Artificial Grass for Balconies
A balcony is a hard, grey slab by default. A neat layer of artificial grass turns it into a soft green space you actually want to step out onto, with no soil, no digging and no mess.
Flat balconies are one of the easiest and most rewarding places to use artificial grass. There is no lawn to dig out and no sub-base to build; the grass simply lays over the existing hard floor. The result is a warmer, softer, greener surface underfoot that transforms a concrete or tiled balcony into somewhere pleasant to sit, barefoot and all.
Because balconies are compact, the material cost is modest and many people fit it themselves from a supply-only order. A few things matter more up here than in a garden, though: weight, drainage over a solid floor, cutting neatly to fit, and keeping it renter-friendly. This page covers them. For roof-level outdoor spaces, which behave differently, see roof terraces.
Over any hard floor
Lays straight onto concrete, tiles or decking, with no soil, no excavation and no base to build.
Cut to fit
Trimmed precisely around railings, posts, drains and planters for a tidy, tailored finish.
Drains freely
A permeable backing lets rain pass through to the existing floor drainage rather than pooling.
Laying grass over a hard balcony floor
A balcony needs no groundwork, because the structure is already there. The grass goes down over whatever the existing surface is, with the method tuned to it:
- Clean and clear first. Sweep the floor and clear any grit, moss or debris so the grass lies flat.
- Check the floor drains. Most balconies fall very slightly towards an edge or a drainage channel. Lay the grass so water can still reach that outlet.
- Consider an underlay. A thin foam shockpad adds comfort underfoot and evens out a rough or slightly uneven floor, though on a small, smooth balcony the grass can go down directly.
- Cut to the exact shape. The grass is trimmed to the slab and notched around railings, posts, taps and drains.
On most balconies the grass does not need gluing down across the whole floor. Its own weight, a tidy cut to the edges and, where wanted, double-sided tape or a bead of adhesive at the perimeter hold it securely.
Weight, drainage and protecting the slab
Two things set a balcony apart from a garden: it is a suspended structure, and the floor underneath does not absorb water. Both are easily managed.
- Weight: artificial grass is light, only a few kilos per square metre, and does not add meaningful load on its own. Where a balcony really needs care is heavy planters, furniture or infill; on a balcony we generally avoid sand infill and let the grass sit without it.
- Drainage: rain must still reach the balcony's existing drain or edge. A permeable grass backing passes water straight through, so as long as you do not block the outlet, it drains as the balcony always did.
- Protecting the floor: on a waterproofed or tiled balcony, avoid trapping water underneath. Lifting the grass occasionally to let the floor dry, and not sealing the whole perimeter airtight, keeps the slab healthy.
A good choice for renters
Balcony grass suits rented flats particularly well because it need not be permanent. Laid loose or fixed only with removable double-sided tape, it can be lifted, rolled up and taken with you when you move, leaving the original floor untouched. There is no digging, no fixings drilled into the structure and nothing that alters the property. If your tenancy allows outdoor changes at all, a loose-laid grass covering is about as low-commitment as it gets, though it is always worth a quick check with your landlord or managing agent first.
Choosing the right grass for a balcony
Up on a balcony, a few product choices differ from a garden lawn. A medium pile of around 25 to 35mm feels soft without being so long it flattens in a small, well-used space. Colour matters because you see a balcony close up and often from above, so a natural multi-tone green with brown thatch looks far better than a flat, uniform green. And because the whole area is in view, the neatness of the cut around railings and the edge detail does more for the finish than anything else. Order a physical sample and look at it in daylight before buying the lot.
Benefits and considerations
Benefits
- No soil, digging or sub-base, as it lays over the existing floor
- Turns a hard concrete or tiled slab into a soft green space
- Lightweight, adding little load to the structure
- Drains freely through a permeable backing to the balcony outlet
- Can be loose-laid and lifted again, ideal for renters
- Warm and pleasant underfoot, even barefoot
Worth considering
- Water must still reach the balcony's drain, so do not block the outlet
- On waterproofed floors, let the surface dry out periodically to protect the slab
- In direct sun a balcony surface warms up and can feel hot underfoot
- Always check your tenancy or building rules before fitting, especially in a rented or leasehold flat
What a balcony costs
Balconies are small, so the total is usually modest even though the per-square-metre grass price is the same as anywhere. Many people fit it themselves and pay for materials only. Where it is fitted for you, the labour reflects the fiddly cutting around railings rather than any groundwork.
Key cost factors
- The size of the balcony, as most are only a few square metres
- The grade of grass chosen, typically from around £12 to £35 per m²
- Whether you add a foam underlay for comfort and levelling
- The amount of intricate cutting around railings, posts and drains
- Edge fixings such as double-sided tape or perimeter adhesive
- Supply-only versus a fitted finish
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Balconies are one of the most DIY-friendly places for it. There is no base to build; you clean the floor, cut the grass to shape around the railings and drains, and hold the edges with double-sided tape or a little adhesive. A supply-only order plus a sharp knife is usually all you need.
Not if it is laid sensibly. Use a permeable grass so water still drains, keep the balcony's outlet clear, and avoid sealing the whole perimeter airtight so the floor can dry. Lifting loose-laid grass occasionally to let the slab breathe keeps a waterproofed or tiled floor in good order.
Very much so. Loose-laid or fixed only with removable tape, balcony grass leaves no marks and can be rolled up and taken with you when you move. There is no drilling or digging. We would still suggest checking your tenancy agreement or with the managing agent first.
Usually not. Sand infill adds weight and can wash towards the drain on a hard floor, so on a balcony we generally leave it out and let the grass sit on its own. A shorter, denser pile stands up well without infill.
Through the grass and out the way it always did. A permeable backing lets water pass straight through to the balcony's existing fall and drainage outlet. The only rule is to keep that outlet clear and not block it with the grass or with planters.
A balcony is a smaller, enclosed slab, usually laid loose over the existing floor. A roof terrace is a larger, exposed deck where wind lift, a lightweight build-up and protecting the waterproofing membrane all need more planning. See our roof terraces page for that job.
Related services and guides
Want to green up your balcony?
Tell us the size of your balcony and the floor it has, and we will recommend the right grass and tell you whether it is a quick DIY job or one to fit for you.