- 8330 Maltby Rd Suite B Woodinville, WA 98072
- 425-788-0718
Synthetic turf is no longer just about replacing a lawn. Today, it plays a big role in designing smart, stylish, and low-maintenance outdoor spaces. Whether you’re dreaming up a putting green, a pet-friendly play area, or a clean, modern patio layout, turf can offer the look and performance you need. We spoke with Shae Olson, Wholesale Retail Coordinator at Synthetic Turf Northwest, to learn what’s trending, what works, and what to avoid. Her advice can help you get inspired—and avoid common mistakes—no matter how big or small your project is.
According to Shae, “The most popular turf/landscape designs currently are putting greens, with a chipping pod.” These mini golf courses aren’t just for pros—they’re practical, fun, and make use of yard space in an unexpected way. Whether you’re a golfer or not, putting greens can add value and function to your home while still looking polished and relaxing.
Some homeowners take this idea even further by building full golf zones that include chipping pods, sand pits, or multiple hole placements. One design that stood out to Shae recently included a backyard putting green surrounded by turf-lined pavers and a pool. “It was absolutely breathtaking to see the before and after,” she said.
Turf has officially moved indoors. Shae shared that one of the most exciting trends she’s seeing is garage and in-home golf simulators. “We have had a recent influx of indoor golf simulators,” she said. “You can use them year-round in the garage and don’t have to worry about the outdoor weather conditions.”
These spaces typically use short-pile, professional-grade turf that works with sensor-based simulator equipment. With more people prioritizing convenience and weatherproof solutions, it’s no surprise that indoor simulators are becoming a sought-after turf application.
Turf layout preferences often vary depending on the type of client. Residential clients are usually looking for recreational or decorative features, while commercial projects focus more on function and durability.
“Most residential projects right now include putting greens,” Shae explained, “versus commercial clients who are more focused on dog runs.” This reflects how homeowners use their yards for leisure and socializing, while businesses need clean, low-maintenance, and safe spaces for animals or public use.
One of the most creative and visually appealing ways to use turf is by mixing it with stone, concrete, or pavers. Shae noted, “The most creative landscape project right now is in between pavers. It looks very classy and elegant.”
This combination can elevate walkways, patios, or even pool surrounds. Turf strips between pavers add softness, color, and contrast to hard materials. You can also pair turf with flower beds, rock gardens, or mulch borders to give your space a clean but natural look.
If you’re planning to DIY your project or want to better understand your contractor’s process, Shae offered a key piece of advice: always plan for grain direction.
“You always want to make sure you measure the space length and width to determine which way the grain direction of the synthetic turf is going to face,” she explained. “If it is a front yard, you want the grain direction to face the street. If it is a backyard, you want the grain direction facing the back of the house.”
Getting this detail right can make a huge difference in how your turf looks under sunlight. When the grain is off, the color may appear dull or inconsistent from different angles.
Another crucial planning detail involves turf dye lots. Turf is produced in large batches, and the color of each batch may vary slightly. If you try to place turf from two different dye lots side-by-side, you might end up with an obvious line or color shift.
Shae shared, “The most common mistake we see is the grain direction or laying turf side by side that was purchased separately… Once those [dye lots] are sold out, the next dye lot will not match.” For large, continuous spaces, always confirm that your turf rolls come from the same lot.
Even if you don’t have a large yard, you can still create a beautiful and functional space with turf. The key, Shae says, is thinking through what you need the area to do. “It all depends on what the area is being used for and what they want the area to look like at the end of the installation,” she explained.
Some people use turf in narrow side yards, patio edges, or even on rooftops and balconies. Mixing turf with plants, benches, or lighting can help you create a cozy, multi-use space without overcrowding it.
While synthetic turf is low-maintenance, it still requires some seasonal attention—especially in the summer. Turf is made of plastic fibers and can get very hot in direct sunlight, especially when reflective surfaces like windows or metal decor are nearby.
“Summertime is big when it comes to heat and reflective damage,” Shae said. “When you have any southeast-facing windows, barbecues, metal yard décor or anything the sun can reflect off of and onto the turf, it can cause heat/reflective damage.”
Signs of damage include curling blades, browning spots, and a crunchy texture. To avoid this, Synthetic Turf Northwest often recommends applying window films or using shading devices like awnings or pergolas in areas where sun reflection is a concern.
If you’re ready to start your own synthetic turf project, here’s a quick summary of Shae’s advice:
With the right product and a little planning, synthetic turf can help you turn almost any space into something clean, green, and beautiful. From elegant walkways and family play zones to indoor golf simulators and pet-friendly patios, the design possibilities are endless.
Synthetic Turf Northwest is here to help every step of the way—from selecting materials to recommending trusted installers in your area. Whether you want to get creative or keep things simple, your turf project can be a success.
Want help getting started? Contact Synthetic Turf Northwest or visit their showroom to talk with a design consultant and get a quote for your dream landscape.
The Northwest & Seattle area’s leader in residential synthetic lawns and golf greens. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 20 years of experience in residential Synthetic Grass and Golf Green installation. Because we have our artificial golf turf designed and manufactured at textile mills, both international & domestic, the quality of our products is unrivaled. Our artificial turf offers a great value.
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8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Same-day orders must be placed by 3:30 pm
Synthetic Turf Northwest
8330 Maltby Rd Suite B,
Woodinville, WA 98072
2001 48th Ct, Unit D
Fife, WA 98424
Contractor Registration #SYNTHTN850J8
