Giving the green light on artificial turf is just the first step on your new lawn journey, so what’s the next step? Deciding which synthetic grass store is best for you. That’s because choosing the best turf distributor will give you access to all the expertise, resources, turf types, examples, and systems to help you research, explore options, and pick the artificial grass that best fits your landscape goals, lifestyle, and regional climate.
So, to find a turf store that will be the most help, should you go with a local outfit or an online turf company? And what are the benefits of choosing one over the other? To answer that, you need to be thinking about all the ways a good artificial turf company should help you. I’m talking experience, customer service, available turf options, regional weather considerations and challenges, installation insights, delivery times, and so much more. There can actually be a massive difference between buying artificial grass locally versus online, and those differences might surprise you.
So, after helping thousands of neighbors (both locally and across the U.S.) navigate this same decision over the years, the Artificial Turf Supply team figured it was time to spill the beans on what really matters when you’re choosing between driving to that local turf shop or clicking “add to cart” at 2 AM in your pajamas.
Synthetic Grass Stores: Online and Local Quick-Tips
• Online stores usually beat local pricing by around 15%, which can add up quickly when you’re talking about hundreds (or thousands) of square feet of artificial grass
• Local shops are perfect if you crave that in-person conversation – for some shoppers, being in a store with physical turf examples and looking someone in the eye while they answer questions is irreplaceable
• Customer service can be a toss-up – really, this comes down to the specific team you find in either place
• Installation support varies wildly – both local shops and online outfits often hook you up with installers, but you want to find those with actual installation experience
The Synthetic Grass Universe (It’s Bigger Than You Think)
Okay, let’s get real about what we’re actually shopping for here. The artificial turf world has gone absolutely bonkers in the last decade. These days? You’ve got options coming out your ears. Different blade heights, textures, colors, drainage systems, eco-friendly options, pet-friendly varieties… it’s honestly overwhelming. I’ve seen customers spend weeks just trying to figure out pile height differences.
And the quality range? Forget about it. You can buy turf that’ll last a couple of years or stuff with warranties longer than most car loans. And with all those options, the number of turf manufacturers and suppliers has similarly exploded.
So, what’s the trick? Finding a team that’s more interested in helping you find the right turf for your outdoor goals (instead of just selling you what’s best for their bottom line).
The Pros and Cons of Local Synthetic Grass Stores
Let me tell you about my buddy Mike. Guy drove to four different local stores before finding his turf. Four! But here’s the thing: he had this weird sloped area behind his pool that got zero drainage, and the local guys were able to check it out and give some specific recommendations for it.
A Hands-On Experience, Hit-or-Miss Inventory: Local stores allow for in-person inspection of synthetic grass. You get to touch it right then, right there. You can see it in their store lighting, take it outside for natural lighting. It’s incredibly convenient if you’re in the mood to get a feel for those turf possibilities on that specific day.
On the other hand, the size of the local business could really limit the styles, types, and options they can show or even sell you. Synthetic grass can be an expensive project, so only seeing what they’re able to have on-hand can really limit what you can see, test, and ultimately install. Sure, they can order in some additional samples, but then again… you can do that right now on Artificial Turf Supply at no charge.
No Waiting Around: About 65% of people prefer buying locally because they can grab their turf the same day. Local stores may offer immediate availability for pickup, which means your weekend project actually happens on the weekend.
Had a customer once who needed turf for his kid’s birthday party. In three days. Online shipping? Wasn’t quick enough. Local pickup? Problem solved. (Though I’d strongly advise against rushing the turf shopping and installation process, if at all possible.)
They Actually Know Your Weather: Here’s something nobody talks about. Local store folks live where you live. They know if your area gets those crazy afternoon thunderstorms that turn everything into a swamp. They know which drainage solutions actually work in your soil type.
Explaining your specific micro-climate to someone in a call center three states away can be tricky, so make sure any online provider you’re considering has turf installation experience in your area.
Installation Networks That Actually Work: Local synthetic grass stores provide installation services in 78% of cases. But more than that, they work with guys who’ve been doing this in your area for years. They know which contractors show up, do good work, and don’t disappear when problems arise.
If you’re wondering if you should shop at the big box store down the street, check out our blog: Why Shop at Artificial Turf Suppliers vs Big Box Stores?
The Online Turf Shopping Revolution (It’s Pretty Compelling)
But look, I’m not gonna pretend online shopping became a thing by accident. Online synthetic grass stores have some serious advantages that are hard to ignore. Plus, teams like you find at Artificial Turf Supply bring a ton of experience with a focus on meeting your needs.
Your Wallet Will Do a Happy Dance: Online synthetic grass stores typically offer prices about 15% lower than local places. Given the general up-front cost of turf, that’s not chump change when you’re covering a few hundred square feet. I’ve seen people save over a grand on bigger projects.
The math makes sense. Lower overhead gets passed to customers. No fancy showrooms, no sales commissions, no expensive retail space rent.
Selection That’ll Make Your Head Spin: Artificial Turf Supply has spent years developing a wide variety of artificial turf types, products, options, and prices. Your local shop might have 12 options. Online? Try 50+ without breaking a sweat. Different textures, specialized pet turf, putting green varieties, sports applications. If it’s worth considering, you can likely find it on our website.
