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If you are planning a synthetic lawn project, you may need to request quotations and artificial grass samples from some synthetic turf suppliers, you will begin to notice that each sample is labelled with a specification sheet. These specifications determine the quality of the turf (including lifespan and performance characteristics) and the artificial grass cost. In most cases, you can choose the appropriate products according to the supplier’s recommendations. But if you wish to go deeper, you need to understand the meaning of these specifications.
Arturf Africa specification labels explained
In this article, we will tell you what these main specifications mean.
Pile Height
The height of the pile (the blade/fibre/yarn on top of the artificial grass backing.), usually measured in millimetres (mm).
For example: 20mm Fairway Essential, 35mm Fairway Summer
Yarn Shape
The yarn itself has two designations that regulate its quality. The first is the denier, which is the density of each yarn fibre. A higher denier means a heavier, thicker yarn. The second is face weight, which refers to how much the yarn itself weighs without its backing. The heavier the weight of the grass, the more densely packed it is and the better the quality and the higher the cost.
There are many different types of shapes of artificial grass. Some are more natural looking while others while other have a better bounce-back rate for high traffic areas or other benefits such as heat reflection.
| Blade Shape | Characteristics |
| V-shape | High degree of durability. Vertical standing, ideal for high traffic areas |
| C-shape | Durable, softer feel and realistic aesthetics, ideal for playgrounds, pet spaces and high traffic areas |
| U-shape | Durable, long-lasting, soft feel |
| S-shape | Natural look, soft texture, mirroring effect that takes away the green hue of synthetic grass |
| W-shape | Durable, long-lasting, naturally looking, stay cooler than any other artificial turf |
| M-shape | Natural looking, reflect light, perfect for sun exposed areas |
Dtex
Dtex is one of the main factors that will affect the face weight of artificial grass. Generally speaking, More face weight=more materials=higher price.
It is a unit of measurement that indicates the linear mass of yarn in grams, per 10,000 metres.
Moreover, it relates to the weight of the yarn used to make the artificial grass with a certain density.
If the other specifications stay the same, a higher Dtex means a higher face weight which ultimately means better durability and a denser touch feeling.
For example, 11000 Dtex, means the weight of 10000-meter yarns (yarns from the same stitch) is 11000g.
Gauge
The distance between two adjacent stitching lines, usually using ‘inch’ as the unit.
The common gauge includes 3/8-inch, 3/4-inch, 5/8-inch, 5/32 inch…
The gauge on the picture below is 3/8 inch. 3/8inch=0.9525cm, so there are 105 lines of grass in 100cm distance (100/0.9525= 105 lines)
Stitch Rate
Number of artificial grass stitches per 100cm in the stitch line direction.
In the picture below, there are 17 stitches in 10cm, so there should be 170 stitches in 100cm.
Density
It is the number of stitches in one square meter
You can calculate the density if the gauge and stitch rate are given
How to calculate density with the data of the gauge and stitch rate?
Take gauge 3/8 inch and stitch rate 170 stitches/100cm as an example:
1. 3/8 inch=0.9525cm, there are 105 lines in 100cm distance (100/0.9525= 105 lines).
2. In the stitch line direction, there are 170 stitches in the 100cm distance (See picture above – stitch rate).
3. In the size of one square meter (100cm x 100cm), there are 105*170=17850 stitches.
We say that the density of this artificial grass is 17850 stitches/m2.
The pile height, dtex, gauge and stitch rate work together to determine the artificial grass face weight (Gauge and stitch rate decide the stitch density and pile height, dtex, and stitch density decide the face weight).
Currently, we do not include the face weight on the label of our samples, but if needed you can check with us once you get samples.
Face Weight
It is the weight of yarn in one square meter. That includes the blade and thatch layer (if it has) only, excluding the weight of backing.
Face weight affects the performance and cost of artificial grass
Artificial grass face weight is an indicator of density and durability. If you have two 35mm pile height samples on hand, with both sized 20cm x 30cm, but A with face weight of 2.5kg/m², and B with face weight of 1.5kg/m². You will find sample A is much denser and sturdier.
Higher face weight means more yarns per square meter, it will be more wear-resistance and has a longer lifespan.
Factors determining Face Weight
- Pile height: longer pile height means higher face weight
- Stitches: more stitches per square meter means higher face weight.
- Dtex: higher Dtex means higher face weight.
Backing
Artificial grass backings are comprised of a primary backing and a secondary backing. Both the primary and secondary backings work together to provide dimensional stability to the entire system.
- The primary backing is comprised of woven polypropylene fabrics that allow the artificial grass fibres to be tufted into the material in rows and facilitate seaming between artificial grass panels.
- The secondary backing is often referred to as the ‘coating’ and is applied to the reverse side of the primary backing in order to permanently lock the tufted fibres in place.
SBR Latex coating and Polyurethane (PU) backing are two common coatings for artificial grass. Most backings currently on the market are manufactured using latex coating.
How to choose?
When comparing different artificial grass samples from different suppliers, it is best to compare the exact same pile heights with one another. If the pile height is the same, a higher face weight would mean the product is more dense, sturdier and has more wear-resistance. If you are not restricted by your budget, it would be best to choose the higher face weight product should you be concerned about the products longevity.