Choosing the right type of artificial turf starts with understanding how turf is classified. Artificial grass comes in many types—not just by surface material like polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon, but also by how it’s used, how the yarn is shaped, whether it requires infill, and what kind of backing it has.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of synthetic turf based on surface material, application scenarios, yarn structure, infill requirements, and backing technologies. You’ll also learn how to choose the right turf based on where you’ll use it, how much wear it will face, how much upkeep you want, and how realistic it needs to look.
Whether you’re planning a home lawn, pet zone, playground, or sports field, this breakdown will help you make a smart, long-lasting choice.
Types of Artificial Turf by Surface Material
When choosing artificial turf for your space, understanding the different materials used is key. Synthetic grass blades can be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon—each with its own feel, look, and performance. In this section, we’ll walk you through these three main types of artificial lawn materials so you can decide which fits your project best.
Polyethylene Turf
Polyethylene is the most popular choice for residential synthetic grass. It offers a soft, lush texture that looks impressively close to real grass. The color is natural, the blades are flexible, and the surface feels comfortable underfoot—even barefoot.
This type of artificial grass works well in:
- Home lawns and gardens
- Landscaping for commercial spaces
- Recreational areas where comfort and appearance matter
If you want a balance between realism and function, polyethylene turf is often the go-to option.
Polypropylene Turf
Polypropylene is the most affordable option, but it’s also the least durable. The fibers are thinner and stiffer, which means the surface can flatten more quickly with heavy use. That said, it can still work well in decorative or low-traffic areas where visual appeal matters more than resilience.
You might consider polypropylene turf for:
- Indoor decorative zones
- Balcony coverings
- Temporary installations or events
It’s a cost-effective pick when you need synthetic grass more for looks than performance.
Nylon Turf
Nylon is the strongest and most resilient material in the artificial turf market. It holds its shape under heavy foot traffic and high temperatures. While it doesn’t feel as soft as polyethylene, it’s ideal for areas where toughness is more important than texture.
Common uses include:
- Sports fields
- Commercial spaces with high foot traffic
- Areas exposed to strong sunlight or frequent activity
Nylon synthetic turf often serves as a reinforcement layer or base in multi-layer turf systems, adding strength where it’s needed most.
Artificial Turf Types by Application
Not all artificial turf is designed for the same purpose. Choosing the right synthetic grass often depends on where and how you plan to use it. In this section, we’ll walk through five common application types: soft landscaping turf for yards and patios, pet-friendly turf for animal zones, high-performance turf for sports fields, specialized putting green turf for golf enthusiasts, and safe, impact-absorbing turf for playgrounds. Each type serves a unique function—and selecting the right one can make all the difference in results and satisfaction.
Landscaping Turf
If you’re looking to improve the look of a backyard, rooftop, or garden, landscaping turf is your best friend. This type of synthetic grass focuses on aesthetics—rich green tones, soft textures, and a natural upright look.
It’s usually made from polyethylene, which provides the realism and comfort homeowners want. While it’s not built for heavy wear, it stands up well to casual use, outdoor furniture, and foot traffic from family and guests.
Typical uses include:
- Home lawns
- Rooftop gardens
- Poolside areas
- Office courtyards
For a visually pleasing and low-maintenance lawn, landscaping turf is the way to go.
Sports Field Turf
Athletic applications demand strength and consistency. Sports field turf is engineered for performance—traction, shock absorption, and durability. Whether for soccer, football, or baseball, synthetic turf for sports fields must handle repeated impact, rapid movements, and weather exposure.
These systems often use a blend of nylon and polyethylene to balance toughness with some player comfort. Infill and base layers are also carefully designed to meet safety standards and ball response expectations.
You’ll find sports turf in:
- Soccer and football fields
- Baseball diamonds
- Indoor training facilities
- School athletic grounds
This type of turf is rarely about looks—it’s built to perform under pressure.
Pet-Friendly Turf
Synthetic grass for pets needs to handle more than just foot traffic. It should drain quickly, stay clean, and be comfortable for animals to walk or rest on. Pet-friendly turf usually has antimicrobial backing and perforated drainage systems that prevent odors and puddles.
Polyethylene is commonly used here for its softness, combined with a short pile height that makes cleaning easier. Some systems use special infill to further control bacteria and moisture.
Best uses include:
- Dog runs and pet parks
- Veterinary clinics
- Kennels and boarding spaces
- Pet-friendly apartment rooftops
For happy pets and hassle-free cleanup, this turf type makes life easier.
