3 Types of Artificial Turf Material
First popularized by its appearance in the AstroDome in 1966, artificial turf is used in many settings, including playgrounds, football fields, baseball fields and personal lawns. Artificial turf Austin comes with many benefits. For example, as a long term investment, artificial turf is more cost effective than natural grass. It only needs to be planted once for several years rather than being replanted regularly, and it does not require water and fertilizer. It is also easier to maintain and keep aesthetically appealing since it does not need to be mowed and is less prone to bald patches from shadows and walking. There is also a wide selection of colors to pick from. Overall, artificial turf’s advantages offset the greater initial cost. There are actually many kinds of artificial turf available to choose from, with material, color, height, use and added features varying. Three materials commonly used in artificial turf are polyethylene, nylon and polypropylene. Here is a break down of these three turfs.
1. Polyethylene Turf
Polyethylene is the most popular kind of turf among homeowners, sometimes combined with a nylon secondary thatch, because it has the greatest resemblance to real grass. The durable turf has a soft, realistic texture that resembles that of grass and is available in several shades of vivid green. Its non-porous nature also helps it not retain unwanted scents. Polyethylene turf is also used for landscaping and sports fields and is tough enough for many uses as long as it is of reasonably high quality.
2. Nylon Turf
Nylon turf is often used to form a secondary thatch for turf primarily composed of different material and is favored for its strength; in fact, nylon turf is the toughest in the market. It is capable of resisting extreme temperatures and great weights while retaining its original shape. While it has the longest lifespan, nylon turf also has the highest price tag. This, along with its stiff, less natural texture, nylon turf is not commonly used by itself for athletic fields or landscaping.
3. Polypropylene Turf
Polypropylene turf is the most affordable type of turf. Its cheapness does come at the cost of strength though, as it is also the least durable. It is both more easily trampled and crushed and more vulnerable to heat than polyethylene turf and nylon turf. It is good for indoor decoration.
Artificial turf is not for everyone, but it is not deficient in pros. The variation among turf types extends beyond just material type, but the material is one of the largest determining factors when choosing turf.