Artificial grass should not be judged by pile height alone. A longer pile can create a deeper look, but tuft density, yarn weight, total carpet weight, backing construction and the way the lawn will be used all matter just as much.
The right choice is the grass that balances appearance, feel, maintenance and budget for the project. Start with how the lawn will be used, then compare the specification as a whole.
What to compare when choosing artificial grass
Pile height
Pile height is the length of the visible grass fibres. A 30mm pile generally gives a neat, freshly-cut appearance and is straightforward to brush. A 40mm pile creates a deeper, softer-looking finish. Neither is automatically better: fibre length is only one part of the construction.
Tuft density
Tuft density describes how many tufts are packed into each square metre. Higher density usually produces a fuller lawn with less visible space between fibres. It can also help a shorter-pile grass look particularly substantial.
Kingswood 30mm is a useful example. Although its pile is 30mm, it has approximately 31,500 tufts/m² and a total carpet weight of approximately 2,617g/m². Its dense construction makes it a premium short-pile option, showing why pile height alone does not determine quality.
Pile weight and total carpet weight
Pile or yarn weight measures the mass of the grass fibres per square metre. Total carpet weight includes the fibres and backing. Read the two figures together: pile weight helps compare the amount of yarn, while total weight gives a broader view of the complete carpet construction.
Weight is useful for comparison, but it is not a stand-alone guarantee of suitability. Yarn shape, backing, installation and intended use still matter.
Backing construction
The backing holds the tufts in place and forms the base of the carpet. Conventional landscaping grasses and polyurethane-backed products have different constructions. For customers specifically seeking a PU-backed option, Astbury PU 35mm uses polyurethane backing. Drainage, installation and routine cleaning remain essential, especially where pets use the lawn.
Intended use
Think about the people, pets and activity the lawn must accommodate. A feature lawn viewed from the house may prioritise softness and visual depth. A family garden may need a dense, practical surface. A rental or large landscaping scheme may place greater weight on value and coverage.
Stonegate artificial grass compared
| Product | Pile | Density | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossfields | 30mm | Standard | Budget and general landscaping |
| Etruria | 40mm | Medium | Affordable longer-pile gardens |
| Kingswood | 30mm | High | Dense premium short-pile lawns |
| Lola Premium | 40mm | High | Luxury residential gardens |
| Astbury PU | 35mm | High | Pets and premium family gardens |
Crossfields 30mm: value for general landscaping
Crossfields combines a 30mm pile with approximately 23,100 tufts/m², approximately 963g/m² pile weight and approximately 2,063g/m² total weight. It is the entry-level landscaping choice for budget-conscious projects, rental properties, general landscaping and larger installations where cost matters.
Etruria 40mm: a value-focused longer pile
Etruria has a 40mm pile, approximately 25,200 tufts/m², approximately 1,360g/m² pile weight and approximately 2,460g/m² total weight. It suits customers who want a fuller 40mm appearance without moving into premium-density pricing.
Kingswood 30mm: premium density with a neat finish
Kingswood combines a 30mm pile with approximately 31,500 tufts/m², approximately 1,517g/m² pile weight and approximately 2,617g/m² total weight. It is well suited to premium residential gardens, family lawns and customers who prefer a freshly-cut appearance while prioritising density over fibre length.
Lola Premium 40mm: the flagship conventional grass
Lola Premium has a 40mm pile, approximately 31,500 tufts/m², approximately 1,982g/m² pile weight and approximately 3,082g/m² total weight. It has the highest total carpet weight in Stonegate's conventional landscaping range and is the luxury choice for premium gardens, feature lawns and customers prioritising softness, density and a deep lawn appearance.
Astbury PU 35mm: premium PU-backed construction
Astbury PU has a 35mm pile, approximately 31,500 tufts/m², approximately 1,750g/m² pile weight and approximately 2,600g/m² total weight. Its polyurethane-backed construction makes it a strong product to consider for pet owners, premium family gardens and customers specifically seeking PU-backed artificial grass.
Is 30mm or 40mm artificial grass better?
Neither pile height is automatically better. The choice depends on the finish and maintenance routine you prefer.
A 30mm grass is generally better for customers wanting:
- A neat, freshly-cut appearance
- Shorter fibres
- Easier brushing
- Density rather than fibre length
A 40mm grass is generally better for customers wanting:
- A deeper appearance
- A softer visual finish
- Longer fibres
- A more luxurious lawn effect
Compare density and weight alongside pile height. A dense 30mm product can feel more substantial than a less dense 40mm product.
Which Stonegate grass is best for pets?
Pet owners should consider Astbury PU 35mm because of its polyurethane-backed construction. Product choice is only part of a pet-friendly lawn. Correct ground preparation, drainage and installation are essential, and the surface should be cleaned routinely in line with the product and installation guidance.
Which Stonegate grass is the most premium?
Lola Premium 40mm is Stonegate's flagship conventional grass. Its 40mm pile, high density and approximately 3,082g/m² total weight give it the most substantial construction in the conventional landscaping range.
Kingswood 30mm is the premium alternative for customers who prefer a shorter, dense lawn with a tidy freshly-cut look.
Choose the right roll width before ordering
Stonegate artificial grass is supplied using fixed width × customer-selected linear length. Available widths are 2m, 4m and 5m, subject to the chosen product's current options.
Example: 4m width × 5m length = 20m²
Measure the longest dimensions of the lawn and plan the pile direction before choosing a width. A width that covers the area in one piece can remove a join, while a different width may produce less offcut on an irregular garden. Compare more than one cutting layout where practical.
The lowest square-metre total is not always the best plan. Joins require tape, adhesive and labour, while oversized offcuts can waste material. Choose the roll width that gives a practical balance of clean seams, manageable handling and efficient use of the carpet.
Maintenance starts with the right specification
All artificial grass needs routine care. Remove leaves and debris, brush the pile as required, deal with spills promptly and keep drainage paths clear. Higher pile does not remove the need for maintenance; longer fibres may need more regular brushing to retain their appearance.
Follow the installation and care guidance for the selected product. A suitable grass installed on the wrong base will not perform as intended.
Artificial grass buying checklist
- Decide how the lawn will be used
- Compare pile height, tuft density, pile weight and total weight
- Choose the backing construction appropriate to the project
- Allow for pets, children and the expected level of activity
- Confirm the available 2m, 4m or 5m width for the selected product
- Plan pile direction, joins and reusable offcuts
- Check access for carrying and positioning the roll
- Include suitable installation materials and ongoing maintenance
Once the layout is understood, compare the current Stonegate artificial grass range.
Frequently asked questions
Does a higher pile mean better artificial grass?
No. Pile height changes the look and feel, but density, yarn weight, total carpet weight, backing construction and intended use are equally important.
Can choosing a wider roll reduce waste?
It can, particularly if the width covers the lawn without a join. On some layouts a narrower width creates more useful cuts and less unusable offcut, so compare the cutting plans rather than assuming wider is always better.
How much artificial grass should I order?
Order from a cutting plan based on fixed roll width and linear length, not garden area alone. See How Much Artificial Grass Do I Need? for a detailed measuring method.
