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Synthetic turf consists of three main components: the turf fibers, the backing, and the infill. The fibers are typically made from polyethylene or nylon and are manufactured to resemble grass blades. Polyethylene is the standard fiber for most landscape installations. Nylon is used in applications where melting risk is a concern. Common examples include yards exposed to reflected heat from Low-E windows or metal building surfaces, which can concentrate enough heat to damage standard polyethylene fibers. The backing holds the fibers in place and is either tufted or woven, depending on the product. Infill is spread across the surface to support the blades upright, add weight, and improve drainage and feel.

Higher-quality products include a secondary backing layer and thatch fibers that mimic the brown material at the base of natural grass, giving the turf a more realistic, layered appearance.

Pile height refers to the length of the turf blade from the backing to the tip, measured in inches or millimeters. Residential lawns typically use pile heights between 1.25 and 2 inches. Pet turf and high-traffic areas generally use shorter pile heights (around 1 to 1.5 inches) for durability and ease of cleaning. Putting surfaces use very short pile heights, typically under 0.5 inches. Target and approach greens work differently. They use taller sand-filled surfaces around 1.25 inches in height to simulate the varied lies found on a full short game area.

Taller pile heights can look lush but may mat down faster in heavy-use zones. The right pile height depends on the intended application.

Face weight is the weight of the turf fibers per square yard, measured in ounces. It reflects the density of the turf and is one indicator of durability. Residential lawn products typically range from 55 to 120 ounces of face weight. Higher face weight generally means a denser, more durable product, though pile height and fiber thickness also affect performance.

Face weight is different from total weight. Total weight includes the backing in addition to the fibers, so it is always higher than face weight for the same product. When comparing products, make sure you are comparing face weight to face weight. A higher total weight does not necessarily mean more fiber density. Face weight should also be evaluated alongside backing quality and fiber material, since a high face weight with a weak backing or substandard fiber is not necessarily a better product.

Infill is material broadcast across the turf surface after installation. It serves several functions: it supports the turf blades upright, adds ballast to keep the turf flat, cushions the surface underfoot, and helps with drainage and temperature regulation.

Infill types include acrylic-coated sand, organic options like cork, walnut shell, and coconut fiber, and specialty products like Envirofill, an acrylic-coated sand infill with antimicrobial protection that Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound uses as standard on most installations. The choice of infill affects how the turf feels, how it handles heat, and how suitable it is for pets. Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound does not use crumb rubber or plain silica sand infill in any installation.

Synthetic turf is a manufactured surface that does not grow, require water, or need mowing. It stays consistently green year-round regardless of rainfall, sunlight, or temperature. Natural grass is a living surface that requires ongoing irrigation, fertilization, mowing, and reseeding, and is susceptible to seasonal damage, pet urine, and heavy foot traffic.

Synthetic turf has a higher upfront cost but eliminates most ongoing maintenance expenses. It does not photosynthesize, support soil ecology, or cool the air the same way natural grass does, which are relevant tradeoffs to evaluate for each application.

EnviroLoc+ is a secondary turf backing developed by SYNLawn that incorporates plant-based, soy-derived materials. It replaces up to 60 percent of the petroleum-based content typically found in turf backing, reducing reliance on fossil-derived materials and qualifying SYNLawn products for USDA BioPreferred certification. EnviroLoc+ is manufactured without PFAS and is engineered to prevent turf fiber shedding over time.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals used historically in some manufacturing processes. They are associated with health and environmental concerns and have been detected in some older synthetic turf products. Turf products manufactured without PFAS are produced using processes and materials that do not intentionally introduce these chemicals into the fibers, backing, or coatings. All turf products installed by Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound are manufactured without PFAS.

USDA BioPreferred is a federal program that certifies products containing a verified percentage of bio-based materials derived from plants and other renewable agricultural sources. Products carrying the BioPreferred label have been independently tested to confirm their bio-based content. SYNLawn products with EnviroLoc+ backing qualify for this designation because of their soy-derived backing components.

Crumb rubber is shredded recycled tire material sometimes used as infill in synthetic turf, particularly on athletic fields. It has been the subject of ongoing research regarding potential exposure to heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and other chemicals found in tire rubber. While regulatory conclusions vary, Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound has chosen not to use crumb rubber in any installation as a precautionary measure, opting instead for Envirofill and organic alternatives depending on the application.

Yes. Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound installs only USA-manufactured synthetic turf products. The primary product lines carried are SYNLawn, manufactured in Dalton, Georgia; TenCate Grass, which produces its residential and commercial products domestically; and Synthetic Turf International (STI), which the company has carried since its founding. Sourcing domestically allows Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound to verify manufacturing standards and quality control, and to support American production.

