Pile height: how tall the blades are
Pile height is the length of the blades, usually 25 to 45 mm for a lawn. Taller isn't better. Long blades look lush at first but flatten under traffic and need more brushing. For a real-looking lawn that holds up, a mid pile around 35 to 40 mm is the sweet spot. Putting greens use a very short pile so the ball rolls true.
Face weight: how much yarn is packed in
Face weight is the grams of yarn per square metre, and it's the closest thing to a density rating. Higher face weight means a fuller, more durable, more natural lawn. It's also where cheap turf cuts corners. Thin, low-face-weight grass looks sparse and wears out fast. This is the spec to ask about.
Blade shape and colour
The blade's cross-section affects how it stands up and resists matting. Shapes like W, S, or diamond hold their form better than flat blades. For colour, look for multiple shades of green plus a brown or tan thatch layer at the base. That two-tone, thatched look is what reads as a real, healthy lawn instead of a plastic carpet.
Backing and drainage
The backing is what holds the blades and lets water through. In Surrey, drainage is everything. You want a fully permeable backing that drains freely, especially for pet areas that get rinsed often. A closed or poorly perforated backing traps water and, in dog runs, odour.
Infill: the part people forget
Infill is the sand or coated granule spread between the blades. It does real work: it weighs the turf down, keeps the blades upright, and protects the backing. Pet areas benefit from an antimicrobial infill that fights odour. Skipping or skimping on infill is a common reason a lawn goes flat early.
Match the turf to the job
- Backyard lawn: mid pile, high face weight, multi-tone with thatch.
- Pet turf: durable blade, fully permeable backing, antimicrobial infill.
- Putting green: short, dense pile tuned for roll speed.
- Playground: softer blade over a fall-rated shock pad.
Don't forget the install
Here's the catch: the best turf in the world fails on a bad base. The base prep, the seaming, the edge work, and the infill matter as much as the product spec. We see this constantly in newer Langley subdivisions, where a great roll of turf gets ruined by a rushed base. If you're comparing options for a yard in Langley or anywhere in the region, ask about the base build, not just the grass.
We'll walk you through the turf options that fit your yard and your budget during a free on-site quote, and install it on a base built to last. Give us a call and we'll bring samples.