Sep. 01, 2025
How to choose and correct artificial grass installation . At Unreal Lawns & Courts, we know that choosing and installing artificial grass can transform your outdoor space.
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Artificial grass and installation have become increasingly popular for homeowners and businesses alike, offering a low-maintenance alternative to natural lawns.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting artificial turf and provide a step-by-step installation process to help you achieve a flawless, green lawn year-round.
Artificial turf installation revolutionizes outdoor spaces by drastically reducing maintenance requirements. You can forget about mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Artificial turf demands minimal maintenance and can save you precious time on these tasks. This time-saving benefit translates to significant cost reductions, as you’ll need less lawn care equipment, water, and chemicals.
Artificial grass maintains its lush, green appearance throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. This consistency proves particularly valuable in areas prone to drought or extreme temperatures. Water conservation is a significant benefit of artificial grass, as it significantly reduces water consumption for lawn maintenance, helping conserve this precious resource, particularly in drought-prone areas.
Modern artificial grass boasts impressive durability. High-quality synthetic turf can last up to 15-20 years with proper care, far outlasting natural grass in high-traffic areas. This longevity makes it an excellent investment for both residential and commercial properties.
Artificial grass offers unique benefits for families with pets and allergy sufferers. It resists digging and eliminates mud, which keeps pets clean and yards tidy. For allergy sufferers, artificial turf provides relief by eliminating grass pollen (a common allergen).
As we move forward, let’s explore the key factors you should consider when choosing the right artificial grass for your specific needs and preferences.
The intended use of your artificial grass influences your choice. Residential lawns benefit from softer, natural-looking grass with a longer pile height (30-37mm). Commercial spaces and sports fields require tougher, shorter grass (20-25mm) to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Pile height and density affect the look and feel of your artificial lawn. Denser grass with more fibers per square meter looks fuller and more natural. Higher density means more fibers, resulting in a fuller, more robust appearance that can withstand heavy use. Higher density grass typically costs more but offers superior durability and a more realistic appearance.
The type of material used in artificial grass affects its durability and appearance. Polyethylene provides a soft, natural feel, while nylon offers superior durability. Polypropylene (often used in budget options) may not stand up to heavy use. UV resistance is essential in New Zealand’s harsh sun. Try to find grass with UV stabilizers to prevent fading and deterioration.
Proper drainage is essential for artificial grass. Look for turf with perforated backing that allows water to flow through easily. Some high-end options feature advanced drainage systems that can handle up to 500mm of rainfall per hour (preventing water pooling and extending the life of your turf).
A good warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Most quality artificial grass comes with a 7-10 year warranty. However, with proper installation and maintenance, artificial grass can last 15-20 years. The initial cost might be higher than natural grass, but the long-term savings on water, maintenance, and replacement make it a cost-effective choice over time.
Now that you understand the key factors in selecting artificial grass, let’s move on to the installation process, which plays a vital role in ensuring your new lawn looks and performs its best.
The first step is to remove all existing grass and vegetation. Use a turf cutter to strip away the old lawn, then excavate the soil to a depth of 100mm for standard uses or 150mm for car or high traffic areas. This depth allows for a proper base and ensures your artificial grass sits flush with surrounding surfaces.
Next, install a timber edge around the perimeter. This frame provides a clean finish and prevents the artificial grass from shifting over time. Use treated timber to resist rot and secure it firmly with stakes.
A stable base is essential for a long-lasting artificial lawn. Start by laying a geotextile membrane to prevent weed growth and improve drainage. Then, add a 75mm layer of compactable aggregate (like GAP/20) and compact it thoroughly using a plate compactor.
For the final base layer, spread a 10-15mm layer of GAP/7. This creates a smooth surface for the artificial grass to sit on. Use a rake to level the sand, then compact it again for a firm, even base.
Now comes the exciting part – laying your new lawn. Roll out the artificial grass, ensuring the pile direction faces your main viewing point (usually towards the house). Allow the grass to acclimatize for a few hours before cutting.
Use a sharp utility knife to trim the grass to fit your area. Make clean, precise cuts along the edges and around any obstacles. For joining sections, use joining tape and adhesive designed specifically for artificial grass.
