Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by ReTurf
When shopping for artificial turf, whether it’s for your backyard, a putting green, or an entire sports field, you may encounter the term “face weight.” It might sound technical, but it’s a pretty straightforward concept that’s important in choosing the right type of turf for your needs.
Definition
Face weight refers to the weight of the fibers in the turf per square yard, excluding any backing or infill material. It’s typically measured in ounces. So, when you see a turf product listed with a face weight of, say, 60 ounces, it means that 1 sq. yard of just the fibers weighs 60 ounces.
To measure turf face weight, manufacturers take a square yard of the artificial turf and weigh the fibers after carefully separating them from the backing. This process ensures that the weight reflects only the fibers, providing a true measure of the turf’s density.
How Much Does Face Weight Matter?
The face weight of artificial turf is a big deal because it directly impacts how the turf feels and how it will stand up to wear and tear over time. Basically, the higher the face weight, the denser and thicker the turf. If you’ve ever walked on a plush, well-cushioned carpet, that’s the kind of comfort and resilience high face weight turf aims to replicate.
Appearance & Feel
The denseness provided by a higher face weight makes the turf look fuller and more like natural grass. Not only does this enhance the aesthetic appeal, but it also contributes to a softer feel underfoot. This can be particularly important in settings like residential lawns or playgrounds where comfort and appearance are priorities. If you like being able to walk barefoot in your yard or if the kids (or pets) play outside a lot, this is something everyone in the family can really appreciate.
Durability
A higher face weight generally indicates a higher density of fibers. More fibers per square yard means less space between each fiber, which reduces the amount of wear on individual blades, leading to a longer-lasting surface. This is critical for high-traffic areas that need to withstand frequent use without matting or thinning.
It’s a little like having a dense forest where each tree supports the others against the wind—versus a few saplings that are spread out.
Higher face weight turfs tend to be more expensive per square yard due to the greater amount of material (fiber) used, but the higher initial cost can pay off in the long run. Turfs with higher face weights generally offer greater durability and longevity, meaning they can withstand more wear and tear before needing replacement. It’s similar to choosing a higher-quality paint for your home—it holds up longer, and often looks better in the first place, so you get to enjoy a better-looking space with the added bonus of less maintenance.
Tip: If you’re looking to buy used artificial turf, you might find options with surprisingly high face weights, which can be an attractive feature. Higher-end turf with substantial face weights is designed to withstand professional levels of use, like in sports fields, stadiums, and arenas. When high-end sports turf is repurposed, it still retains much of its original quality, making it a durable option for new projects. The dense fiber configuration in used sports turf handles wear and tear more gracefully, extending the life of the turf in its new setting. Just make sure to note its condition and lines/markings (if any) to make sure it meets your project’s needs—all green used turf without lines is available in basic and premium options for residential and commercial landscaping and other applications.
What is a Good Face Weight for Artificial Turf?
Choosing the “best” face weight depends on what you’re using the turf for:
- Low Traffic Areas – If you’re covering an area that won’t see a lot of foot traffic, like a decorative piece in your garden or a seldom-used space, a lower face weight might be totally fine. Very generally, this means anything in the range of 40-60 ounces.
- Moderate to High Traffic Areas – For areas that will see more action, like a backyard or a commercial landscape, you’d want something more robust—somewhere in the 60-80 ounce range. This range offers a good balance of softness and resilience.
- Sports Fields – If we’re talking about a sports field or a heavily used playground, you’ll probably need even higher face weights. Something north of 80 ounces will provide the durability needed to stand up to constant use and still look good.
Example Use Cases
- Residential Lawns – For home use, especially in areas with moderate foot traffic, a face weight of around 50-70 ounces is usually sufficient. It provides a good mix of durability and aesthetic appeal without being overly expensive.
- Commercial Spaces – Commercial areas that see a lot of foot traffic, such as office buildings or outdoor malls, may require a face weight of 70-90 ounces. The increased density helps maintain the appearance of the grass under constant use.
- Athletic Fields – Sports fields need the highest durability because of the intense wear and tear they undergo. Here, face weights of over 90 ounces are not uncommon. The extra density helps the turf withstand everything from soccer cleats to football tackles.
What’s the Difference Between Turf Face Weight & Total Weight?
To reiterate, artificial turf’s face weight specifically measures the weight of the grass fibers alone per square yard, excluding the backing and any infill. It’s an important indicator of the turf’s density and plushness. Higher face weights mean a thicker, more luxurious turf that feels better underfoot and looks more like natural grass, enhancing both durability and visual appeal.
Total weight includes the weight of the entire turf product—fibers, backing, and any pre-integrated infill. This measurement is relevant for logistical purposes, such as shipping and installation. It helps you understand how heavy the turf will be to handle and install, although it doesn’t directly reflect the quality of the turf’s visible surface. Both measurements are important when you’re shopping for artificial turf, just for different reasons.
Other Factors to Consider
While face weight is a key indicator of quality and durability, it’s not the only thing to consider. You’ll also want to look at:
- Pile Height – This is the height of the turf fibers. Longer fibers might look lush, but they can be harder to maintain. Shorter fibers are often more durable and easier to keep looking neat.
- Infill – Typically made from materials like sand or rubber, infill plays a key role in artificial turf systems. It supports the fibers to keep them standing upright and adds cushioning, which improves comfort and durability, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Backing – This is the foundation layer of artificial turf, where the fibers are tufted in. It’s crucial that the backing is robust because it supports the weight of the fibers, ensuring the overall integrity and stability of the turf installation.
- Blade Material* – Most artificial turf “grass blades” are made from polyethylene, polypropylene, and/or nylon. Polyethylene feels soft and looks the most realistic, polypropylene is great for areas with less foot traffic, and nylon is super resilient.
*Many artificial grasses are made out of a combination of these materials, taking advantage of the unique properties of each to create more versatile turf products. A homeowner might choose a turf with a polyethylene top layer for softness and aesthetic appeal, reinforced with a nylon base for durability in areas where kids might play soccer or dogs might run. Commercial spaces might opt for a mix that leans more heavily on polypropylene and nylon to maximize longevity and reduce maintenance costs over time.
Final Thoughts
When you’re out there comparing different types of artificial turf, remember that face weight is one of several important indicators of how the turf will perform. Higher face weights mean more fiber, more density, and more durability—but also a higher price tag in many cases. Balance your budget with your needs, and you’ll find the perfect turf for your project.
ReTURF: The Artificial Turf Experts
Planning an artificial turf project? Let’s make sure you get it just right. We’re here to help make sense of things like face weight, pile height, infill options, installation, and more. Reach out to us at (828) 518-5787 or contact us online today. Our experienced turf professionals are here to guide you through your options and help streamline your project from concept to completion.
