Need to find one that doesn't get too hot.

Yes, we all feel that way. You have done well, you have posted good pictures, lets see what the Houzzers say, it's a great site that you have joined here, welcome.

Hi Houzz readers... Our company specialise in Synthetic turf supply and installation, please contact us at Lush Turf Solutions.

It may help you to make an informed decision. we are based in Brisbane our office phone number 07 3390 2551 thanks and hope we can assist you further.

I work at a school that has it and be aware that it is really hard underneath due to compacting for levelling I guess and also it gets very very hot...too hot to walk on barefoot in summer if North facing. It feels like it traps and reflects heat into our building too. In heavy rain you get puddles for a while too as it is slow to drain. I would only recommend it if its sole use is for soccer. In that case it should be fine.

Reading this thread with great interest as we are also considering astroturf - biggest concern is the heat ... any types that don't get so hot? or ways of countering this?

have had our "lawn" for two years now and still looks great and natural looking. we still get the occasional weeds and leaves that add to its natural look, I love real grass but it took a lot of work, I vacuum every third month and that's it

We would all like to have natural grass, but realistically due to our harsh climate there is a need for an alternative. Too much shade or too much sun has the same result, poor conditions to grow a healthy lawn. Synthetic grass is a good solution if you choose a premium quality turf and a professional installation team.

Everything has a downside, and yes synthetic turf can get hotter than natural grass, however it cools down quickly and doesn't retain heat as much as concrete, tiles or timber. Ideal for pool surrounds, shaded areas etc... Lush Turf Solutions has the most advanced product range that looks and feels like natural turf. If your lucky enough to have the real thing growing beautifully your only concern is the cost and time to maintain it.

Call us at Lush Turf Solutions on 07 3390 2551 we can provide all the information you need to make an informed decision if Synthetic turf is right for your situation.

AFL is good medicine for soccer madness.

Wow. I'm quite surprised at the rise of artificial turf but I also understand the trend as the effort that can go into maintain grass is very high. I discussed it with my dad on the weekend as we looked out at my withering grass with large bare patches. his learned opinion was that grasses have got softer and can longer cope with any significant foot traffic. On the upside, you don't get scratched by falling down on the harsh kikuyu that I grew up with.

Looks fantastic. Good to hear you like the feel and I doubt lasting the distance is even in question. Look forward to any updates as you live with it with any suggestions based on experience. Did you have it professionally installed? Meantime - sounds like you have some very happy campers who can play ball!

fake grass always looks better than dead grass ! - good choice.

It will be fine! You will enjoy the Summer!

thanks, this has been helpful as we're now looking at installing instead of compressed aggregate or pavers.. green is definitely more pleasing to the eye, i think. It will be north facing with some shadowing so I'm a little worried having read it retains heat, also about the size (I haven't a big yard but it will fill the area).

I look forward to reading more comments ..

Geepers, mate! Only in the 20 s here in Vic today.

It's a shame to use fake grass unless there is a good reason. Lying on the grass is cool & I would worry about children falling over & getting a carpet burn like graze.

Hey there thereddys, not sure if you've sorted your turf issues already, but if not we have a range of real-look, hardy and pet friendly synthetic turfs designed for various needs, including sports.

You can view our full turf range here: http://www.coolaroo.com/synthetic-grass
Hope that helps! And good luck

Coolaroo - we are considering laying artificial turf around pavers etc - so lots of small quantities .. is this do-able or does it tend to rip up as the amount of 'turf' is so small?

We have it at school. It does get very hot in Summer and smells like burning rubber.

A 4 years later update would be great!!

I read a lot about synthetic turfs and decided to not go for it . Planning to level up use grass pavers and go with real grass rather. Just FYI here as someone else might find it useful. I found this video after weeks of research ! Of course in YouTube and Google.

I was alarmed at the effects that prolonged exposure to these kinds of materials can cause to our children and our community.

I wanted to bring this to your attention so you would be aware of the side effects if you were planning for synthetic turf in any of the school areas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEVeAmqHTSM

https://www.center4research.org/children-athletes-play-toxic-turf-playgrounds/

We r still going to use HDPE type paver plastic underneath but covered by real grass and pebbles ! . still a much greener option and life time is minimum 20 years plus made from r cycled plastic. Looking at cirtex or turf grid pavers.

Thanks - and especially thanks for the links.