Two warranties, two promises
The product warranty comes from the turf maker. It covers the material, typically against fading or fiber loss. The workmanship warranty comes from the installer. It covers the install: settling, open seams, lifted edges.
One does not cover the other. A product warranty will not fix a bad base. A workmanship warranty will not replace worn fiber. Ask who is responsible for what, and read both documents before you sign.
How long warranties run
SitePrep's cost guide ties warranty length to price tier: budget turf at 5 to 8 years, mid-range at 8 to 12 and premium at 15 to 20. Longer coverage usually comes with a higher price.
Ask whether any of the term is prorated. Under a prorated warranty you pay part of a replacement in the later years, so the headline number promises more than you would collect.
Thornton's 8-year benchmark
The City of Thornton's turf permit packet requires a minimum 8-year fading warranty. It also requires green turf, cut-pile infill, backing that drains at least 2 inches per hour and PFAS-free documentation. Outside Thornton, 8 years is a sound floor to compare against. See the Thornton permit page. Confirm the current version of the packet with the city.
Questions to ask
- Who issues it: the manufacturer, the installer or both?
- How long is it, and is any of it prorated?
- What is covered: fading, fiber loss, backing failure, seam failure, base settling?
- Does it pay for labor to replace turf, or only the material?
- Does it transfer if you sell the home?
- What must you do to keep it valid, such as brushing or approved cleaners?
- How do you file a claim, and who do you call?
Read the exclusions
Exclusions are where warranties differ most. Misuse, chemicals, fire and sharp objects are common carve-outs. Pets, heat and weather may be addressed too. Ask directly how the warranty treats hail, extreme heat and heavy dog use, and get the answer in writing.
Keep your paperwork
- Save the signed quote, product name and warranty documents.
- Photograph the finished job and note the install date.
- Ask whether the installer will register the warranty for you.
- Keep receipts for cleaners and infill top-ups.
Compare terms next to price
A cheaper quote with a short product term and no workmanship coverage can cost more over time than a higher one with documented long coverage. The installer checklist covers the other points to compare, and the cost guide explains why quotes differ. Ask us for the manufacturer warranty in writing for any product we propose.
How to compare two warranties side by side
Ask each company for its warranty in writing, then lay the documents next to each other. Check four things.
Who stands behind it, the manufacturer or the installer? What counts as a claim, and what do you have to do to file one? How does the coverage change over time, and does it step down after the first few years? And what does the warranty say about pets, heat and weather?
If a warranty is vague on any of those points, ask the company to spell it out before you sign. A good installer will answer plainly.
Common questions
How long is a typical artificial turf warranty?
SitePrep lists 5 to 8 years for budget turf, 8 to 12 for mid-range and 15 to 20 for premium. Terms vary by product.
Does a turf warranty cover pets?
It depends on the document. Some limit coverage for heavy pet use. Ask in writing before you buy.
Does Colorado require a turf warranty?
Thornton requires a minimum 8-year fading warranty for permitted turf. Rules vary by city, so check yours.
Sources
- SitePrep: artificial grass cost guide (2025)
- City of Thornton: Minor Planning Permit, Artificial Turf
Checked November 11, 2026. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm with the source before you decide.