The short answer
Choose the grass on pile height (30–40mm for most gardens), pile density/weight, colour realism and UV stabilisation. Choose the installer on sub-base method, workmanship guarantee, insurance and recent local references. The grass you can change in a showroom; the install you live with for two decades.
There is no single best artificial grass — the right choice depends on your sunlight, traffic, pets and taste. These checklists help you compare like for like.
Choosing checklist
- Pile height30–40mm (typical garden)
- Pile weighthigher = denser, hardier
- UV stabilitynon-negotiable
- Colourmulti-tone looks most natural
- Installerinsured + workmanship guarantee
Questions to ask any installer
- What sub-base depth do you lay, and do you compact in layers?
- Is the grass UV-stabilised, and what warranty does it carry?
- Do you provide a written workmanship guarantee, and for how long?
- Are you insured, and can I see a recent local job?
- Is excavation, waste removal and edging included in the price?
Comparing quotes fairly
Get two or three quotes on the same grass spec and the same sub-base depth. A cheaper number means nothing if it's a thinner base or a lesser grass. Ask each installer to itemise grass, groundwork and labour so you're comparing the same job.
| Compare on | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sub-base depth & compaction | decides long-term flatness |
| Grass spec (pile, weight, UV) | look and durability |
| Workmanship guarantee | covers install faults |
| Insurance | protects you if something goes wrong |
Compare quotes on these four before price.
Compare vetted installers, not just prices
We'll match you with vetted, insured installers so you can compare like-for-like quotes on the same specification.
Frequently asked questions
What pile height is best for a garden?
Most domestic gardens suit 30–40mm. Shorter piles look neat and recover well from traffic; longer piles feel plush but can flatten in busy areas.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three, on the same grass spec and sub-base depth, so you're comparing the same job rather than different shortcuts.
How do I know an installer is reputable?
Check insurance, a written workmanship guarantee, recent local references and clear, itemised quotes. Reluctance on any of these is a warning sign.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published cost guides and are intended as guidance, not a quotation.