Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on Decking? A Complete Guide
If you want to know if you can lay artificial grass on deck flooring, the answer is yes, you can lay fake turf on decks. The most important factors to take into account when laying artificial grass on decking will be discussed in this piece. We’ll talk about the pros and cons, the best ways to install fake grass, and how to choose the best artificial grass for decking. By the end, you’ll know that artificial grass can be laid on decking and what you need to know to decide if putting fake grass on your deck is the best thing for your garden.
Top 5 Reasons to Lay Artificial Grass on Decking
There are several potential advantages to installing artificial grass surfaces on top of decking:
Convenience
You will always find it looking green and inviting, ready for you to take a break. People walk on this kind of grass all the time, so it’s great for places outside that are always busy. Don’t worry about it getting stepped on or worn down fast. With this easy method, you can enjoy nature right at your front door.
Low Maintenance
When you put down fake grass, you won’t have to do any of the work that comes with real grass. You don’t have to cut the grass, water it, or feed it. You won’t be taking care of the yard on the weekends. It only needs to be cleaned every so often. This makes it a great choice for people who want a nice outdoor area but don’t want to do all the work.
Consistent Appearance
Your artificial lawn always looks great, no matter what time of year it is. It stays green and fresh all year, even when it’s dry or rough outside. It won’t fade or turn brown like real grass does. This consistent look makes sure that your outdoor area always looks nice and well-kept.
Kid and Pet-Friendly
It’s soft and safe, making it a perfect play area. For kids and pets, there is no risk of getting hurt on the hard surfaces. Also, some kinds of fake grass have been treated with antimicrobials to make it even safer for your family.
Enhanced Deck Appearance
Using high-quality synthetic grass can transform your wooden deck. The lush greenery brings a cohesive look to your outdoor space, making it more inviting and stylish. It’s an easy way to upgrade the look of your deck.
Potential Downsides to Consider
However, installing artificial turf on decking also comes with a few downsides to consider:
Heat retention on the surface
On hot, sunny days, the synthetic grass surface laid on top of wooden decking tends to get warmer than if it was installed at ground level. Using certain fiber technologies like PE thatch helps mitigate this issue.
Needs occasional cleaning
While minimal, occasional maintenance is required in the form of regularly removing leaves, and debris and hosing down the surface to prevent odor buildup.
Choosing the Best Artificial Grass for Decks
With many types of artificial grass carpets on the market, focus on options featuring qualities ideal for deck installations:
- Low pile heights: Low-pile, compact turf with thin blades keeps heat from building up and makes it easy to clean and drain between deck boards below.
- Durable fibers: Opt for soft yet durable artificial grass in Abu Dhabi so that its surface can withstand the intense sunlight of UAE and all kinds of foot activity.
- Stain/UV/mold resistant: Look for varieties that have been treated to resist mold, mildew, stains, and color fading caused by UV rays. This will help them stay fresh-looking for years.
- Antimicrobial options: Certain products incorporate antimicrobial compounds into the grass fibers/backing to prevent odor issues stemming from bacteria and microbes when pets use the space.
Tips for Proper Installation
When installing fake grass over decking, adhere to certain best practices for optimal results:
- Deck boards should be sturdy enough to resist bending or warping with the added weight of infills and artificial turf backing.
- Make sure there are enough gaps between the boards and a drainage slope so that water can flow off the deck and not pool on top of it.
- Putting a fake grass pad or woven geotextile cloth under the grass stops weeds from growing, lets water drain, and absorbs shock.
- Use the right latex-based glue or staple gun method to securely attach turf fabric around the edges so that the lines don’t rip, shift, or lift.
- Spread and comb through infill granules like sand and rubber at recommended rates across the entire grass area. It will help adhere to the grass and ensure that the blades are held upright evenly.
Conclusion
Now, you know the answer if someone asks you if artificial grass can be laid on the deck. A beautiful addition to any deck space can be made by laying top-quality artificial grass, especially for deck use. If you install artificial grass correctly, making sure to check for structural integrity, drainage, and adhesion to deck boards, it can be a lush and convenient option for real grass.
Just be ready to make the initial investment and do the upkeep that’s needed from time to time to avoid problems like too much heat, smells, or rippling. If you take care of your artificial grass deck, you can enjoy it for many years.