Understanding the Different Types of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass has become a popular alternative to natural lawns across South Africa, offering year-round greenery without the need for watering, mowing, or fertilising. As demand grows, many homeowners and businesses assume all synthetic lawns are the same. In reality, there are many types of artificial grass, and choosing the right one has a major impact on comfort, durability, and long-term performance.
Understanding the different types of artificial grass is essential when selecting a solution that suits your space, lifestyle, and local conditions. One of the most important factors is artificial grass thickness, as it directly affects how the surface feels, how natural it looks, and how well it handles everyday use. In this guide, we explore how artificial grass has evolved, why it comes in different forms, and how to choose between popular options such as 20mm and 25mm artificial grass.
What Artificial Grass Is and How It Has Evolved
Modern artificial grass is far removed from the stiff, plastic-looking turf people remember from years ago. Today’s products use advanced synthetic fibres engineered to replicate the colour, texture, and movement of natural grass while delivering superior durability.
High-quality artificial grass is manufactured with UV-resistant yarns to prevent fading in South Africa’s strong sunlight. It also features permeable backing systems that allow rainwater to drain efficiently, reducing pooling and odours. Stable base layers ensure the turf remains secure even in high-traffic or exposed environments.
At EasyGrasse, the focus is on supplying premium artificial grass that performs in real-world conditions. Our range is designed to look realistic while providing long-term reliability for residential, commercial, and recreational applications. You can explore our full artificial grass range to see the different styles available.
Why Artificial Grass Comes in Different Types
Different spaces place different demands on artificial grass. A small balcony, a family garden, a commercial walkway, and a pet-friendly yard all require different performance characteristics.
Key factors that influence the type of artificial grass needed include:
- The amount of foot traffic the area receives
- Whether children or pets will use the space
- The importance of comfort versus durability
- Visual preferences and overall landscaping goals
Artificial grass thickness is one of the biggest decision points because it affects how the surface feels underfoot, how it responds to regular use, and how natural it appears once installed.
Understanding Artificial Grass Thickness
Artificial grass thickness refers to the height of the grass fibres, measured in millimetres. While this may sound technical, it is best understood practically.
Shorter fibres create a neater, firmer surface similar to a freshly trimmed lawn. Thicker fibres add cushioning and visual fullness, making the lawn look and feel more luxurious. Thickness also affects price, brushing requirements, and suitability for different spaces.
For most homes and light commercial areas, the decision often comes down to comparing 20mm and 25mm artificial grass, as both offer an excellent balance of performance, appearance, and affordability.
20mm Artificial Grass
20mm artificial grass delivers a clean, well-groomed look that resembles a freshly cut lawn. Because the fibres are shorter, the surface feels slightly firmer underfoot and maintains its shape well over time.
This type of artificial grass is ideal for practical and decorative spaces where durability and ease of care are important. It works especially well for balconies, patios, walkways, rental properties, and areas with consistent foot traffic.
One of the biggest advantages of 20mm grass is value. It uses less fibre material, making it more cost-effective without sacrificing quality. Maintenance is also simple, as shorter fibres are less likely to flatten and usually need minimal brushing.
While comfortable for everyday use, 20mm artificial grass offers less cushioning than thicker options, which may be a consideration for barefoot garden areas or family relaxation zones.
25mm Artificial Grass
25mm artificial grass provides a noticeable upgrade in softness and visual appeal. The slightly longer fibres create a fuller, more natural lawn appearance and feel gentler underfoot.
This thickness is popular for residential gardens and outdoor living spaces where comfort matters as much as durability. It offers enough cushioning for walking and playing while remaining practical for everyday use.
For homeowners seeking realism without going to very high pile heights, 25mm artificial grass is often the perfect middle ground. It balances appearance, comfort, and long-term performance extremely well.
Comparing 20mm vs 25mm Artificial Grass
Choosing between 20mm and 25mm artificial grass is less about technical numbers and more about lifestyle and usage.
If the space is functional or decorative with regular traffic, 20mm artificial grass delivers a tidy, resilient surface that stays looking neat. It is ideal where practicality and cost efficiency are priorities.
If the area is designed for relaxation, family time, or visual impact, 25mm artificial grass offers a softer and more inviting finish. It suits gardens and entertainment areas where people spend longer periods outdoors.
Understanding how the space will be used makes it easier to select the right solution rather than choosing based on looks alone.
Other Artificial Grass Options You May Come Across
Beyond standard residential options, there are thicker and more specialised types of artificial grass available. These include luxury lawns with higher piles, pet-specific turf with enhanced drainage, and sports surfaces designed for performance and safety.
While these options serve particular needs, they are not always necessary for every project. At EasyGrasse, we help you identify when specialised turf is required and when a standard thickness delivers the best value.
Choosing the Right Artificial Grass for Your Space
Before selecting artificial grass, it helps to ask a few practical questions:
- How often will the area be used?
- Will children or pets be using the space regularly?
- Is comfort or durability the main priority?
- Is the area primarily decorative or functional?
Answering these questions helps narrow down the most suitable option. At EasyGrasse, we can help match the right type of artificial grass to each space’s specific requirements, ensuring long-term satisfaction and performance.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Artificial Grass
One of the most common mistakes is selecting artificial grass based purely on price. Cheaper options often lack fibre density, UV stability, and backing strength, leading to faster wear.
Another misconception is that thicker always means better. Quality depends on more than height alone. Fibre type, density, backing structure, and installation quality all contribute to performance.
Even premium grass can fail if the base is poorly prepared, which is why professional installation is a critical part of long-term success.
Maintenance Expectations for Different Types of Artificial Grass
Although artificial grass is low maintenance, it still benefits from basic care. Shorter grass generally needs less brushing, while thicker grass may require occasional brushing to keep fibres upright in busy areas.
In South African conditions, periodic rinsing removes dust and keeps the lawn looking fresh. With simple upkeep, quality artificial grass can last between 8 and 15 years or longer.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the types of artificial grass available makes choosing the right solution easier and more cost-effective over time. Artificial grass thickness plays a major role in comfort, appearance, and durability, especially when comparing 20mm and 25mm artificial grass.
By considering how the space will be used and what matters most in daily life, you can select a surface that delivers lasting value. Exploring EasyGrasse’s product range or speaking to an expert ensures your artificial lawn performs beautifully for years to come.