If you’re choosing artificial grass for dogs, one of the biggest decisions is pile height.
Should you choose:
- 25mm artificial grass
or - 35mm artificial grass?
Both are excellent options — but they serve slightly different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- Drainage performance
- Durability under heavy dog use
- Comfort and appearance
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Which is best for your specific situation
By the end, you’ll know exactly which pile height suits your home.
What Does “Pile Height” Actually Mean?
Pile height refers to the length of the artificial grass fibres.
- 25mm = shorter, tighter finish
- 35mm = longer, more natural lawn look
It affects:
- Drying time
- Cleaning ease
- Cushioning
- Appearance
- Wear resistance
It does NOT directly affect safety — both are safe when manufactured properly.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | 25mm Artificial Grass | 35mm Artificial Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Neat, practical | Lush, natural |
| Drying Speed | Faster | Slightly slower |
| Cleaning | Easier | Still easy |
| Multi-Dog Homes | Excellent | Very good |
| Comfort | Firm | Softer feel |
| Best For | Heavy use areas | Family gardens |
25mm Artificial Grass for Dogs
Why Many Dog Owners Choose 25mm
25mm artificial grass is often considered the most practical option for pet households.
Key Benefits
✔ Dries faster after rain
✔ Easier to rinse
✔ Less fibre flattening
✔ Handles heavy use
✔ Ideal for multiple dogs
Because the fibres are shorter, moisture evaporates more quickly — helpful in damp UK conditions.
Best Situations for 25mm
- Homes with 2+ dogs
- Dog runs
- High-traffic gardens
- Breeders
- Rental properties
- Areas focused on practicality over aesthetics
If your garden is primarily for the dog, 25mm is usually the smart choice.
35mm Artificial Grass for Dogs
Why Homeowners Prefer 35mm
35mm offers a softer, more natural lawn appearance.
It looks closer to a freshly cut British lawn and provides slightly more cushioning.
Key Benefits
✔ More realistic appearance
✔ Softer underfoot
✔ Great for mixed-use gardens
✔ Comfortable for children and pets
✔ Premium aesthetic finish
For many UK families, 35mm strikes the balance between style and function.
Best Situations for 35mm
- Family gardens
- Homes with children and pets
- Front gardens
- Decorative spaces
- Moderate dog use
If your garden is both a relaxation space and dog area, 35mm often wins.
Does Pile Height Affect Drainage?
This is a common misconception.
Drainage performance is primarily determined by:
- Backing permeability
- Sub-base preparation
- Installation quality
However:
- 25mm dries slightly faster due to shorter fibres
- 35mm may hold surface moisture slightly longer
In properly installed systems, both perform well.
Does Pile Height Affect Odour?
Indirectly.
Shorter fibres (25mm):
- Allow easier rinsing
- Dry more quickly
- Are slightly less prone to surface moisture retention
But the real cause of odour is poor drainage — not fibre length.
Advanced systems like ARTTRAGrass® combine either pile height with 100% recyclable bio-backed green backing, supporting airflow and drainage compatibility.
Find out more on our Artificial Grass for Dogs service page.
Durability Under Heavy Dog Use
Dogs create:
- Repeated traffic paths
- Digging pressure
- Zoomies and turning stress
- Concentrated toilet areas
25mm:
- Slightly more resilient to flattening
- Easier to maintain upright appearance
35mm:
- Slightly softer feel
- May require occasional brushing in high-use spots
Both perform well when fibre density and backing quality are high.
Comfort for Dogs
Dogs care more about:
- Stability
- Cleanliness
- Temperature
than fibre height.
That said:
- 35mm feels slightly plusher when lying down
- 25mm feels firmer but still comfortable
For elderly dogs, cushioning may matter slightly more.
UK Weather Considerations
Given the UK’s damp climate:
- Faster drying can be beneficial
- Good drainage is essential
- Professional installation is critical
25mm can offer marginally better drying speed in shaded gardens.
However, in well-installed systems, both are suitable all year round.
Eco Considerations
Pile height itself does not determine environmental impact.
What matters is:
- Backing technology
- Recyclability
- Fossil fuel dependency
- Product lifespan
ARTTRAGrass® is available in both 25mm and 35mm and features:
- 100% recyclable bio-backed green backing
- Reduced fossil fuel reliance
- Lower carbon footprint
- Non-toxic construction
The eco advantage applies to both options.
Cost Difference Between 25mm and 35mm
Generally:
- 35mm may cost slightly more due to increased fibre volume
- Installation costs are similar
Price differences are usually minor compared to base preparation costs.
Choosing based on performance needs is more important than minor price variation.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose 25mm if:
- You have multiple dogs
- Your garden is high traffic
- Practicality matters most
- You want easier cleaning
Choose 35mm if:
- You want a more natural lawn appearance
- Your garden is shared by children and pets
- Aesthetic finish matters
- Dog use is moderate
Both are excellent when properly installed.
The Most Important Decision Isn’t 25mm vs 35mm
It’s this:
- Is the turf non-toxic?
- Is the backing permeable?
- Is the installation done correctly?
- Is the system environmentally responsible?
Pile height is secondary to product quality.
Why ARTTRAGrass® Offers Both Options
Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, ARTTRAGrass® provides:
- 25mm for heavy-duty practicality
- 35mm for premium aesthetic finish
- 100% recyclable bio-backed green backing
- Reduced fossil fuel dependency
- Designed for UK families with pets and children
The technology remains consistent — only the fibre height changes.
Need Help Deciding?
The best way to choose is through:
- Usage assessment
- Garden layout review
- Drainage evaluation
- Lifestyle considerations
Request a free consultation and we’ll help you decide whether 25mm or 35mm is the better long-term investment for your home.
FAQs: 25mm vs 35mm Artificial Grass for Dogs
1. Is 25mm or 35mm artificial grass better for dogs?
25mm is slightly more practical for heavy use; 35mm offers a softer look and feel.
2. Does 35mm artificial grass smell more?
No. Odour depends on drainage, not pile height.
3. Is 25mm easier to clean?
Yes, slightly — due to shorter fibres.
4. Is 35mm softer for dogs?
Yes, marginally.
5. Which lasts longer?
Both last 10–15+ years when properly installed.
6. Is there a big cost difference?
Usually minimal.
7. Is 25mm better for multiple dogs?
Often yes, due to practicality.
8. Does pile height affect drainage?
Not directly — backing and sub-base are more important.
9. Can puppies use either?
Yes, both are safe when non-toxic.
10. Which looks more realistic?
35mm typically looks more like a natural lawn.
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