Synthetic grass is a manufactured turf of plastic blades on a backing that you lay over a compacted base, and it suits small yards, shaded corners, pet runs and play areas where real lawn struggles. The most common mistake is skipping the base, which causes dips, puddles and visible seams within a year or two.
This guide explains the types of synthetic grass, what it costs, pros and cons, how to choose, how to lay and look after it, and when real turf is the better call. We also cover reviews, short pile, indoor use and how it compares with a mowed lawn in Sydney.
Key points
- Synthetic grass needs a properly compacted base and good drainage; the surface layer is only as good as the preparation beneath it.
- Prices vary widely by pile, backing and site preparation, so get itemised quotes (indicative — compare at least three written quotes).
- Synthetic turf gets hot in Sydney summers and needs regular brushing and rinsing, so it is low maintenance rather than no maintenance.
- Gardener help for removing old lawn and preparing the site costs about $52 to $115 per hour (October 2026), and turf laying costs about $17 to $46 per m² for comparison.
What is synthetic grass?
Synthetic grass, also sold as artificial grass, fake grass or artificial turf, is a woven or tufted surface made from plastic fibres on a backing layer. It is laid over a compacted base, then brushed and often topped with infill.
It suits yards where shade, tree roots or heavy foot traffic have beaten real lawn, such as courtyards, narrow side passages and dog runs.
| Term | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pile height | How long the blades are | Short fake grass looks tidier and is easier to clean; longer pile looks more natural but mats more easily. |
| Backing | The layer the blades are stitched into | A perforated backing lets rain drain through; poor backing causes puddles. |
| Infill | Sand or similar material brushed between blades | Holds blades upright and adds weight, but can trap odours if pets use the area. |
| Base | Compacted crushed rock under the turf | Provides drainage and a firm, level surface. |
| Seams | Joins between rolls | Poorly joined seams are the first thing you will notice. |
Types of synthetic grass
Different products suit different jobs. Use the table to match grass to your yard, and compare current prices with itemised quotes.
| Type | Best for | Durability | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short pile | Small courtyards, balconies, high-traffic paths | Often holds up well to foot traffic | Lower to mid |
| Medium pile | Family lawns and play areas | Good all-rounder | Mid |
| Long, dense pile | Front lawns where looks matter | Needs regular brushing | Mid to premium |
| Pet-friendly | Dog runs and busy households | Designed to drain; clean regularly | Mid to premium |
| Putting green | Backyard golf | Very short and dense | Premium |
| Indoor mats and interior garden | Balconies, rooms, display areas | Light use only | Low |
Synthetic grass cost
Price is the first question for most households; our artificial grass cost guide breaks down what drives it.
Synthetic grass lifespan
Product quality, sun exposure and use all affect longevity, and our guide to how long artificial grass lasts explains what to ask suppliers.
Synthetic grass installation
Installation quality matters as much as the product; read how to lay artificial grass or how to install fake grass before you hire anyone.
Synthetic grass cost in Sydney
No single Sydney price applies to synthetic grass, because product, area and preparation vary. The table separates supply from installation, so compare quotes line by line.
| Cost item | What it covers | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Turf supply | Rolls of synthetic grass | Varies by product (indicative — get written quotes) |
| Base materials | Crushed rock and bedding layer | Varies by area and depth (indicative — get written quotes) |
| Old lawn removal | Strip, cart and dispose of existing lawn | Gardener rate $52 to $115 per hour, typical $75 |
| Installation labour | Excavation, compaction, laying, joins, infill | Varies by site (indicative — get written quotes) |
| Real turf laying, for comparison | New turf laid in Sydney | $17 to $46 per m², typical $29 |
- Site access: tight side gates and long carries add labour, so tell installers about stairs and narrow passages.
- Excavation depth: removing old lawn and roots to the correct depth for the base increases cost.
- Product choice: denser pile and better backings cost more than basic budget rolls.
- Edging: timber, concrete or paver borders add cost but give a cleaner, longer-lasting finish.
- Drainage fixes: clay soils in western Sydney may need extra drainage work before laying.
- Disposal: old turf, soil and rubbish need a licensed removal, which you should have itemised in the quote.
Synthetic grass pros and cons
It helps to weigh the trade-offs honestly before you pull out a working lawn.
- Pro: no mowing, fertilising or weeding of the turf itself, so it frees up weekends.
- Pro: stays green through dry spells and watering restrictions under Sydney Water’s Water Wise Guidelines.
- Pro: works under dense shade and tree roots, where real lawns thin out.
- Pro: suitable for pets and kids if you choose a pet-friendly product and keep it clean.
- Pro: gives a consistent look all year, including winter when warm-season lawns turn straw-coloured.
- Pro: short fake grass is easy to sweep and rinse.
- Con: surface gets very hot in direct summer sun, so test with bare hands and feet before kids or pets use it.
- Con: high upfront cost compared with new real turf.
- Con: it doesn’t cool the yard like living grass or support soil life.
- Con: pet urine and spilled drinks can leave odours unless you rinse and clean regularly.
- Con: poor installation shows up as dips, puddles and lifting seams.
- Con: eventually it wears out and needs replacement, and disposal is a cost.
How to choose synthetic grass
- Decide the main use first: play, pets, display, or low-traffic ornamental lawn.
