Let’s cut to the chase: No, they’re not the same
Both artificial grass and turf are durable grass alternatives.
Artificial grass offers a more life-like appearance than turf.
Turf and artificial grass cost around $6–$19 per square foot.
Tired of all things mowing, watering, and weeding and decided synthetic grass was the right route for you? While they sound the same, the pros and cons of artificial grass versus turf are quite different. This guide will lay down what each one is and when its unique characteristics are best for your needs.
The main difference between artificial grass and turf is what it’s used for. Since artificial grass is primarily used for residential homes, it resembles natural grass more than turf. Turf is mainly used for sports fields, so it can weather the wear and tear of constant use without looking worn down, which isn’t a trait it shares with artificial grass.
Artificial grass is synthetic grass that’s made to look and feel like its natural counterparts (just without all the mowing and watering). It’s made with polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon materials, each serving its purpose, giving you different types of artificial grass. Let’s look at what makes it a must-have for some homeowners and things you should consider.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Realistic looking | Pricey |
| Low maintenance | Hot in the summer |
| Usable throughout your home | Looks worn down over time |
Best for:
Low-traffic areas so it doesn’t get worn down too quickly and reduce its life span
Homeowners who want the aesthetically pleasing look and feel of real grass
Yards that children play and pets roam around on
Not much inconvenient downtime: Rainy weather and pest control limit when you and your family can use your lawn. But since artificial grass dries out quickly (and doesn’t harbor pests), you can continue using it in hours, not days.
Low maintenance: Artificial grass is, well, artificial, so it doesn’t come with the same maintenance requirements as natural grass, like mowing, edging, and seeding.
Resembles natural grass: It has a natural grass color, realistic blades that come in different lengths and designs that sway in the wind, and is soft underfoot.
Versatile: Since it’s so realistic, you can use artificial grass anywhere you want a pop of green, like a sunroom, backyard, or balcony.
Looks worn over time: Artificial grass is made for looks, not built for constant wear and tear. It can start looking flat and worn after continuous use in high-traffic areas.
Initial cost: This synthetic grass can last for years, saving money on mowing and watering your lawn. However, on average, artificial grass costs around $7–$17 per sq. ft.
Gets hot in the summer: While certain materials that artificial grass is made with can reduce its heat, it can still get fairly hot and might need to be lightly sprayed with water to cool it off.
Can trap bacteria: It can trap blood, skin, and animal waste, leading to bacteria like staphylococci breeding in your grass. So, while you don’t need to mow your lawn, you’ll still need to clean it.
Turf is also a form of synthetic grass built to be durable against sports-level wear and tear. Like artificial grass, turf is made with polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon and is more densely packed with material, accounting for its increased durability. While turf can be a good lawn alternative, it has drawbacks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Pricey |
| Long-lasting | Absorbs heat |
| Low maintenance | Looks unrealistic |
Best for:
Areas with a lot of foot traffic
When longevity matters more than aesthetics
Durable against harsh conditions: Turf is made for the rough punishment many sports fields endure, so it can withstand energetic kids and pets.
Long-lasting: Since turf can take a few hits, it can last for at least 15 years in rough conditions and potentially even longer in low-traffic areas.
Easy to maintain: Turf doesn’t require frequent watering or mowing to keep it looking its best.
High upfront cost: Turf costs around $6–$19 per sq. ft., including labor, which can be initially pricey compared to naturally grown grass.
Unrealistic looking: It’s short, uniform green, and doesn’t feel the same as natural grass, which can be a problem if you want your lawn alternative to look aesthetically pleasing.
Absorbs heat: Turf can get hot in extreme heat conditions, making it uncomfortable to walk on. While a light spritz of water can cool it down, it's something to consider.
Can harbor bacteria: When bodily substances like animal waste get in your turf, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria like staphylococci. You’ll need to clean it with a water hose to prevent this.
Choosing between artificial grass and turf can be a tough call. It pays to think about what each material offers and the type of area you want to cover. Here’s a breakdown of both products to help you decide.
Don’t we all want tidy, healthy green yards? One of the main reasons for choosing synthetic grass is its appealing look. Both turf and artificial grass offer thick, carpet-like grass that’s green all year long.
Turf is the shorter of the two, while artificial grass is longer and softer, similar to blades of grass. Turf is made in a singular color, while artificial grass has color variations that make it look more like real grass. It also moves more like the real thing.
Turf and artificial grass both vary in price, depending on the product’s quality. Both, like live sod, are priced by the square foot. The good news is that there is probably a choice that fits your budget, no matter what it is. The not-so-good news is that either choice is more expensive than sod on the front end.
Turf can cost anywhere between $6 and $19 per square foot, installed. The cost varies widely by brand and quality. Artificial grass costs between $7 and $17 per square foot, including professional installation.
Like turf, the cost depends on the brand you choose and the quality level you decide to use. The total project cost can vary widely depending on the size of the area you’re covering.
If you’re investing in making your landscaping ideas come to life, you’ll want to get your money’s worth and have them look beautiful for as long as possible. Turf is designed for sports, so its makeup is tough and long-lasting. It can withstand running, sliding feet, and repeated jumping without splitting or tearing as real grass would under the same punishment.
Artificial grass is durable, too. It tends to be longer and softer than turf and is designed to be more visually pleasing. Over time, heavy use can flatten your artificial grass lawn and make it look worn. However, both turf and artificial grass can last 15 to 20 years, making them a long-term investment.
Caring for both turf and artificial grass is much easier than live grass. There’s no need for mowing, trimming, aerating, or weed-eating. You won’t need to fertilize or water it in the dry months, either.
However, dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris accumulate over time. A good rinse with a hose takes care of the buildup and discourages bacteria growth. If you’re installing turf or artificial grass for pets, you’ll probably need to rinse it more often.
If you want to flex your DIY muscle and save on installation costs, you can lay artificial grass or turf yourself. Flat areas or small spaces like the pet yard or play areas will be much easier to DIY than large backyards or uneven areas. For those jobs, you might want to call a local artificial grass installer.
When deciding on turf versus artificial grass, one of the critical areas of concern is how it impacts the environment. Synthetic grass doesn’t need frequent watering or fertilizer that may contain chemicals or metals like zinc, lead, or cadmium. However, neither is biodegradable due to the synthetic and infill material they’re made with and the chemicals used to make them last for years.
Susan McCullah contributed to this piece.
