San Antonio Artificial Turf Comparison

Choosing the right artificial turf matters. Different products perform better for pets, play areas, putting greens, patios, or high‑traffic front lawns. Below is a clear comparison of the eight turf categories we install — use this to match your needs to the right turf and get a reliable installed price.

San Antonio Artificial Turf Comparison Chart

Quick specs to compare turf categories at a glance.

Pricing & How We Quote Turf Installs
Turf is priced per square foot for installed systems; we do not sell turf by pallet.
All starting prices shown are for complete installs using our 10‑step process and include site prep (vegetation suppression and debris haul‑off), base preparation (as needed), turf seaming, standard infill, power‑brooming, rolling, and a final walkthrough.
Final estimates are given per job and depend on site conditions: amount of vegetation removal, existing grade, access constraints, edging/border choices, drainage work, and any excavation or root mitigation required.
Optional add‑ons that change price: shock pad for play areas, cooling or antimicrobial infill, heavy excavation, French drains, decorative borders, and irrigation adjustments.
Minimum installation or mobilization fees may apply for very small jobs; ask for details.
Prices and material availability can change without notice; your written proposal will show current pricing and warranty details.
Small-area installs: For projects under 200 sq ft, a small‑job fee may apply. We’ll provide a full breakdown in your quote.

Feature	Budget	General-Purpose	Pet	Play	Golf / Putting	Heat-Resistant	Premium	Ultra-Premium
Typical Pile Height	1.25–1.5 in	1.5–1.75 in	1.0–1.5 in	1.25–1.5 in	0.5–1.0 in (putting), short pile fringe	1.5–1.75 in	1.75–2.0 in	1.75–2.25 in
Density / Face Weight	Light–Medium	Medium	Medium–High	High	Very High (short pile)	Medium–High	High	Very High
Best For	Low traffic patios, secondary yards	Family lawns, entertaining	Dog runs, multi-pet households	Playgrounds, sports, active kids	Backyard greens and practice areas	Pool decks, full sun patios, hot climates	Front yards, showcase landscaping	High-end installs, display lawns
Drainage Performance	Good with proper base	Very Good	Excellent (fast-drain backing)	Very Good (with shock pad)	Excellent surface runoff; low infill	Very Good	Very Good	Excellent
Recommended Infill	Silica sand or none	Silica sand, polymer	Antimicrobial infill / silicone-coated sand	Rubber or sand + shock pad	Minimal sand or none (depending on design)	Special cooling infill	Silica sand + stabilizers	High-performance infill blends
Maintenance Level	Low	Low–Medium	Medium (rinsing + enzyme treatments)	Medium (brush & pad checks)	Low (occasional grooming)	Low–Medium	Low–Medium (periodic brushing)	Low (periodic grooming)
Lifespan Expectation	8–12 years	10–15 years	10–15 years	10–15 years (with pad)	12–18 years	10–15 years	12–20 years	15–25 years
Typical Installed Price (starting)	$9.50 / sq ft	$10.50 / sq ft	$11.50 / sq ft	$11.50 / sq ft	$12.00 / sq ft	$12.50 / sq ft	$12.50 / sq ft	$14.50 / sq ft
Warranty Level	Manufacturer limited (shorter)	Standard manufacturer warranty	Standard + antimicrobial options	Standard (pad warranty optional)	Warranty on face + backing	Standard + cooling product guarantees	Extended manufacturer warranty	Longest warranty + workmanship options
Kid / Pet Friendly	Yes (low traffic)	Yes	Best choice for pets	Best choice for kids and play	Not ideal for heavy play	Yes (cooler surface options)	Yes	Yes
Surface Temperature Options	Standard	Standard	Cooling infill available	Cooling infill/pads available	Standard (low pile)	Designed for lower temps	Cooling options available	Cooling options + advanced fibers