Have you checked out concrete lately? It’s a far cry from that boring, ugly, cracked square your grandparents (maybe even your parents) had in their backyard! Concrete went out of style for good reasons. But it’s back, in a big way, because there’s nothing boring or ugly about today’s concrete. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your artificial turf.
So grab a notepad and fire up your imagination, as we reveal just some of the ways you can blend concrete and artificial grass to modernize your landscaping and outdoor living spaces.
- First things first. If you’re currently stuck with a crummy patio that’s seen better days, don’t despair. Transform that bad boy into an instant lawn by covering it with lush, vibrant artificial grass. You can expand it to be larger or a different shape than the original patio, and no one will ever know. Talk about instant upgrade – with virtually no upkeep required. Then put your mind to designing a new patio space that fits your space and your lifestyle. What size and shape should it be? This patio sizing chart will help you choose.
- Love the look of flagstones but hate how easily they break? You can achieve the same look with concrete – the slightly varied colorations of natural stone, the textured surface, the irregular edges.
- And speaking of texture, concrete can be stamped to create surfacing that looks like brick or features raised patterns of flowers, dragonflies, ladybugs, or other garden favorites.
- Prefer the look of wood? Concrete planks can look just like wood, too, without the risk of rot or insects. Lay them horizontally for the traditional look of decking, or lay them in a sophisticated herringbone or chevron pattern.
- Or maybe you want to retain the traditionally smooth surface of concrete – without a look that says “garage floor.” Think color. Not paint that scuffs and peels off, but stain that’s mixed right into the concrete. Customize the shade to match or contrast with your home’s exterior colors. Choose a neutral color such as sandstone, gray, or even charcoal, then jazz it up with boldly patterned furnishings or a riot of colorful flowers in pots or beds. Keep in mind that lighter shades will make your space look larger, darker shades can make a space seem cozier.
- Create a water feature – a fountain, recirculating stream, waterfall, or pond. Add some real (or decorative concrete) boulders and river rock and prepare to enjoy the soothing sight and sound of water.
- Bring a little whimsy to your garden pathways with a “crazy quilt” mosaic of different color concrete stepping stones.
- