What the numbers mean. Shopping for synthetic grass for the first time can feel a bit like reading a foreign language. Pile height, face weight, dtex — what does it all mean, and does it actually matter? The short answer is yes, it absolutely matters. Choosing the wrong spec for your project is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make, and it often doesn’t show up until the turf is laid and it’s too late to change it.
Here’s a plain-English guide to the three main numbers you’ll see when comparing synthetic grass products, and what they actually mean for your lawn.
1. Pile Height — How Tall Is the Grass?
Pile height is simply the length of the grass blades, measured in millimetres. It’s probably the easiest spec to understand because it’s the most visual — a short pile looks neat and manicured, while a longer pile gives a more lush, natural appearance.
As a general guide:
- 20–30mm: Great for putting greens, balconies, or spaces where a low-maintenance, tidy look is the priority.
- 30–37mm: The sweet spot for most residential lawns. Looks natural, feels comfortable underfoot, and holds its shape well.
- 37–45mm+: Works well for decorative areas or feature lawns where that full, lush look is the goal.
One thing to keep in mind — taller isn’t always better. Longer piles can flatten more easily under heavy foot traffic, especially if the backing and fibre quality aren’t up to scratch. If you’ve got kids or dogs running around, a medium pile with a strong fibre construction will often outperform a long, soft pile.
2. Face Weight — How Much Fibre Is There?
Face weight (sometimes called pile weight) refers to the weight of the grass fibres per square metre, measured in grams. It does not include the weight of the backing — just the actual grass blades you can see and touch.
A higher face weight generally means more fibre, which translates to a fuller, denser appearance and a more resilient product. Think of it like carpet — a heavier carpet tends to feel more luxurious and wear better over time.
What to look for:
- Around 1,500–2,000 gsm: Entry-level products, suitable for low-traffic decorative areas.
- 2,000–2,800 gsm: Mid-range residential and commercial use. Good durability and a solid look.
- 2,800 gsm+: Premium weight, excellent for high-traffic areas or where quality is the priority.
Don’t compare face weight across different pile heights without considering both together. A 40mm pile at 1,800 gsm might look impressive on paper, but spread across those longer blades, the density could actually be quite low. Always look at weight relative to height.
3. Dtex — What Are the Fibres Actually Made Of?
Dtex is a unit that describes the thickness and weight of individual grass fibres. It’s a bit more technical, but it tells you a lot about how a product will perform long-term.
A higher dtex number means each fibre is heavier and thicker — and generally more durable. Thinner fibres (lower dtex) are softer underfoot but can wear out faster, especially in sunny Queensland conditions where UV exposure is intense.
For most residential lawns, look for fibres in the 10,000–16,000 dtex range. Products at the lower end of the market often cut corners here, which is why you’ll see some cheap turf go flat and dull within a couple of years.
Putting It All Together
The best synthetic grass for your project isn’t the one with the highest number in any single category — it’s the right combination of all three for your specific use case. A pet-friendly backyard lawn has very different requirements to a shaded balcony or a commercial display area.
At Australis Grass, we’re happy to walk you through the specs of each product and point you toward the right fit for your budget and your space. Give us a call or visit us at Baringa — we keep a wide range of samples on hand so you can see and feel the difference for yourself.
