5 Best Artificial Grass Mats – Create an Elegant Lawn with Minimum Efforts

If you live in a house with a backyard, you know how hard it is to maintain it. Plants and flowers need watering, but grass is a more significant problem.

It requires cutting, you shouldn’t walk on it and if you have kids, maintaining the lawn becomes a Sisyphean task.

Top 5 Grass Mats (Summary)

For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.

Wouldn’t be better if you had an artificial grass mat that can look good and won’t require that much work? There is a lot that goes into lawn maintenance, from trimming hedges with a premium electric hedge trimmer or a gas one to removing debris with a gas leaf blower machine. 

The first thing that anyone sees when they come to your home is not how clean your house is but your lawn. Lawn maintenance, therefore, is one of the chores that you can’t afford to ignore.

Since lawns require to be maintained on a regular basis, a lot of homeowners have turned to artificial pads that are a bit easy to maintain. Whether you want to use it for your patio, pool area or the deck, it is a convenient and a long term solution that saves you money and energy in the long run. 

One of the good things about these mats and why they continue to gain popularity is because they reduce water costs and you never have to remember to sprinkle your lawn or use chemicals for grass to grow so, in so many ways, grass paddings are environmentally friendly.

If you want to find the best grass mat for you, learn how to clean and install it and how to pick the right type for your climate, just keep reading.

What Is a Grass Mat

A grass mat is a turf which is a substitute for regular grass. It’s mostly plastic, but they can be made from real grass, rubber and some other materials as well. A majority of us are already familiar with them since most sporting fields make use of them rather than natural grass since it is cheap and very easy to maintain. 

They usually have a firm and flexible base where synthetic fibers are attached providing the look as well as the feel of natural grass without the stationary quality and maintenance. 

Benefits of Using Grass Mats

The most obvious benefit is low maintenance. Even a small lawn requires attention and care and maintenance can be time-consuming.

If you still want a real grass in your backyard, you might consider buying a real grass mat of the adequate type. However, you should really think about buying a fake one, especially a plastic type, since the list of benefits is long.

Apart from the already mentioned obvious things, people with allergies will appreciate artificial grass.

For kids, this is a much better solution as well, because they can run and play on it without damaging the surface.

Also, it will be much harder for them to get dirty, which is something that mothers reading this will probably appreciate the most.

No Grass Damage to Worry About

If you have natural grass on your lawn, it tends to get damaged during winter because water doesn’t get to the roots. With lawn mats, this is a problem that you never have to worry about.

Low Maintenance

Lawns that have natural grass require constant maintenance like watering, mowing a lawn with corded device, leaf blowing as well as mulching. Grass paddings require very little maintenance and all you need to ensure is that you sweep clean your lawn.

Cheap to Install

This is one of the main reasons why a majority of homeowners are preferring artificial mats. The installation cost is very low and there are no recurring maintenance costs afterward. 

How Does a Grass Mat Work

Basically, these paddings are meant to substitute real grass and continue to evolve every year. They started out as an excellent alternative to natural grass due to the visual appeal and low maintenance and were used mainly outside for lawns, decks and pool sides.

However, today, their use has grown and now there are various ways you can use these outdoor mats. 

For instance, they have become popular in interior décor. Just like traditional mats, artificial ones are also sold per square foot giving you the freedom to use them anywhere from inside the house to office buildings. 

Pros and Cons of Using Artificial Grass Mats

Despite being a great alternative for natural grass due to the low cost of installation and maintenance, artificial grass paddings have their own shortcomings. 

Pros

No Watering

With natural lawns, regular watering is a must if you are to keep your grass looking green and healthy. With grass pads, watering is a thing of the past and the only time your mats can touch water is when you are cleaning them which happens once in a while. 

Since there is no watering required, your water bills are likely to reduce unlike when you have to leave sprinklers on all night. 

Safe

Generally, artificial grass mats are made of non-toxic materials and at the same time, don’t require you to use weed killers, fertilizers or even pesticides. As such, they are safer for pets and kids than natural grass which is one of the reasons most homeowners prefer them. 

Little Maintenance

Besides not requiring any fertilizers or pesticides, artificial lawns don’t need to be watered or mowed forcing you to buy sharp and strong lawn mower blades. The only maintenance required is occasional cleaning. 

