What Is The Difference Between Astroturf And Artificial Grass?
On the surface, astro turf and artificial grass can seem the same thing, and that is precisely how the words are often used. But under close inspection, they've been used differently and meant differently in most circumstances. Most people tend to consider Astro Turf as the naive, old-fashioned term for synthetic grass. (Although there is actually little or no relation between the two terms). While the term Artificial Grass is now used more as a title for the vast modern world of low-maintenance, realistic, natural-looking artificial turf for gardens, patios, children's play areas, and any place where real grass seems to have a bit of a mind of its own. This being the case, not every artificial lawn will look or behave identically! You're probably aware that some are for playing sports on; others are purely for decorating. You can easily get the knowledge you need at the beginning.
1. Astro Turf is the More Precise, Older Name:
a. AstroTurf began as a brand name, which subsequently came to be used as a generic term for artificial sports surfacing. More recently, the term has been colloquially applied to artificial surfaces in general (even if not quite accurately). As people started using it generically in everyday conversation, AstroTurf began to be used as an all-purpose term for any synthetic turf, particularly when the artificial surfacing is very clearly obvious and being applied to a sports area or a very heavily utilized area.
b. Artificial grass is the general modern term and is comprised of a wide range of artificial surfacing products designed to look more realistic and therefore to be suitable for a much wider range of applications, such as garden lawns, terraces, child and pet-friendly play areas and purely decorative garden areas. These artificial grass products are generally much softer and more realistically styled than the somewhat antiquated idea associated with older AstroTurf surfaces.
c. In essence, the distinction between the two terms is partially based on historical grounds, partially on their use. AstroTurf is the generic term for the earlier type of synthetic turf surface designed for sport. Artificial grass covers the entire range of modern, synthetic turf used for the domestic or commercial market. This distinction is beneficial when shopping, since the choice of product depends greatly upon the intended usage and location.
2. The Main Difference is in the Intended Use:
a. The first key thing to realize is that AstroTurf and artificial grass are frequently made for two different purposes. The word "AstroTurf" itself has quite strongly become related to sports and to high-traffic surfaces, whereas artificial grass for gardens is more likely to be made to look more natural, be more comfortable underfoot and be made more for domestic life.
b. This means that texture, pile height, backing and look and feel may vary. You’ll have sports style surfaces designed for wear and tear, ball roll, and traction, and garden style artificial grass surfaces designed for look, feel, softness and natural finish.
c. This is why ordering 'AstroTurf' in a garden setting can be slightly deceptive. What you’re actually looking for might be artificial grass for the garden, not the sports surface it's most associated with. And the inverse also applies; if you use a decorative lawn-style product where you play a lot of rough games, it might look the part, but it might not last well.
Function first, the product choices then become a lot clearer.
3. Astro Turf Frequently Has a More Athletic Vibe:
a. Most people don't think of a soft lawn when they hear the word "AstroTurf". They think of a hard, durable playing field. It wasn't just by chance that it was in relation to playing fields that the term gained prominence, however. Playing fields are one of the earlier and more obvious uses of synthetic turf.
b. Sports surfaces are designed to withstand heavy activity, repetition and demanding performance criteria. They often have a firmer, more durable pile construction than ornamental garden lawns. This is necessary if the surface needs to accommodate strenuous exercise, foot traffic and balls bouncing, rather than simply enhance the visual appeal of a garden.
c. The typical garden artificial grass is designed primarily with visual and comfort properties in mind. They can be durable but tend to mimic the feel of real grass much more than sports pitch surfaces do. They may have softer piles, more varied coloration and a finish intended to look natural from afar and feel comfortable underfoot up close.
d. Therefore, if the purpose is a pleasant, natural-looking backyard then artificial grass is the more appropriate term and product category. AstroTurf-style thinking may be relevant in situations where a hard-wearing sports surface is required.
Pro-Tip: For use in a garden setting, rather than a sports area, look for artificial grass, landscaping turf or garden turf as descriptions rather than general synthetic surfaces.
4. Artificial Grass is Far More Expansive & Adaptable:
a. The modern all-encompassing word is Artificial Grass. This covers items for gardens, balconies, patios, play areas for kids and pets and decorative, indoor, and commercial applications. It does not sit within one old brand image or one area of application.
b. It is this that makes it such a strong market. Different artificial grasses are significantly different in pile length and density, in their softness and the way colors have been blended, and their construction beneath the fibers. Some have been designed to resemble recently mown natural grass; others are more lush, thicker, or more premium in appearance. Some are ideal for intensive domestic use, whereas others are suited to areas that are more often seen than walked on.
c. The complexity of all this is precisely the reason for the general confusion. Artificial grass is not just one single item; it is a general term covering styles of various designs and standards, therefore requires careful consideration rather than just selecting a green swatch on the web.
d. On the upside, it gives the buyer a tremendous scope of choice and flexibility. You could not choose the same artificial grass for a family garden, a pet area, a rooftop terrace, and a decorative patio. It is the sheer variety of choice that has helped the market bloom.