A professional installation typically involves six stages: site preparation (removing existing vegetation or hardscape), excavation to the appropriate depth (typically 4 to 6 inches for residential), base construction (compacted crushed rock), edging installation, turf cutting and placement, seaming, and infill application.

The base preparation phase is the most consequential. A properly compacted aggregate base determines whether the finished surface drains correctly, stays flat over time, and maintains its integrity through seasonal wet and dry cycles. Skipping or shortcutting base preparation is the primary cause of turf failure.

The standard base for synthetic turf in Western Washington is crushed rock, typically 4 to 6 inches deep for residential applications. The crushed rock is compacted and crowned — meaning it is graded to a slight peak — so the base actively sheds water outward rather than allowing it to pool. This is especially important in Western Washington's wet climate and on glacial till soils where native percolation is slow.

Synthetic turf backing contains perforations that allow water to pass through into the aggregate base below. The base material acts as a reservoir and allows water to percolate into the native soil at a rate determined by soil permeability. Drainage rates on properly installed turf typically exceed the per-hour rainfall rate for the Pacific Northwest.

Turf installed on slopes drains more efficiently than flat installations. On flat areas, the base is crowned during construction so water moves outward naturally rather than sitting under the surface.

Seaming involves joining two pieces of turf so the seam is invisible from normal viewing angles. Professional seaming requires matching the grain direction and pile lean of both pieces, cutting precisely along a row of stitching rather than through fibers, and securing the joint with seam tape and adhesive beneath the backing.

In open residential lawns, an S-curve seam technique positions the seam in a natural-looking curved line rather than a straight line, which eliminates the visual tell of a geometric cut. Seam placement is determined during layout planning before installation begins.

Yes. Synthetic turf can be installed directly over concrete, pavers, or other hard surfaces. In these installations, the aggregate base phase is skipped and the turf (with or without a foam or shock pad layer) is adhered or fastened to the existing surface. Drainage on concrete installations depends on the slope and any existing drains in the hardscape. Rooftop patios, pool decks, and balconies are common applications for hardscape-mounted turf.

In situations where drainage and airflow are a concern, particularly on rooftops and fully sealed concrete surfaces, a raised tile system is recommended rather than direct adhesion. Tile systems elevate the turf off the surface, allowing water to flow freely underneath and air to circulate, which extends the life of both the turf and the substrate below. This is the preferred approach for most rooftop installations. Contact us to discuss your specific hardscape or rooftop project.

Most residential synthetic turf installations are completed in one to three days depending on square footage, complexity, and access. Large projects or those requiring significant excavation or drainage work may take longer. Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound completes all installations with its own small number of in-house crews rather than subcontractors, which affects scheduling but ensures consistent quality control.

Yes, when properly installed. The Puget Sound region averages 38 to 50 inches of annual rainfall depending on location, with the majority falling between October and April. Modern synthetic turf backing is perforated to allow water to pass through well above the region's typical rainfall intensity. Drainage rates vary by product. Fully permeable backings and pet turf products drain faster than standard landscape turf, so the right product choice for the application matters.

The key variable is base preparation. A well-compacted aggregate base that extends to adequate depth ensures water moves through quickly. Installers unfamiliar with Western Washington's clay soils or who underestimate base depth requirements produce installations that puddle or stay saturated after rainfall.

Glacial till is a dense, poorly sorted mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and boulders deposited by glacial activity. Much of Pierce County and the greater Puget Sound region sits on glacial till, which drains slowly and can become saturated during winter months. Native soil percolation rates on glacial till are significantly lower than on sandy or loam soils.

Turf installations on glacial till require a more thorough base construction process to compensate for slow soil drainage. A properly crowned and adequately deep base compensates for slow soil percolation in these conditions. Installers who use standard base specifications designed for well-draining soils may produce installations that fail in the first wet season in these areas.

Yes. Synthetic turf fibers remain flexible and intact through freeze-thaw cycles. The Puget Sound region experiences occasional freezes but sustained hard winters are uncommon, so freeze-thaw cycling is not a significant stress factor locally. The aggregate base is not damaged by freezing. During a frost, the turf surface may be slippery and foot traffic should be avoided until it thaws to prevent fiber damage.

Synthetic turf itself is not affected by shade and does not require sunlight to maintain its appearance. However, the damp, shaded conditions common in the Pacific Northwest can encourage moss and algae growth on the turf surface over time. This is a surface issue and does not damage the turf. Regular rinsing and occasional treatment with a diluted turf-safe cleaner controls biological growth effectively. See our maintenance guide for product recommendations. Adequate drainage is the most important factor in preventing persistent dampness that promotes moss.

Pet-specific turf products are selected for durability, drainage efficiency, and ease of cleaning. Key characteristics include a shorter pile height (more resistant to matting from repeated dog activity), a more open backing perforation pattern for faster urine drainage, and antimicrobial infill to reduce odor. The turf fibers are non-toxic and manufactured without PFAS.