Very Durable

Most lawn mats are constructed using high-quality, synthetic materials that are fade-free, UV stabilized, resilient and very durable. As such, they can withstand harsh conditions without suffering any damages.

The fact that they can be used any time regardless of the weather condition, makes them more versatile than natural grass which tends to get damaged especially during winter. 

No More Worrying About Weeds

If you have a natural lawn, you know that one of the major challenges that you always have to deal with is weeds. Weed control takes not only money but energy on your part as well.

With artificial grass, you never have to worry about getting rid of any weeds. Once in a while, you may be forced to remove a few, but they don’t grow as much like when you have natural grass. 

Cons

Cost

Looking at it, artificial lawns are cheap due to the fact that there are no additional maintenance costs. However, the initial installation costs are a bit high. 

For one, you will spend money preparing the ground as well as the drainage. Such mats cost per square meter and as such, if you have a large yard, you may have to spend a lot. 

Issues with Temperature

Compared to natural grass, artificial one has no cooling effect especially when temperatures are very high. Due to the synthetic make, these mats end up absorbing heat and may become even hotter than the surrounding air which can be very uncomfortable. 

Types of Grass Mats

Artificial grass padds are mostly made of rubber and plastic, but if you really want to keep real grass in your backyard, you should think about buying some of the mats with real grass. Some of the most popular types are buffalo grass, carpet grass, perennial ryegrass, bentgrass, centipede grass, etc.

The type of grass you will pick depends mostly on the climate.

If you tried to maintain your lawn, and did everything just like your friend with a beautiful green lawn did, yet failed, maybe the type of grass in your backyard is not good for that climate.

For example, carpet grass is excellent for warmer and wet climates, while buffalo grass is great for arid climates. Most people, however, often don’t know how to choose best floor mats and that’s when reviews of previous customers can come in handy.

Materials of an Artificial Grass Mat

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is the cheapest option and due to that isn’t as durable as other materials. It is ideal for use in areas that don’t have much traffic since it wears out quickly due to the fine texture. 

It doesn’t do well in high temperatures like polyethylene and nylon. If it is installed in very hot areas, it loses its shape quickly which will make your lawn look unnatural. Polypropylene is ideal for use in indoors and as a decoration in the house where it will not be exposed to high temperatures. 

Polyethylene

A majority of people who want to install artificial grass, often opt for one made from polyethylene. This is because this material not only looks great but feels softer and more natural than nylon. 

It is used for landscaping and in sport fields like baseball, soccer and football. When it is paired with nylon as a secondary patch, it can withstand heavy use without looking worn-out. 

Since polyethylene is non-porous, the mat doesn’t retain odors like nylon which makes it ideal for those with pets. In addition, such mats are easy to maintain as dirt washes down easily.

When it comes to taking care of them, all you need is to rake and brush it once in a while so that the blades remain perked. Polyethylene looks more like natural grass which is why most homeowners will opt for it. 

Nylon

Compared to polyethylene and polypropylene, nylon is stronger and can withstand high temperatures and heavyweight without losing its shape. This makes it ideal for a number of applications since you never have to worry about the mat being damaged by the sun or being accidentally crushed. 

However, due to the still pile and high cost, such mats are not used often for landscaping and backyards. Instead, they work well as putting green. Nylon is used often as a secondary patch to improve the stability of other artificial mats like polyethylene.

Nylon doesn’t feel natural although it looks way better and is more durable. It is more expensive than the rest but it will give a good return on investment in the long run. 

Urethane

Urethane is the most common material that is used to make the backing of artificial pads. This is because it is highly durable and can withstand high traffic and heavyweight without losing its shape. 

Additionally, it is water resistant and will not be damaged due to constant exposure to water. It also tends to be stiffer than rubber and provides very little rebound or none at all. 

Rubber

Rubber is used rarely as backing material because it degrades easier than urethane. However, one advantage it has over urethane is the feel. It is softer and tends to allow for a little rebound when you step on it. 

It does not respond well to water, however, if you are going to buy a mat with rubber backing, ensure that it has plenty of drainage holes otherwise your lawn is going to look and feel soggy. 

