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What Makes Quality Turf and Why It Matters

Not all artificial turf is the same. The difference between a lawn that looks great for fifteen years and one that mats down, fades, or fails after a few seasons comes down to how it was made. This page breaks down what actually matters.

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The Yarn

The yarn is the fiber you see and touch. It determines everything about how your turf performs day to day:

  • Appearance — how realistic the turf looks in natural light
  • Feel — how it feels underfoot, barefoot or with shoes
  • Durability — how long it holds up to foot traffic, UV exposure, and weather

Blade shape matters more than most people realize. A flat blade catches light differently than a curved one. A tightly shaped blade bounces back from compression better than a wide, flat one.

We carry turf with multiple blade profiles, each designed for different applications:

  • S-Blade — natural look with excellent UV resistance
  • Omega — resilient shape that springs back under heavy foot traffic
  • Diamond — strong structure with a realistic appearance
  • C-Blade — soft feel, great for bare feet
  • Multi-blade blends — combine types in a single tuft for the most natural look

Yarn weight is measured in ounces per square yard. Higher weight = more fiber, denser coverage, longer life.

  • Summit 56 — 56 oz, great entry-level option
  • Summit 82 — 82 oz, mid-range workhorse
  • Royal Tri-95 / Summit 96 — 94-96 oz, premium density
  • Summit 130 — 130 oz with 2.0" pile height, our top-of-the-line

Material: PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene) fibers with UV stabilizers designed for high-altitude sun. All yarns sourced from ISO and REACH certified suppliers.

Blade types
Backing comparison

The Backing

The backing is what holds everything together. It is two layers:

  • Primary backing — the layer the yarn is tufted through
  • Secondary backing — typically polyurethane or latex, locks the fibers permanently in place

A good backing system does three things:

  • Holds every fiber firmly — blades do not pull out, even under heavy use
  • Drains water fast — no standing pools after rain or irrigation
  • Resists breakdown — handles UV and temperature cycling without cracking or delaminating

Our turf uses dual-layer polyurethane backing — it holds fibers more securely than standard latex, drains faster, and handles Colorado temperature swings without cracking.

Density and Weight

Density and pile weight work together to determine turf quality.

  • Pile weight — how much yarn is in the turf (measured in oz/sq yd)
  • Density — how tightly fibers are packed per square inch
  • Stitch rate — stitches per linear inch (more = tighter construction)
  • Gauge — spacing between rows (narrower = denser turf)

High pile weight in a low-density turf means long, thin blades spaced far apart. High-density turf packs more fibers per square inch — better coverage, a cleaner look, and stronger resilience.

Built for Our Climate

Colorado is tough on turf. The Front Range throws everything at it:

  • 100°F+ summer days and sub-zero winter nights
  • Intense UV exposure at elevation
  • Low humidity that dries out materials faster than coastal climates
  • Afternoon thunderstorms that demand serious drainage

Turf designed for moderate Pacific Coast climates often fails here within a few years. Every product we carry is selected specifically for this climate:

  • UV stabilizers rated for high-altitude sun
  • Backing systems that handle freeze-thaw cycling without delaminating
  • Drainage engineered for Front Range storm patterns

Built for How You Actually Use It

Different projects need different turf. Foot traffic, drainage, blade feel, and maintenance all factor in. Our lineup covers:

  • Residential lawns — soft, natural-looking, and built for families
  • Pet areas — antimicrobial, easy to clean, excellent drainage
  • Rooftop installations — lightweight with superior drainage
  • Commercial applications — heavy-duty, high-traffic rated
  • Sports surfaces — performance-grade with consistent ball roll and traction

Every product comes with a 15-year warranty against UV degradation, color fading, and backing failure.

The Summit Turf Supply Standard

We do not carry everything. We carry what works here. When you buy from Summit Turf Supply, you get:

  • Full product spec sheets — no guessing
  • Honest advice on what fits your project
  • Support from installation through the life of the warranty
  • Statewide delivery across Colorado

Installed right. Backed by people who know the product.

Get Your Free Turf Quote

Call (970) 236-6480 or send your project details — we respond same day.

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