Artificial grass comes in different pile heights, from short specialist surfaces to longer landscape products. Artificial grass pile height changes how turf looks, feels and responds to regular use, but the longest turf is not automatically the best turf. A shorter, denser turf can outperform a taller product with weaker fibres.
This guide compares 20mm, 35mm, 40mm and 50mm options for Sydney backyards, pets, children, decorative lawns and higher-traffic areas.
What Is Artificial Grass Pile Height?
Artificial grass pile height is the length of the synthetic fibres measured from the top of the backing to the blade tip. In Australia, it is normally expressed in millimetres.
So, what does pile height mean in artificial grass? It means artificial grass blade length above the backing, not total artificial grass thickness. The backing itself is excluded from the measurement. The same measurement is also described as synthetic grass pile height.
Pile height affects appearance, softness, fibre movement, traffic resistance and maintenance.
20mm vs 35mm vs 40mm vs 50mm Artificial Grass at a Glance
These are general characteristics, not absolute performance rules.
| Pile Height | Appearance | Feel | Traffic | Maintenance | Best Suited To |
| 20mm | Short and neat | Firm | High resistance | Easy | Specialist/high-use surfaces |
| 35mm | Manicured and natural | Comfortable | Good | Low | Courtyards, lawns, pets |
| 40mm | Full and lush | Softer | Moderate–good | Moderate | Family lawns, landscaping |
| 50mm | Long and luxurious | Very soft | More prone to flattening | Higher | Decorative/light-use areas |
Density, yarn construction, infill and installation also affect performance. Artificial turf pile height cannot determine quality alone.
Greenscape’s range includes both 35mm and 45mm products. You can compare our synthetic grass range when assessing height alongside construction.
20mm Artificial Grass: Short, Neat and Practical
A 20mm profile creates a controlled, firm surface with less fibre movement than longer landscaping turf. Shorter blades make debris easier to remove and can recover readily after use.
It suits areas where function matters more than a deep lawn appearance.
Putting greens can require even shorter purpose-built turf engineered for ball roll. Standard landscaping rules therefore do not automatically apply to a synthetic putting green.
35mm Artificial Grass: A Balanced Residential Option
Around 35mm creates a neat, natural lawn appearance while retaining enough softness for everyday residential use. Its fibres can support good recovery while remaining relatively straightforward to brush and maintain.
This profile can suit courtyards, front lawns, pet areas and regularly used family spaces.
The best artificial grass pile height depends on the application, but around 35–40mm often provides the balance homeowners want. For anyone asking what the best pile height for artificial grass is, 35mm is a practical residential option rather than a universal winner.
40mm Artificial Grass: Fuller and Softer Underfoot
A 40mm profile creates a fuller lawn with more visible fibre movement and a softer feel. It is popular for residential landscaping, particularly family backyards where comfort and visual depth matter.
Longer blades experience greater leverage when compressed, so fibre resilience matters.
A well-constructed 40mm surface can recover effectively, but 40mm does not automatically mean better quality than 35mm.
For homeowners comparing the best synthetic grass height for a backyard, traffic level and preferred appearance are more useful decision factors than height alone.
50mm Artificial Grass: When Does Extra Length Make Sense?
A 50mm profile creates the deepest, most visually luxurious appearance in this comparison. It suits appearance-led landscaping where a lush finish and soft initial feel are priorities.
Long fibres can require more brushing, and their performance depends on yarn strength, density and support.
A dense, resilient 50mm product can perform well in the right setting, but it is not automatically the best option for heavy traffic.
35mm vs 40mm Artificial Grass: Which Should You Choose?
When comparing 35mm vs 40mm artificial grass, choose according to traffic, appearance, softness, and maintenance.
Choose around 35mm when:
- You prefer a neat lawn
- Traffic is relatively frequent
- Easier brushing matters
- Pets regularly use the area
- You prefer a slightly firmer feel
Choose around 40mm when:
- You prefer a fuller lawn
- Softness matters
- The area is mainly residential landscaping
- You want greater visual depth
Is 35mm or 40mm artificial grass better? Neither is automatically better. Construction quality and intended use decide the stronger fit.
40mm vs 50mm Synthetic Grass: Is Taller Better?