Differences Between Real and Artificial Grass Mats

There are likely irreconcilable differences between the fans of real and artificial grass. It is tough to convince anybody to change their opinion about it.

First of all, nobody can deny that artificial grass is easier to maintain. It is one of the main reasons why it was invented in the first place. Longevity goes hand in hand with easy maintenance.

On the other hand, real grass is natural. Some people can’t live without its smell after it rains or in the early morning.

If you buy an adequate real grass mat for the climate you live in, it will look perfect and you wouldn’t have to maintain it on a weekly basis.

In the end, it is all about taste. Choose whatever you feel most comfortable with.

What Makes a Great Artificial Grass Mat

With so many options in the market, you might feel overwhelmed on which padding to buy. Here are a few factors to consider so that you can get value for your money at the end of the day:

Feel Under the Feet

With grass paddings, it is all about how the mat feels under feet. When you are buying, it is advisable to brush it against your legs as well as arms so that you can get the feel of the grass.

When it comes to faux grass, the softer and lush it feels the better, especially if you have small kids and pets. Again, the last thing you want is to get a mat that feels so tough that it becomes uncomfortable stepping on it. 

Drainage Holes

One of the things that you need to check is the backing for the drainage holes in terms of the frequency and count. 

If you live in an area that rains frequently, then go for a mat that has a lot of drainage holes to ensure that rainwater doesn’t make it feel soggy.  This is also something that you need to consider when you are buying a pad for the poolside. 

Backing Material

The backing material determines just how durable the mat is. Most pads have a polyurethane backing which is durable, easy to cut when you are laying the mat and light in weight. 

There are also mats that have rubber backing which is a disadvantage since it is not as durable, degrades easily and doesn’t do so well when exposed to water.

As such, pay very close attention to the backing material because it may make a difference between durability and you going back to the shop after a few months.  

Resilience

When you are buying a grass mat, an important future to consider is resilience. Since grass lawns are meant to substitute natural grass by cutting on the maintenance, they should look just like grass.

Just like natural grass, your mat should look different throught the day taking on a different color in the morning, afternoon and evening. Before making a purchase, have a sample and put it outside and note if there is a change in the color variations. 

Fill-In

There are lawn paddings that require you to add some fill-in material like sand on top and others that don’t. If you buy a mat that requires a fill-in, ensure that this is a maintenance cost that you can cover in the long run. 

Pile Height

Pile of the grass simply refers to the length as well as the shape of the fibers. Longer fibers are always ideal although there are sometimes when shorter ones will work. At the same time, longer grass tends to be of high quality and looks more natural than a short one. 

Most artificial grass is usually either an inch tall or more. If you were to buy one that is under an inch tall, it will look fake and at the same time grass that is taller than 2 inches, begins to look more unkempt and you don’t want that. 

Short or curly is usually the lowest grade and this kind of pile doesn’t exceed 1” to 1 1/4” in height. In addition, such grass tends to remain flat or curled even when the track has been brushed or laid flat. 

Due to that, this pile is ideal for use in areas where the height needs to be short or you are covering up a bare patch on your lawn. 

Long or straight is the next grade and the good thing about this pile is that it looks more like natural grass than the rest. The pile is 1 3/8” long and will often be more than 1 1/2”.

Durability

One factor that you should ignore is the durability. Most grass mats last between 5 to 15 years. If you want one that will serve you for years, then go for one that has the longest guarantee period. 

Cost

While artificial paddings are cheap to maintain, they are expensive when you are installing. This is due to the costs you will incur preparing the ground and on drainage systems and grass removal. 

There are also other maintenance costs that you should consider like when you buy a type that requires fill-ins. 

Weight and Density

If you are looking for an option to replace your natural grass, the weight doesn’t really matter. However, if you are buying a mat that you will be carrying with you from place to place, then you need to consider the weight and go for one that is as light as possible. 

Density is also another factor to consider and is measured by the yarn amount per square unit. Denser lawns normally have more yard and tend to be of higher quality but very expensive. Such lawns also look better and more natural, durable and don’t require any in-fill when you are installing them. 

Color

Depending on the intended purpose, the color matters. If you are looking to replace your natural grass and still maintain the natural look, the color should be among the main things you consider. 

