A well-designed outdoor space can completely transform the look and functionality of your home, and synthetic turf is one of the best ways to achieve a lush, green landscape without the hassle of maintenance. Whether you want a perfect lawn, a pet-friendly play area, a backyard putting green, or a durable surface for sports, choosing the right type of turf is key to long-term satisfaction.
At Turft, we specialize in high-quality turf installations that fit every homeowner’s unique needs. If you’re considering synthetic turf for your home but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best choice.
Why Choose Synthetic Turf for Your Home?
Before diving into the selection process, let’s explore why synthetic turf is an excellent investment for your home’s landscape:
✅ Low Maintenance – No mowing, watering, or fertilizing required.
✅ Year-Round Beauty – Lush, green grass no matter the season.
✅ Water Conservation – Save thousands of gallons of water annually.
✅ Eco-Friendly – No need for pesticides, herbicides, or gas-powered lawn equipment.
✅ Durability – Built to withstand heavy foot traffic, pets, and weather.
✅ Allergy-Free – Perfect for families who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Now, let’s break down the key factors you should consider when selecting the best turf for your landscape.
1. Determine How You Will Use Your Turf
The first step in choosing synthetic turf is understanding its primary function in your outdoor space. Different types of turf are designed for different purposes:
🏡 Residential Lawns
For homeowners looking to replace their natural grass, opt for soft, realistic-looking turf with a natural color blend. Medium to long pile heights (1.5 to 2 inches) provide the best aesthetic and comfort.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Turf
If you have dogs or other pets, choose turf designed for maximum drainage and odor resistance. Our pet-friendly turf at Turft includes antimicrobial backing to prevent bacteria buildup and reduce smells.
🏌️♂️ Backyard Putting Greens
Golf lovers will need a low-pile, dense turf designed for accurate ball roll. A pile height under 1 inch with infill adjustment allows for customized green speed to match real golf courses.
🏀 Sports & Recreational Areas
For sports fields, playgrounds, or multi-use courts, go for high-durability turf with shock-absorbing padding. These surfaces provide safety, traction, and durability for intense activity.
🌳 Landscaping & Decorative Spaces
For gardens, pool decks, and patios, select premium aesthetic turf with color variations to blend naturally with your landscape.
2. Understand Pile Height and Density
The pile height (the length of the grass blades) and density (how many fibers per square inch) impact the look, feel, and durability of your turf.
✔ Short Pile (Under 1.25 inches) – Best for putting greens and high-traffic areas.
✔ Medium Pile (1.25 – 1.75 inches) – Ideal for pet areas, playgrounds, and sports fields.
✔ Long Pile (1.75 inches and above) – Creates a lush, soft lawn perfect for residential landscapes.
Higher density turf provides a fuller, more natural appearance, but may require more infill to maintain blade structure.
3. Choose the Right Turf Material
There are three main types of turf fibers, each with its unique advantages:
🌿 Polyethylene (PE) – Soft & Realistic
✔ Ideal for residential lawns and landscaping
✔ Offers a soft, natural look and feel
✔ Excellent UV resistance for long-term durability
🏃♂️ Polypropylene (PP) – Firm & Lightweight
✔ Used primarily for putting greens
✔ Provides smooth ball roll for golf applications
✔ Less durable than other materials
🐶 Nylon (PA) – Ultra-Durable & Heat-Resistant
✔ Strongest and most resilient fiber
✔ Best for high-traffic areas, sports courts, and pet-friendly spaces
✔ More expensive, but highly durable and weather-resistant
Most premium synthetic turf blends materials to balance softness, durability, and aesthetics.
4. Consider the Infill Options
Infill is the material placed between the turf fibers to provide stability, cushioning, and weight.
✔ Silica Sand – Affordable, provides weight for stability, great for general landscaping.
✔ Rubber Granules – Adds shock absorption, ideal for sports fields.
✔ Zeolite or Antimicrobial Infills – Controls odors, great for pet-friendly turf.
✔ Organic Infills (Cork, Coconut, etc.) – Eco-friendly, reduces heat absorption.
At Turft, we help homeowners choose the best infill option based on their specific needs.
5. Drainage & Backing System
A high-quality backing system is essential for drainage, durability, and longevity.
✔ Perforated Backing – Allows water to drain efficiently, preventing puddling.
✔ Non-Perforated Backing – Best for indoor or rooftop installations.
✔ Dual-Layered Backing – Provides extra durability, great for high-traffic and pet areas.
For pet owners, a fast-draining system prevents odors and bacteria buildup, keeping your lawn clean and fresh.
6. Work with a Professional Turf Installer
Selecting the right synthetic turf is only part of the process—the installation is just as important. A professional installer ensures:
✔ Proper ground preparation and grading for drainage.
✔ Correct infill application for long-term performance.
✔ Seamless joins for a natural look.
✔ Optimized durability and functionality.
At Turft, we bring over 20 years of experience in Nashville and surrounding areas, offering high-quality materials and expert installation.
📞 Call us today at 615-447-5146 or visit www.turft.com to schedule your free consultation!
Get In Touch With Turft
Choosing the right synthetic turf comes down to knowing your needs, selecting the right materials, and working with a trusted installer. Whether you want a lush lawn, pet-friendly turf, a backyard putting green, or a multi-use sports surface, Turft has the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Are you ready to upgrade your landscape with synthetic turf? Contact Turft today for expert guidance and a customized installation plan tailored to your home!
📞 Call 615-447-5146 | 🌐 Visit www.turft.com