DIY Guide · Balcony
Artificial grass on balconies and patios
No groundwork. No machinery. Laying artificial grass on a hard surface is one of the easiest DIY projects — as long as you do it right.
Laying artificial grass on a balcony or patio is fundamentally different from laying it in a garden. There's no excavation and no base build-up — but there are different challenges to consider: drainage, fixing and movement in the substrate. This guide takes you through the whole process.
Substrate: what works
Concrete, paving slabs, decking and felt roofing: all suitable as a base for artificial grass.
The only things that don't work: loose gravel, shingle or uncompacted soil — avoid these. Preparation: clean the surface thoroughly, removing grease, loose particles and algae (a pressure washer is ideal). Allow the surface to dry completely before installation.
Drainage: even on hard surfaces
Artificial grass on concrete is dense, but water still needs somewhere to go. Make sure there is sufficient fall on the surface (min. 1.5%) towards a drain or edge.
Check for: pools of standing water on the existing paving or concrete. If they don't clear by themselves within 30 minutes after rain, they won't clear with artificial grass on top either.
Temporary fixing (balconies up to ~20 m²)
Double-sided tape (at least 50 mm wide) around the perimeter and along any seams. Works well for most balconies and is reversible — the turf can be lifted again, e.g. in a rented flat.
Note: strong heat (40°C+) can weaken the tape. Test on an inconspicuous edge a few days before full installation.
Permanent fixing (patios >20 m² or heavy traffic)
Contact adhesive (PU-based artificial grass adhesive) for concrete/paving: long open time, strong permanent bond.
Method: turn the grass upside down, apply adhesive to both surfaces, wait 5–8 minutes until touch-dry, fold down and press firmly from the centre outwards to the edges. Along edges: use an aluminium trim with screws and plugs for concrete for a clean, visible finish.
Cutting and fitting
Measure the area precisely and cut with a sharp utility knife — never scissors. Always cut along the backing rows (not across the fibres). This gives a clean cut edge that doesn't fray.
Allow the turf to acclimatise for 1–2 hours before installation, especially in cold conditions — this makes fitting easier.
Maintenance on balconies and patios
Urban environments mean more dust and pollen. Brush more frequently than in a garden — around twice a month. Rinse regularly, particularly after barbecue season. Grease and carbon residue bind to infill sand and cause greying.
Check tape seams and edges twice a year and re-tape if necessary.
Download as PDF
Complete guide — ready to print or use offline
We're happy to answer questions directly
If anything in the guide is unclear, or you have a specific question about your project — give us a call. We're tradespeople, not salespeople.
Want us to handle the installation?
We offer complete installation — base preparation, laying and finishing. Contact us for a quote.