Artificial turf provides the best of both worlds. It's easier to maintain than natural grass and guarantees a manicured artificial lawn year-round, requires less watering than real grass and does not irritate those with common pollen allergies or grass allergies. Synthetic grass is also right at home in synthetic turf athletic fields, as it is a maintenance-free solution that allows for year-round play. For all of these reasons and more, artificial turf is becoming an increasingly popular option for anyone who wants to get more out of their lawn or athletic field.
The Grass is ALWAYS Greener with DelaTurf
DelaTurf installs high-quality artificial turf for countless uses — like residences, commercial establishments, sports fields, indoor facilities, and outdoor stadiums — and has become one of Florida's top artificial grass installers due to our commitment to customer satisfaction and exceptional service. Now that you know what we're made of, the team of DelaTurf is going to use this blog to tell you what our artificial turf is made of!
How is Synthetic Grass Made?
Like a great casserole or cake, artificial turf consists of many layers which contribute to its many advantages over natural grass. We'll go through the materials used in each of these layers, some parts of the manufacturing process, as well as the specific uses they have in forming artificial turf.
The Layers of Artificial Turf
1. Artificial Grass Blades
2. Thatch
3. Backing
4. Cushioning
Materials Used in Artificial Grass Blades
Despite the natural look of artificial turf, the blades are made from several synthetic fibers you might be quite familiar with. The first, polyethylene, is found in most plastics and is resilient even in the face of heavy rain and a barrage of UV rays — making it perfect for Sunshine State use. Another commonly used material in artificial turf is nylon, which has some of the same properties as polyethylene but with a softer, natural grass-like feel and added resilience. The synthetic fibers used in synthetic grass blades create comfortable-feeling artificial surfaces that will hold up to any of the Florida elements.
Synthetic Grass Thatch Materials
The next layer of artificial turf, the thatch, is responsible for the natural "foot-feel" of natural grass. Without the thatch, artificial turf would feel much less like walking on a lawn and more like walking on a rug. The thatch is made from polypropylene, a recycled plastic that helps to add both cushioning and support to the artificial lawn. This layer is where high-quality turf like that from DelaTurf is most clearly distinguished from other installers. Where other companies use cheap crumb rubber infill material, our infill material is high quality, making our natural turf feel like real grass!
Artificial Lawn Backing Material
Often considered the unsung hero of synthetic turf, artificial turf backing may not be visible but it is extremely important. The backing of synthetic grass is where the natural turf blades attach to the ground layer and is anchored by a polyester cord. There are many reasons why this layer is so crucial. Without a secure anchor, synthetic grass can become a hazard to those running and playing on the lawn who may slip without a properly secured backing. But when professionally installed by the artificial turf experts at DelaTurf, not even harsh weather conditions like storm-force winds can get the turf to budge!
How Artificial Grass Cushioning Systems Are Made
The final layer of synthetic grass is cushioning. Like a great mattress, the right balance of softness and firmness is needed to make a perfect cushion for artificial turf — especially in the playing surface of synthetic turf athletic fields. This perfect balance is commonly created using polyester foam and rubber, with some manufacturers even using recycled rubber tires to contribute to the cushion layer. The secret to laying turf that feels like real grass is in the infill materials. When the perfect combination is achieved, the result is a comfortable, inviting, and a safe patch of synthetic grass. "Infill material" can sometimes be a confusing term — in reality, it is essentially "crumb" rubber mulch that is used in almost every type of natural turf.
The Ideal Combination for a Natural Grass Feel
While the layers of synthetic grass and the materials they are made of are important on their own, the combination of all of them creates synthetic grass which is durable, safe, beautiful, and comfortable. When looking for artificial turf -- whether it's for your home lawn or an artificial turf field — ensure the materials are premium and well-made. Don't take the risk: trust the experts at DelaTurf. DelaTurf has many different types of turf to choose from. If you are in the Central Florida area, feel free to come by our office located in Oviedo to take a look at all the turf samples we offer.
DelaTurf: Experts in the Artificial Turf Industry
To guarantee that your synthetic turf is of the highest quality possible, lean on the team at DelaTurf. As we have explained in this blog, not all artificial turf is created equally and every element of a turf system --- from the backing material to the synthetic fibers used in artificial grass blades --- is crucial. While high-quality materials are important, however, the build quality of artificial turf means nothing without proper installation. From the design process to the final installation, DelaTurf is your one-stop shop for artificial turf.
To discover the difference artificial lawns and synthetic turf fields can make, contact the artificial turf experts at DelaTurf by dialing (407) 225-4288. We create turf systems for all sorts of situations. All of our custom installed turf is backed by a certification of safety from the environmental protection agency, and comes with a 16-year manufacturer warranty.
DelaTurf services the following areas:
Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Osceola County, Volusia County, and Broward County. Our team commonly operates in Metro West, Doctor Phillips, Windermere, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Gotha, Oviedo, Oakland, Apopka, College Park, Winter Park, Sorrento, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Heathrow, & Sanford.