Last Updated on October 7, 2024 by ReTurf

When you’re picking out new artificial turf, it’s not just about finding the right shade of green or how soft it feels underfoot. There’s a lot more going on beneath the surface, so to speak.

Two important elements that directly impact the look, performance, and durability of your turf are face yarn and thatch. Terms like these can be confusing at first, so let’s take a look at what they mean, so you understand what you’re really getting when you buy artificial turf.

What Does Face Yarn Mean in the Artificial Turf World?

Face yarn refers to the main fibers that make up the visible, top layer of the turf. These are the long, grass-like blades that give artificial turf its overall look.

The face yarn is what you’ll notice first when you’re browsing different synthetic turf for sale, because it’s the main part that mimics natural grass. (We’ll get to the shorter, tan-colored fibers in just a minute.)

In general, the taller the blades (pile height), the more the turf looks like a full, natural lawn. But too tall, and it can start to look messy or flatten down over time.

Technical Breakdown of Face Yarn

  • Materials – The face yarn is made of different plastic polymers, most commonly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or nylon. Polyethylene is the most common choice because it’s soft, durable, and UV-resistant. Nylon is stronger and even more durable than PE, but it can also feel stiffer. Polypropylene is generally the least expensive option, but it’s not as durable as the other two.
  • Pile Height – The face yarn determines the pile height, or how tall the artificial grass blades stand. This can vary widely, typically between 1.25 and 2.5 inches. Shorter pile heights give a freshly-mowed look and are ideal for areas like patios or play areas. Taller pile heights offer a more lush, natural appearance but require more infill and maintenance to keep the blades standing upright.

Face Weight

An important spec to consider when evaluating artificial turf is its face weight. Face weight refers to the weight of the yarn per square yard of turf. It’s essentially a measure of how dense the grass blades are.

A higher face weight typically means a thicker, denser turf, which can often translate to higher durability and a more lush appearance.

However, it’s not always that simple. Keep in mind that a high face weight doesn’t automatically make it better, even if all other things are equal. It depends on your intended use:

  • Low face weight turf is rarely desirable; that is, it isn’t typically sought out for any positive qualities. However, it may be useful in situations where budget is a concern and where the turf will experience minimal use and foot traffic.
  • Heavier turf can be ideal for high-traffic areas like playgrounds or sports fields where durability is a priority.
  • For residential lawn turf, commercial landscaping, and other decorative purposes, a more moderate face weight can potentially strike a balance between appearance and practicality—without being unnecessarily dense or difficult to maintain.

Face yarn is what gives synthetic turf its overall look, but there’s more going on beneath the surface that’s just as important…

What is Thatch in Artificial Turf?

Thatch refers to the shorter, often wavy or curly fibers woven into the base of the artificial turf underneath the face yarn.

The two work together to create the illusion of living grass, and without thatching, even the best face yarn can end up looking flat or artificial.

The thatch layer’s job is to provide structure and support to the longer blades, preventing them from matting down too much while also giving the turf a more realistic look.

This essentially mimics the look and feel of a natural lawn, where an underlayer of grass stems and small plant debris form a dense cushion just above the soil. In nature, beneath the visible blades of grass, there’s a thin underlayer made up of grass stems, roots, and bits of small plant debris that collect over time. This layer also acts like a natural cushion—softening the ground and creating that familiar, slightly “springy” feel when you walk on it with bare feet.

In artificial turf, this concept is replicated with thatch, which adds depth and texture, making the surface look and feel more authentic. Without thatch, artificial turf can sometimes appear too uniform, almost like carpet, which takes away from that natural, lived-in lawn look that is generally desired (except in the case of putting greens and other specific applications).

Technical Breakdown of Thatch

  • Material – Like face yarn, thatch is also made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Polyethylene is soft and durable, while nylon provides extra rigidity and support. Polypropylene is used for cost efficiency but isn’t as durable.
  • Density and Color – Thatch fibers are typically shorter and more densely packed than face yarn, ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch in height. It often has a brownish or tan color, mimicking the dead grass, weeds, and other organic matter found in natural grass lawns. This color variation helps create a more realistic look by reducing the overly “perfect” appearance of an all-green turf.
  • Purpose – Thatching supports the face yarn by keeping it upright and reducing the amount of infill (like sand or rubber granules) needed. It also helps to make the turf feel more cushioned and natural underfoot. Without thatch, artificial turf tends to look less natural, and the blades may flatten faster under traffic.

Why Face Yarn & Thatch in Artificial Turf Matter

The combination of face yarn and thatch directly affects the performance and appearance of your turf. These components work together to balance realism, durability, and comfort. Here’s why they’re important when you’re picking out turf:

  1. Durability – Turf with a strong face yarn (nylon or higher dtex polyethylene) and a supportive thatch layer will hold up better under heavy foot traffic. If you have kids, pets, or plan to host parties/gatherings on your turf, a solid combination of these materials will help your lawn last longer without flattening or showing signs of wear.
  2. Realism – Thatching adds a layer of realism that the face yarn can’t achieve by itself. Without the tan/brown thatch layer, even if the face yarn has multiple shades of green, the turf might look too uniform and “unnatural.” (In other words, it might look like “fake grass.”) The color and texture variations in the thatch help to mimic the undergrowth found in real grass, so your lawn doesn’t end up looking like a green carpet.
  3. Comfort – Thatch plays a big role in making artificial turf feel soft and cushioned. While face yarn gives the lawn its overall look, it’s the thatch that prevents the turf from feeling hard or plasticky underfoot. This is especially important if you plan to spend a lot of time on the turf, whether for lounging, playing, or walking around barefoot.
  4. Maintenance – Turf with a good thatch layer requires less infill to keep the blades upright. Infill is the material (like sand or rubber) that helps weigh down the turf and keep the blades standing up. Less infill means less maintenance over time, as you won’t have to constantly redistribute or top off the infill to keep your turf looking good.

Choosing the Right Face Yarn and Thatch For Your Project or Application

If you’re looking for the most realistic artificial turf possible for your application, you’ll want to pick a product that combines high-quality face yarn with a well-designed thatch layer.

When you’re shopping for artificial turf, pay attention to these features:

  • Material – Look for polyethylene for a good balance of softness and durability. If you need extra toughness for a high-traffic area, nylon face yarn and thatch will hold up better.
  • Pile Height and Density – For a lush, natural look, choose turf with a taller pile height (around 2 inches) and dense face yarn. If you prefer a more manicured look or have a smaller space, go for shorter blades.
  • Thatch Color – Consider turf with brown or tan thatch for a more natural, realistic appearance. Many cheaper artificial turf products will skip thatch entirely or even use the same green color as the face yarn, which makes the turf look fake. This might be fine if you’re specifically using the turf for an area where a realistic look isn’t the top priority. However, if you’re aiming for landscaping that closely mimics natural grass, brown or tan thatch adds important dimension and variation, giving the turf a more organic appearance. (Keep this in mind if you’re trying to achieve a realistic, high-end look and feel for your space.)

ReTURF: The Synthetic Grass Experts

If you’re planning an artificial turf project, we’re here to help you get everything right from the start. Whether you’re comparing face weights, trying to figure out the best pile height, deciding on infill options, interested in professional installation—or just about anything else related to synthetic grass—our friendly team of turf experts is ready to simplify the process, and ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish!

Call us at (828) 518-5787 or click here to get in touch with us online.