Need turf that looks exactly like Kentucky bluegrass? Or maybe something that handles heavy foot traffic? We’re happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Free Samples Delivered: Many online stores offer to ship you free turf samples. We’ll ship it to you quickly, so you can compare the look and feel of your top picks in your actual space, under your real lighting conditions.
Pro tip: order way more samples than you think you need. Colors look totally different in morning light versus afternoon sun.
Head-Scratchingly Fast Delivery: About 82% of customers get their online orders faster than local delivery. I know, I know… it sounds backwards. But the Artificial Turf Supply team has been doing this for years, and we have distribution down to a science.
Plus, no coordinating delivery windows, no taking time off work to meet the truck, no loading heavy rolls into your car while questioning your life choices.
Synthetic Grass Customer Service: Where Things Get Personal
Did you know that nearly 90% of people think local shops provide better customer service? But is it true? Well, some context might be helpful here.
Local Service, The Good and The Weird: Local customer service can be incredible. People who know your name, remember your project, actually care if you’re happy. They’re stuck with you as neighbors, so they better do right by you.
But local service also depends on who’s working that day. I’ve seen amazing expertise, and I’ve seen high school kids who couldn’t tell you the difference between nylon and polyethylene if their life depended on it.
Online Service, Better Than You’d Expect: Good online stores have resources coming out their ears. Installation videos, technical specs, phone support from team members who answer turf questions all day long.
Customer service experiences can vary between local and online retailers, but online companies often specialize. We love answering turf questions from people all across the nation… even if we’ve heard your exact question fifty times this week. That’s the turf biz we love being in!
Installation Support: Where Reality Hits
This is where the local versus online choice gets really practical.
Local Installation Networks: Local stores work with installers who know your area. They understand local building codes, soil conditions, drainage issues. They’ve probably done installations in your neighborhood.
When my neighbor’s installation hit unexpected rock three feet down, the local installer knew exactly how to handle it. Had the right equipment, knew the local soil conditions, didn’t panic.
Online Installation Resources: This might surprise you, but online stores tell a similar story. From our own California backyard to Dallas to New York, we’ve developed our own network of local, expert installation partners. Plus, online turf stores usually provide amazing DIY support. Detailed guides, video tutorials, technical hotlines.
If you’re handy and want to tackle installation yourself, online resources can be incredibly comprehensive. Just make sure you’re really up for the physical challenge. This isn’t putting together IKEA furniture. And if you’re unsure, give us a call. We’ll help you figure out which choice is best for you.
Artificial Grass Quality: Can You Really Judge a Book by Its Cover?
Evaluating quality online versus in person is probably the biggest challenge in this whole decision.
The Touch Test: Nothing beats running your hands through different turf samples. You can feel backing quality, blade resilience, overall construction. Colors look completely different under natural light versus computer screens.
For premium products where you’re paying extra for subtle quality differences, hands-on evaluation is pretty much essential.
Online Quality Clues: Reputable online stores provide detailed specs, high-res photos, and customer reviews. Look for face weight, backing material details, pile height specs, warranty information.
Many offer satisfaction guarantees, though returning synthetic turf isn’t exactly like returning a sweater. Shipping costs can be brutal.
Return Policies: Your Safety Net
Local stores often have more flexible returns because they can easily restock and they know you personally. Online stores usually have formal policies with specific timeframes.
The big challenge with online returns? Shipping costs. Returning several hundred pounds of turf isn’t cheap, and you might be stuck with those costs.
Making the Call: What Kind of Shopper Are You?
After working with thousands of customers, I’ve noticed some patterns.
You’re probably a local store person if:
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- You want to put your hands on some samples… like RIGHT NOW
- You want to support local businesses
- Your project has unique challenges
- You prefer talking to humans over reading websites
- You want everything handled for you
Online might be your jam if:
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- Price is your main concern
- You’re looking for more options and varieties
- You love researching everything online
- You want access to every possible option
- You know exactly what you want
The Sneaky-Smart Third Option
Here’s what I actually recommend to most people: use both. Visit neighborhood stores to get some local insights, get a little first-hand experience with product types, and understand the realities of the local delivery and installation expectations. Then reach out to the Artificial Turf Supply team and compare the artificial grass offerings, options, and insights.
Our online collection of turf types is huge, giving you great selections for businesses, schools, playgrounds, lawns, families, pet-owners, and everything in between. And since we’ve served customers throughout the US, our team might surprise you with their understanding of your local needs. Then use our online turf budget tool.
Then compare everything: options, prices, customer service, warranties, delivery, installation… at the end of the day, it’s all about what’s best for you.
If you want to talk to one of our team members today, just give us a call at (866) 677-9405.
Bottom Line
Whether you go local or online depends on what matters most to you. Both serve important purposes in the turf world.
Sometimes you can’t beat a local store’s expertise, personal relationships, and immediate availability. On the other hand, Artificial Turf Supply is proud to offer a massive and diverse selection, competitive pricing, decades of experience, and a team of specialists who can’t wait to bring your artificial grass landscape goals to life.
The “right” choice depends on your priorities, comfort level, and specific situation. And remember, you’re not just buying grass. You’re investing in years of easy maintenance, water savings, and a lawn that looks perfect year-round. Choose the path that gives you confidence in that investment.
Trust me, once you have synthetic turf, you’ll wonder why you spent all those years fighting with real grass. Your weekends are about to get way more fun.
Get a free quote today to start your project!