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5. The Difference is Frequently Most Noticeable in Appearance:
a. Sports-grade artificial turf and artificial grass for the garden can both be green, but they will look quite different. You will likely find Astro Turf-type grasses to be flatter, harder, and of a more uniform hue than natural garden grass. To make artificial grass for landscaping to appear like real turf, manufacturers use a variety of shades of green blended, varied grass blade shape, and a soft touch.
b. For a garden environment, then the look is highly important; the product may be ideal for durability, but it will feel odd in the garden if it's too rigid or doesn't blend in with the environment. Most artificial grass products made with gardening in mind invest heavily in making the grass look real for these reasons, and why it will be used in homes more often than other types of artificial turf.
c. Varying colour is one thing that indicates this: truly realistic artificial grass will typically include mixed greens, possibly with brown and/or olive shades, to try and avoid the bright, flat neon green which you just don't want in the garden. Sports grass will appear more regular as the quality is primarily based on how well it performs.
d. Therefore, when considering between the two, it often depends on whether the sacrifice in quality is between performance or appearance. Most houses tend to take the approach that appearance plays a fairly big role.
6. Underfoot Comfort & Texture are Two Different Things:
a. The feel of the surface is often less obvious and, therefore, of more importance than people tend to think. Surfaces such as those associated with AstroTurf tend to be more rigid and feel less "real" underfoot, often because they are designed with performance in mind. Artificial grass manufactured for use in domestic garden areas, however, typically has a softer and therefore more comfortable feel for sitting on, walking on or for children to play on.
b. This distinction is particularly important where domestic family garden areas are concerned, as well as in designated play areas and where pets are likely to be spending their time. Where a surface is likely to feel hard or "unnatural" underfoot, the soft, luxurious feeling of an artificial lawn is likely to be particularly appreciated.
c. This is not to say, however, that softer always wins the argument. Very plush varieties can look beautiful; however, these may be flatter than other artificial grasses after use if it is a high-traffic area. The balance is key and the lawn must feel comfortable without being too fragile or prone to looking messy with even the most limited of uses.
The best option for a domestic garden, therefore, is likely to be the version that allows a real-world sense of the garden to be incorporated into an artificial grass product and which possesses the strength and durability to handle actual everyday use, while still feeling comfortable and inviting.
7. One Aspect of the Real-World Distinction is Drainage:
a. This question also depends on whether it’s an AstroTurf-type system or artificial grass and what it's used for. Garden fake grass is designed with drainage holes and a permeable backing, allowing the water to drain through. This is a must when you live in Great Britain, where it rarely stops raining!
b. The specific type of surface in question could be constructed differently for its relevant sport in relation to the need for drainage and type of infill system, etc., to complement the required characteristics of the surface in question. All synthetic surfaces neither drain in the same way nor are they meant for the same conditions.
c. The drainage for a garden environment should be important. You don’t want a good-looking, synthetic lawn if it’s going to hold water or get sodden each time it rains. Which is why the preparation of the ground and construction of the sub-base are so important, not just the actual surface.
8. Upkeep is Different as Well:
a. A key reason artificial grass is loved is its lack of maintenance; however, lack of maintenance is not zero maintenance. Leaves, dust, pet messes, and general detritus still need attending to. The variation between Astro Turf and artificial grass is mostly down to usage type and location.
b. A sport-oriented surface can be constructed for heavy wear and tear, but it can be quite unappealing as a feature lawn. Artificial grass in the garden can require regular brushing, general detritus clearing and a quick rinse now and again for a fresh look; however, it's not an enormous task, quite the opposite.
c. Ease of maintenance is determined by the choice of surface and there will generally be a suitable product for the room the surface is for. A tougher sports-style product might perform brilliantly for a sports-field or a training area, but could be the wrong appearance or texture for a front lawn or patio area.
Consider usage when considering maintenance, and many of the good decisions come from this point.
FAQs:
1. Is AstroTurf the same as artificial grass?
Not quite. AstroTurf has become a generic term for synthetic sports surfaces, but artificial grass in the general name given to everything from gardens and patios to play areas and a host of other applications.
2. Which is best for a garden, AstroTurf or artificial grass?
Usually, artificial grass would be better suited to a garden. This is because it is manufactured to look like natural grass and is typically much softer than sports-style grass.
3. Will the installation on artificial grass be the same as Astroturf?
Not necessarily. They will both have suitable groundwork, but depending on the product and application, the technical details of the installation may vary. Garden artificial grass will generally require a drainage base and Astroturf a different base.
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