m2
Crafted from four different blends of yarn, the Monaco artificial grass from Grass Direct is beloved for its sumptuously soft finish, high density and foot traffic resilience.
It’s offered in a rich, saturated green, is equipped with an impressive grade 4 colour fastness and is UV protected. The Monaco grass is also part of Grass Direct’s ‘Super Density’ range which delivers premium durability thanks to its dense pile. The turf comes with built-in drainage holes and a two-year warranty.
Buy now £12.99, Grass Direct
Epperstone Artificial Grass
- Blade shape: Multi-yarn technology
- Thickness: 40mm
- Weight: 3117g/m2
Made with multiple different yarns of varying shapes and colours, B&M’s Epperstone artificial grass offers a realistic and high-quality finish. Available in 2m and 4m widths, lengths can be cut at your local garden centre to suit your needs.
Buy now £24.99, B&M
Ark Mat Ascot 35mm Artificial Grass
- Blade shape: C
- Thickness: 35mm
- Weight: 1,982g/m2
At an impressive 28 strands per tuft, this UV-resistant artificial grass by Ark Mat offers a wonderfully high-quality and premium-finish aesthetic. The C-shaped blades mean that the grass stands up by itself even in areas with high food traffic, while the water-permeable backing means that no sand infill is required.
Buy now £101.95, B&Q
Dennis Medium density Artificial grass (L)4m (W)1m (T)22mm Premium Artificial Grass Roll - 4mx2m
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- Blade shape: Oval
- Thickness: 22m
- Weight: 6,340g/ 4m2
Though on the pricier end of the spectrum, this high-quality, medium-density artificial grass from B&Q allows water to drain with ease and has powerful UV protection so that you can have a verdant lawn all year round. Avid garden DIY-ers appreciate the ease with which this turf can be cut and placed without compromising the density and finish.
Buy now £66.00, B&Q
Premium Artificial Grass Roll - 4mx2m
- Blade shape: C
- Thickness: 20mm
- Weight: 10,700g per 4mx2m
Soft and oh-so full, this slightly shorter-than-most 20mm artificial grass is easy to install and has a multi-directional blade finish for ultimate realism. It’s an eco-friendly and pet-friendly option which neither compromises on style nor quality.
Buy now £110.00, Homebase
Paradise Artificial Grass Direct
- Blade shape: C
- Thickness: 26mm
- Weight: 1,800g/m2
All artificial turf from Artificial Grass Direct is eco-friendly, pet-safe, UV-stabilised and comes with an impressive 10-year guarantee. The Paradise turf has a strong spine and multi-colour thatch for a realistic appearance, while the shorter pile length makes it perfect for pets and little ones.
Buy now £9.96, Artificial Grass Direct
Garden Fresh Artificial Grass Direct
- Blade shape: Blend of yarn shapes including V-shape, diamond, semi TXT
- Thickness: 44mm
- Weight: 2,800g/m2
For those who prioritise realism above all else, this highly technical Garden Fresh artificial grass is a UV-stabilised, high-pile option which is sure to transform your lawn into a veritable Eden. The multiple different blade shapes create a unique, delightfully realistic and springy finish which feels just like the real thing.
Buy now £21.30, Artificial Grass Direct
Bonsai – 5 Metre Wide Artificial Grass Direct
- Blade shape: C
- Thickness: 35mm
- Weight: 2,500g/m2
Great for larger areas and reducing the appearance of artificial turf joins, this 5-metre wide artificial ‘Bonsai’ grass is a wonderfully thick and soft option for family gardens. We love the high-density appearance and versatile C-shaped blades.
Buy now £11.00, Artificial Grass Direct
