Compare The Best Artificial Grass Options for Hot Australian Climates

Finding the right artificial grass for Australia’s scorching heat isn’t just a good idea—it’s a game-changer! 

With the right type of synthetic turf, you can wave goodbye to dead patches, endless watering, and expensive lawn care. But here’s the catch: not all artificial turf is created equal, especially when it comes to surviving those brutal Aussie summers.

That’s why picking the best artificial grass for Australian hot climates is crucial.

Not only does it ensure your lawn stays lush and green all year round, but it also helps you avoid headaches like heat damage, fading, and a surface that’s too hot to walk on.

Whether you’re redoing your backyard or setting up a low-maintenance play area, the choice of artificial grass can make all the difference in appearance, durability, and comfort.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The best options for artificial grass suited to Australia’s hot climate
• Key factors to consider when choosing the right type
• The costs involved in installing and maintaining artificial lawn

This guide will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your lawn looks fantastic, even when the mercury rises.

Let’s get right into it.

Polyethylene (PE) Artificial Grass

Polyethylene grass is one of the most popular types on the market, mainly due to its natural appearance and softness.

This material is known for mimicking the look and feel of real grass, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want a visually appealing lawn without maintenance.

Pros

✓ Natural Appearance: Polyethylene is one of the closest matches to real grass in terms of look and feel. Its soft blades mimic natural grass, providing a realistic and inviting lawn.

✓ UV Resistance: This type holds up well against harsh sunlight, maintaining its colour and texture even during peak summer temperatures.

✓ Kid- and Pet-Friendly: With its soft texture, polyethylene is a great option for families with kids and pets, providing a comfortable surface for play.

Cons

✗ Can Get Hot Underfoot: While polyethylene is durable, it does tend to absorb heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on during extremely hot days.

✗ Moderate Durability: Compared to other types like nylon, polyethylene isn’t the most durable and can wear down faster in high-traffic areas.

Nylon Artificial Grass

Nylon is known for its durability, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and regions prone to extreme weather conditions. If you’re looking for hardy grass that won’t wilt under pressure, nylon is a strong contender.

Pros

✓ High Durability: Nylon is the toughest type available. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme weather without losing its shape or structure.

✓ Heat Resistance: This material is highly resistant to heat, so it won’t warp or melt under Australia’s intense summer sun.

✓ Long Lifespan: Due to its durability, nylon grass often outlasts other types, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Cons

✗ Stiffer Texture: Unlike polyethylene, nylon isn’t as soft. While it’s incredibly durable, it doesn’t provide the same natural feel underfoot, which might be a drawback for families or those looking for a more realistic lawn.

✗ Higher Cost: Nylon tends to be more expensive than other types due to its strength and durability.

Polypropylene (PP) Artificial Grass

Polypropylene is typically the most affordable option for synthetic turf, making it attractive to budget-conscious homeowners. However, its low price tag comes with certain trade-offs, especially when it comes to durability.

Pros

✓ Budget-Friendly: Polypropylene is the cheapest option on the market, making it a great choice for those looking to save on upfront costs.

✓ Lightweight and Easy to Install: Its lightweight design makes polypropylene simple to install, saving both time and labour costs during the setup process.

✓ Great for Low-Traffic Areas: If you’re planning to use synthetic grass in a space that doesn’t get much foot traffic, polypropylene can work well and maintain its appearance.

Cons

✗ Low Heat Resistance: Polypropylene doesn’t handle extreme heat well. It can warp and become discoloured under prolonged exposure to the sun, making it less ideal for hot Australian climates.

✗ Lacks Durability: While affordable, polypropylene wears out more quickly compared to other synthetic grasses, especially in areas with frequent use or high temperatures.

CoolMax Technology Grass

CoolMax technology is a newer innovation in the market, designed specifically to combat the heat. This type of synthetic turf is made with heat-reflective materials that keep the surface cooler, even in direct sunlight.

Pros

✓ Heat-Reflective Properties: As the name suggests, CoolMax grass stays cooler than traditional fake grass by reflecting more sunlight, making it a comfortable choice for walking barefoot even during hot afternoons.

✓ Long-Lasting Colour: Thanks to its UV-resistant properties, CoolMax grass retains its vibrant green colour longer, even in harsh Australian weather conditions.

✓ Suitable for High-Traffic Areas: CoolMax technology isn’t just about temperature control; it’s also durable enough for high-traffic areas, meaning it can handle both heat and frequent use.

