Synthetic Grass vs. Turf: Is There a Difference?

Many people think synthetic grass and artificial turf are the same thing. It’s easy to see why. Both look like natural grass and are made from plastic. Both are also used in places where real grass may not grow well or where people want to save on maintenance costs. But they are not the same.

The truth is, there are some clear differences. One is built to look nice, while the other is built to handle heavy use. One feels soft, and the other is made to be tough. Knowing how they’re different can help you pick the right one for your home, field, or business.

In this guide, you’ll learn how synthetic turf and artificial grass compare. We’ll look at how they’re made, where they’re used, the pros and cons, and how to decide which is best for your needs.

What Is Synthetic Grass?

Artificial grass is made to look and feel like natural turf. It’s often used in residential yards, pool areas, or light-use commercial properties. It feels soft underfoot, almost like real grass.

It’s made with polyethylene or nylon fibers that look like grass blades. These synthetic fibers are stitched into a backing. Then infill materials like sand or rubber crumbs are added for padding and support.

What Is Artificial Turf?

Artificial turf is stronger and rougher than fake grass. It’s made for sports fields and play areas that see a lot of use. You’ll find it at sports facilities or stadiums.

Turf has short, stiff blades made from polypropylene or nylon. It often uses crumb rubber made from recycled tires for shock absorption. Turf is best when strength matters more than softness.

Synthetic Grass vs Turf: Key Differences

Artificial turf and synthetic grass may look similar from far away, but they are not the same. Each is built for a different purpose. The way they look, feel, and work is not identical. Let’s break down the key differences in simple terms so you can pick the one that’s right for your space.

Comparison Table: Synthetic Grass vs Artificial Turf

Appearance and Feel

One of the biggest differences is how they look and feel. This matters a lot, especially if you want something that matches your home or yard.

Turf has a coarse texture. The blades are short and stiff, and they usually come in just one shade of green. This gives the surface a clean, even look, which is good for sports. But it doesn’t look like real grass. In fact, turf can feel rough and may even cause mild scrapes or “turf burns” if someone falls on it.

Artificial grass, on the other hand, is made to look and feel like natural grass. The blades are longer and softer. They are made in multiple shades of green, often with a mix of brown strands to copy the look of real soil or thatch. The result is a surface that feels more comfortable for bare feet, kids, and pets. If your goal is a yard that looks lush and green year-round, synthetic grass is the better choice.

Function and Performance

Both products perform well, but in different ways. Think about how you will use the space. That will help you decide which one works better for you.

Artificial turf is built for performance and strength. It handles heavy foot traffic well and doesn’t wear down easily. That’s why you’ll often see turf used on sports fields, play areas, and gyms. It gives athletes a solid, even surface to run, jump, and train on. Turf is strong enough to deal with cleats, fast movements, and long practice hours.

Synthetic grass, however, is made for comfort and looks. It’s softer, so it doesn’t hold up as well under hard use. But it’s perfect for spaces where people walk, sit, or relax—like in a backyard or near a swimming pool. It works great in residential areas, light-use commercial properties, or decorative gardens.

Blade Height and Density

The length and thickness of the grass blades—called pile height and density—also make a big difference.

Turf blades are short, usually between 10mm and 25mm. This gives the surface a tight, packed look. The shorter blades reduce drag and help athletes move quickly. Also, short turf is easier to clean and doesn't get flattened easily.

Artificial grass usually has taller blades, between 30mm and 50mm. This gives it a fuller, softer feel and makes it look more like real grass. The blades are spaced to look more natural, and the higher pile height feels better underfoot. This is ideal for people who want their lawn to look alive and vibrant all year.

Keep in mind: higher pile height is not always better. It depends on where and how you’ll use the surface. Tall blades are great for appearance, but shorter blades are better for active use.

Infill Types

Both turf and grass need infill materials to keep the blades standing up and to provide support. But the type of infill used is different for each.

Artificial turf often uses crumb rubber made from recycled tires. This type of infill gives more bounce and is perfect for sports facilities. It helps reduce impact, making it safer for athletes. Some types of turf use performance infills, which are designed to give more grip or cushion depending on the sport. However, crumb rubber can get hot in the sun and may carry a slight smell.

Synthetic grass uses lighter, safer infill options. One of the most common is silica sand, which helps hold the blades up and improves drainage. In homes with kids or pets, many people choose odor-reducing infills. These help control smells from pet waste and make cleaning easier. Some infills are even made with antimicrobial treatments to stop bacteria from growing.

Installation and Maintenance Comparison

Installing artificial turf or synthetic grass is not a simple roll-out-and-go job. Both need careful prep.

Artificial turf needs a strong base. Installers first lay down a compacted base, then a drainage layer to stop water from pooling. A weed barrier goes next to keep plants from growing underneath. Once installed, turf doesn’t need much grooming. You might brush it now and then or rinse it if it gets dirty.

Synthetic grass has a similar setup. But because it’s used for looks, not sports, it needs a bit more care. Over time, you may need to fluff the blades, clean up spots, or add more infill to keep it soft.

Lifespan and Cost

How long your turf or grass lasts depends on how you use it.

Artificial turf is made for tough jobs. It can last 10–15 years, even with heavy foot traffic. That’s why it’s great for sports fields, dog parks, or school playgrounds.

Synthetic grass can last even longer—15–25 years—if it’s used mostly in low-traffic areas like residential yards, poolside patios, or decorative lawns.

Now let’s talk about cost.

• Turf often costs more at first. But it doesn’t need to be replaced often, so the long-term cost may be lower.
• Synthetic grass usually has a medium price, but lasts longer in calm areas.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Both artificial grass and turf help save water. They don’t need mowing, fertilizers, or harsh chemicals. That’s a win for the environment.

But there are trade-offs. Since they’re made from synthetic fibers, they don’t support natural ecosystems like real grass does. Real grass provides oxygen, helps bees and insects, and supports soil health. But it also needs a lot of water and fuel to mow—plus weed killers and pesticides.

Artificial turf can get hot under the sun. On sunny days, it might feel much warmer than natural grass. Some turf uses cooling infills, like Hydrochill, to help lower surface heat.

How to Choose Between Turf and Synthetic Grass

Still not sure which one to pick? Ask yourself a few questions:

• Is the space for playing sports or just for looks?
  → Go with turf for games. Pick grass for gardens and patios.
• Will pets or kids use the area every day?
  → Choose grass with odor-control infill for comfort and hygiene.
• How sunny is the area?
  → If it gets very hot, consider cooling options or more shaded areas.
• Do I want a soft or firm surface?
  → Grass feels softer. Turf is stronger underfoot.

Also, think about your climate, budget, foot traffic, and how you want the space to look. LITA Grass provide durable, pet-safe, and realistic-looking artificial grass lawns that work well in many spaces.

Conclusion

To sum it up: artificial turf is tough and built for performance. Synthetic grass is soft and made for beauty. Both have their pros and cons, and both can save time and money in the long run.

Choose turf for sports fields, playgrounds, and high-traffic zones. Go with synthetic grass for lawns, rooftops, pet zones, and relaxing garden spaces.

Think about your needs—do you want something that looks nice or something that handles lots of action?

Need help choosing the right surface? Contact LITA Grass to get a custom recommendation for your space.