One of the most common questions we get at Australis Grass is: “What’s the difference between 25mm, 30mm and 35mm artificial? Which one should I choose?” It’s a great question — and the answer depends on how you’re going to use the space, whether you have pets, and what look you’re after. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.
What Does “Pile Height” Mean?
Pile height refers to the length of the synthetic grass blades — the individual fibres that make up the surface of the turf. It’s measured in millimetres from the backing to the tip of the blade. A 35mm product has blades that are 35mm long; a 25mm product has blades that are 25mm long.
Pile height affects the look, feel, maintenance requirements, and suitability for different applications. It does not directly determine quality — a well-made 25mm product can be significantly better than a poorly made 35mm one. But pile height is one of the most important factors in choosing the right turf for your specific situation.
25mm Pile Height — Neat, Compact, and Cool
What it looks like: A shorter, manicured lawn — similar to a freshly mowed real lawn. Tidy and compact rather than lush and full.
Best for:
- Balconies, courtyards, and smaller outdoor areas
- Areas in direct sun where heat reduction is a priority
- High foot traffic areas where shorter pile holds up better over time
- Pool surrounds where a clean, low-profile finish is preferred
- Spaces where regular cleaning is important (e.g. pet areas with lighter use)
Our 25mm product — Ever Lush Cool 25: Features dual cooling technology (cooling yarn plus cooling backing) that reduces surface temperature up to 20% faster than standard turf. This makes it one of the best choices for sun-exposed areas in Queensland where surface heat is a real concern. UV-stable and built for Australian conditions.
Maintenance: Easiest to maintain of the three. Shorter blades are simpler to brush clean, drain faster, and show debris less than longer pile products.
30mm Pile Height — The Balanced Middle Ground
What it looks like: Fuller than 25mm but not as lush as 35mm. A natural-looking lawn that balances aesthetics with practicality.
Best for:
- Pet owners who want a natural-looking lawn that’s easy to maintain
- Family backyards with kids and dogs
- Areas where you want a realistic look without the maintenance challenge of longer pile
- Pet runs and dedicated dog areas
Our 30mm products — K9 Cool Supreme and Austral II Pet Friendly+: Both are specifically engineered for pet use. The K9 Cool Supreme features 100% permeable backing (no drainage holes needed) and cooling yarn technology. The Austral II has a bacteria-resistant double PU backing and enhanced drainage. Both offer that natural lawn look while handling the practical demands of life with dogs.
Maintenance: Moderate. Slightly more involved than 25mm but still very manageable. Regular hose-downs and brushing keep it looking great.
35mm Pile Height — Lush, Full, and Realistic
What it looks like: The most natural-looking of the three — a full, lush lawn that’s hard to distinguish from real grass at a glance. This is the pile height most people picture when they think of premium synthetic turf.
Best for:
- Residential front and back lawns where appearance is the priority
- Areas without heavy pet use
- Homes where you want maximum kerb appeal and a premium finish
- Spaces that don’t receive intense direct sun all day
Our 35mm products — Zoysia 35mm and Kikuyu Cool 35mm: Our most popular products. Zoysia has a fine C-shape fibre that gives a dense, natural appearance with no sand fill required. Kikuyu Cool adds a broad-leaf yarn style with cooling technology for a very realistic Kikuyu lawn look. Both are double-backed, UV-stable, and available in 2m and 4m wide rolls.
Maintenance: Slightly more involved than shorter products — longer blades need more regular brushing to stay upright, and they can trap debris a little more readily. In heavy pet areas, longer pile can be harder to clean thoroughly. Still very low-maintenance compared to real grass, but worth considering if you have multiple active dogs.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Feature | 25mm | 30mm | 35mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Neat, manicured | Natural, balanced | Lush, premium |
| Best for pets | Light pet use | Heavy pet use ✓ | Light to moderate |
| Heat resistance | Best (cooling tech) | Good | Standard |
| Ease of cleaning | Easiest | Good | Moderate |
| Most realistic look | Good | Very good | Best ✓ |
| Pool surrounds | ✓ Ideal | Good | Fine |
Which One Should You Choose?
If your main priority is appearance and you don’t have heavy pet use — go 35mm. Zoysia or Kikuyu Cool will give you a lawn that looks genuinely impressive.
If you have dogs or heavy pet use — go 30mm. K9 Cool Supreme or Austral II Pet Friendly+ are built for exactly this situation.
If you have a balcony, courtyard, pool surround, or sun-exposed area — go 25mm. Ever Lush Cool’s heat reduction technology makes a real difference in full Queensland sun.
Not sure? We can help. Bring us your measurements and tell us about how the space will be used and we’ll point you in the right direction. We can also provide samples so you can see and feel the difference before committing.
Drop into our Baringa warehouse or give Wayne a call on 0468 700 902. We stock all pile heights and can provide samples for you to compare side by side. Same-day pickup available across the full range.