Cons

✗ Higher Price Point: CoolMax grass tends to be on the pricier side due to its specialised technology, which may not fit everyone’s budget.

✗ Limited Availability: This technology is still relatively new, so availability can be limited, and you might have fewer design options compared to more established types of artificial turf.

Heat Resistance

Synthetic turf can get quite hot under direct sunlight, and if you’re in an area where temperatures soar, this can quickly become a problem.

Grass types like CoolMax technology and nylon are designed to better handle the heat, making them more suitable for warm climates.

Heat-resistant grass not only provides comfort but also increases the lifespan of your turf.

Grass that can deflect heat won’t warp or discolour as quickly, which means you can enjoy a lush, green lawn even during the hottest months of the year.

Always look for turf specifically engineered to handle high temperatures if you want your grass to stay cool and comfortable.

Durability and Longevity

Nylon, for example, is known for its durability and can handle both high traffic and heat exposure better than other types like polypropylene.

If you have an active household with kids, pets, or frequent outdoor gatherings, choosing a highly durable grass type is essential.

Durability also impacts the maintenance costs over time. A longer-lasting product will save you from needing to replace the grass frequently or dealing with worn-out patches that spoil the look of your lawn.

Make sure to balance upfront costs with long-term durability to get the best value for your money.

Appearance and Feel

Aesthetics play a big role. You want your lawn to look as natural as possible, while also being comfortable to walk on.

Polyethylene is widely considered the best in terms of appearance, closely resembling natural grass with its soft texture and realistic green shades.

However, some homeowners may prefer the look of nylon for its slightly firmer blades that stand upright better under heavy use.

The feel of the grass also matters, especially if you spend a lot of time barefoot in your yard or have kids and pets running around. Softer grasses like polyethylene are gentler underfoot, but keep in mind that softer doesn’t always mean more durable.

It’s all about finding the right balance between aesthetics and comfort.

Installation and Maintenance Costs

Cost is always a critical factor. While some varieties like polypropylene are cheaper upfront, they may require more frequent replacements, which increases costs in the long run.

Nylon, although pricier at the start, offers better durability, meaning you might save money over time due to fewer replacements or repairs.

Don’t forget to factor in installation costs as well. Depending on the size of your area and the complexity of the job, installation can add a significant amount to the total price. It’s also wise to consider maintenance.

Although synthetic lawn requires less care than natural grass, occasional brushing, cleaning, and infill replacement are necessary to keep it looking its best.

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UV Protection

UV protection is a non-negotiable factor for Australian buyers, as prolonged sun exposure can lead to fading and even damage.

Artificial turf with built-in UV stabilisers, like CoolMax or high-end polyethylene varieties, offer better resistance to the sun’s harmful rays. These types of grass stay vibrant and green for longer, even when exposed to constant sunlight.

Without adequate UV protection, your artificial lawn could turn patchy or lose its colour over time, reducing the overall appeal of your yard.

Always check for UV-resistant materials if you’re planning to install turf in areas with direct sunlight exposure.

Foot Traffic and Usage

Consider how much foot traffic your synthetic grass will endure on a daily basis. For high-traffic areas such as playgrounds, patios, or pathways, choosing a more robust material like nylon is crucial to avoid the blades flattening or wearing out quickly.

Meanwhile, for areas that don’t see much activity, polypropylene or polyethylene can work just fine without losing their appeal.

High-traffic grass should also be easy to clean and maintain. Dirt, mud, and spills can accumulate on the surface, so opt for grass types that are both resilient and simple to clean.

Grass designed for heavy use will usually come with additional protective coatings or stronger backing to hold up under pressure.

Environmental Impact

Finally, there’s the environmental impact to consider. While all synthetic lawns reduce the need for water, certain varieties are made using more sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials.

Look for manufacturers that use recycled or recyclable materials in their turf. Additionally, think about the disposal process—some synthetic turfs can be recycled after their lifespan, making them a greener option for your yard.

By choosing eco-friendly grass, you’re not only cutting down on water consumption but also reducing your carbon footprint.

PLEASE NOTE: Installation costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the job and the size of your area.

With decades of industry experience, the Evergreen Synthetic Grass team has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality, durable, and heat-resistant turf solutions that stand the test of time.

Whether you’re after a lush backyard lawn, a pet-friendly area, or a professional-grade sports surface, our team has the knowledge and expertise to help you make the right decision—without the costly mistakes.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to your outdoor space. Let us help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that stays green all year round—without the hassle!

Reach out today on (08) 9303 2130 or claim your fast and FREE quote online now.