Synthetic turf eliminates the primary surface problems dogs cause on natural lawns: brown patches from urine nitrogen, digging, and mud tracked indoors. The surface is also free of pesticides and herbicides, which is a common concern for pet owners with natural grass lawns.

Pet turf backing has a higher perforation density than standard landscape turf, allowing liquid to pass through quickly into the base below. On pet turf projects, clean rock — washed, open-grade aggregate with no fines — is often used in place of standard crushed rock. Clean rock has larger void space between particles, which allows urine to flow through and dissipate into the native soil more freely rather than being slowed by fine material. The base is also crowned so liquid moves outward and away from the surface rather than sitting underneath it.

Antimicrobial or zeolite-based infill is incorporated to neutralize ammonia from pet urine at the surface, reducing odor at the source before it reaches the base.

Solid waste is removed the same way as on natural grass. Urine drains through the turf and does not require immediate action. For general maintenance, a periodic rinse with a garden hose disperses any residue. For deeper cleaning or odor control, enzyme-based cleaners formulated for synthetic turf break down organic waste without damaging turf fibers or infill. Avoid bleach, high-pressure washers aimed directly at the turf, and cleaners not designed for synthetic surfaces. More detail is available in our care and maintenance guide.

Odor is the most common complaint in poorly maintained or improperly installed pet turf areas. The primary cause is urine accumulating in the base or on the surface rather than draining completely. Proper base construction with adequate slope, high-perforation backing, and antimicrobial infill prevents most odor issues. Regular rinsing and occasional enzyme cleaner treatment maintains freshness over time. Pet turf that was installed without adequate drainage infrastructure is difficult to remediate without reinstallation.

Putting green turf products are distinct from landscape turf in their fiber type, pile height, and surface density. Common products used for residential backyard greens include nylon-based surfaces engineered for ball roll consistency and turf specifically approved for short-game practice. Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound installs NP50, Precision Putt, and Short Game Elite depending on the application. Nylon fibers are preferred for putting surfaces because of their resilience and recovery after foot traffic.

Golf course greens are natural bentgrass maintained to very specific standards, mowed daily, fertilized, aerated, and managed by dedicated groundskeeping staff. Ball roll speed (measured on the Stimpmeter) on tour greens typically ranges from 11 to 14 feet. Residential synthetic putting greens typically roll in the 9 to 13 foot range depending on the product selected, which is suitable for short-game practice and skill development. Infill amount also affects speed: less infill produces a firmer, faster surface while more infill slows the ball down, giving some ability to tune the green after installation. Synthetic greens require none of the maintenance associated with natural bentgrass and perform consistently regardless of weather. Learn more about our putting green installation service.

Yes. Putting green turf drains through its backing into a sand or aggregate base below. The base is built with adequate slope to move water off the green quickly. Nylon putting surfaces are not damaged by rain and the putting quality is unaffected once the surface drains. Greens in shaded areas may see surface moisture linger longer but this does not affect structural integrity.

IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) certifies playground surfaces against ASTM F1292, the standard for impact attenuation of playground surfacing systems. Certification confirms that the surface has been independently tested to verify it provides adequate impact protection at specific fall heights. Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound installs IPEMA-certified playground turf systems with fall-rated padding appropriate to the equipment height.

Playground turf installations include a foam or recycled rubber shock pad beneath the turf layer. The pad thickness is selected based on the critical fall height (CFH) of the playground equipment being protected. Higher equipment requires thicker padding to meet ASTM impact attenuation standards. The pad is installed on top of the aggregate base and beneath the turf, and is not visible in the finished installation.

Synthetic turf can be installed to meet ADA accessibility requirements for playground surfaces. ADA compliance for playground surfacing requires the surface to be firm, stable, and slip-resistant when wet to allow wheelchair and mobility aid access. The turf product, padding, and base must be selected and installed to maintain these properties under normal use conditions. Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound installs ADA-compliant playground surfaces for both school and residential applications.

Commercial synthetic turf installations include HOA common areas, apartment and condominium courtyards, school campuses, corporate campuses, retail storefronts, rooftop terraces, dog parks, and municipal parks. The primary driver for commercial adoption is the elimination of ongoing landscape maintenance costs, including irrigation, mowing, fertilization, and reseeding. Commercial-grade turf products are engineered for higher traffic volumes and longer service life than residential products.

HOA installations typically require board approval, adherence to any CC&R or design standards, and coordination with the property management company. Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound has experience working through HOA approval processes and can provide product samples, specifications, and project documentation to support the approval. Request a commercial estimate. Commercial-grade products are selected for common areas to accommodate foot traffic from multiple residents over an extended service life.

