Choosing the Best Fake Grass for a Stylish Backyard Design
You want to create a stylish, fun, practical backyard design. And you're thinking about using artificial grass. But maybe you have some questions. How do you choose the best fake grass for your backyard design vision? How expensive is it going to be? Is synthetic turf going to be better for your lawn goals than natural grass?
Here's the short answer: artificial grass can be a fantastic foundation for a beautiful, soft, and easy-to-maintain backyard design. You just have to know what features and options to choose, and you have to make sure all your backyard choices work together seamlessly. And that's why we're here today – to talk turf details, style tips, and everything else you need to know to realize your outdoor living vision.
In This Article: Best Fake Grass Tips
- Things to consider when choosing fake grass: climate, yard usage, and style preferences
- Types of artificial grass: which one's best for you?
- What is pile height and density?
- How to choose a color and texture that mimics real grass
- Backyard design ideas and inspiration
- What maintenance is necessary for good fake grass?
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Fake Grass
Match turf to climate, use, and style. Think about pets, kids, and traffic; hot/sunny exposure; and the vibe you want (golf-course neat vs. natural look). These choices guide material, pile height, density, color variation, and backing so your lawn looks great and stays practical.
Polyethylene, nylon, and polypropylene (often blended). Polyethylene offers the most natural look and softness. Nylon brings top resilience for heavy traffic. Polypropylene is common for putting greens and thatch layers. Many premium turfs blend materials to balance feel and durability.
Short = durable; tall = lush; denser = fuller. Under ~1.5" suits pets, high-traffic, and modern manicured styles. Over ~1.5" looks softer and more natural but needs more brushing to prevent matting. A popular sweet spot is ~1.75" with mid-range density for realistic looks and practicality.
Seek subtle multi-tones and a brown thatch. Nature varies—your turf should too. Choose multi-toned blades with a thatch layer and avoid overly bright greens. Match tones to lawns in your region for the most convincing appearance.
Dry climates: perforated. Pets/rain: permeable. Perforated backings use holes to drain water and work well in drier areas. For rainy regions or pet zones, 100% permeable backings help prevent puddles and odors by letting liquids pass through the entire surface.
15–25 years with care; yes, choose UV-resistant fibers. UV resistance helps prevent fading and degradation in sunny yards. With proper features and upkeep, high-quality turf typically delivers 15–25 years of backyard use.
$5–$20/sq ft plus install; quick weekly care. Expect turf costs in that range, with installation additional. Maintain by rinsing weekly, brushing to prevent matting, clearing debris, and hosing pet areas (use enzyme cleaner if needed). Invest in the best quality you can for long-term ROI.
This brief foundation just begins the discussion, continue reading to learn the essential criteria for choosing the best fake grass for your backyard.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Fake Grass
If you're still on the fence about the whole fake grass vs. natural grass for your backyard decision, we wrote an article you'll find helpful. It explores the pros and cons of each for a backyard design. But today, I'm talking to everyone who wants to get in on this growing artificial grass trend. We're focusing on the best practices for choosing the right artificial grass for your outdoor space. But before you're ready to buy, there are some factors you should consider about your current lawn, as well as your backyard goals.
- Got dogs? Kids? Heavy foot traffic? You'll want durable, pet-friendly artificial grass options.
- Do you live somewhere that's consistently hot and sunny? UV-resistance is a must to keep your yard from fading.
- Want that golf course look? Fake grass with a shorter pile height gives you that 'on the fairway' feel.
- Are you Aiming for a natural grass vibe? Look for turf options with a thatch layer, longer blade length, and built-in color variation.
If you can't answer those questions, you might want to hit pause in your process. The wrong artificial grass choice can quickly leave you with a messy, murky, or torn up backyard… which definitely isn't the stylish look you want. But once you're armed with the right fake grass shopping intel, you're ready to dig into the details of your best turf.
Watch a summary of this article!
Choosing a Type of Artificial Grass Material
Fake grass has come a long way from AstroTurf. You won't be looking at short, scratchy, unnaturally-green options these days. Instead, the artificial grass market is filled with a wide range of natural-looking options, made of a number of materials.
The most common materials found in high-quality synthetic turf are polyethylene, nylon, and polypropylene. Here is how they stack up:
| Material | Best For | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene | General Backyard Use | Most popular. Soft, relatively resilient, and provides the most natural look. |
| Nylon | High Traffic Areas | Extremely resilient to wear-and-tear. Slightly less natural looking than Polyethylene. |
| Polypropylene | Putting Greens | Great for putting green vibes. Often used as a thatch layer mixed with other materials. |
All of these materials are fabricated to keep their looks while withstanding weather and foot traffic. It is fairly common for customers to choose a polyethylene and nylon blend, which is built to last but still soft enough for picnics.
Pile Height and Density Explained
What's pile height? Simply put, it's the length of the grass blades. Taller pile heights tend to look more natural, but shorter pile heights are a bit more resilient. And then there's density, which is the number of blades per square inch. A thicker density usually creates a more lush look, but often costs more of your budget. These two qualities can really dictate the look of your lawn.
Lower pile heights (under 1.5") are ideal for:
- High-traffic areas
- Homes with pets
- Modern, manicured looks
Taller pile heights (over 1.5"):
- Create a lusher, more natural appearance
- Are softer to sit and play on
- Require more maintenance to avoid matting
I often see customers going with a 1.75" pile in a mid-range density. That way they end up with an artificial lawn that looks totally natural but is still practical for most backyard party needs.
