Learning the lingo of artificial turf is a project in itself. From non-galvanized nails and nylon to density and drainage, deciding which synthetic turf style is right for your project can be overwhelming.

To make things a little easier, we’ve broken down what should be one of the most important qualities of your artificial turf: its pile height.

Figuring out the pile height you want will make choosing an artificial turf style much easier. Here are the five points you need to know about pile height before you start your next synthetic turf installation project.

What Does “Pile Height” Even Mean?

If you’ve ever installed carpeting, the pile height of artificial turf is just about the same thing. Pile height refers to the distance in inches from the backing of your synthetic turf to the tips of the blades. 

You’ll find that pile heights typically fall somewhere between 0.4 to three inches. Shorter pile heights are generally used more in sports applications, whereas longer ones are more for domestic use.

The Role of Resilience

Resistance to matting is what will keep your artificial turf looking as lifelike as possible. When your blades are no longer vertical, they appear more inorganic. 

As gravity would have it, shorter pile heights have a much easier time staying upright than longer ones. This means that the shorter your grass, the less maintenance it will need to look realistic. 

Generally, artificial turf styles with pile heights shorter than 1.5 inches will be more resilient than those with pile heights longer than 1.5 inches. 

Different Pile Heights, Different Textures

On the flip side, a longer pile height translates into a more realistic and soft feel. Because the blades are longer and more flexible, artificial turf styles with higher pile heights will be far more similar in touch to natural grass.

What Aesthetic are You Going For?

This is the factor that will vary the most depending on the individual. Some of us prefer the look of fresh-cut grass, while others will go for a longer, more lush-looking style. 

The Best Pile Height

So, what pile height should you choose? Now that you know the different ways pile height affects artificial turf, you can begin to decipher how these factors play into your installation project. 

For example, if your installation area will have heavier foot traffic, you might choose a shorter style. Lower-traffic areas, like your front lawn, are likely more well-suited to longer pile heights.

If “turf talk” is still a little overwhelming to you, don’t sweat it. Synthetic Grass Warehouse Reno is more than happy to talk you through it and help you find that perfect pile height for your project. As the country’s largest wholesale synthetic turf distributor, we guarantee you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. 

We’re proud to serve Reno, Nevada, with industry-leading products at factory-direct pricing, allowing contractors to create beautiful landscapes at a fraction of the costs charged by other distributors. To kick-start your next project today, call us at (800) 651-3718 or fill out our online contact form.