CheapTurf

There are a number of qualities that you need to make sure you find in cheap turf to assure it isn’t low-quality synthetic turf. To find out more in great detail check out the 100% free consumer buying guide, provided by Perfect Turf as a consumer service.

Here is a quicker summery, but we really recommend you read the guide for a full picture.

• Pile height
  This is the length of the longest blades. Pile height and matting are 1 to 1 related. Matting is typically a result of low turf density combined with poor blade height.
• Face weight
  This is how many ounces of yarn are used per square yard. A low face weight combined with a long pile height are a poor combination that will mat down easily and feel poor to walk on. A heavier face weight is typically better.
• Backing
  Backing comes in two types. Primary backing and secondary backing. Primary backing shapes the turf and typically weighs 6-8 ounces. Secondary backing holds the turf in place and typically weighs 20-22 ounces. A low backing weight will cause your turf to fall apart quickly.
• Antimicrobial technology
  There are two main types of turf with Antimicrobial technology: PT PetGrass and K9Grass. You typically only need a specialty turf for a dog facility or other area with a lot of dogs. A household with one or two dogs should be fine with any turf in their backyard.

Once again there is a lot more information and detail in the consumer buying guide provided 100% free as a consumer service by Perfect Turf.

While some extremely cheap turf may seem like a steal, in the long run it might not pay off to purchase dirt cheap turf. Know these tips and make sure you are not getting “ripped off”:

• Check the backing
  Good synthetic turf has a durable secondary backing with holes for maximum drainage. Many companies when selling cheap turf stuff the turf with infill instead of giving it the appropriate secondary backing. This creates buildup of waste and debris that will not be absorbed through the turf thus generating an odor.
• Yarn type
  Be sure to look at the type of yarn your potential turf uses. This could mean the difference between a 5 or 15 year life.
  * Slit film is a cheaper yarns that spreads apart easily thus as the years go by the yarn splits into very small pieces making it rough to walk on.
  *Monofilament has two categories in it; shaped or spine. You will pay more for spine monofilament because it has a durable blade that will withstand constant use.
• Warranties
  Pro-rated warranties are generally much worse than standard warranties. Especially when buying cheap turf (where defects are more common) make sure you have a good warranty.
• Backing weight
  A good backing is made up of an approximately 6-8 ounce primary backing, and 20-22 ounces of secondary backing. If the total backing weight is 14 ounces you’re almost certainly going to be dealing with your turf falling apart after a few years or even sooner.
• Total weight
  Some companies list a total weight including backing and some don’t include the backing. Backing is often 26-28 ounces, so a 56 ounce product can have more face-weight than a ’70 ounce’ product if the second company includes the backing in their weight.
• Factory seconds and it’s various names
  Factory seconds are called factory seconds for a reason. If you’re looking for a long-term install you should avoid them. If you’re using it temporarily (IE conventions) they might make sense. Additionally many companies will call turf remnants, overruns, closeouts or other names to disguise the fact that the turf is factory seconds. Make sure that the warranty matches the professed quality.

If you want to learn these in more check out the 100% free consumer buying guide provided as a consumer service by Perfect Turf.