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Understanding the stitch rate of artificial grass: A guide to choosing the right turf for your needs
If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re doing a deep dive into the world of artificial grass, trying to make sense of all the jargon. Terms like ‘pile height’, ‘yarn density’, and ‘stitch rate’ might be popping up, and it can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’re here to break it all down! Whether you’re searching for a lush lawn to relax on, or something hard-wearing for kids or pets, we’ll help you understand what to look for, particularly when it comes to durability.
Jargon breakdown
What exactly Is yarn?
Before we get into stitch rates and densities, let’s start with the basics: yarn. When you hear about "yarn" in artificial grass, it’s simply referring to the individual blades that make up your artificial lawn. Each blade contributes to the overall look, feel, and durability of the grass.What is pile height?
Pile height or yarn height is the length of the yarn blades, and it plays a major role in how your artificial grass looks and performs. At Select Living Group, we offer a variety of pile lengths, from a shorter, more hard-wearing 16 mm, to a lush and luxurious 40mm.
A shorter pile height is best for areas that see heavy foot traffic — think of it as a tough, no-nonsense surface. On the other hand, a longer pile height feels softer and is great for creating that "real lawn" look, perfect for lounging around with the family.
Yarn density: What is it?
Our grasses are made with a range of yarn densities to produce the desired effect. As a rule of thumb, the less dense the yarn, the softer and lighter the grass will be. The more dense the yarn, the more robust and firm the grass will be.
We use a unit called Dtex to measure the yarn density of our grass. Dtex = weight of yarn over 10,000 m.
Stitch rate: The key to durability?
Here’s where things get interesting! The stitch rate tells you how many stitches per square metre of grass, and it can have a big impact on how the grass performs.
Visually, a higher stitch rate tends to create a fuller, lusher appearance. Even if the yarn is on the lighter side, more stitches mean more body, helping the grass maintain its shape and look thicker. It’s great if you’re aiming for a premium, well-maintained lawn aesthetic.
Higher stitch rates typically mean fuller, lusher grass, but does it automatically mean better durability? Not necessarily.
Choosing the right grass for durability
If durability is your priority, it’s important to understand that the stitch rate is just one piece of the puzzle. A higher stitch rate generally means denser grass, which can make it more resilient. However, the thickness of the individual yarns (measured in Dtex) also matters.
Let’s take two artificial grass products with the same 35 mm pile height: one has a low stitch rate, and the other a high stitch rate. These two products, although similar in length, will feel and perform completely differently.
For example:
- Welford: 16,800 stitches per square metre, but it's thicker and feels substantial.
- Hampden: 31,500 stitches per square metre, but it’s thinner and feels lighter.
Durability trade-off: Feel vs function
A word of caution: higher durability often comes with a coarser texture. If you go for a high Dtex and a high stitch rate, your grass may start feeling more like a Brillo pad than a soft lawn! It’s a trade-off between comfort and durability.
Grass with a lower stitch rate but lighter, softer yarn might feel feather-light under your feet—perfect for lounging, but maybe not the best for areas that see heavy traffic. On the other hand, denser, thicker yarns might not feel as soft but will stand up better to constant use.
The role of yarn shape in durability
Yarn shape also comes into play when considering durability. Different yarn shapes, like C-shaped or Flat-shaped blades, can make the grass more resilient under pressure. Some of our toughest grasses, like our Welford range, use a unique WV-shaped yarn, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like playgrounds or dog runs.Conclusion: Finding the right balance
Choosing the right artificial grass is a balancing act between aesthetics, comfort, and durability. While a high stitch rate often translates into a denser, more luxurious look, it’s not the only factor to consider for durability. Yarn thickness, shape, and even pile height all play a role in determining how long your artificial grass will last and how it feels underfoot.
We’ve gathered our own products into a chart for you to compare
|
Yarn Height (mm) |
Stitch Rate (/m2) |
Density (g/m2) |
Yarn shape |
Softness (5=softest) |
Great for |
|
|
16 |
84000 |
2912 |
Flat |
1/5 |
Putting green |
|
|
25 |
16800 |
2210 |
C |
2/5 |
Pets, Heavy traffic |
|
|
28 |
23100 |
2800 |
C |
4/5 |
Pets, High traffic |
|
|
30 |
20000 |
2620 |
Spine |
4/5 |
Family, Value |
|
|
32 |
26250 |
2740 |
C |
4/5 |
Pets |
|
|
33 |
14700 |
2504 |
Flat |
2/5 |
Everyday |
|
|
35 |
16800 |
2720 |
WV |
2/5 |
High traffic |
|
|
35 |
21000 |
2560 |
Flat |
5/5 |
Value |
|
|
35 |
25200 |
3174 |
Flat |
4/5 |
Family |
|
|
35 |
31500 |
2900 |
Flat |
4/5 |
Everyday |
|
|
37 |
25200 |
2842 |
Flat |
3/5 |
Value |
|
|
38 |
29400 |
3065 |
Flat |
5/5 |
Family |
|
|
40 |
16800 |
2815 |
Flat |
4/5 |
Value |
|
|
40 |
18900 |
1000 |
C |
4/5 |
Family |
|
|
40 |
23100 |
3569 |
Flat |
5/5 |
Family |
|
|
40 |
25200 |
2555 |
C |
5/5 |
Recyclable |
|
|
40 |
26250 |
3017 |
C |
4/5 |
Family |
However, we’ve done the hard work and calculations for you, and have categorised our products to suit your needs — whether you’re looking for pet-friendly grass, something suitable for children, or turf that’s perfect for an active family.
Keep an eye out for our helpful badges on our grass tags, and if you’re still not sure don’t hesitate to get in touch for more advice!
The right artificial grass for you is the one that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and toughness based on your lifestyle and how you plan to use it! Order our free samples, so you can really get an idea of which is the perfect grass for your project.