In short
Artificial grass is a textile floor covering that replicates natural lawn. It consists of plastic fibers (usually polyethylene), which are tufted into a backing fabric and secured with a backing coating. Depending on the application, there are garden and landscape turf, sports turf with or without infill material, and simple turf carpets.
We encounter artificial grass in gardens, on balconies, on football pitches, and at events. But what is it actually made of, how is it manufactured, and what types are there? Here you’ll find the basics at a glance.
What Is Artificial Grass Made Of?
| Component | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Blades (Pile) | Polyethylene, less commonly polyamide | Appearance, feel, durability |
| Thatch | curled yarn, often polypropylene | Supports the blades, natural look |
| Backing fabric | Synthetic fabric | Holds the fibers during tufting |
| Backing coating | e.g. latex or polyurethane | Secures the blades, provides stability |
| Infill (optional) | Silica sand, cork, etc. | Weighting and playing properties |
How Is Artificial Grass Manufactured?
- Producing the yarn: Plastic granulate is melted with color pigments and UV stabilizers and drawn into fibers.
- Tufting: During tufting, the fibers are inserted into the backing fabric using many needles – similar to the process for carpet flooring.
- Coating: The back is coated so that the blades are firmly anchored (tuft bind).
- Perforating and rolling: Drainage holes ensure water permeability, then the material is rolled into roll widths.
What Types of Artificial Grass Are There?
| Type | Features | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Garden and landscape turf | Soft, multi-colored, with thatch, usually unfilled | Garden, patio, balcony, roof terrace |
| Sports turf (filled) | Longer fibers, with sand and elastic infill | Football, rugby |
| Sports turf (sand-filled/short) | Short, dense pile | Tennis, hockey, multi-sport |
| Turf carpet | Thin, short, simple appearance | Trade shows, camping, indoor use |
| Event artificial grass | Durable, quick to install | Events, temporary areas |
Modern Artificial Grass Technologies
The first artificial turfs in the 1960s had little in common with today’s products. Learn more under Artificial Grass Generations. Today, special fiber shapes and surfaces create a natural look – at Royal Grass®, for example, V-Shape®, MiNT®, and ReaDY®.
How Can You Tell Good Artificial Grass?
- Natural, matte appearance from every angle
- Blades spring back upright after pressure (resilience)
- Dense pile with high stitch density
- Water-permeable backing
- Long manufacturer’s warranty
You’ll find all purchasing criteria in our guide Which Artificial Grass Is Best?, and the differences from simple coverings under Turf Carpet or Artificial Grass?.
Our Advice
The best way to understand the differences is to touch different varieties yourself. In our sample gardens you can see Royal Grass® in outdoor use, and you’ll find all products with specifications under Products.
Frequently Asked Questions: What Is Artificial Grass?
What is artificial grass made of?
Artificial grass consists of plastic fibers, usually polyethylene, which are tufted into a backing fabric and secured with a backing coating. Many products also contain curled yarn (thatch). Sports turf is often filled with sand or other infill material.
Is artificial grass made of plastic?
Yes, artificial grass is made mostly of plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene. High-quality products are UV-stabilized to retain their color for a long time, and some are made of a single material type to make recycling easier.
What types of artificial grass are there?
The main distinctions are garden and landscape turf, sports turf with or without infill material, simple turf carpets, and durable event artificial grass for temporary areas.
How is artificial grass manufactured?
First, plastic is processed with color pigments and UV stabilizers into yarn. This is inserted into a backing fabric during tufting, after which the back is coated, perforated, and the material is rolled up.