Bring both to the same unit: price per m², incl. VAT. Then compare density, total weight and years of guarantee, and check whether the quote includes sub-base preparation, weed membrane, joints and fixing materials. Most of the price differences between installers lie in what doesn't appear in the headline figure.

Look at four figures together: density (stitches/m²), total weight (g/m²), dtex and years of colour guarantee. If the seller doesn't publish one of them, it's usually because it doesn't flatter their product. Physically, good-quality grass has at least three shades of fibre, brown thatch at the base, and the fibres spring back upright when you fold them by hand.

In Spain, any product sold to a consumer carries a 3-year statutory conformity guarantee. On top of that, the manufacturer offers a commercial guarantee against fading from UV exposure: from 5 years on entry-level ranges to 15 on high-end ones. In very sunny areas, such as the Mediterranean coast, it's best not to go below 10 years.

It depends on use. In a high-traffic area, the difference shows from the third year onwards: high-end fibre springs back upright and entry-level fibre doesn't. In a decorative area that's barely walked on, the difference is mostly aesthetic and may not be worth it. For a large, less visible surface, a well-installed mid-range grass performs better than a badly installed premium one.

Under the strong sun of southern Europe, very saturated greens give away straight away that the grass is artificial. Olive-based tones, a little more muted and grey-green, blend in better with Mediterranean gardens with pale gravel, olive trees or whitewashed walls. Indoors or in low-light areas, on the other hand, a brighter green looks more pleasant.

Yes, and it's well worth doing: no screen reproduces colour faithfully or lets you judge the feel. Order two or three samples and compare them in your own garden, at different times of day. The same grass looks very different at midday and at dusk.

In Spain, as a guide: €9 to 15/m² for entry-level, €15 to 25/m² for mid-to-high-range and €30 to 40/m² for top-of-the-range, always incl. VAT. Below €10/m² you're buying little fibre and short guarantees, which can be perfectly reasonable depending on the use.