What is the best height for your artificial turf? Choose the ideal size according to the use and style you are looking for

Choosing the right height for your artificial turf is one of the most important decisions before installation.

It is not just a question of aesthetics, but also of footfall, durability and maintenance of the entire space.

In this practical guide we tell you how to get it right depending on the type of use, the level of traffic and the finish you want to achieve - from terraces to residential gardens or relaxation areas.

Do you want to know how to do it? Read on!
 

And while there is no "perfect" size for all cases, there are ranges of heights that are more suitable depending on the type of space and its use. Let's take a look at a summary in advance:

• High traffic (10-25 mm): maximum resistance and fast recovery. Ideal for patios, parks or walkways.
• Medium duty (25-40 mm): balance between softness and durability. Perfect for terraces, family gardens or play areas.
• Low traffic (over 40 mm): soft and decorative appearance, ideal for chill-out areas or ornamental gardens.

In general, longer heights offer a more natural finish and a softer tread, although they require a little more brushing. Shorter heights are more practical, easy to maintain and very resistant to daily wear and tear.
 

These are the standard artificial turf heights and their advantages:
 

When there are children or pets, most people opt for a lower pile height. This makes cleaning up easier and prevents your dog or cat from turning the garden into their new battleground.

Short pile artificial turf offers a very neat and uniform appearance, which is why decorative models with impeccable finishes are often found in this range.

In addition, its lightweight structure facilitates drainage - essential on terraces and small patios, where water tends to accumulate - and, as it weighs less, it is usually a more economical option without losing durability.
 

The longer the lawn, the more realistic your artificial landscaping will look, although it will also require a little more time to clean up leaves or dust.

If you are looking for a balance between aesthetics and practicality, a height of 20 to 30 mm is the most versatile: it offers the look of a freshly cut lawn and, with the right density, stands up perfectly to daily use and family traffic.

In short, it is the "all-rounder" range: soft and natural enough for relaxation areas, but robust enough for households with children or pets.

And because no additional fillers are required, maintenance is quick and easy.

This length is ideal if you are looking for realism and comfort to the touch. Children will enjoy playing on it, and anyone will feel the softness of its fibres when walking barefoot.

It is no coincidence that 30mm turf is the most popular choice for professional landscaping projects: it combines aesthetics, durability and easy maintenance all year round.

In addition, fibres in this range often incorporate internal reinforcements or "C" or "S" shapes, which help to maintain verticality without bunching, even with frequent use.
 

If you prefer a lush artificial turf with volume and natural texture, long fibres - 40 mm or more - are the best choice.

They provide an enveloping and soft feel, perfect for large gardens or chill-out areas, evoking the look of a freshly grown natural lawn.

They do require more frequent brushing to keep their shape and a high fibre density to prevent them from lying down.

This height stands out visually and can become the centre of the garden, even in low-traffic areas.

And if the area is used more frequently, it is sufficient to choose a high-end model with good padding to keep its strength and natural appearance intact.

In addition to the type of use, there are other factors that make a difference:

• Density and type of fibre: a higher number of stitches improves the recovery of the turf after the footprint.
• Ease of cleaning: high fibres collect more dust; short fibres are more practical.
• Budget: Intermediate heights usually offer the best value for money.
• Visual style: if you are looking for a natural effect, choose long heights; if you prioritise uniformity and maintenance, go for short heights.
   

• Check the density as well as the height. A higher density improves the recovery of the turf after walking on it and extends its lifespan.
• Choose hard-wearing fibres if there will be a lot of traffic. In family gardens or walkways, memory fibres keep their shape longer.
• Try it before you buy it. Walking on the grass will help you feel its softness, density and recovery.
• Remember that durability also depends on care. An occasional brushing and basic cleaning is enough to keep it perfect for years.

At Turfgrass we always advise our customers to look not only at the height, but also at the density, material and intended use to ensure that the turf will look perfect for years to come.