Terminology

  • Adhesive: Polyurethane or epoxy based products used to join two pieces of artificial grass, to secure artificial grass to various edging systems or existing surfaces such as concrete. Can also be used to secure artificial grass to foam underlay.
  • Aquabond Adhesive: A one-part urethane-based adhesive supplied in 330ml tubes and applied with a gun applicator
  • Backing: The materials used to make up the backing of artificial grass. The backing is used to secure and stabilise the fibre tufts. Typically made up of a primary and secondary backing.
  • Cleaning: The periodic use of a garden vacuum, blower or stiff broom to keep artificial grass clean and free from debris.
  • Drainage: A sub base system designed to channel water that percolates through the surface of artificial grass.
  • Durability: The resistance and ability to endure persistent wear from foot traffic.
  • Edging: An edge restraint system used to retain the sub base and laying course material and provide an anchoring point for the perimeter of an artificial lawn.  This can be in a form of treated timber or a concrete plinth.
  • Fibre: Refers to the individual blade of artificial grass.
  • Fibre Shape: The shape of the fibre formed after extrusion. Can be many different shapes, each with various strengths and weaknesses.

  • Foam Underlay: A soft, cushioning foam installed directly underneath artificial grass designed to provide both shock attenuation and drainage and protect against injuries from trips and falls. Available in 10mm and 20mm thickness, foam shockpads can also be used to mask undulations in existing surfaces when installing artificial grass directly on top of concrete, decking, asphalt or paving.  Some pads are made from recycled materials, while others are made from virgin materials and may be recyclable.
  • Galvanized Nails: Used to secure the perimeter of an artificial lawn to timber edging. Coated in zinc to prevent oxidisation or rusting.
  • Join (Seam): The area on an artificial lawn where two separate pieces of artificial grass meet. Secured using joining tape and adhesive.
  • Joining Tape: A strong fabric with a rough surface texture used to apply artificial grass adhesive that will bond to the backing of artificial grass. Provides a permanently secured join resistant to the elements and usage.
  • Latex (Backing): A secondary backing used to coat the primary backing, applied in various quantities and strengths. The secondary backing holds everything together and the higher the quantities of latex, the stronger the backing – a vital component of long lasting artificial turf.
  • Laying Course: A layer of aggregate, levelled and compacted, prior to laying artificial grass. May comprise of sharp or grit sand but for best results, granite or limestone dust should be used. Typically installed to a depth of 75mm with 10mm grit sand.
  • Perforations: Holes punches in the backing of artificial grass at regular intervals to allow the percolation of water. Allows up to 52 litres of water per square metre, per minute through the artificial turf.
  • Permeability: The rate at which the artificial grass allows liquids to percolate through the turf.
  • Pile Denisty: The amount and closeness of the artificial fibres, usually measured in stitches per square metre.
  • Pile Height: The lengths of the synthetic fibres from the primary backing to the tip of the fibre. Usually measured in millimetres.
  • Polyethylene : The most common type of plastic used to form synthetic fibres used in artificial grass manufacturing.
  • Polypropylene: A plastic used to form synthetic fibres used in artificial grass manufacturing.
  • Polyethylene: A secondary backing used to coat the primary backing that holds everything together.
  • Powerbrush:  A mechanical tool used to reinvigorate and revitalise the fibres back to an upright position. Used by contractors to defibrillate the sand infill to the bottom of the pile. Can also be used to remove debris.
  • Sand Infill: A fine, silica sand that is applied to artificial grass that lies at the bottom of the pile. A sand infill is applied for a variety of reasons and offers many advantages.
  • Sub Base: A layer of aggregate that supports the artificial lawn and prevents it from sinking. Usually consists of either MOT Type 1 or granite or limestone chippings. Installed to depths of 75-100mm
  • Warranty: The period of time a manufacturer protects their products against yarn loss and colour fading through manufacturing fault. Always check with your chosen manufacturer for length of warranty and for details on what is and isn’t covered.
  • Weed Membrane: A layer of either woven or non-woven fabric placed underneath artificial grass to prevent weed growth.