Outdoor spaces like balconies and terraces are great for relaxing, entertaining, or simply getting some fresh air. But keeping these spaces green and lush can be a chore with natural grass. The frequent watering, mowing, and maintenance quickly become a headache.
Artificial grass offers an appealing, low-maintenance alternative to transform these outdoor areas into cozy green spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using artificial turf for balconies and terraces. You’ll learn why it’s an ideal solution, how it enhances your living space, installation tips, care and maintenance, real-life examples, and common concerns addressed.
Let’s start by understanding why artificial grass is gaining popularity for urban balconies and terraces.
Why Choose Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass has many advantages that make it perfect for balconies and terraces in city environments.
Low Maintenance
One of the biggest perks of artificial turf is the minimal upkeep required. There’s no need for regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, or treatment with pesticides and herbicides. You can enjoy lush green grass without any of the lawn care hassles.
Artificial grass is also resilient against heavy foot traffic, pets, and furniture. So it retains its fresh appearance despite daily use. This durability and low maintenance make artificial lawns an ideal choice for balconies and terraces that need to withstand high activity.
Year-Round Greenery
Natural grass turns brown and dormant as seasons change. But artificial grass keeps its vibrant green hue all year round, rain or shine.
Your balcony or terrace will maintain its welcoming, lively aesthetic appeal even during the winter months. The synthetic blades are UV-stabilized to prevent fading in harsh sunlight.
So you can expand your outdoor living space without having to deal with a “dead” lawn in certain seasons.
Durability
In addition to low maintenance, artificial turf is highly durable. It’s designed to handle years of heavy foot traffic from people, pets, and furniture. The sturdy synthetic blades bounce back without showing signs of wear and tear.
Artificial grass can also withstand exposure to extreme weather. From downpours and storms to snow and ice, it retains its lush green appeal. Proper drainage under the turf prevents puddling.
This durability makes artificial grass ideal for high-traffic balconies and terraces exposed to the elements. Once installed properly, it will enhance these spaces for years to come without much upkeep.
Environmental Benefits
Choosing artificial grass over natural grass also brings some positive environmental impacts:
Water Conservation
Outdoor lawns require a great deal of water to stay lush and healthy. With cities facing frequent droughts and water shortages, maintaining grass lawns strains resources.
In a balcony or terrace setting, lugging gallons of water for daily lawn care can also become burdensome. Artificial grass eliminates this need entirely. It retains its fresh and vibrant look without any watering.
This helps conserve thousands of gallons of water annually that would otherwise go towards lawn maintenance. So you can do your part for water conservation by switching to an artificial lawn.
No Pesticides or Fertilizers
Growing real grass requires regular fertilizer for nutrients and pesticides/herbicides to control weeds. Runoff from these chemical treatments makes its way into local water systems, contaminating drinking water and polluting ecosystems.
In addition, these harsh chemicals get tracked indoors on shoes and paws, affecting indoor air quality.
With artificial grass, you avoid exposing yourself, pets, and the environment to these toxic treatments. It retains its flawless appearance free of any weeds or pests by design.
Making the switch to artificial turf promotes healthier natural environments. It also creates a safe, non-toxic outdoor oasis for relaxing and playing.
Health and Safety Advantages
Beyond the eco-friendly benefits, artificial grass offers health and safety perks too:
Allergy Reduction
For those with grass allergies, a natural lawn can trigger bothersome symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation. These allergies stem from pollen released by real grass, weeds, and related plants.
Synthetic grass blades do not contain or release any pollen. So allergic reactions are decreased dramatically when spending time on an artificial lawn versus natural grass.
With artificial turf, you can relax on your balcony without worrying about allergy flare-ups. It creates a hypoallergenic outdoor space for the whole family to enjoy.
Safe Play Area
The even, consistent synthetic blades of artificial grass form a soft, supportive surface underfoot. This makes artificial lawns a safe play space for children and pets alike.
There’s no risk of tripping on uneven ground or holes like you find with natural grass. Artificial turf provides reliable padding for kids’ playgrounds and pets’ play areas.
For urban balconies and terraces, this means creating a cushy play space for children and pets that keeps them safe from injuries. Tumbles and rough play on artificial grass are less likely to result in scrapes or broken bones.
So you can feel at ease letting your little ones and furry friends frolic on the artificial lawn without close supervision.
Aesthetic and Functional Appeal
When it comes to enhancing the look and function of your balcony or terrace, artificial grass offers many possibilities:
Versatility in Design
One great advantage of artificial grass is the many types available to match your space’s unique needs and style. Options range from short, dense piles perfect for pets to long, wavy blades that mimic lush meadows.
There are also numerous color variations, including realistic shades of green as well as blues, oranges, and reds for a bold pop of color.
With so many types of artificial grass, you can easily find the perfect look for your vision. It allows creating customized lawn spaces, whether you want a tidy golf course vibe or a cozy natural feel.
Space Transformation
Balconies and terraces often end up as blank, unused spaces since natural grass is impractical. With artificial turf, you can convert these outdoor areas into inviting green spaces perfect for relaxation and gatherings.
Even small balconies can be utterly transformed from dull concrete patches into mini gardens. Replace boring tiles with a welcoming expanse of flawless grass.
Use artificial turf to reclaim awkward side spaces and underused areas. Add some patio furniture, and you have a freshly minted outdoor living area perfect for morning coffee.
