How to Choose the Best Artificial Grass for Patios and High-Traffic Areas

High quality artificial grass can absolutely change the way you view your patio or backyard living. It's super low-effort to keep healthy, it saves you water (and money on your water bills), and it's surprisingly natural-looking these days. It's why the industry just keeps on exploding year over year – and is expected to keep growing!

So, how do you go about choosing the best for your patio, backyard, or other high-traffic area? Well, durability really becomes a priority for spaces where family, guests, and pets will be walking non-stop. Finding the best artificial grass to withstand that level of wear-and-tear and still look great comes down to knowing what makes a turf type rugged, how to install it properly, and how to care for it long-term.

 

 

Quick-Guide: Choosing the Best Durable Artificial Grass

• Pick your turf with traffic in mind – High-traffic areas (like patios) need denser, shorter grass fibers for max durability; show spaces can prioritize a more natural appearance.
• Blade material is a big deal – Polyethylene for the best balance of softness and resilience for most patios; nylon for ultimate durability.
• Make installation a priority – Don't skimp on installation, even if it means hiring professionals; the best artificial grass disappoints when installed incorrectly.
• Low-maintenance, not no-maintenance – You'll spend way less effort on artificial grass than natural, but some regular cleaning and occasional brushing keeps synthetic turf looking fresh for years. Don't skip it!

We have another blog all about choosing the best fake grass if beauty and a real-grass aesthetic is your top priority. It's a great read for those of you who just really want that natural grass experience over any other factor. But for those of you wanting artificial turf that'll tough it out through all those backyard BBQ's and long afternoons in the sun with friends and family, let's get to it…

 

 

Assessing Your Patio and Traffic Patterns

Before you get seduced by the soft, luscious feel of that premium turf sample, take some time to honestly evaluate how your space will be used. Remember, the "best" artificial grass isn't universal—it depends entirely on your specific needs.

First, grab a notepad (or app) and answer these questions about your patio or outdoor space:

1. Who will be using the area? (Adults, children, pets, customers, or all of the above?)
2. How frequently will the area be used? (Daily, weekends only, for entertaining?)
3. What activities will take place here? (Dining, lounging, play area, dog zone?)
4. Is this a high-visibility area where appearance is critical?
5. Do you need it to withstand furniture being moved across it?

One approach I've found helpful is to observe your current outdoor space for a week. Where do people naturally walk? Where do the pets go crazy during playtime? Those high-traffic zones will need special consideration.

Looking for some tips for accurately measuring and sizing your artificial grass? We got ya covered.

Call the Artificial Grass Specialists Early!

I applaud anyone who likes to do their own research and really understand a product or challenge before making any big decisions. But if my experiences tell me anything, it's that online research can only take you so far. The reality is that you don't know what you don't know. But who does? Experienced professionals – like our friends over at Artificial Turf Supply. The earlier you call them, the more they can help you understand all those nuances and hidden traps that come with outdoor projects this big.

 

 

When's the best time to call in the big guns? Right now, when you're assessing your space and planning your artificial grass project. Go check them out on their website. They definitely have the decades of experience necessary to help you choose the best artificial grass for your patio or traffic-heavy space.

 

 

Fake Grass Traffic Rating Scale

To make this assessment step easier, here's a "traffic rating scale" to help you figure out what you should be prioritizing for your synthetic turf choice.

Traffic Level	Description	Best For
Light	Occasional use, primarily decorative	Rooftop gardens, display areas, rarely used spaces
Medium	Regular use but not constant	Standard patios, dining areas, lounge spaces
Heavy	Daily use by multiple people/pets	Main pathways, children's play areas, entertainment zones
Extreme	Constant use or commercial settings	Dog runs, commercial spaces, sports practice areas

For high-traffic patios – if you chose Heavy or Extreme on the scale – you'll want to focus on durability above all else. Do you know how many artificial grass shoppers choose based on how a sample feels between their fingers, and then get disappointed when that super-soft turf flattens after a month of actual use? Just from my own experience, it's a lot. Which translates into a lot of wasted money and effort.

Our White Glove Patio Furniture Install team was talking to a customer in La Jolla who installed ultra-plush turf around his pool area. That'd feel amazing on bare feet, right? For a while, it did. Three pool parties later, those high-traffic paths to and from the house were looking really matted down and compressed. He needed a hardier turf for that space. Don't make the La Jolla Pool Grass mistake!

 

 

Types of Artificial Grass Available

Alright, whether you're looking for a simple spring lawn refresh or a total patio overhaul, let's dive into the world of fake grass types. And no, it's not as simple as "the green kind" (though I have genuinely been asked if it comes in blue).

