Transforming Rooftop Gardens with Artificial Grass: Real Life Inspiration

Using artificial grass to transform your rooftop garden, balcony garden, or roof terrace can be a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and eye-catching way to enhance your outdoor area. DIY rooftop gardens are a great way to maximise sought-after space in urban environments, and look luscious all year round, needing very little upkeep. Our handy guide to planning your own landscaped sky garden also includes roof garden ideas and real-life inspiration to help you create a show-stopping centrepiece, even in the smallest of outdoor spaces.

Why Artificial Grass is Perfect for Rooftop Gardens

Artificial grass is famously functional, easy to install and look after, and can instantly elevate the look of the space thanks to its year-round greenery and manicured finish. It’s also ultra practical, as you’ll never need to irrigate, mow, re-seed or fertilise it, saving you time and water, plus it’s pet-friendly for dog owners and homes with children. What makes artificial grass ideal for rooftop gardens is that it’s more lightweight than real turf, can enhance drainage, and opting for heat-proof materials means it can be safely used all year round.

Benefits for Urban Spaces 

Garden roof areas are a great space-saving way to maximise your usable outdoor area, particularly if you live in a city or have limited garden space. From flats with balconies to larger communal roof areas, installing faux turf can open up the space and create an inviting al fresco experience to be used in all seasons. 

Addressing Weight & Drainage Concerns  

Before embarking on a DIY rooftop garden, it’s important to assess the safety of the space, consider how the drainage will work, and consider the impact of any additional weight. Balconies and existing terraces will already have an approved weight-bearing limit to guide you, and artificial grass can be more lightweight than slabs, tiles, decking or real turf. At Grass247, we always state the product weight on our website to make your calculations easier. If you have a flat roof which you’d like to convert into a terrace, it’s vital to consult a structural engineer before starting your conversion, as the roof’s structural integrity may need bolstering. For this, you’ll need safety railings, access, and building regulations approval, as well as planning permission. 

Remember that with any project, it’s essential to ensure adequate drainage to avoid water pooling on the roof and risking damage or collapse. That said, keep in mind that if your current surface struggles with poor drainage that leads to pooling, water can still pool if artificial grass is laid on top, despite the drainage holes across the backing. This is often due to compact sub-base layers or an insufficient slope.

Low Maintenance Appeal 

One of the best things about installing artificial grass is that it needs very little upkeep, and you’ll never need to mow it. Many people get rid of their mower and strimmer altogether, saving essential space, and you can simply brush and spot clean areas to help it stay vibrant. It’ll never look patchy, yellow in dry seasons, or muddy in the wet. One of the biggest benefits of artificial grass vs natural grass is that it’s much more practical for rooftop gardens and balconies, as it’s lighter and easier to install and maintain. Our range of realistic artificial grasses gives you a natural feel and look, but without all the work.

Rooftop Garden Ideas with Artificial Grass

With a wide range of colours, styles and densities on offer, the trend for modern artificial grass shows no signs of slowing down. From creating a jungle-inspired urban balcony to a pet-friendly space, children’s play area, BBQ spot, or an adults-only oasis of calm, here are some stylish roof terrace ideas to inspire your project.

Roof Terrace Makeovers 

By adding artificial grass to your roof garden or terrace, you can give it an instant lift without breaking the bank. Our budget range includes realistic fibres, to kitsch kid-friendly greenery to add a pop of colour, or even newly-mown styles which wouldn’t look out of place at Wimbledon. Whether it’s a seating area or a space for cooking or enjoying the great outdoors, artificial grass is a versatile flooring solution which is durable and long-lasting, even in shady spots or full sun. Try adding real plants in pots to create dappled shade and a sense of greenery, or add contemporary outdoor furniture for a focal point. Opting for a UV-resistant artificial lawn will also mean that pets and people can walk on it safely on sunny days.

Stylish Roof Garden Ideas for Small Spaces 

If space is at a premium, roof terrace ideas to maximise small gardens include using hanging baskets, window boxes or wall-mounted tubs, and go for minimalism or ‘vertical gardening’ techniques to incorporate trellis plants, or even artificial flower walls, which don’t require bulky pots. Opt for small footprint or foldable furniture, add mirrors to reflect the light, and carefully choose any small outdoor accessories, such as retro gnomes or small water features, to add interest whilst freeing up floor space. 

Combining Artificial Turf with Potted Plants 

A garden roof terrace or balcony is a great opportunity to almost create an additional garden room, which can be enhanced by adding real plants and foliage to break up any hard lines. Artificial grass blends seamlessly with real plants in pots, and you can get creative with flower beds and different lawn shapes to draw the eye towards the end of the garden. Herb gardens are a great solution as they smell fragrant yet save space, or choose evergreen varieties if you’d prefer a low-maintenance solution. If you’re more green-fingered, you could install raised beds to grow vegetables in your new garden, or even add mini fruit trees in pots to create your own mini allotment in the middle of the city.

Real UK Rooftop Garden Transformations

Whether you want an outdoor area to relax and sunbathe, cook with the family, or let the kids and pets exercise in all seasons, artificial grass can make it possible. Here are some practical roof garden ideas to inspire your balcony or terrace makeover.

