Artificial grass may look simple—but there is real science behind how it’s made.
The quality of any turf depends on three main factors:
- Yarn Type
- Pile Height
- Dtex (Thread Thickness)
These three elements decide how soft, strong, durable, and natural your artificial grass will be. Whether you’re choosing turf for a backyard, a playground, or a sports field, understanding these basics can help you make the right decision.
This knowledge also helps when choosing the safest, strongest surfaces for schools—something discussed in How Artificial Grass Is Helping Schools Build Stronger Sports Programs in Perth.
Let’s break everything down in very simple language.
1. Yarn Types: The “Material” of Artificial Grass
The yarn is the actual plastic fibre that forms the green blades of grass. Just like clothes are made from cotton or polyester, artificial grass is made from different yarn types.
The Three Most Common Yarn Types:
✔ Polyethylene (PE) – Soft & Natural Looking
- Feels soft under feet
- Looks very natural
- Perfect for residential lawns and schools
Most premium turfs, especially for sports areas (as mentioned in How Artificial Grass Is Helping Schools Build Stronger Sports Programs in Perth), use PE because it’s safe and comfortable.
✔ Polypropylene (PP) – Budget-Friendly
- Cheaper
- Not as soft as PE
- Used in low-traffic or decorative areas
Because PP is not as strong or soft, it’s rarely used for sports or high-use spaces.
✔ Nylon (PA) – Very Strong & Very Expensive
- Strongest yarn
- High heat resistance
- Best for heavy commercial use
Nylon is perfect for places with extreme pressure—like gym flooring—but it’s rarely needed for normal homes.
In Simple Words:
PE = Softest
PP = Cheapest
Nylon = Strongest
For most homes, schools, and sports fields, polyethylene (PE) is the best choice.
For more detailed product differences, you can explore the ranges listed in Artificial Grass Products Ranges & Types.
2. Pile Height: The “Grass Length”
Pile height simply means how tall the artificial grass blades are.
Common Pile Heights
- 20–25 mm: Low, neat, clean look
- 30–35 mm: Natural home lawns
- 40–45 mm: Lush, premium lawns
- 10–20 mm: Sports turf
Which Height Is Best for What?
✔ For Homes
30–40 mm is perfect.
It looks soft and natural without looking too long.
✔ For Schools & Playgrounds
25–30 mm
This height gives comfort and durability—great for running, playing and daily foot traffic.
This is why school sports programs benefit from the right pile height, as covered in How Artificial Grass Is Helping Schools Build Stronger Sports Programs in Perth.
✔ For Sports (Soccer, Hockey, Cricket)
10–25 mm
Short pile makes the ball roll properly and ensures fast movement.
In Simple Words:
Long grass = better for home lawns
Short grass = better for sports and heavy use
3. Dtex: The “Thickness” of the Yarn
This is the part most people find confusing—but don’t worry, here is the simplest explanation:
Dtex means how thick and heavy the yarn is.
Technically, dtex = weight of 10,000 metres of yarn in grams.
But you don’t need the formula.
All you need to know:
- Higher dtex = thicker fibre = stronger grass
- Lower dtex = thinner fibre = softer but less strong
Best Dtex Values for Different Uses
✔ Home Lawns
9,000 – 12,000 dtex
Balanced, soft, and durable.
✔ Schools / Playgrounds
10,000 – 13,000 dtex
Stronger fibres = safer for kids running daily.
This is why schools choose high-dtex turf for sports areas.
✔ Sports Turf
12,000 – 15,000+ dtex
Made for heavy wear, fast movement, and performance.
In Simple Words:
Low dtex = soft
High dtex = strong
If you’re comparing turf ranges, the breakdown in Artificial Grass Products Ranges & Types helps you see which dtex level is right for your project.
How These Three Factors Work Together
Choosing good artificial grass is like choosing good quality clothing.
You check:
- the material (yarn)
- the thickness (dtex)
- the length (pile height)
All three decide whether your turf will be:
- soft
- durable
- safe
- long-lasting
- natural looking
For example:
- A home lawn needs soft PE, medium pile height, medium dtex.
- A school sports field needs PE or nylon, low pile height, high dtex.
This is exactly why Perth schools are upgrading their sporting grounds—something highlighted in How Artificial Grass Is Helping Schools Build Stronger Sports Programs in Perth.
Final Thoughts: Understanding the Science Gives You Better Turf
Artificial grass is not “one type fits all.”
By understanding:
- yarn type
- pile height
- dtex
…you can easily pick the right turf for your home, school, sports field, or commercial project.
If you want a simple breakdown of different turf ranges, pile heights, and yarn strengths, explore the complete product list in Artificial Grass Products Ranges & Types.
Artificial grass today is backed by smart engineering—and with the right knowledge, you can choose a surface that lasts for years and performs exactly the way you want.