Artificial grass comes in various materials, each with distinct properties that make them suitable for different applications. The durability of your artificial grass is heavily influenced by its material composition, with each offering unique benefits in texture and resilience.

Primary Turf Material Types

The internet's full of options and possibilities, but today's professional artificial turf installers recommend three main types of high-performing turf materials. They're the top options for different reasons, according to market reports.

• Polyethylene (PE): here's one of the top-performing, most often used, and well-reviewed artificial grass materials. Not too stiff, not too soft, but just right for most residential applications. It's a good balance between durability and comfort. The fibers are soft to touch, making it pleasant for bare feet on your patio.
• Polypropylene (PP): the budget-friendly option, but probably not the best option for high-traffic areas. It's softer than other materials but less durable, making it better for decorative areas with less foot traffic.
• Nylon: this artificial grass material is extremely durable and resilient, bouncing back even after heavy furniture has sat on it. That durability is due to its stiffness, which is often less comfortable on bare feet. It's also the most expensive option, but for extremely high-traffic areas, the investment can be worth it.

Nylon-based artificial grass is the kind you could feel comfortable laying down in a backyard dog run with multiple active pups. Even after years of daily zoomies, it can still look fantastic and fresh. Talk about durability!

Blade Shapes and Configurations

Now, we're getting deep into the weeds of artificial grass selection. (See what I did there?) Just like material type, artificial grass comes in different blade shapes which can impact how it performs under regular heavy traffic:

• M-Blade/W-Blade: These have a curved, multi-dimensional shape that helps them stay upright and appear more natural.
• V-Shape: Offers good resilience and a more uniform appearance.
• Flat/Straight: Less realistic but often more durable in high-traffic situations.
• Diamond-Shaped: Premium option that combines durability with a natural appearance.

For high-traffic patios and spaces, I generally recommend an M-blade or W-blade configuration in polyethylene or a nylon blend. These shapes help the blades bounce back after being stepped on.

Thatch Layer Considerations

Another important aspect is the thatch layer—those curly, shorter fibers at the base of the turf that imitate the dead grass layer in natural lawns. A good thatch layer:

• Provides additional support to keep blades upright
• Creates a more realistic appearance
• Adds cushioning underfoot
• Helps hide the backing from view

For patios, a moderate thatch layer is ideal. Too little, and you'll see the backing when it's compressed; too much, and it can trap debris, making cleaning more difficult.

 

 

Durability and Wear Resistance

When it comes to high-traffic areas, durability isn't just a nice feature—it's essential. I've had customers come back disappointed because they chose based on softness or appearance alone, only to find their beautiful turf looking sad and flattened after just one summer of use.

Face Weight: The Magic Number

One of the most important specifications to check is the face weight, measured in ounces per square yard. This tells you how much actual fiber material is in the turf (excluding backing).

Here's a quick reference guide:

Face Weight	Traffic Suitability	Durability Level
30-50 oz	Light traffic	3-8 years
50-70 oz	Medium traffic	8-12 years
70-90 oz	Heavy traffic	12-15 years
90+ oz	Extreme traffic	15+ years

For high-traffic patios, I wouldn't recommend anything below 70 oz if you want it to maintain its appearance for more than a few years.

Density Testing

Here's a little insider trick I use when evaluating turf samples: the "finger test." Push your fingers down into the sample all the way to the backing. How easy was it to reach the bottom? How quickly do the blades return to position when you remove your hand?

The more resistance you feel and the quicker the recovery, the denser the turf and the better it will withstand traffic. For high-traffic patios, you want something that firmly resists your fingers and springs back immediately.

 

Choosing Synthetic Turf Pile Height for Resiliency

So, what's pile height? It's basically the length of the grass blades, and it impacts much more than just appearance. Pile height affects how the turf performs, how realistic it looks, and how easy it is to maintain.

Pile Height Guidelines for Different Uses

Pile Height	Best For	Considerations
Short (0.5-1.25")	Very high traffic, putting greens, commercial spaces	Most durable, easiest to clean, less natural looking
Medium (1.25-1.75")	Standard patios, pool areas, moderate traffic	Good balance of durability and appearance
Long (1.75-2.5")	Decorative areas, low traffic zones	Most natural looking, least durable, harder to maintain

You're basically trying to balance appearance, durability, and maintenance. A longer pile height generally looks more natural. But a shorter pile height is more durable and easier to keep clean and fresh.

For most artificial grass patio applications with regular foot traffic, a common recommendation is the 1.25-1.75 inch range. You get enough length to look natural while still being able to withstand people walking on it regularly. Longer blades might look more lush at first, but they're more prone to matting down and looking worn the more it gets walked on.