Once the grass is in place, it’s time for the final steps. Brush the grass fibers upright using a stiff broom. This step is important for achieving a natural look and helps distribute the infill material evenly.
Apply a layer of silica sand infill. This helps weigh down the grass, supports the fibers, and improves drainage. Use a drop spreader for even distribution (try to apply about 10 to 15kg per square meter). Brush the grass again to work the sand into the fibers.
Finally, give your new lawn a thorough rinse with a hose. This settles the infill and removes any dust, leaving you with a pristine artificial lawn ready to enjoy.
Professional installation often ensures the best results. Expert teams (like those at Unreal Lawns) can handle the entire process, guaranteeing a flawless finish that will last for years to come.
Artificial grass and installation transform properties, offering numerous benefits to owners. The selection process involves considering factors like intended use, pile height, material quality, and drainage capabilities. Professional installation often yields superior results, ensuring your synthetic turf looks great and performs well for years.
Unreal Lawns provides premium artificial grass solutions for residential and commercial spaces across New Zealand. Our synthetic turf combines aesthetics with functionality, eliminating the need for watering, mowing, and fertilizing. It stays lush year-round and can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 15mm sports artificial turf. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
High-quality artificial grass and professional installation create a beautiful outdoor space and a long-term investment in your property’s value. The initial cost quickly offsets the savings in water, equipment, and labor over its lifespan (typically 15-20 years). You’ll have more time to enjoy your outdoor areas rather than maintain them.
The best artificial turf for your gym is one that matches the material and construction to your specific training demands. For heavy sled work, high-density nylon is unmatched. For versatile functional training, padded polyethylene offers the ideal balance of durability and comfort.
As a quality control engineer specializing in performance flooring, I know that choosing gym turf is a significant investment. It’s more than just a floor; it’s a critical piece of training equipment. The biggest mistake I see facility owners make is choosing turf based on price alone, which often leads to premature wear, safety issues, and the costly process of replacing it just a few years later. This guide is designed to demystify the technical specs and empower you to make a confident decision. We will move beyond the basics and look at how material science, construction, and proper application directly impact your gym’s performance, safety, and long-term financial return. My goal is to help you select a surface that will withstand the toughest workouts for years to come.
Understanding the core components is the key to a successful installation. Let’s start with the most critical decision: the turf fiber itself.
Nylon offers the best long-term value for high-traffic commercial gyms due to its superior durability and lifespan of 8-12+ years. While more expensive upfront, its lower cost-per-year makes it a smarter investment. Polyethylene is a value-engineered choice for moderate traffic, lasting 5-8 years.
Material Commercial Lifespan Best Use Case Key Attribute Nylon 8 – 12+ Years Sled Tracks, Commercial Zones Extreme Durability Polyethylene (PE) 5 – 8 Years Functional Fitness, Agility Soft & Skin-Friendly Polypropylene (PP) 1 – 3 Years Light Home Use Only Lowest CostIn my lab, we perform stress tests that simulate years of abuse. The results are clear: the fiber you choose determines your turf’s lifecycle.
Nylon fibers have exceptional resiliency, meaning they have a "memory" that allows them to spring back after compression. From an engineering standpoint, this is crucial for preventing the development of permanent tracks and flattened paths from sleds and heavy foot traffic. Nylon also has a higher melting point, giving it superior resistance to the friction and heat generated by a heavily loaded prowler. This is not just a feature; it’s what prevents the fibers from fraying and breaking down. For any serious commercial facility, nylon is the only material I recommend for high-use zones.
Polyethylene (PE) is the most common material for a reason—it offers an excellent blend of performance and comfort at a more accessible price point. Its softer texture is far more forgiving on the skin during floor exercises like burpees and push-ups. When we engineer PE turf, we focus on a dense construction with a supportive thatch layer (the curly yarn at the base) to help the blades stand upright and provide stability. It’s the ideal choice for functional training areas, agility zones, and group classes where user comfort is as important as durability.
