Having a precious outdoor space is a plus to any home, but if you live in an apartment or high-rise, having that same grassy area becomes a little tricky. Fortunately, artificial grass has quickly become an easy way to replicate that homey feeling right on your balcony. The next problem, however, comes with choosing the best artificial grass for your needs.
The best artificial grass for balconies depends on the user’s needs. There are some grasses meant for pet relief, while others are more multipurpose. When looking for artificial grass, you’ll also need to consider its look, feel, and durability. Ideally, you want a grass that looks and feels like real grass and can endure outdoor conditions.
In the remainder of this article, we’ll discuss how you can choose the best artificial grass for your balcony in more detail, as well as offer recommendations for highly-rated options.
Why Install Artificial Grass on Balconies?
Artificial grass is a great way to add some color and style to your space, especially if you live in an apartment or high-rise that has no access to greenery nearby. There are many different reasons you may want to install artificial grass on a balcony, including:
- For Aesthetics: Green grass gives life to dreary outdoor spaces. Once the grass is down, you can add furniture, lights, and a few living plants to create a gorgeous space for relaxing and entertaining.
- To Cover Up: The flooring on balconies is usually quite bland or unsightly. Artificial grass can cover up stains, cracks, or plain cement. Once in place, no one will ever know what is underneath.
- For Pets: Artificial grass is an excellent way for pet owners living in apartments to let their dogs relieve themselves without having to trek downstairs. It also gives your dog, cat, or other pet an outdoor space they can explore.
What to Look for in Artificial Grass
Although it’s all “fake grass,” not all artificial turfs are really the same. Depending on how you plan to use it and the climate of your location, one type of turf may be a better choice for you than another.
There are a few things that you should consider when picking out your new artificial grass:
- Texture: You can select firmer blades or softer. Softer turf is more enjoyable to walk on but is more easily crushed down.
- Density: Typically, you want to have a higher density of strands per square foot. The lower the density is, the sparser and fake it will look. However, keep in mind, the higher the density of the grass, the higher the price tag may be.
- Length: The length of the grass doesn’t matter very much. Most strands of turf will be around one inch high. Even if you like the look of longer grass, you will be looking straight down on it most of the time and won’t be able to tell the difference.
- Material: Artificial grass is made from synthetic materials. There are three main types of artificial turf:
- Nylon (most expensive) – best for high temperatures and high use
- Polyethylene (moderate cost) – has a more natural look and a soft touch
- Polypropylene (cheapest option) – less durable under the pressure of feet and furniture
For most homeowners, polyethylene is the best choice. It combines durability with softness and is more affordable than nylon.
- Durability: Speaking of durability, if you live somewhere that gets high summer temperatures, be sure to purchase a grass with high durability or is made with nylon or polyethylene; otherwise, your lawn might melt!
- Toxicity: Synthetic materials can be toxic to children and pets. Be sure to check the label to find out if it is safe for everyone who will be using it.
- Infill: Some turfs require rubber pellets or other material to be filled in between the blades; this helps the strands to stand up, giving it a more realistic look. The downside to infill is that it can be messy with rubber bits traveling into your home.
- Style: Artificial grass comes in different styles. There are rugs, rolls, and patches. Depending on the shape and size of your balcony, one form may fit better than the others.
- You can purchase rugs in different dimensions; this is a great option if you only want a portion of your balcony covered in grass.
- Rolls are meant to cover more areas; you can trim them to fit into nooks and crannies.
- Patches give you more control over where the grass goes but are also more time consuming to install.
While the look and feel of artificial grass may be the most important features to consider, keeping these other factors in mind will help ensure that your balcony’s new lawn fits your space and lasts a long time.
The Best Artificial Grass for Balconies
The following are some highly-rated artificial grass options best fit for balconies (to be found on Amazon.com):
Petgrow Grass Rug
This rug comes in a range of sizes; it is high density with multiple colors, which creates a realistic look and feel. It is made with a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene material that is UV resistant. It is also easy to clean and has drainage holes to prevent standing water.
Features: 1.37-inch blade height, four-tone pattern, 10-year warranty
iCustom Rug Thick Turf Rug
This is a grass rug that requires no installation; simply lay it down where you want your grass to be. It is available in different sizes to fit your space. The edges are finished with carpet binding tape, so your grass will never fray. The material is mildew-resistant and can be cleaned with a simple hose spray.
Features: 1.25 inch blade height, 2-year warranty
MAYSHINE Artificial Grass
This is a thick and dense door mat that is multipurpose. It can be used as a doormat only, or you can get several and place them next to each other – perfect solution for a smaller balcony. It is durable, can handle extreme weather and is easy to clean.
