How to buy the best artificial grass

For most gardens, there’s still no substitute for real grass. However, for small gardens or small lawns used by children or dogs, fake grass is a viable alternative.

Artificial grass is pricey to install, but remains green whatever the weather throws at it, takes heavy wear and requires little maintenance once it’s set up. If you don’t want to pour water over your lawn to keep it green, artificial grass could be the way to go. Our expert artificial grass tests have uncovered some of the toughest turf around. The best fake grasses are hard to tell from real grass from a distance. One of our Best Buy artificial grasses has strands of brown among the green to make it look more natural - after all, not every blade of grass in even very well-tended lawns is pure green. However this one is the most expensive artificial grasses we tested

Types of artificial grass 

Nylon artificial grass

Artificial grass made with nylon is better-protected against the elements compared to polypropylene grass. It's a particularly strong type of plastic fibre, so if you're looking for an artificial lawn that can withstand children and pets, consider nylon grass.

Polyethylene artificial grass

A good option if you don't want to spend big. Polyethylene artificial turf has a natural look and a texture that's soft to the touch like real grass. You obviously won't be running a lawn mower over it, but remember to brush or rake it occasionally.

Polypropylene artificial grass

Although polypropylene grass will usually be your cheapest option, it's also the least durable type of artificial grass. As a result, it's best to use this grass in small spots rather than large lawns.

How much do I need to pay for good artificial grass? 

Most artificial grasses come in rolls that are two or four metres wide. Cost-wise, they work out at anything from ￡10 to ￡30 per sq m (on a par with carpet). Compared with real turf (which costs up to ￡6 per sq m), fake turf is expensive, but you could still make long-term savings. After all, you won't have to buy and maintain a mower, or buy any lawn feed. You'll also save time, as there will be no more mowing, raking or re-sowing. You could try laying it yourself, but if you want a perfectly level lawn and a good-quality finish, it’s probably best to employ a local landscaper or an artificial lawn specialist to fit it for you. Many manufacturers will offer to fit the grass for you, and prices vary depending on the complexity of your garden. The prices quoted for fitting a 50sq m area ranged from ￡1,000 to ￡2,700 - double the price of the artificial grass alone.