The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Grass Pile Height

Artificial grass is a popular choice for homeowners, businesses, and landscapers looking for a low-maintenance alternative to natural lawns. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing artificial turf is pile height—the length of the grass fibres. This feature affects not only how your lawn looks but also its comfort, durability, and maintenance requirements.

The right pile height depends on how the space will be used. Shorter piles (10mm-25mm) are best for high-traffic areas and sports surfaces as they provide firmness and durability. Medium pile grass (25mm-35mm) balances softness with resilience, making it ideal for gardens and family spaces. Meanwhile, longer piles (35mm-50mm+) create a plush, natural-looking lawn, but they require more maintenance to stay upright.

Whether you’re installing artificial grass in a garden, sports area, or commercial space, understanding pile height will help you pick the best option. This guide explains what pile height is, why it matters, and how to choose the right one based on your needs. We’ll also cover maintenance tips and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring you make the best decision before investing in artificial turf.

What is Artificial Grass Pile Height?

Definition and Measurement

Pile height refers to the length of the synthetic grass fibres, measured from the backing to the tip. It’s typically expressed in millimetres (mm) and can range from 10mm to over 50mm, depending on the type of artificial grass.

Shorter pile heights, around 10mm-25mm, provide a firm surface ideal for sports and high-traffic areas. Medium pile heights, between 25mm-35mm, offer a balance of durability and comfort, making them popular for home gardens. Longer pile heights, from 35mm-50mm+, create a lush, realistic look but require more maintenance.

While pile height is important, it works alongside density and material quality to influence the overall feel and performance of artificial grass. Higher-density turf with a shorter pile can sometimes look fuller than a sparse, long-pile option.

Why Pile Height Matters

Pile height affects comfort, durability, and maintenance. Shorter piles are firmer and more resistant to flattening, making them perfect for high-traffic areas. Longer piles, on the other hand, provide a softer, cushioned feel but can be prone to matting over time.

The look of artificial grass also changes with pile height. Shorter piles appear neat and well-manicured, while longer fibres give a lush, natural effect. However, a longer pile isn’t always the best option—especially if the area sees frequent use.

Maintenance varies too. Shorter piles require less brushing, while longer piles need regular grooming to keep the fibres standing upright. Choosing the right pile height ensures your lawn stays looking great while meeting your practical needs.

Different Pile Heights and Their Uses

Short Pile (10mm-25mm) – Best for Sports and High-Traffic Areas

Short pile artificial grass, typically ranging from 10mm to 25mm, is designed for durability and practicality. It is commonly used in sports fields, putting greens, playgrounds, and commercial spaces, where a firm, even surface is needed.

This pile height provides excellent stability, making it perfect for sports applications. For example, golf putting greens require a smooth, flat surface to ensure consistent ball roll, which is why 10mm-15mm artificial grass is a top choice. Similarly, football and multi-sports surfaces use shorter fibres because they offer firm footing and don’t flatten easily under heavy use.

Short pile artificial grass is also ideal for high-traffic areas, such as public walkways, patios, or commercial event spaces, where appearance is important but durability is the top priority. It requires minimal brushing as the fibres don’t bend as easily, making it a low-maintenance option.

However, even shorter pile grass, like 6mm-15mm grass is less cushioned than longer alternatives such as 16-25mm grass, meaning it may not be the best choice for lounging areas, children’s play zones, or homes where comfort is a priority.

Medium Pile (25mm-35mm) – A Balance Between Comfort and Durability

Medium pile artificial grass, usually between 25mm and 35mm, is a versatile choice that suits a wide range of applications. It provides a good balance between softness and resilience, making it one of the most popular options for residential gardens, balconies, terraces, and pet-friendly areas.

One of the key benefits of medium pile artificial grass, from 26mm-35mm grass is that it mimics the look of a well-maintained natural lawn while still being durable enough for regular use. It is soft underfoot, making it comfortable for walking, playing, or lounging, yet it does not require excessive maintenance.

This pile height is also an excellent choice for families with children and pets. It provides enough cushioning to soften falls, making it safer for kids’ play areas. For pet owners, medium pile artificial grass is a great choice because it is easier to clean than longer piles, and pet waste is less likely to get trapped in the fibres.

Maintenance for medium pile grass is moderate. Regular brushing (once or twice a month) helps keep the fibres upright and prevents flattening, particularly in high-traffic areas. Additionally, using infill can help improve durability and maintain the lawn’s appearance over time.

If you're looking for a garden that looks lush without excessive upkeep, a 30mm-35mm pile height is one of the best choices.

