How to Choose the Right Artificial Grass in the UK: Pile Height, Safety, Drainage, and Budget

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Artificial Grass for Your Home or Business

Start with pile height and density. Shorter piles (20-30mm) look neat and wear well for high-traffic or commercial areas. Mid-range (30-35mm) balances realism and resilience, ideal for family gardens. Longer piles (35-45mm) give a lush aesthetic but can feel softer underfoot and may crush more easily unless supported by dense thatch. Density (stitches per square metre) matters for bounce-back and realism: higher density feels fuller, looks more natural, and resists flattening.

Fibre type affects look and longevity. Polyethylene is soft and natural-looking for the blade; polypropylene is often used in the thatch for support; nylon is very resilient but pricier and less common in domestic lawns. Look for blended fibre shapes (C‑shape, S‑shape, diamond) that help blades stand up and diffuse shine. Colour blend is key: mixes of light/dark greens with a brown thatch layer create the most realistic British lawn tone and avoid the “flat green carpet” look.

UV protection and warranty are non-negotiable. Leading products include UV stabilisers tested for colourfastness and tensile strength over many years of sun exposure. Ask for the UV warranty in writing (often 8–10 years). For south-facing gardens or roof terraces, robust UV stability prevents fading and brittleness.

Safety is paramount for families and pets . Ensure the grass is free from harmful heavy metals and complies with REACH standards. If children will play or there’s play equipment, consider an appropriate shockpad beneath the grass to meet impact attenuation targets. For pets, prioritise drainage and odour control. A permeable backing with high drainage rates (e.g., 60+ litres/min/m²) helps urine flush through. Combine with a mineral infill designed to reduce odours and maintain blade stability.

Sub-base and drainage make or break performance. In most UK gardens, a compacted MOT Type 1 base topped with a sharp sand or granite dust screed yields a stable, free-draining foundation. On wet clay soils, add geotextile membranes to separate subsoil and sub-base. On balconies/rooftops, use shock/drainage pads that promote airflow and water egress. If pets are present, avoid fine sands that can hold odours; opt for drainage‑friendly aggregates and pet-safe infill.

Maintenance and realism go hand in hand. A periodic brush-up against the pile direction lifts fibres and redistributes infill. Where heavy furniture sits, rotate positions and brush back. For leaves and debris, a plastic leaf rake or blower is kinder to fibres than metal tools.

Budget smartly. Consider lifetime cost rather than just the roll price. Higher-density, UV‑stable products can outlast budget grass, saving on early replacement. Factor in installation complexity (edging, sub-base depth, access), which often drives total cost more than the turf itself.

Commercial vs residential? Commercial spaces need resilience, safety compliance, and often flame retardancy standards; residential prioritises realism, comfort, and pet/child considerations. Consumer Grass can specify different SKUs for front gardens, play areas, terraces, and light commercial footfall.

Tell us how you’ll use the space (family play, pets, entertaining, commercial footfall), your garden size, and sun exposure. We’ll recommend the perfect grass, sub-base, and edging package and we even provide you with samples. with samples sent next‑day.