- Choose pile height to match, favouring short, dense fake grass for high-traffic areas.
- Ask for a full-size sample and test it in your own sun, since colour and heat vary a lot outdoors.
- Check the backing and drainage design, especially if your yard has clay or a low spot.
- Read artificial grass reviews in Australia carefully: look for comments after a few summers, not only installation week.
- Get at least three itemised quotes and compare the base, labour, edging and disposal lines.
- Check the stated warranty in writing and what it covers, because terms vary by supplier.
Artificial grass reviews in Australia: what to look for
Review pages can be mixed, so look for patterns rather than single ratings. We have not quoted star ratings here because they change constantly.
- Look for repeated comments about heat, because these show how a product handles a western Sydney summer.
- Check whether reviewers mention seams and edges lifting after rain.
- Prefer reviews from owners with pets or children, since they test durability.
- Be wary of reviews that read like advertising or that mention no downsides at all.
- Ask installers for addresses or photos of jobs that are a few years old.
- Cross-check with neighbours and local community groups for honest feedback.
Synthetic grass installation and maintenance essentials
Good installation follows a sequence. Exact depths and compaction methods vary by product, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mark the area and call before you dig to check for buried services.
- Strip the existing lawn and roots, then remove the spoil.
- Build a compacted crushed-rock base with a slight fall for drainage (indicative — follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
- Add a thin bedding layer and level it with a straight edge.
- Lay the turf in one direction, join seams neatly and trim to the edges.
- Fix the edges, add infill if the product needs it, and brush the pile upright.
- Brush the pile regularly to stop matting, especially on high-traffic paths.
- Remove leaves and debris so they don’t break down and grow weeds through the turf.
- Rinse pet areas often and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning advice; see our guide to how to clean artificial grass.
- Keep sharp objects, hot BBQ coals and cigarette butts off the surface.
- Trim weeds along the edges by hand and keep the borders tidy.
- Check seams and edges each season and repair small lifts early.
Artificial turf backyard and short fake grass ideas
Small yards in Sydney terraces and units often suit a mixed approach, with synthetic turf for the hardest-wearing section and plants for the rest.
- Use short fake grass along side passages where mowers can’t reach and nothing grows well in shade.
- Put an artificial turf backyard strip beside the BBQ area to keep mud off paving.
- Keep real lawn in sunny areas and add synthetic turf only under dense trees.
- Border synthetic turf with ground covers; see our ground cover plants guide for low, soft planting options.
- Avoid laying turf over tree roots without advice, since roots can heave the surface and your tree may suffer.
- Check council and strata rules before removing a tree or changing your front garden.
Interior garden and fake green grass indoors
Fake green grass also works indoors, but you should treat it as decoration rather than a lawn.
- Indoor mats and panels suit balconies, display shelves and kids’ play corners.
- IKEA plants fake lines, such as artificial pot plants, are for indoor styling and not for outdoor lawns.
- Choose flame-retardant, low-odour products and check the label for indoor use.
- Keep indoor panels away from heaters, cooktops and direct sun through glass.
- Combine fake plants with real, pet-safe plants; check our guide to plants toxic to cats before you buy.
- Vacuum or wipe synthetic mats regularly, since dust and pet hair build up.
Synthetic grass vs real lawn
| Factor | Synthetic grass | Real lawn |
|---|---|---|
| Mowing | None, but brushing and rinsing | Regular mowing; our lawn mower buying guide helps you choose |
| Water | Occasional rinse | Regular watering in dry spells |
| Heat | Gets hot in direct sun | Stays cooler |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Shade performance | Unaffected | Can thin under trees |
| Environment | Plastic product with a limited life | Supports soil and cools the yard |
FAQ: synthetic grass
Is synthetic grass worth it in Sydney?
It can be, if you have shade, pets or limited time and you accept the upfront cost. It suits small courtyards and shaded corners, while sunny family lawns are often cheaper and cooler with real turf.
How long does synthetic grass last?
Lifespan depends on the product, sun exposure and how heavily it’s used. Ask the supplier what the manufacturer states, check the warranty in writing, and read our guide to how long artificial grass lasts before you commit.
Does synthetic grass get hot?
Yes. Synthetic grass can become very hot in direct summer sun and may be uncomfortable or unsafe for bare feet and paws. Test a sample in your yard, use shade where possible and rinse the surface to cool it.
What is short fake grass used for?
Short fake grass suits courtyards, balconies, side passages and putting greens. It is easier to brush and clean than long pile, and it looks neat in small spaces, though it can look less natural.
Are artificial grass reviews in Australia reliable?
Some are, but check the date and context. Reviews written years after installation tell you more than ones posted after a few weeks. Look for patterns about heat, drainage and seams, and ask installers for older job photos.
Can I use fake plants and fake grass indoors?
Yes, for decoration. Choose products labelled for indoor use, keep them away from heat sources and clean them regularly. Fake plants from stores such as IKEA suit interior gardens but aren’t designed for outdoor lawns.
Getting synthetic grass installed in Sydney
If you’re weighing synthetic grass against real turf, we can strip the old lawn, prepare the site or keep a real lawn mowed and edged. Ask for itemised quotes, and compare them against lawn mowing in Sydney before you decide.
