A Buyer's Guide To Choosing A Synthetic Grass Supplier

Synthetic grass has become increasingly popular among homeowners in recent years.  It's labour saving, easy to maintain and it looks great.  But with so many suppliers out there, how can you be sure you're getting the best deal?  Read on to find out more.

Quality first

Synthetic grass is an expensive investment, so it's important that you get the best quality for your money.  Before ordering, ask to see free samples of the product from several suppliers so that you can compare the quality.  Check to see if the supplier provides a guarantee of at least five years.

Good quality synthetic grass should offer great realism even from close quarters.  It should have a soft texture that's also non-abrasive.  This is particularly important if you have kids who like to run around and play on the grass, as some cheaper brands can cause nasty 'carpet burns' in the event of a fall.  The grass should have a perforated backing to allow for good drainage, together with a high density of 'grass' blades for durability.

Always ask what the supplier's delivery charges are, as these can vary tremendously between firms.  If you're good at DIY work, you might want to consider installing the synthetic grass yourself.  Ask the supplier if they provide a supply-only service, and then compare the price with that for full installation.  It might work out considerably cheaper if you can do the job yourself.

Installation considerations

A good supplier should be able to provide you with a portfolio of their recent installations, and they may also have a showroom or 'open garden'.  This is very important as it enables you to check that the grass has been installed correctly.  Look out for any visible seams in the grass as well as the quality and fit of the edging.

Always ask if there are to be any additional costs to cover levelling and preparation, and request a full price break-down so that you don't get any nasty surprises when the final bill arrives.  Make sure that the contractor will carry out any remedial work free of charge and on the day of installation in the event of any problems.

Choosing your synthetic grass

There are several different grades of artificial grass to choose from. 

Economy grass is the cheapest and offers the most practical solution if you want your lawn to be suitable for high traffic, pets and kids.  This grass has a compact, rigid surface that also makes it ideal for driveways as you can park your car on it without causing damage.  Its main drawback is that it doesn't look as realistic as its more expensive counterparts and may not be particularly soft in texture.

Artificial grass in the mid-range price bracket is usually softer than economy grass and has a more realistic appearance, making it a good family-friendly option if your budget will stretch to it.

Superior grade synthetic lawns are made of a longer pile than the other varieties, making them softer and much more child-friendly.  Superior lawns look very realistic even from close quarters and usually come with a soft, padded underlay for extra comfort.  The underlay also means that expensive levelling work might not be necessary.

In conclusion

There's a lot to consider when choosing synthetic grass for your garden.  Use these guidelines to make sure you choose the right product and get the best deal.