Long Pile (35mm-50mm+) – Ideal for a Lush, Natural Look

Long pile artificial grass, typically ranging from 35mm to 50mm+, is chosen primarily for aesthetic appeal and comfort. It closely resembles a thick, natural lawn, making it the preferred option for luxury residential gardens, relaxation areas, and decorative landscapes.

One of the main advantages of long pile 36mm-40mm grass is its soft, plush texture, which provides a comfortable surface for walking, sitting, or lying down. It’s perfect for outdoor lounge spaces, poolside areas, or homes where a natural-looking lawn is the priority.

However, long pile artificial grass requires more maintenance than shorter options. The fibres tend to flatten over time, especially in high-traffic areas, making regular brushing essential. Without proper upkeep, longer piles can look matted and lose their realistic appearance.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when considering long pile grass:

Brushing every 1-2 weeks is necessary to maintain the upright position of the fibres.
Infill (such as silica sand) is highly recommended to support the pile structure and prevent flattening.
Long pile grass can trap more dirt and debris, so occasional rinsing and sweeping help keep it clean.

Long pile artificial grass is best suited for low-traffic areas, decorative gardens, and spaces where comfort and appearance are the main priorities. If you’re after the most realistic, softest lawn possible, 41mm-50mm grass is the perfect choice—but be prepared for the additional upkeep. For extremely lush styles, then you may want to consider 51-70mm grass, but it further care and attention will be required.

How to Choose the Right Pile Height

Factors to Consider: Usage, Aesthetics, and Maintenance

Selecting the best artificial grass for gardens, and elsewhere, depends on the space's use, the desired look, and maintenance preferences. Choosing the wrong pile height could mean dealing with excessive flattening, unexpected maintenance, or a lawn that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

Usage – The first question to ask is: What will the artificial grass be used for? If the area will experience heavy foot traffic, sports activities, or playtime with pets, a shorter pile (10mm-25mm) is best. For general garden use, relaxation spaces, or family-friendly lawns, a medium pile (25mm-35mm) offers a great balance of durability and comfort. If appearance is the priority and the area won’t see much foot traffic, a long pile (35mm-50mm) creates a lush, natural-looking lawn.
Aesthetics – The look of your lawn matters just as much as functionality. Shorter pile heights give a neat, well-maintained appearance, while longer piles provide a thick, luxurious look that closely mimics natural grass. If realism is the goal, a pile height of 35mm-45mm offers the most authentic look.
Maintenance – Different pile heights require different levels of care. Shorter piles are low maintenance and need only occasional brushing, while longer piles require frequent brushing and infill checks to prevent flattening. If you prefer a hassle-free lawn, a shorter or medium pile height is the best choice.

By balancing practicality with appearance, you can choose a pile height that meets your needs without unnecessary maintenance.

Comparing Softness vs. Durability

When selecting artificial grass, it’s important to understand how pile height affects both softness and durability.

Shorter piles (10mm-25mm) – These are more durable and hold up well under frequent use. They are firm underfoot, making them ideal for sports, patios, and commercial spaces. However, they lack the softness of longer piles, which may make them less comfortable for barefoot walking or lounging.
Medium piles (25mm-35mm) – This pile height provides a good balance of softness and durability. It is resilient enough for regular use while offering a cushioned feel, making it a great choice for gardens and family areas.
Longer piles (35mm-50mm+) – The taller the grass fibres, the softer the surface. Long pile artificial grass feels plush and luxurious, making it perfect for decorative lawns and relaxation spaces. However, it is also more prone to flattening and requires more frequent maintenance to keep the fibres upright.

If durability is your priority, a shorter pile is the best option. If comfort and aesthetics matter most, opt for a longer pile but be prepared for additional upkeep.

Best Pile Heights for Different Applications

To ensure you pick the right pile height, consider the specific use case for your artificial grass:

Gardens and residential spaces – A medium to long pile (30mm-40mm) provides a natural yet durable look.
Play areas and pet-friendly lawns – A medium pile (25mm-35mm) offers softness with resilience, making it ideal for families with children and pets.
Commercial properties and event spaces – A short pile (10mm-25mm) is durable and easy to clean, making it low-maintenance for high-traffic areas.
Sports surfaces – A very short pile (10mm-20mm) provides a firm, stable playing surface for football, golf, and tennis.

By matching pile height to usage, you ensure aesthetics, comfort, and longevity all work together.

Maintaining Artificial Grass Based on Pile Height

Proper artificial grass maintenance ensures it stays fresh, upright, and long-lasting. While artificial turf is lower maintenance than natural grass, the amount of care required depends on the pile height. Longer piles need more brushing to prevent flattening, while shorter piles require less upkeep but may need occasional cleaning.