Putting Green Turf
Putting green turf is specially designed for golfers who want to practice at home or in commercial training spaces. This type of synthetic turf is very different from standard lawn grass. It features a tightly packed, ultra-short pile that allows golf balls to roll smoothly and predictably—just like on a real green.
Unlike other turf types, putting green surfaces are often installed over a compacted base with precise grading to ensure proper ball movement and speed. The ball rolling speed can be adjusted by choosing different turf models or infill levels.
You’ll commonly see putting green turf in:
- Backyard golf practice areas
- Indoor golf simulators
- Private clubs and resort grounds
- Office break zones for entertainment
Whether you’re a beginner or a serious player, this type of turf adds both fun and function to any space.
Playground Turf
Safety comes first when it comes to kids. Playground turf systems focus on cushioning and impact absorption. They often include shock pads beneath the turf surface to help reduce injuries from falls.
The blades are typically short and dense, and the turf needs to be tough enough to withstand running, jumping, and spills. Materials like polyethylene or nylon may be used depending on the traffic level and expected wear.
Great for:
- Schools and daycare centers
- Public parks
- Backyard play areas
- Indoor activity zones
Playground synthetic turf is designed to combine fun, comfort, and safety all in one space.
Artificial Turf Types by Yarn Structure
Artificial grass can also be classified by yarn structure—the shape and configuration of the blades. Yarn types affect how the turf looks, feels, and responds to pressure or traffic. From monofilament to fibrillated, curled, hybrid, or shaped-profile designs, each structure brings specific performance traits. Here’s how the most common yarn types compare and where they work best.
Monofilament Yarn
Monofilament turf uses single, smooth strands that mimic natural grass blades. It looks realistic, feels soft, and stands upright with proper infill. These blades often feature slight variations in color and shape to enhance realism.
This type is widely used in landscaping lawns, rooftop terraces, and hotel courtyards where visual appeal and comfort are key. However, in high-traffic zones, monofilament blades may lean or flatten unless regularly brushed.
Fibrillated (Split-Film) Yarn
Fibrillated yarn starts as a flat tape, later slit to form net-like fibers. The webbed structure improves stability and wear resistance under pressure. It’s less natural-looking than monofilament, but more resilient.
One benefit is its ease of installation—the fibers expand during brushing, creating a dense, steady surface. Fibrillated yarn is common in sports fields, playgrounds, and multi-use recreational turf.
Curled Yarn (Texturized Yarn)
Curled or crimped yarn is made with short, tightly wound fibers. It creates a compact, cushion-like surface that offers excellent ball roll consistency and fast drainage.
You’ll often find curled yarn in putting greens, pet turf, and infill-free systems where low pile height and surface control matter more than lush appearance. It also works well as a secondary yarn in layered constructions.
Hybrid Yarn
Hybrid turf combines two or more yarn types—usually monofilament plus fibrillated or curled yarn. This blend delivers both structure and realism, balancing upright support with natural visual texture.
Advanced hybrid systems may also feature texturized monofilament or mixed blade orientations to improve vertical recovery and reduce shine. They’re ideal for school fields, rooftop gardens, or shared residential lawns.
Shaped Profile Yarn (C, W, U, S-Shaped)
These are engineered blade shapes designed to enhance performance. C-, W-, or U-shaped yarns offer stronger memory and better spring-back than flat fibers, helping blades stay upright longer.
Such profiles are popular in high-end landscaping turf and athletic surfaces where resilience, realism, and heat dispersion all matter. They also reduce glare and improve long-term wear resistance.
Types of Artificial Turf by Backing Material
Backing is the foundation layer of artificial grass, holding fibers in place and supporting drainage. Different backing materials affect how turf performs under heat, moisture, and wear. Here, we compare the three main types of turf backing—latex, polyurethane (PU), and thermoplastic—so you can pick the one that fits your needs best.
Latex Backing
Latex is the most common and budget-friendly turf backing. It uses a rubber-based compound to bind the yarn to the base layer. Latex is flexible, easy to cut, and works well in mild climates.
This type is widely used in landscaping turf and recreational surfaces. However, it may absorb moisture and degrade faster in high humidity or extreme heat. It’s also less suitable for heavy loads or regions with strict environmental standards.
Choose latex if you’re installing turf in a dry, temperate area and want to minimize upfront cost.
PU (Polyurethane) Backing
PU backing is stronger, lighter, and more resistant to moisture. It holds yarn more securely and doesn’t absorb water, making it ideal for wet climates or areas with frequent cleaning—like pet zones or playgrounds.
PU-backed turf is also more durable in heat and frost. Many export markets prefer it due to its low VOC emissions and non-toxic profile. However, PU turf costs more and requires more precise manufacturing.
