Artificial turf

Artificial grass is mainly used to cover small outdoor areas such as balconies, terraces and patios. Also known as synthetic grass or turf, artificial grass varies in terms of lawn type, material, grass height and whether or not it has an infill. You'll also have to think about tensile strength, drainage holes, weight and various quality standards. These days, it couldn't be easier to create a green space in the garden, around the pool, on a patio or balcony, or even indoors thanks to artificial grass. Whether you go for a sand infill or not, artificial turf allows you to enjoy a green lawn all year round.

Looking to infill your artificial grass? Here are the key points to be aware of:

- artificial grass is filled with sand to weigh it down;

- this helps to dampen falls, making it ideal for children's play areas;

- the stability and durability of the grass depends on the density of the sand used (up to 20 kg/m²);

- artificial grass with an infill can be installed over any type of surface (wood, concrete, tiles, etc.).

If you'd rather artificial grass without an infill, here is some food for thought:

- as the name suggests, this type of artificial grass is not filled with sand;

- it is best used for enclosed spaces such patios, balconies, roof terraces or even indoors;

- just like artificial grass with infill, it can be glued or nailed down depending on the surface.

When purchasing an artificial lawn, there are a few factors to bear in mind:

- a blend of polypropylene (PP) with polyamide (PA) usually results in a high-quality synthetic turf;

- look out for a high polyethylene content for increased wear and moisture resistance;

- go for a grass height of 6 to 20 mm for a freshly mown lawn look or 25 mm and over for a more natural appearance;

- the density of artificial grass is measured in weight per square metre and determines the quality of the product;

- tensile strength is measured in PSI and describes the extent to which the grass blades can be pulled before breaking;

- a permeability rate of 30 l/min/m² through the drainage holes is recommended;

- ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 set out the appropriate standards to guarantee manufacturing quality.

While all artificial grass provides a year-round green lawn, your choice of turf depends largely on location and the result you're after. It's worth noting that artificial grass designed for poolside use may be chlorine-resistant while outdoor artificial grass will usually be UV-resistant.