Artificial Turf Weight Explained: Total Weight vs Face Weight
Total weight is the industry standard figure: the whole turf, yarn plus backing, in ounces per square yard. Face weight is the yarn alone. Mighty Turf lines run 69.95 to 115.70 oz/yd2 total weight.
Total weight is the industry standard weight for artificial turf: the weight of the finished turf per square yard, yarn plus backing and coating, measured in oz/yd2. Face weight is the yarn alone, not the backing. Quote and compare on total weight, and use face weight as the second number that shows how much of that weight is fiber. Higher is not always better; the right weight matches the traffic the turf will see.
Weight tiers, and what each suits
| Tier | What it suits | Mighty Turf examples, total weight | Face weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Budget jobs, low traffic, low sun | Regal 65 (69.95 oz/yd2), Prince 80 (84.12), Queen 70 (85.30) | About 40 to 55 oz/yd2 |
| Mid | Everyday residential lawns and yards | Queen 90 (88.54 oz/yd2), Regal 80 (89.13), Crown 90 (98.87) | About 58 to 70 oz/yd2 |
| Heavy | High traffic, commercial, premium lawns | Imperial 100 (101.53 oz/yd2), Regent 100 (105.07), Princess 115 (115.70) | About 75 to 90+ oz/yd2 |
Total weight is the number the industry quotes, and it is the one on every Mighty Turf spec sheet and product page. Face weight counts only the yarn, so it is always lower. Read the two together: two products with the same total weight can carry different face weights, and the gap is the backing and coating.
Why higher is not always better
A heavier face resists matting and traffic, but it also costs more and is not needed everywhere. A low-sun side yard or a budget rental does not need 90 oz turf. A dog run or a commercial entry does. The skill is matching the tier to the traffic, which protects both the install and the margin on the bid.
Mighty Turf carries lines across all three tiers, so you can spec the exact weight a job needs. Browse the full line and spec sheets, or read best landscape turf to match a tier to a lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good weight for artificial turf?
For most residential lawns, a mid tier is the sweet spot. In our line that is 88.54 to 98.87 oz/yd2 total weight, about 58 to 70 oz/yd2 face. Go heavier for high-traffic or commercial areas, and lighter for budget or low-use spaces.
Is heavier turf always better?
No. Heavier turf is more durable but costs more and is not needed in low-traffic or low-sun areas. The best choice matches the weight to the traffic the turf will actually see.
What is the difference between face weight and total weight?
Total weight is the whole turf per square yard: yarn, backing and coating. It is the industry standard weight and the one to quote and compare. Face weight counts only the yarn, so it is the lower of the two numbers and shows how much of the turf is fiber.
SourcesSynthetic Turf Council
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