Roof Terrace Turned Relaxing Green Oasis

If you want to use the garden year-round, think about finding gazebos, pergolas or pavilions, which can add much-needed shade in the summer as well as a light rain cover for damp weather. A non-permanent structure will be lighter, less bulky and potentially cheaper than a permanent one, and you won’t need planning permission for it. Modular outdoor furniture and sofas are timelessly stylish and comfortable, and you could even incorporate a mix of decking or patio tiles alongside your artificial grass to create different areas. Carefully placed pots with flowers add a splash of colour, as do scatter cushions, and using a portable fire pit to cook on can save space compared to larger BBQs.

Chillout Rooftop Zone 

When looking at garden roofing ideas, there’s no need to dampen your creativity even if you’ve only got a small space. Using artificial grass in sections, with stylish wooden edging, can make the space seem larger and more versatile, and adding wall-hanging decoration and solar lighting can enhance any drab fence. Think about screening, not only for privacy but to help your garden look its best, and you can further customise your terrace based on your family’s interests. Artificial grass or wood chippings are a great base for children’s play areas, and some of our keen golfers have even created their own mini putting green on their roof garden.

Rooftop Balcony Garden Bliss

Who says balconies have to be boring? A top tip is to make use of any existing features and incorporate them into the space. Grow real climbing plants around posts, or buy artificial garlands, and don’t forget your outdoor lighting, too. A retractable awning can be a cost-effective way to create shelter from sun or rain, and by keeping furniture to a minimum, you can maximise your floorspace for use year-round. A mix of real and faux plants works well on balconies, particularly if they become very hot in summer or are north-facing, and remember that artificial grass is quick and easy to clean if pets make a mess or you have any spills during al fresco dining.

DIY Rooftop Garden Installation Tips

Although many different types of artificial grass can be used on rooftop terraces, there are certain styles to look for which will be better suited to the space. 

Choosing the Right Artificial Grass 

Generally, experts recommend using artificial grass with a lower pile height for roof gardens. This is not only to save on extra weight and potential costs, but to help the lawn look more realistic in a smaller space. Choosing a medium to high-density lawn can also help it feel more comfortable and lifelike, as well as last longer. If possible, always opt for a heat-resistant lawn to avoid fading and to allow people and pets to use it safely in hot summers.

Prepping the Roof Surface 

It’s best to consult a professional before installing artificial grass on a roof terrace to ensure the space can safely accommodate the extra weight, but once you’re given the go-ahead, it’s essential to prepare the surface to make sure the drainage is effective.

First, you’ll have to remove any existing turf to create space for drainage, and add a special drainage layer to encourage water to flow away from the surface and doorway. It’s also recommended to add a weed membrane. If you’re simply laying artificial grass over existing decking or patio slabs, this can create a sturdy base in itself, but you’ll still need a layer in between, such as a special drainage mat, to prevent water pooling. 

Installation & Safety Tips 

• Be sure to think about drainage before you start, to ensure the safety and integrity of the space.
  
• It can be helpful to choose a heat-resistant artificial grass to avoid bleaching or scalding in the heat.
  
• Don’t forget to think about shading, screening and outdoor lighting for your new garden. 
  Some products require underlay, whereas others may not. Our friendly team at Grass247 can advise you.
  
• Not all balconies are covered under permitted development in the UK, especially if they’re very high up, so you may need permission to make any major changes.
  
• You may wish to get a professional installer to put in your artificial grass, but if you’d rather do it yourself, don’t forget to read our measuring and fitting guide.

Find the Right Artificial Grass for Your Rooftop Garden

When it comes to great garden roofing ideas, artificial grass has to be the easiest to look after and the most practical to install. We recommend choosing a realistic-looking yarn if you’d like your garden to look natural, and don’t forget that adding real plants and flowers can further enhance the effect. Start planning your new rooftop oasis by ordering your Artificial Grass samples today from Grass247.

With exceptional customer service to support you in choosing the ideal product for your space, through to our best price guarantee and fast, free UK delivery on all orders over £249, you won’t have to look anywhere else to find your perfect lawn.

FAQs about Garden Roof Projects

Can you build a garden on any roof?

Not all flat roof spaces are designed to be walked on, so you’ll need a structural engineer to assess their suitability first. Balconies, however, can easily be transformed into mini gardens using artificial grass. Be sure to check with your local authority first if you’ll need planning permission for this.

How long does artificial grass last on a roof terrace?

A high-quality artificial lawn can last up to 20 years, depending on the product and how well it’s looked after. Choosing artificial grass with UV protection can help preserve its shape, structure and colour.

How to start a roof garden?

Your available space will determine how large your roof garden can be, but that doesn’t mean your design ideas have to be small! Think about what you most want from the space – whether it’s an area to relax, for pets and children to play, or if you’re going to grow plants and flowers. Once a professional has assessed any weight limitations, you can install your drainage system and add artificial grass on top. Choose raised beds, climbers or hanging plants to save space, and you can customise walls, fences or posts to accessorise your garden and make it unique.