Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Turf Installer in Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and Tacoma
When it comes to upgrading your yard with synthetic turf, choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right product. We’ve seen too many homeowners across Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and Tacoma deal with headaches, wasted money, and yard disasters—all because they didn’t know what to look for when hiring a contractor.
At Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound, we believe in doing things the right way, not the fast way. Here's a look at the top 3 mistakes people make when hiring a turf installer—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
Everyone wants to save money. But when it comes to synthetic turf installation, you truly get what you pay for.
Some newer or out-of-town turf companies are underbidding jobs in Pierce County by using low-quality turf or skipping critical steps in the installation process, like proper base prep and compaction. These shortcuts lead to issues like sinking, wrinkles, poor drainage, and turf that doesn’t last more than a couple of seasons.
What to do instead:
Make sure your estimate includes details like the turf brand, face weight, infill type, and prep work. At Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound, we use products like Cascade Pro—a 90 oz face weight turf with a 1.5-inch pile height that’s built to handle the Pacific Northwest's weather and high-traffic areas like backyards, playgrounds, and pet yards.
Mistake #2: Not Checking Local Experience
Installing turf in Tacoma, Puyallup, or Gig Harbor isn’t the same as installing it in Arizona or California. The Pacific Northwest brings unique challenges—like persistent rain, moss growth, and specific drainage concerns.
A turf contractor without local experience may not know how to prep your soil, manage water flow, or prevent mold and moss. For example, a sloped property in Gig Harbor or heavy clay soil in Puyallup, Orting or Port Orchard can require a different excavation and base prep approach compared a waterfront property in Tacoma.
What to do instead:
Ask your installer for local project photos, reviews from clients in your area, and their approach to handling Northwest soil and climate. Check out our Project Gallery to see how we’ve helped homeowners throughout the region transform their yards with long-lasting turf.
Mistake #3: Overlooking the Base Prep Process
Most homeowners don’t think about what’s under their synthetic grass—but that’s where some of the most important work happens. The base is what controls drainage and provides the shape of your yard. A poorly shaped base can make or break your artificial turf installation.
A proper installation should include:
- Excavation of existing soil
- A minimum 3–4 inches of compacted crushed rock base
- Grading for drainage
- Plate compaction every 2 inches for a solid and smooth surface
Too many quick-turnaround installers skip or rush this step. In areas like North Tacoma or older Puyallup neighborhoods, poor base prep can result in pooling water, uneven surfaces, and a short turf lifespan.
What to do instead:
Ask your installer to walk you through their entire base prep process and show photos or videos from past installations. At Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound, base prep is where we spend the most time—because we know that’s what separates a 2-year turf from a 15-year turf.
Mistake #4: Turf Seams - Makes or Breaks the Look
When two rolls of synthetic turf meet, the seam can either disappear—or stand out like a sore thumb.
Many installers lay seams in a straight line because it's faster and uses less material. Your eye naturally follows a straight line, especially in textured surfaces like turf. That’s why poorly done seams are often the #1 thing that ruins a great install.
At Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound, we’ve mastered the "S" seam technique, which uses a gentle, curved seam pattern to disrupt the eye’s natural tracking. It takes a bit more turf and more time to install, but the result is a lawn that looks seamless, natural, and high-end—especially in larger areas.
What to do instead:
Ask your installer how they handle seams and request examples. Don’t settle for shortcuts. You’re investing in your home—your turf should look real and beautiful from every angle.
Mistake #5: Not Asking About the Infill Being Used
Infill might be the last thing on your mind during a turf install—but it plays a huge role in how your lawn performs, feels, and ages over time. It affects everything from turf temperature and drainage to odor control and safety.
Some companies cut corners by using low-cost infill like silica sand, rubber, or even mixing materials to cut premium products and stretch their budget—without telling the customer.
At Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound, we exclusively use Envirofill—a premium, non-toxic infill that’s Proposition 65 exempt, making it safer for kids and pets. It has built-in Microban® antimicrobial protection, controls odors, reduces compaction, and lasts for years without needing to be replaced.
Yes, Envirofill costs more—but it’s what we’d want in our own yards. And that’s what we install in yours.
What to do instead:
Ask your installer for the exact infill type they’re using. If they say “it’s a mix,” dig deeper. You deserve to know what’s going underfoot—especially if your kids or pets will be playing on it.
Bonus Tip: Choose a Local, Family-Owned Company That Prioritizes Quality
Some turf companies in Washington are just chasing volume—they fly in crews from out of town, crank out installs, and move on. That’s not us.
We’re a family-owned business, born and based right here in Pierce County. We take on fewer projects so we can give each one the attention it deserves. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, not corner-cutting.
Learn more about who we are on our About Us page.
Bonus Tip #2: Hiring a Company That Subcontracts Everything
A lot of turf companies you see advertising online or on social media aren’t actually doing the installs themselves. They’re acting as middlemen—selling the job, then handing it off to a subcontracted crew with little to no oversight.
This can lead to rushed work, miscommunication, and inconsistent quality. Sometimes the person you meet during the quote isn’t even involved in your project after you sign the contract.
At Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound, we’re not a middleman. We’re a family-owned, local company, and we personally oversee every job. You’ll meet the same people from estimate to install—no surprises, no guesswork, and no outsourcing.
What to do instead:
Ask who’s actually installing the turf. Are they employees or subcontractors? Will the company owner be involved on-site? Choose a team that takes ownership from start to finish
Don’t Let a Bad Installer Ruin Your Investment
Choosing the right turf installer in Gig Harbor, Puyallup, or Tacoma comes down to more than just price. Avoid these common mistakes, ask the right questions, and work with a company that values quality and longevity.
If you’re ready for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that lasts, contact Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound for a free quote and consultation. We’d love to help you make the smart switch to synthetic.