Features: Soft and comfortable with non-slip bottom
LITA Premium Artificial Grass
Created from a synthetic blend, this turf is UV resistant with extreme density. There are different sizes to choose from, and larger pieces can be cut to fit your balcony’s space.
Features: 1 3/8 inch blade height, four-tone pattern, suitable for kids and pets
Juvale Fake Grass Patch
These patches come in a pack of four; each square is 1 ft x 1 ft. You can lay multiple packs down to cover a larger balcony. It is backed with a non-slip surface, so they stay in place.
Features: natural look, lower cost, suitable for kids and pets
AGOOL Grass Rug
With many sizes and weights to choose from, you can find an AGOOL grass rug that works for you. The double rubber backing makes it more durable than other similar turfs.
Features: 1.38 inches blade height, non-toxic, 10-year warranty
Altruistic Premium Extra-Heavy and Soft Mat
This is a high-density grass that can withstand foot traffic. It is recommended that you infill it to keep the blades standing, but it is not required.
Features: 1 3/8 inches, 10-year warranty
Final Thoughts on the Best Artificial Grass for Balcony
Artificial grass can take a boring balcony and turn it into a private resort or provide relief for your pets. However, choosing the right type of grass is important.
Since this vibrant green façade will be outside, the grass you choose should at least be able to endure the sun, rain, and maybe even snow. The hardiness of the grass also needs to be balanced with the feel.
In summary, as long as you keep in mind the various features artificial grass has, you’re sure to find an option that perfectly fits your balcony’s style and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put fake grass on a balcony?
You can put fake grass on a balcony. The great thing about artificial grass is that it barely requires any maintenance and is relatively cheap compared to a real lawn.
Simply brush it every few days to keep it looking its best. But remember, even the most beautiful artificial grass needs a good cleaning once in a while.
Which artificial grass is best for balcony?
It depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the balcony, the geographic location, the amount of sunlight it receives, and the budget of the homeowner. That said, some types of artificial grass may be better suited for use on a balcony than others.
How do you maintain artificial grass on a balcony?
The artificial grass on your balcony doesn’t need to be brushed daily, but it will help remove dust and dirt. Brushing the grass will also keep it looking good. You can also use a standard vacuum cleaner to clean it, if necessary. Finally, use water and a damp cloth to clean the grass every now and then.
How to lay artificial grass on balcony?
First of all, you need to determine the size of the area that you want to cover. Once the dimensions are known, purchase the necessary amount of turf.
Next, the surface of the balcony must be cleaned and cleared of any debris or obstructions. After that, a layer of adhesive should be applied to the surface of the balcony.
The artificial grass can then be carefully laid on top of the adhesive (you may need to cut it to size first) – make sure to press it firmly into place. You might also need to fasten the edges so that they won’t become trip hazards.
After laying the artificial grass, don’t forget to brush the area afterward to bring out the elegance of the grass.
Is artificial grass good for balcony?
Artificial grass is a great option for balcony landscaping. It can be used to add color and style to an otherwise boring urban space, and it almost doesn’t require any maintenance. You can lay it out on your balcony without any hassle, and it won’t sink your shoes or attract bugs.
Another advantage of artificial grass for balconies is that it can be kept clean all year round. You don’t need to worry about it getting muddy, as it doesn’t require water. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt.
However, when installing artificial grass on a balcony, you need to consider its drainage. It is important to keep the floor clean so water will not pool under the turf.
What are the cons of artificial grass?
There are a few drawbacks to using artificial grass. First, it can be expensive, but the cost is still much lower than real grass. Second, it doesn’t have the same natural feel as real grass. And third, it tends to get too hot in the sun.
In addition, because it is not biodegradable, it prevents rainwater from percolating into the soil. This might not be a problem if you tend to use it on a balcony, but in that case, you need to consider its drainage.
Does artificial grass go moldy?
There is some debate over whether artificial grass can grow mold. The main argument against the possibility of mold is that synthetic turf is non-porous, meaning that water and air cannot penetrate the surface.
However, there are some cases where artificial grass has been shown to grow mold, so it is not fully clear-cut.
Do you notice black patches on your artificial lawn? If so, it’s probably a symptom of mold and moss.
To avoid mold, clean your grass frequently. Aside from regular brushing, you could also vacuum your artificial grass once a week.
Hard water can trap moisture on the grass, which can promote the growth of mold and algae. You could therefore try to use a dehumidifier to keep the moisture away from your artificial grass.