 

 

Artificial Grass Decision Tips: Color, Texture, and Natural Variations

You're choosing the best artificial grass for durability, but I'd bet money you still want it to look and feel as natural as possible. Some of the best ways to do that is through thoughtful color, texture, and variation choices.

With that in mind, here are some tips to finding durable synthetic turf that still looks great:

• Look for turf with some color and thatch variation - nature doesn't really do perfect consistency
• Color coordinate with your region's natural varieties - nothing makes artificial grass stand out like being a completely different shade than what's around your space
• Thatch layer can do wonders - both for additional durability and an extra layer of visual realism

 

Understanding the Cost of Artificial Grass

You're not making any purchasing decisions without understanding the cost, return-on-investment, and future costs.

Initial Investment Ranges of Turf Types

Quality Level	Price Range (Installed)	Lifespan Expectation
Economy	$5-8 per sq. ft.	5-8 years
Mid-Range	$8-12 per sq. ft.	8-15 years
Premium	$12-20 per sq. ft.	15-25 years

For high-traffic patios, economy options rarely make sense in the long run. The sweet spot for most homeowners is in the mid to premium range, depending on usage intensity. Yes, the initial cost can be painful, but you'll want to consider the long-term impact of your choice.

ROI Considerations

Your new artificial grass return on investment goes beyond the direct costs. Make sure to understand how you'll be saving money and time in the long-run:

• Water Savings: Artificial grass almost entirely eliminates watering needs
• Maintenance Time: No mowing, (almost) zero weeding, and negligible regular landscape maintenance
• Appearance Consistency: Looks good year-round regardless of weather
• Usability: Creates consistently usable outdoor space in all seasons

For many homeowners, these benefits justify the premium cost of higher-quality turf, particularly in patio areas that serve as extensions of their living space.

Financing and Warranties

Many quality artificial grass companies offer financing options, making premium products more accessible. Plus, since you're looking at laying artificial turf in a high-traffic area, warranty length will be an important factor.

• Economy options: 5-8 year warranties
• Mid-range options: 8-12 year warranties
• Premium options: 12-20+ year warranties

Always read the warranty details carefully. Some only cover UV degradation but not wear and tear, which is crucial for high-traffic areas.

 

 

Artificial Grass Drainage, Backing, and Installation

Once you get into drainage, backing, and installation, you're really past the "choosing the best artificial grass" phase. But these all have a significant impact on how long your artificial turf will continue to look beautiful on your patio.

And once again, I can't stress enough how important it is to consult a synthetic turf specialist like Artificial Turf Supply. Poor drainage on your fake grass leads to residual moisture, puddling, or warping… all things that will ruin your turf investment. The wrong backing can have similar consequences – mold, mildew, tears, or an uneven finish on your turf.

And don't even get me started on installation. Proper artificial grass installation is a many-step process with dozens of little, sneaky ways that it can go sideways. Any little mis-steps can lead to an uneven surface, weeds that sprout through, moisture. And you have to take into consideration your soil make-up, local weather, and other factors.

If you're confident in your backyard DIY skills, you have my heartiest well-wishes. Many folks successfully install their own turf. Unfortunately, many others tell a different story. I'd leave this level of installation the pros.

 

Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision

There's always more to learn about being an artificial grass owner these days: does artificial grass really save me water/money, is it good for the environment, how to properly install fake grass, how to maintain synthetic turf, or what to consider if you have kids or pets. But each of those really deserves its own article.

And since today is all about choosing the best artificial grass for your patio or other heavy-traffic outdoor space, here's what you need to take away with you.

Durable Artificial Grass Decision Matrix

Now, this is a somewhat simplistic approach to the decision, but it'll get you where you need to be to start making tough turf decisions.

1. Identify primary use: Is this mainly decorative, for entertaining, for pets, for children, etc.?
2. Determine traffic level: Light, medium, heavy, or extreme?
3. Establish your budget window: What's your comfortable range per square foot?
4. Prioritize your must-have features: Durability, appearance, feel, eco-friendliness, etc.
5. Request samples of your top 3 contenders: Live with them in your space for a few days.

Or, if you're the type who's thinking, "Can you just tell me what NOT to do?", here ya go:

• Don't automatically prioritize softness over durability for high-traffic areas
• Don't simply choose based only on initial appearance without considering aging
• Don't skimp on installation quality to save money
• Don't overlook drainage requirements specific to the location
• Don't select pile height that's too tall for the intended use

It's not about simply choosing what's "best" – it's about choosing what artificial turf is best for your patio or outdoor space goals and needs*. This way, you'll get to enjoy your synthetic turf, as well as your outdoor space, for years to come.

Then, you really just need to answer the question: what luxury patio chair is best on my new artificial grass patio?