The turf products installed by Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound are manufactured without PFAS and formulated without crumb rubber or heavy metals, which are the primary materials of concern in published research on turf safety. Standard infill is Envirofill, an acrylic-coated antimicrobial sand. Plain silica sand is not used. The fibers, backing, and infill are non-toxic and tested for residential contact. No installation product in the Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound lineup contains materials known to present health risks under normal use conditions. Learn more about our product standards.

A natural lawn in Western Washington typically requires supplemental irrigation from June through September. A 1,000 square foot lawn irrigated at typical residential rates uses approximately 15,000 to 25,000 gallons of water over a summer season depending on soil type, slope, and sun exposure. Synthetic turf requires no irrigation. Water savings from a synthetic installation are directly proportional to square footage and previous irrigation habits, and translate to measurable reductions in monthly water bills from Tacoma Public Utilities or equivalent providers. Our cost guide models water savings based on real Tacoma utility rates.

Synthetic turf fiber shedding is a documented source of microplastics, particularly on high-traffic athletic fields with older or degraded turf. The extent of contribution from residential installations is lower due to reduced traffic and newer fiber technologies. EnviroLoc+ backing reduces fiber shedding by anchoring fibers more securely than traditional primary backings, and replaces up to 60 percent of petroleum-based backing content with soy-derived materials, reducing the fossil-derived component of the product. The environmental tradeoff between turf microplastics and the pesticide, fertilizer, and runoff impacts of a maintained natural lawn is a legitimate factor for homeowners to evaluate.

Synthetic turf surfaces absorb and retain heat more than natural grass, and surface temperatures can exceed air temperature on sunny days. In the Puget Sound region, extreme heat days are uncommon, and this is not a day-to-day concern for most installations. On hot days, a 60-second rinse with a garden hose drops surface temperature significantly. Infill choices and turf color also affect heat retention, and Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound can recommend lower-heat options for installations in full sun if this is a priority.

Most residential synthetic turf installations in Western Washington cost between $11 and $18 per square foot installed. Backyard putting greens and playground installations typically range from $18 to $24 or more per square foot because of the additional materials and detail work involved. These figures include all materials, base preparation, and labor.

Project cost is most significantly affected by square footage, access to the installation area, existing grade and drainage conditions, and the turf product selected. Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound provides free estimates for all projects throughout its service area. Use our cost calculator for a ballpark figure before you call.

The most significant cost variables are:

• Square footage (larger projects have lower per-square-foot costs)
• Site access (narrow gates, stairs, or restricted equipment access increase labor time)
• Existing conditions (sod removal, grading, or drainage work add cost)
• Turf product selected (commercial and specialty products are priced higher than residential landscape turf)
• Project type (putting greens and playgrounds require more labor and materials per square foot)

The payback period depends on how much a homeowner currently spends on lawn maintenance and irrigation. For a typical 1,500 square foot Tacoma lawn, combined water savings and eliminated lawn care costs often total $800 to $1,500 per year. At that rate, a mid-range synthetic turf installation may reach breakeven in 10 to 15 years. Turf lifespan for a quality installation is 15 to 20 years or more, meaning most homeowners come out ahead over the full product life. See the full ROI analysis in our cost guide.

Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound (STPS) is a family-owned synthetic turf installation company based in Tacoma, Washington. The company has been installing synthetic turf in the Puget Sound region since 2012. STPS has completed more than 1,000 installations across Pierce, King, and Kitsap Counties and holds a 5.0-star Google rating across all reviews.

Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound serves Pierce, King, and Kitsap Counties, including Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, University Place, Lakewood, Federal Way, Bonney Lake, Bellevue, Renton, Auburn, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, and Bainbridge Island. Commercial and specialty projects outside this area are considered on a case-by-case basis.

No. Every Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound installation is completed by one of its own in-house crews. The company does not use subcontractors for any phase of installation. This is a deliberate operational decision that ensures consistent quality, accountability, and direct communication between the crews performing the work and the company's ownership.

Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound provides a one-year written workmanship warranty covering installation defects. Turf product warranties are provided by the manufacturer and vary by product. Beyond the written terms, Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound has a consistent practice of returning to address customer concerns at no charge well beyond the formal warranty period. Get in touch with any post-install questions. The company's small, in-house crew structure means the people who installed the turf remain accessible and accountable after project completion.

Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound installs products from SYNLawn, TenCate Grass, and Synthetic Turf International (STI). View the full product lineup. All products in the lineup are USA-manufactured, manufactured without PFAS, and free from crumb rubber infill. SYNLawn products feature EnviroLoc+ soy-based backing and USDA BioPreferred certification. TenCate products are engineered to FIFA, NFL, and NCAA testing standards. STI products include specialty putting green and sports surfaces.