The 40mm vs 50mm synthetic grass decision is a trade-off between fibre stability and additional depth. Around 40mm provides a middle ground between lush appearance and fibre stability, while 50mm adds softness and depth.
Longer fibres have more leverage to bend under repeated compression, but height alone does not determine durability. A dense, resilient 50mm product can outperform a poorly constructed 40mm surface.
Is 40mm or 50mm artificial grass better? Compare density, yarn shape, fibre resilience, thatch, stitch rate and intended traffic.
Pile height cannot determine quality by itself. It is one part of the complete turf construction.
Does Higher Pile Mean Better Artificial Grass?
No. Higher pile does not automatically mean better artificial grass.
For anyone asking whether thicker artificial grass means better quality, compare pile density, stitch rate, yarn quality, fibre shape, backing, UV stability, infill and installation quality.
Two 40mm artificial grasses can perform differently: one may be dense and resilient, while another may be sparse and flatten quickly.
Dtex describes yarn mass over a defined length, but it cannot establish quality by itself.
What Is the Best Artificial Grass Pile Height for Sydney Homes?
The best artificial grass pile height for Sydney homes is usually selected by application rather than one fixed number.
Family Backyards
Around 35–40mm can provide the best pile height for artificial grass lawn areas where families want softness, natural appearance and practical recovery.
Courtyards and Smaller Areas
Shorter-to-medium profiles often create a clean, proportionate finish.
Pets
The best artificial grass pile height for dogs is not simply the tallest option. Drainage, cleanability, density and fibre recovery matter more.
Children
Softness matters, but pile height also needs to be considered with the base and any impact-attenuation system required. See Greenscape’s guide to synthetic grass for kids’ play areas.
Decorative Front Lawns
A fuller medium or longer landscape turf can suit appearance-led spaces with controlled traffic.
For artificial grass Australia conditions, UV stability matters. Buyers comparing synthetic grass Sydney products can learn more about choosing synthetic grass for your space. Drainage and base preparation also matter, so professional artificial grass installation supports the long-term performance of artificial grass Sydney installations.
How to Choose the Right Pile Height
Ask five questions:
- How much foot traffic will the area receive?
- Do you prefer a neat or lush lawn?
- Will pets or children use the area?
- How important is softness underfoot?
- How much brushing and upkeep are you comfortable with?
Then compare density and fibre resilience with height. Greenscape Turfing matches turf construction and pile height to intended use rather than recommending a product purely because it has a larger specification number.
Final Verdict: 20mm, 35mm, 40mm or 50mm?
- 20mm: Short, controlled and practical
- 35mm: Neat residential balance
- 40mm: Fuller, softer residential lawn
- 50mm: Longest and most appearance-led
There is no universal best height. The right turf combines appropriate pile height with density, resilient fibres, suitable backing and professional installation.
Greenscape Turfing supplies Australian-made synthetic grass across Sydney through skilled in-house installers. With 10+ years’ experience, 500+ completed projects and a 10-year warranty, the team can help you compare suitable samples based on how the area will actually be used. Get a free site measure and quote.
FAQs
What is the best pile height for artificial grass?
The best pile height for artificial grass depends on traffic, appearance and construction. Medium landscape profiles around 35–40mm suit many residential lawns because they balance softness, visual depth and fibre recovery.
Is 35mm or 40mm artificial grass better?
Neither height is inherently better. Around 35mm creates a slightly neater, firmer lawn, while around 40mm creates a fuller, softer appearance. Density, fibre resilience and intended traffic determine the better option.
Is 50mm artificial grass too long?
No. A 50mm pile can suit decorative landscaping where depth and softness are priorities. Longer fibres can need more brushing and stronger support, so construction and traffic still matter.
What pile height looks most like real grass?
Medium-to-long landscape turf can create natural visual depth, but realism also depends on fibre colour, blade shape, density and thatch. The right profile depends on whether you prefer a recently cut or lusher lawn.
Does thicker artificial grass last longer?
Not necessarily. Artificial grass thickness or pile height alone does not determine lifespan. Fibre quality, density, backing, UV stability, infill, drainage, installation and traffic all affect long-term performance.
What pile height is best for dogs?
The best artificial grass pile height for dogs is usually a practical medium profile rather than simply the tallest turf. A 35mm option can provide a useful balance, but drainage, cleanability, density and fibre recovery remain more important than height alone.