A common pain point for buyers is the initial cost. A nylon turf might cost 30-50% more than a PE turf. However, if it lasts twice as long, your effective cost-per-year is significantly lower. For example, a $10,000 PE turf that needs replacing in 6 years costs you ~$1,667 per year. A $14,000 nylon turf that lasts 10 years costs you $1,400 per year, saving you money while providing superior performance. This is the ROI-focused thinking that prevents costly mistakes.
The material is the heart of the product, but the construction specifications are what fine-tune its performance.
Focus on three key specs: a short pile height (10-15mm) for low friction, a high face weight (minimum 40 oz, 50+ oz for sleds) for density, and a non-infill design for clean indoor use. A 5mm padded backing is also critical for athlete safety in functional areas.
These are not just numbers on a spec sheet; they are the blueprint for your turf’s performance. My job is to ensure these specs are met precisely because even small deviations can compromise the product.
In a gym, shorter is better. A low pile height (10-15mm) provides a firm, stable surface with minimal drag, allowing sleds to glide smoothly. But pile height alone is misleading. You must combine it with a high face weight (the mass of the yarn per square yard). A high face weight indicates dense fiber construction. This density supports the fibers, preventing them from crushing and laying flat. When evaluating turf, I always tell clients to ask for the face weight; it’s a far more reliable indicator of quality and durability than pile height or total weight.
The choice between padded and non-padded turf is a critical design decision:
With this technical knowledge, you can strategically design your gym floor for peak performance.
Design your floor in zones. Use non-padded, high-density nylon for dedicated sled/sprint tracks. Use padded polyethylene for multi-purpose functional fitness and agility areas. Integrate these turf zones with high-impact rubber flooring for designated weight-dropping areas.
A well-designed floor plan enhances training flow and protects your investment. Here’s a breakdown of how we advise clients to match turf to application:
Gym Zone / Activity Top Recommendation Engineering Rationale Sled/Prowler Track Short-pile, >50oz Nylon (Non-padded) Maximizes durability against abrasion and friction. The firm base ensures efficient energy transfer for a fast surface. Functional & Agility Area Short-pile, >40oz PE (Padded) The 5mm+ foam pad absorbs impact, protecting joints. The soft PE fibers provide safe grip and skin-friendly contact. Heavy Weight & Dumbbell Area Hybrid: Turf Pathways + Rubber Zones Use turf for movement lanes and sled work, but specify 8mm+ rubber flooring where weights will be dropped. Turf is not designed for this. Stretching & Core Zone Padded Polyethylene Turf Prioritizes user comfort and hygiene on a non-abrasive, easy-to-clean surface.From my experience, the most successful gyms use a hybrid flooring model. It is a common misconception that you need turf everywhere. A more effective and cost-efficient strategy is to use turf where it excels—for speed, agility, and functional training—and use dedicated rubber flooring where it’s needed for sound damping and impact protection. We often help clients design seamless transitions between these surfaces, creating a professional look and a floor that is perfectly optimized for every type of training. This consultative approach to design prevents overuse of the wrong material and ensures a better long-term outcome.
Choosing the right product is half the battle. Now, let’s address the practical questions of budgeting, installation, and maintenance to ensure your project is a success from start to finish.
The biggest hidden costs are shipping, adhesive, and professional installation labor, which can add 20-40% to the material price. The most common mistake is improper subfloor preparation, leading to bumps, bubbles, and visible seams that compromise the entire installation.
A successful project depends on flawless execution. Here’s how to avoid the common pitfalls I’ve seen over the years.
The price per square foot of the turf is just the starting point. To create an accurate budget, you must account for:
While interlocking turf tiles can be a viable DIY project for smaller areas, installing large turf rolls is a job for experienced professionals. The subfloor must be perfectly clean, level, and dry. Professionals know how to properly acclimate the turf, make precise cuts around obstacles, and create strong, nearly invisible seams. A poor installation will not only look unprofessional but can also create tripping hazards and lead to premature failure of the turf.
Proper maintenance is simple but non-negotiable.
The best gym turf is a carefully chosen piece of equipment, not just a floor covering. By focusing on material science, key technical specs, and a zonal design approach, you can create a safe, high-performance training environment that delivers an excellent return on your investment.
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