A practical guide to evaluating artificial turf quality — and protecting your reputation.
You've seen it happen. A client calls six months after installation, frustrated that their turf is matting down, fading, or holding water. The backing is cracking. The seams are separating. And now they want answers.
The problem usually isn't the installation. It's the product.
Cheap turf is everywhere. Big box stores sell it by the roll. Online marketplaces list dozens of options at prices that seem too good to be true. And clients — especially residential ones — often push for the lowest bid without understanding what they're actually getting.
As an installer, you're the one who takes the call when it fails.
This guide covers what to look for when evaluating artificial turf, how to have the quality conversation with clients, and why the specs on a product sheet actually matter for long-term performance.
The Real Cost of Cheap Turf
Let's be direct: cheap turf costs you more than it costs your client.
When a product fails prematurely, you're dealing with:
- Callback time — site visits, assessments, difficult conversations
- Reputation damage — online reviews, word of mouth, lost referrals
- Potential rework — if you warranty your labour, you're eating the cost
- Client relationships — even if it's not your fault, you're the face of the project
Meanwhile, the client blames "the turf guy," not the product they insisted on.
The math is simple: one callback can wipe out the margin from three good jobs. Quoting quality product isn't upselling — it's protecting your business.
Four Things That Actually Matter
Not all specs are created equal. Some numbers on a product sheet are marketing. Others predict whether you'll be back in 18 months fixing problems.
Here's what to focus on:
1. Face Weight
Face weight measures the amount of yarn per square yard, expressed in ounces. It's the single best indicator of durability.
- Under 40oz — Lightweight. Fine for low-traffic decorative applications, but won't hold up to regular use.
- 40–55oz — Mid-range. Acceptable for residential, but may show wear in high-traffic areas.
- 55oz and above — Heavy-duty. Built for commercial properties and installations where longevity matters.
Higher face weight means denser fibers, better resilience, and longer life. When a client asks why your quote is higher than a competitor's, this is often the difference.
2. Stitch Density
Stitch density (stitches per square meter) determines how tightly the fibers are woven. Higher density means:
- Fibers support each other, reducing matting
- Fewer bare spots developing over time
- Better appearance under heavy foot traffic
Look for 14,000+ stitches/m² for commercial applications. Anything under 10,000 is a red flag for durability.
3. Backing Quality
The backing is what holds everything together — and it's where cheap turf cuts corners first.
Quality backing should:
- Handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking
- Drain properly (perforated or permeable)
- Resist UV degradation on exposed edges
- Hold tuft bind under stress
PU (polyurethane) coating over PP (polypropylene) cloth is the industry standard for commercial-grade products. Latex backing is cheaper but degrades faster, especially in Canadian climates.
4. UV Stabilization
All turf fades eventually. The question is how fast.
Quality turf includes UV stabilizers in the fiber itself — not just a topical coating. This matters especially in Canada, where summer sun is intense and winter reflection off snow amplifies UV exposure.
Ask your supplier about UV warranty. If they can't answer clearly, that's your answer.
The Canadian Climate Factor
Turf installed in Vancouver doesn't face the same conditions as turf in Calgary or Toronto. But all Canadian installations share common challenges:
Freeze-thaw cycles — Water gets into the backing, freezes, expands, and cracks inferior materials. This is the #1 failure mode for cheap turf in Canada.
Temperature extremes — From -30°C winters to +35°C summer days, the product needs to stay dimensionally stable across a wide range.
Spring thaw drainage — Snow melt needs somewhere to go. Poor drainage leads to pooling, mold, and odor issues.
UV intensity — Contrary to popular belief, Canadian summers deliver significant UV exposure. Higher latitudes mean longer summer days, and snow reflection increases winter UV load.
When evaluating turf, ask whether it's been tested or installed in similar climates. A product that performs well in Arizona may fail in Alberta.
How to Have the Quality Conversation
Clients don't always understand why turf prices vary. They see "artificial grass" as a commodity — one roll is the same as another.
Here's how to frame the conversation:
Lead with outcomes, not specs. Instead of "This product has 58oz face weight," try "This product won't mat down in high-traffic areas — you won't have worn paths across your yard in two years."
Use the callback framing. "I could quote you a cheaper product, but I'd rather install something I won't be back to fix. My reputation depends on your turf still looking good in five years."
Offer comparison. If you have samples, show the difference. Let them feel the density. Bend the backing. The quality gap is obvious when you put products side by side.
Acknowledge the budget. "I understand budget matters. Here's what I'd recommend if we need to reduce cost — and here's what I wouldn't compromise on."
Most clients will pay more for quality once they understand what they're actually getting.
Choosing a Supplier
Product quality matters, but so does the supplier relationship. Things to consider:
Stock availability — Can they ship from Canadian inventory, or are you waiting on overseas containers?
Lead times — How quickly can they fulfill orders? Can they handle urgent timelines?
Technical support — Do they know the product, or are they just moving boxes?
Sample availability — Can you get samples to show clients before quoting?
Warranty clarity — Is the warranty documented? What does it actually cover?
A good supplier makes your job easier. A bad one creates problems you'll be solving alone.
Final Thought
Every installer has stories about products that failed. The common thread is almost always the same: someone chose on price, and everyone paid for it later.
Quality turf costs more upfront. But it quotes easier, installs cleaner, lasts longer, and protects the reputation you've built.
That's the math that matters.
Enhanced Entrance supplies commercial-grade artificial turf to installers and property managers across Canada. Our Enhanced Evergreen turf features 58oz face weight, 14,700 stitch density, and PU backing — built for Canadian conditions. Request a quote or view product details.