How Does Blade Shape Play a Role in Artificial Grass?
May 21, 2021
Face weights, pile heights, thatch color, and blade shape…there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right synthetic grass product for your installation. It can be easy to get lost in the terminology and lose sight of why it all matters in the first place. Blade shape is a factor that often goes unconsidered by homeowners, but it’s one that can play a major role in the performance of your turf and its suitability for your household. From durability to natural appearance and from softness to light reflection, the blade shape you choose will dictate which artificial grass products are right for you.
S-Shape
S-shape is a popular choice for blade shapes because its round, dimensional curves make it appear more like natural grass than flatter blade shapes. The curves of the S reduce the flat surface area of the blade which, in turn, means they reflect less sunlight. Reflected sunlight can make turf look more white than green due to a mirroring effect, which means that S blades appear a more lush and vibrant green compared to flatter shapes. S-blade artificial grass is also very soft to the touch thanks to these curved edges. It has a moderate resilience and is therefore usually used in areas with moderate amounts of foot traffic, such as residential landscaping applications with Everlast Turf Tacoma synthetic grass.
M-Shape
The M-shape blade is known for its impressive durability, making it ideal for landscapes and lawns that experience heavy amounts of foot traffic, including sports fields and athletic facilities. The M shape spreads pressure across several separate points of the blade rather than just one, which means that as people and animals walk on the turf, the blade experiences pressure on multiple spots rather than just one, preventing the blade from tearing. To experience all the M shape has to offer, try the Everlast Turf Riviera Pro model.
W-Shape
W-shaped turf blades are both ultra-realistic and incredibly durable, with the ability to return to their original shape even after heavy amounts of foot traffic. The unique shape of these blades also helps disperse heat due to their light-diffusing qualities. Instead of absorbing sunlight and the heat that comes with it, they reflect it away which can result in a cooler lawn versus other blade shapes. As one of the newest blade shapes on the market, it utilizes all of the latest turf technology to remain at the top of the industry. It’s featured as the face yarn for our most popular synthetic turf line, TigerTurf Diamond.
Diamond De-lustered
The diamond blade shape is best for residential landscapes that receive low to medium amounts of foot traffic. It’s best used for installations with an emphasis on aesthetics rather than durability and functionality. The diamond shape creates a soft and luxurious feel while mimicking the appearance of natural grass. This grass blade is commonly found in the TigerTurf Marquee line.
Omega
A more complex shape that resembles the ancient Greek letter, omega synthetic turf is often used for very high-durability applications, such as Pet Turf. It is also usually seen with shorter pile heights to further enhance its resilience. If you’re seeking an option that has high durability while maintaining a softer feel, try the Omega turf fiber in the TigerTurf Everglade synthetic grass series.
If you’re still unsure about which blade shape is right for you, speak to your installer about your options or contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse location. We can help you find the perfect synthetic grass product for your home or business. We’ve been an industry leader for more than 20 years, helping distributors, installers, and homeowners alike with all of their artificial grass installation needs. To find out more about our products or for guidance with your next artificial grass installation, contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse facility today.