Go with PU if you need long-term durability, clean drainage, or compliance with health and safety standards.
Thermoplastic (TPE) Backing
Thermoplastic or TPE backing is a newer, eco-friendly alternative. It’s fully recyclable, heat-moldable, and resistant to cracking or moisture damage. TPE can be reheated and reshaped, making it useful for modular turf panels or reusable systems.
You’ll find this backing in portable turf products, indoor installations, or green-certified projects. It’s durable, but the cost is higher, and options are more limited than latex or PU.
Choose TPE if sustainability, recyclability, or modular design is a top priority in your project.
Types of Artificial Turf by Infill Requirement
Artificial turf can be classified by whether it requires infill—granular materials like sand or rubber added between the blades. Infill improves support, drainage, and performance, especially in sports settings. But not all turf needs it. Below, we’ll compare infill-required systems and non-infill turf to help you choose the right setup for your space.
Infill Turf
Infill turf is designed to work with added materials like silica sand, crumb rubber, or coated organics. The infill helps blades stay upright, cushions impact, and improves stability—especially on large surfaces or under heavy foot traffic.
You’ll typically see infill systems in sports fields, school yards, and commercial areas. Some residential lawns also use light sand infill to enhance appearance and drainage. However, infill means more prep work, more weight, and regular maintenance like brushing and top-offs.
Choose this if your project demands performance, safety, or regulation compliance—like soccer, football, or playgrounds.
Non-Infill Turf
Non-infill turf is built with denser, shorter blades that stand on their own without extra materials. These products rely on high stitch rates, texturized yarn, or layered backing to stay upright and feel stable.
This makes them easy to install, lighter to transport, and cleaner to maintain. Non-infill turf works well on balconies, rooftops, pet zones, and indoor areas—anywhere low maintenance and portability matter more than impact performance.
It’s also popular for DIY installs and temporary setups. Just note: it may flatten faster under load, and it’s not ideal for high-speed sports or playgrounds needing fall protection.
How to Choose the Right Type of Artificial Turf
Choosing artificial turf isn’t just about picking a material—it’s about matching the product to how and where you’ll use it. With so many turf types available, the best choice depends on your space, traffic level, maintenance habits, and visual goals. Below, we break down the key factors to help you decide quickly and confidently.
Based on Where You’ll Use It
Start with the location. Different spaces have different needs. For home lawns and gardens, soft, realistic turf like polyethylene is ideal. Sports fields demand durability—often a blend of nylon and PE. Pet areas need fast drainage and short pile height. Rooftops, balconies, and indoor spaces may benefit from lighter, infill-free options. Know the space, then narrow the type.
Based on Traffic and Usage Intensity
How much action will your turf see? High-traffic areas like schools or dog runs need tough yarn and firm backing—nylon or hybrid turf works well here. For decorative or low-traffic zones, more affordable options like polypropylene can do the job. Always consider who will walk, run, or play on the surface.
Based on Maintenance Needs and Climate
If you want low effort, avoid long-pile turf and infill systems that require grooming. For wet or humid regions, PU backing resists moisture better than latex. In hot areas, shaped yarns (like C- or W-shaped) handle heat more effectively. Choosing turf that fits your environment will reduce headaches later.
Based on Budget and Visual Expectations
Realism costs more. High-end turf mimics real grass in color and blade texture—but it’s pricier. If the look is less critical (like on side yards or utility zones), simpler turf will save money. Polyethylene strikes a solid balance of realism and price, while hybrid yarns boost aesthetics and performance at a higher cost.
Matching Turf Type to Your Needs
Finding the right type of artificial turf starts with understanding your priorities. Whether you’re installing synthetic grass for a home lawn, a sports field, or a pet zone, the right choice depends on how the space will be used—and what matters most to you.
Think about the traffic level, the look you want, the climate you’re in, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do. Each turf material—polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon—has a role to play, and each application type calls for a slightly different setup. There’s no universal “best” turf—only the best match for your specific needs.
By aligning your expectations with turf features, you’ll get a surface that not only performs well but also lasts longer and looks better. If you’re still unsure, consult with a turf professional to design a solution that works for your space and your goals.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Turf?
At Jcturf, we don’t just manufacture artificial turf—we help you choose the right solution for your needs. Whether you’re designing a backyard putting green, building a high-performance sports field, or planning a landscape project, our team is here to guide you. With over 15 years of experience, cutting-edge facilities, and hundreds of product types, we make it easy to find turf that performs and lasts.
Explore our full product range at Jcturf Artificial Grass to discover turf types for every application. Have questions or need a custom recommendation? Contact our team today—we’re ready to help.
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