If you want a mat that you can place in a play area or restroom, the color doesn’t really matter and you are free to go for one that matches your décor. Faux  mats come in a variety of colors which affect just how realistic your lawn will look.

For one, fibers that are of different shades will make them look more natural. When you are buying artificial grass, avoid the ones that are shiny due to the coloring process as they will make your yard look unnatural. 

Warranty

There are other features besides the ones mentioned that you need to consider like the warranty.  The warranty determines the quality of the product that you are about to buy. The longer the warranty the higher the quality of the product and this is something that you should keep in mind so that you get value for your money.

5 Best Artificial Grass Mats – Pros & Cons

1. Greenscapes

If you are looking for an option that is easy to install, clean and maintain than Greenscapes’ may be a good solution for you.

With dimensions of 8.75 x 8.5 x 14.25 inches, it has shown to be a particularly good addition to covering a patio or porch.

Most people prefer when they neighbors get to see a nice looking green area instead of a metal one on their porch.

That is when Greenscapes pad comes especially in handy. They are pretty thin, but also have a thin backing.

2. Golden Moon

This pad has been tested for color degradation, durability and fire resistance. Also, it is proven to be non-slip, mold proof and fadeless with UV and corrosion resistance. Manufacturer states that it should be put in the sun for about 2 hours before installation and stroked backward with hand or comb if it looks flattened.

The color will look more consistent if you set the grass piles in the same direction. If you notice a little debris, the only thing you need to do is shake the rug several times.

If used indoors, cleaning should be done with cleaner only and for outdoor use, mild detergent and water are more than enough. It comes with drainage holes in the backside, through which rain or water leak through.

This means that you should lay the drainage system on the mud basin before installing the grass rug in your yard.

3. MTBRO

Remember the importance of choosing a padding according to the climate you live in? Having that in mind, MTBRO created a product made of high-quality anti-aging and anti-UV material that is suitable for both, extremely hot or freezing weather.

This product is also eco-friendly and very durable, and there are not heavy metals in it. In addition, because there are no toxic chemicals and peculiar smells, it is very comfortable and safe for children and pets.

You can install it in your yard, garden, patio, balcony, pets playing or potty training areas and even on your roof.

MTBRO’s lawn rug comes with durable rubber backing with drainage holes, which can be easily washed and cleaned. Also, it looks and feels like natural grass and can easily be cut into any size.

4. Fasmov

Whether you are looking a padding for a patio, garage, laundry room, entry where or turf for your pet, you will find that Fasmov’s grass mat product will instantly enhance the appearance of your house.

The reason for this is its natural looking green color. Composite base fabric from which it is made is eco-friendly, soft and guarantees your children’s and pet’s safety.

The dimensions are 18″ x 23.5″. The good news is that you can also clean them easily by shaking, sweeping or hosing off.

If you want to get them to their previous shape, you can do so quickly because they will return to their original shape in a matter of seconds.

5. LITA

Superior resilience and durability are what you will get if you choose LITA’s lawn rug. Its total weight is 70 oz per square yard, which ensures an extremely high-density.

If you are worried because the use of fertilizers and pesticides, the good news is that there is no need to use them on this item. As an added bonus, it dries quickly in case you spill any liquid on it.

You will find it pretty easy to install and maintain, which is usually a problem with most of the mats. LITA’s item can be used in any climate, providing that it is UV and frost resistant.

In case you are still wondering if it is the right choice for you, you will like the fact that it comes with 10 years warranty and 30 days return policy.

Cons

• It can get extremely hot in the sun
• Edges don’t lay flat
• It doesn’t look much like real grass

Where Can You Use an Artificial Grass Mat

Gone are the days when synthetic grass mats could only be used on lawns, poolside or the deck. Nowadays, it has a lot of applications. 

Children’s Play Area

Synthetic pads are the best mats for kids’ playgrounds due to the mere fact that they look like natural laen. This makes kids feel like they are playing outside, especially during those days when they can’t go out like when it’s raining or very cold.

The rugs are also soft and have excellent cushioning in case the kid trips and falls ensuring that no injuries are sustained. 

Office Settings

Faux lawn rugs can be used in an office setting to add life to the otherwise dull setting. They tend to look better than tile floors as well as commercial carpeting and can work to lift the spirits of all employees increasing productivity. 