Brushing and Grooming Techniques

Brushing is essential for keeping fibres upright and preventing matting. However, different pile heights require different levels of care:

Short pile (10mm-25mm): Needs minimal brushing. A light sweep every few weeks with a stiff broom or power brush is enough to keep it tidy.
Medium pile (25mm-35mm): Requires monthly brushing to prevent fibres from flattening, especially in high-traffic areas.
Long pile (35mm-50mm+): Needs frequent brushing (every 1-2 weeks) to maintain its lush look and prevent matting.

Best brushing method: Use a stiff bristle broom or power brush and brush against the grain of the fibres to keep them standing upright.

Preventing Matting and Wear

Matting occurs when artificial grass fibres become flattened over time, especially in high-traffic areas or when long pile grass isn’t brushed regularly.

How to prevent matting:

Use silica sand infill – This helps support the pile structure and keeps fibres standing tall.
Rotate furniture placement – Avoid leaving heavy objects in one spot for too long.
Brush high-traffic areas more frequently – This prevents the grass from becoming worn down unevenly.
Spray with water in hot weather – Helps loosen fibres and maintain their shape.

If matting does occur, brushing combined with a light water spray can help restore the original texture.

Recommended Care for Different Pile Heights

Each pile height has unique maintenance needs:

Short pile (10mm-25mm):

Easiest to maintain with occasional brushing and debris removal.
Doesn’t flatten easily but may need light cleaning.
Best for sports and high-traffic areas.

Medium pile (25mm-35mm):

Needs brushing once a month to prevent flattening.
Moderate maintenance—a good balance of aesthetics and durability.
Ideal for families, pets, and general garden use.

Long pile (35mm-50mm+):

Requires the most brushing (every 1-2 weeks) to keep fibres upright.
Needs infill maintenance to prevent fibres from collapsing.
More prone to trapping debris, so occasional rinsing or sweeping is necessary.
Best for decorative, low-traffic areas.

Regardless of pile height, artificial grass should be kept clean and free from debris. Regular leaf blowing or light raking helps prevent dirt buildup.

By following these pile height-specific maintenance tips, you can keep your artificial grass looking great for years, whether it’s short and durable, medium and balanced, or long and luxurious.

Common Mistakes When Selecting Pile Height

Choosing the wrong artificial grass pile height can lead to premature wear, increased maintenance, or a lawn that doesn’t meet your needs. Here are common mistakes to avoid when making your decision.

Choosing Based on Look Instead of Function

Many people assume that longer pile artificial grass (35mm-50mm+) is always the best choice because it looks more natural. While long piles do create a plush, realistic lawn, they can flatten easily in high-traffic areas, requiring frequent brushing to maintain their appearance.

In contrast, shorter pile grass (10mm-25mm) may not be as soft but is far more durable. It’s ideal for sports surfaces, walkways, and commercial spaces because it holds its shape better over time.

Solution: Consider both appearance and practicality. If the area will see regular use, a medium pile (25mm-35mm) is often the best choice, providing a natural look with better durability.

Ignoring Traffic and Usage Needs

Another common mistake is failing to match pile height to the amount of foot traffic.

High-traffic areas (patios, sports fields) require shorter piles (10mm-25mm) to withstand wear.
Medium piles (25mm-35mm), which offer both comfort and resilience, benefit gardens, family spaces, and pet areas.
Relaxation spaces or decorative lawns can handle long pile grass (35mm-50mm+), but they need regular grooming.

Solution: Think about how much the area will be used daily. If it’s a frequently used garden, a shorter or medium pile is more practical.

Overlooking Maintenance Requirements

Not all artificial grass is equally low-maintenance—longer piles require more care. Without regular brushing, long pile grass flattens, losing its natural look.

Short pile (10mm-25mm) → Minimal upkeep (occasional cleaning).
Medium pile (25mm-35mm) → Monthly brushing to prevent flattening.
Long pile (35mm-50mm) → Brushing every 1-2 weeks to keep fibres upright.

Solution: Choose a pile height that fits your maintenance preferences. If you want low maintenance, opt for shorter piles.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your artificial grass looks great, lasts longer, and suits your lifestyle.

Choosing the right artificial grass pile height is key to achieving the perfect balance of appearance, durability, and maintenance. Whether you need short pile for high-traffic areas, medium pile for a family-friendly garden, or long pile for a natural, luxurious look, understanding how each type performs will help you make the best choice.

By considering usage, foot traffic, and upkeep, you can ensure your artificial lawn remains practical and visually appealing for years. Investing in the right pile height means less maintenance, greater longevity, and a lawn that suits your lifestyle. If it’s something you are really unsure of regarding the right height for your needs, then feel free to contact us at Tuda Grass to help get you on the right path.

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