Fake Grass Color Variations and Realism
Nature doesn't really do absolute consistency. Variation is like the calling card of natural beauty. It's the same with your fake grass lawn. If all the blades are exactly the same color and height, it'll look REALLY fake. So you'll want to look for artificial turf with built-in variations in color. You'll also want to make sure it comes with brown thatching. That's how you get that authentic grass look and feel.
Picking Realistic-Looking Artificial Grass:
- Choose a turf with subtle color variations
- Avoid super-bright greens (unless you want your yard to look radioactive)
- Look for multi-toned grass blades and a brown thatch
- Match the turf color to real grass in your area
Drainage Systems for Artificial Turf
The long-term health of your beautiful fake grass backyard design relies on proper drainage. It's the key to avoiding puddles, odors, and backyard swamplands. I usually suggest that people hire professional artificial grass installers who know how to get all of these critical installation steps right the first time. But if you're a real DIY-type, you should know there are two types of drainage systems used in most artificial grasses:
- Perforated Backing: Small holes allow water to seep through.
- Permeable Backing: Liquids pass through the entire surface.
In dry areas, perforated is fine because it'll have to do less work to keep water from pooling. But if you're in a rainy climate or have pets, 100% permeable backing is a must. Trust me, there's nothing worse than a soggy, smelly lawn after a downpour.
UV Resistance and Longevity
Now, let's shift to those of you who live in sunnier locations, shall we? But honestly, this is a good tip for every fake grass buyer because UV damage can be BRUTAL. If your yard gets tons of sun, UV resistance is non-negotiable. Most trusted artificial grass sellers include some level of UV-protection on their artificial grass offerings. Just make sure to look for turf fibers with UV protection, so you can avoid lawn fading and degradation.
High-quality artificial grass can last 15-25 years with proper care. UV-resistant properties are vital to getting that kind of lifespan out of your turf investment.
Designing Your Backyard: From "Meh" to Magazine-Worthy
So, now let's get to some fun stuff – fake grass backyard design inspiration! These aren't all strictly artificial grass ideas, but they'll all work perfectly with your new turf.
1. Zen Stone Paths & Modern Minimalism
Pair sleek concrete pavers with artificial grass strips for a clean, modern vibe. Add a circular fire pit with a turf surround and some stylish modern Adirondacks. Now you're all set for cozy nights under the stars (s'mores optional, but highly recommended).
2. Mix-and-Match Modular Magic
It's hard to design a one-size-fits-all backyard. But if you want to host a cozy dinner party one night and a neighborhood BBQ the next, modular outdoor furniture is your BFF. Not only is it totally on-trend this year, but modular seating and accessories just makes your outdoor space so much more versatile. Rearrange on the fly to fit your vibe.
3. Pet-Friendly Fake Grass Play Zones
It might surprise you to learn just how great artificial grass can be for your four-footed besties. A resilient turf with good drainage, an antimicrobial infill, and cooling tech gives Fido a perfect place to get all those zoomies out. Pro tip: Rinse weekly with vinegar to neutralize odors. Your guests and neighbors will thank you.
4. Rooftop Oases & Vertical Gardens
No yard? No problem. For the sun-lovers among you with rooftop access, create your own low-maintenance green space using low-pile turf. It's great for balconies, too. You can also create an artificial vertical green wall. Just avoid placing it under windows—reflected sunlight can actually melt artificial grass blades. (Don't ask me how I know… it's a sore subject.)
5. Earth-Lovin' Eco Chic
Since we're already exploring eco-friendly options using artificial materials, you should go green with sustainable patio pieces made from recycled plastics or sustainably-sourced teak. Prepare yourself for Mother Nature's incoming virtual fist bump as you scroll through our huge variety of luxury patio sofa sets that perfectly partner with your new artificial lawn.
Ready to Install Your Fake Grass? Connect with the Pros!
If you're stoked about transforming your yard but want to make sure it's done right, hop over to our amazing friends at Artificial Turf Supply. They've been in the artificial backyard design game for decades, with a team of experienced, high-quality artificial turf installation specialists who will bring your backyard vision to life. At Patio Productions, we're all about helping our neighbors live their best backyard lives, and Artificial Turf Supply shares that passion.
Budgeting for Your Backyard Design
I won't sugarcoat it - modern, realistic artificial grass isn't cheap. Expect to pay $5-$20 per square foot of fake grass, plus installation costs. But look at your new artificial grass as an investment. When you factor in long-term savings on maintenance, water, and your own sanity, you'll see a serious ROI!
What's the advice I give to my friends and customers? Invest in the best quality turf you can afford. It'll pay off in the long run.
Maintenance Requirements for Fake Grass
Artificial grass is just way less needy than the real stuff, but it's not zero maintenance. To keep your lawn looking fresh:
- Rinse weekly to remove dust and debris
- Brush the fibers to prevent matting
- Remove leaves and trash ASAP
- Hose down pet urine and use an enzyme cleaner for odors
So, Where Did We Land On Fake Grass?
Repeat after me: "I can choose a great artificial grass and design a killer, stylish backyard!" And say it with confidence because we've covered all those need-to-knows about choosing the best fake grass. And for those of you "TLDR / Give me the Cliffs Notes" types:
- Consider your climate and lifestyle needs
- Look for UV-resistant, permeable, and realistic options
- Invest in quality for long-term happiness
- Hire an artificial grass pro for a flawless installation
- Pair turf with stunning outdoor furniture for an amazing backyard experience
I'm stoked for you to experience a chic, low-maintenance backyard. Now, I don't blame anyone prefers to keep real grass in their yard, but for those wanting all the beauty with none of the hassle, fake grass can be the key to a whole new level of outdoor living enjoyment right at your own home.
So, here's to Bringing (Low-Maintenance) Life Outdoors!