You can add other things to the setting like fake trees and potted plants to make the office look more inviting. 

Living Spaces

If you are looking to add a touch of sophistication to your living space, then an artificial rug will do. They tend to improve the décor of the house and can increase the value of the house should you think about reselling it.

By installing them in your home, maintenance and keeping the house clean become an easy chore.

Poolside

Another use is on the poolside for safety purposes. This type of lawn rug will usually absorb water that splashes up preventing the surface from becoming slippery.  Additionally, it feels way better underfoot than concrete or commercial rugs plus it adds beauty to the pool area. 

Pet Yards

For those who have pets, you know very well that they can easily tear up a yard when they are running around which creates patches on the grass.

Most artificial lawns can withstand this and don’t wear out easily. Additionally, you never have to worry about pets dragging dirt and mud inside the house.  

Sport Complexes

In sports complexes, faux paddings are safer to use than real grass. This is because they don’t get muddy nor become slippery like real grass when exposed to water. 

As such, players are less likely to get injured when they are playing on artificial grass and since it can be customized, it is easy to draw lines for each sport.

Golfing

Faux lawn pads are ideal for putting greens for anyone who wants to practice golfing without leaving the house. They can be installed inside or on the yard which can help you practice without going to the golf course.

Balcony Surface

For those who live in the city, it is possible to enjoy the grass by installing one of the world’s best outdoor rubber mats on the balcony. Since it is impossible to grow natural lawn on the balcony of your house, a faux pad will fill that void such that you can still feel the grass under your feet when you are sitting on the balcony. 

Truck Bed Liner

For those who own pickup trucks and are scared of carrying heavy loads that will end up damaging the paint, you can install an artificial rug.

Truck lines are usually very expensive and don’t offer much cushioning to the items you are carrying. Artificial grass is not only tough to withstand heavy items but offers better cushioning when you are driving such that goods don’t get damaged along the way. 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

When it comes to artificial grass mats, more spending does mean more quality. High-end pads are usually made of high quality and durable materials like nylon that can withstand heavy traffic and water without losing their shape. 

Such mats also have better backing and come in different color variations to look as natural as possible. Cheap version, on the other hand, tend to be shiny and look fake. 

If you want a mat that will last long, then it would be better to spend extra as long as you don’t have to go back to the shop in a few years or months or have to stand an item that doesn’t look or feel natural at all. 

How to Install an Artificial Grass Mat

Grass paddings are easy to install, you just have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. On the other hand, if you want to install the playground rubber mats, you have to prepare the area for installation first and cut the existing grass short.

After that, you should level out any rough areas and fill it with the mixture of topsoil and sharp sand. On top of that, lay out the rubber grass mats and cut it to fit around any obstacles. In the end, fix it to the ground using plastic fixing pegs.

Step 1 – Use a weed killer

If there is any vegetation in the area you want to place the mat, then start by spraying weed killer to kill all the vegetation at least two weeks prior to installing. 

Step 2 – Remove the top level soil

If you will be installing the padding over the soil, then remove the top level of the soil about 3 to 4 inches to expose the new base. 

Step 3 – Drainage

If you will be installing over concrete or poorly draining soil, then install a drainage system before you install the artificial grass.

Step 4 – Install the border

Along the perimeter, install a waterproof border if none exists so that lawn doesn’t slump or separate after some time.   

Step 5 – Add a base material

Use crushed gravel or rock to fill the excavated area so as to improve drainage and prevent slumping over time. You can then proceed to grade the base using a rake to smoothen the material. After that moisten the base by sprinkling sand or gravel ensuring that you don’t use too much water so as to lubricate the material for compaction.

Step 6 – Roll out the lawn

While the base continues to dry, roll out the artificial turf to the side. It will take some time to recover its shape. Wait for the base to dry and ensure that it is smooth as well as a firm before you proceed.

Step 7 – Lay out the turf

Start by measuring the area where the lawn will be laid out as well as the length and width of the turf strips and then stretch out the strips laying them down on the prepared base.

While at it, avoid dragging the lawn so that you don’t disturb the surface. With most lawn rugs, grass tends to bend in the same direction, therefore ensure that you install the turfs in such a way that it can lie in one direction. Using a utility knife, you can cut the turfs where necessary. 