Enhanced Property Value
Improving your balcony or terrace’s aesthetic appeal with artificial grass also boosts your property’s value. Listings with attractive, well-kept outdoor spaces tend to generate greater buyer interest.
Photos of balconies and terraces sporting lush artificial turf will grab buyers’ attention much more than bare concrete. Surrounding inner-city homes with greenery also increases the desirability and value of the entire neighborhood.
So switching to artificial grass is an investment that can pay off handsomely when it comes time to sell your property. A minor upgrade that enhances “curb appeal” and marketability.
Installation Tips
Ready to install artificial grass and upgrade your balcony or terrace? Here are some helpful guidelines:
Preparing the Space
The first step is clearing the area and removing any existing flooring or vegetation. Eliminate weeds thoroughly.
Next, level the surface using broken stone, gravel, or concrete patch as needed. Compact and smooth out the ground.
Install edge restraints like bricks or garden edging around the perimeter to hold the artificial grass in place when complete.
Choosing the Right Grass
Consider your space’s sun exposure, drainage, foot traffic levels, and desired aesthetic when selecting artificial grass. Measure the area’s dimensions.
Purchase enough turf to cover the space with room to trim. Opt for perforated turf if drainage is a concern.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Installing artificial grass yourself is totally doable for small balcony or terrace spaces. But larger areas often benefit from professional installation.
Pros can properly gauge drainage needs, seamlessly join grass strips, and ensure a smooth finish. Consider pros for tricky shaped spaces and multi-level installations.
Either way, unroll the grass and trim to fit using a utility knife. Avoid pulling or stretching the turf. Use adhesive and seam tape at the joints between strips.
Secure the edges with landscaping nails and stakes. Add infill like sand for stability and a natural feel underfoot.
Maintenance and Care
While very low maintenance, artificial grass does require some minor care to keep it looking pristine:
Regular Cleaning
Remove dust and debris using a stiff brush. Spray down with a hose monthly avoiding harsh pressure. Spot clean spilled liquids like wine or food promptly.
Deep clean annually with a power washer on low pressure. Avoid abrasive brushes. Apply a bleach and water solution to disinfect.
Repair and Upkeep
Fluff high-traffic areas to prevent matting. Check for tears or openings along seams bi-annually. Re-adhere or patch as needed.
Groom the grass using a specialized rake to prevent pile from leaning or crushing. Add extra infill in patches that seem flattened.
Real-Life Examples
Already imagining the possibilities for your own balcony or terrace? Here are some real-life installations that showcase the transformative power of artificial grass:
Rooftop Oasis
Tara’s 10′ x 12′ city rooftop terrace was barren concrete and pebbles—not much use for relaxing outdoors. Installing synthetic turf turned this unused space into a welcoming green oasis with room for chairs, tables, and potted plants.
Now Tara has a beautiful spot to unwind after work and host weekend barbeques. The low maintenance is perfect for her busy schedule.
Play Area
Shelley’s condo has a modest 8′ x 10′ balcony. With two young kids, she wanted to turn it into a play space but natural grass wasn’t an option. Artificial turf provided a soft, green spot for the kids to play safely.
No more restless children confined inside—the artificial lawn gave them room to play games, picnic, or just roll around. And Shelley can hose it clean anytime.
Pet-Friendly Patio
Milo the dog was constantly tracking dirt and mud into Sara’s apartment from the bare concrete patio. Covering the 10′ x 15′ slab with artificial grass gave Milo a clean place to play outside.
Now he can’t track in dirt, and the sturdy turf stands up to his rough play. Sara got some patio furniture to complement the greenery for a cute hangout.
Before and After Photos
Seeing is believing when it comes to the impact artificial grass can have. Here are some before and after photos of real balcony and terrace makeovers:
The difference is clear! Artificial grass utterly transforms lifeless urban spaces into welcoming green oases.
Common Concerns Addressed
Despite its many perks, some homeowners still have reservations about artificial grass. Here are some common concerns addressed:
Cost Considerations
There’s no denying artificial grass represents an upfront investment. But over the lifetime of the turf, it saves hugely on water, maintenance, and labor.
Professionally installed expect roughly $6-$20 per square foot. DIY installation brings costs down to $2-$6 per square foot. Measure your space to estimate a total budget.
Compared to the endless costs of natural grass upkeep, most find artificial turf pays for itself within just a couple years. And it boosts property value for resale.
Environmental Impact
Some worry that artificial turf is bad for the environment as it’s non-biodegradable. But modern turfs are eco-friendly.
Many contain recycled plastics and sustainable components. Plus, they prevent water and chemical waste from natural grass care.
Artificial grass can be recycled once its usable lifespan of 15-25 years has ended. So it’s much greener than ongoing natural grass maintenance.
Conclusion
After reviewing the many benefits and real-world success stories, the appeal of artificial grass for urban balconies and terraces is clear. The low maintenance requirement, year-round green color, and durability make it ideal for these high-traffic outdoor spaces. Switching to synthetic turf also brings environmental, health, and safety perks by conserving water, reducing allergens, and preventing injuries.
Artificial grass installs easily, cares for itself, and instantly upgrades the look and enjoyment of your outdoor living area. Balconies and terraces no longer have to be wasted as blank slabs of concrete. They can become attractive green spaces for relaxation and play.
So if you’re ready to transform your balcony or terrace into an inviting oasis, artificial grass is the solution. Enjoy lush green aesthetics and soft underfoot comfort without the chore of mowing or watering.
It unlocks the full potential of your outdoor square footage for years to come and enhances the value of any property.