Step 8 – Seam the turfs

Line up two strips together and fold the edges back, lay the seaming material on the exposed side and then cover it with an adhesive product and fold the strips back and leave to dry. You can also lay a seaming tape on the ground and then place two turf strips over it or use stakes to join the strips.

Step 9 – Fasten the perimeter

Use stakes or landscaping anchor pins and hammer them flat. 

Step 10 – Adding an infill

If your artificial grass needs an infill to ensure that the bristles remain standing, add a thin layer of infill when the lawn has dried up and then use a rake to smoothen it out. After raking, use a stiff bristle broom or a power broom to brush the grass and then water your lawn so that the infill settles.

 

How to Clean Artificial Grass Mats

The best feature of fake grass mats is their minimum maintenance requirements. However, that doesn’t mean you can leave it be and hope it will look perfect for all eternity.

It is usually just like a carpet, so it is not stain proof. The best thing you can do if an accident happens is to wipe down the spot immediately.

If you wait, the stain will probably affect your pad’s color. Of course, it can be damaged by fire or chemicals. It can be mechanically damaged, as well. If you have a barbecue, it is best to keep it on the part of your yard where you have concrete, if possible.

Also, avoid using detergents with strong acids. The best budget solution for cleaning is a 50-50 mixture of vinegar and water or a diluted bleach.

If you have a pet, make sure to clean up after them. Pet urine can damage a faux lawn since it acts like your indoor carpets. Of course, the odor would be much worse indoors, but if you don’t clean it, the smell will also gradually increase. Use an artificial turf spray to clean your mat regularly.

If you didn’t buy a spray, a homemade solution will work as well. Sprinkle the area with baking soda and then apply a diluted solution of water and vinegar.

This spray is very effective against the odor.

Step 1 – Brush regularly

Depending on the traffic, ensure that you brush your faux lawn regularly so that it looks as great as possible every day. Brushing helps keep the grass blades upright, maintaining their natural look.  

Step 2 – Remove organic debris and leaves

Organic debris, as well as leaves, are hard to avoid on the lawn. If they are left to sit for long, they end up decomposing turning into compost which ends up affecting the look of your lawn and encouraging weeds to grow. Use a leaf blower to remove debris or pick them by hand. 

Step 3 – Color restoration

With artificial grass, when you place heavy items like flower pots, the fibers tend to flatten. It is therefore important that you brush the fibers when you have removed the items so that the natural look can be restored. 

Step 4 – Cold weather

Unlike natural grass which is damaged during winter, artificial one can withstand winter weather. If ice layer forms on the lawn, don’t try and remove it manually but allow it to melt on its own to avoid fraying and damaging the fibers. 

Step 5 – Fire

Since artificial grass is made of synthetic fibers, ensure that fire and other hot items don’t come into contact with the mat since they can melt the grass which will cost you a lot to repair. 

Step 6 – Weed control

Although weed does not grow as much in artificial grass, it is important that you remove them anyway and avoid using chemicals. Instead, use a rake or a brush or better still remove them by hand. 

 

Do’s and Don’ts to Do with an Artificial Grass Mat

• Don’t light fires or put hot items as they can melt the fibers.
• Don’t remove ice manually but allow it to melt on its own.
• Do remove weeds whenever you see them.
• Do brush the grass regularly to maintain its upright position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vacuum artificial grass?

While it is possible to vacuum faux lawn rugs, to help prolong the life of your lawn, it is better to use a rake, a leaf blower or a broom. 

Does artificial grass get hot in summer?

It depends on the product. There are products that tend to get too hot, especially the cheap ones which can be very uncomfortable. 

How do I cut artificial grass?

If you really want to cut your artificial grass, then use a box cutter or a sharp knife but not scissors. 

Conclusion

Whether you want to install an artificial grass mat on your lawn, poolside, deck or indoors, it will look great and is a great replacement for natural grass. They are easy to maintain since there is no watering or mowing required. The only thing you need to ensure is that you buy a product of the highest quality that will last you years and look more of natural than synthetic.

If you are looking for a real lawn rug, buy an adequate type of grass for your climate and your needs. However, if you opted for artificial grass, pick the most durable type, especially if you have kids and pets.

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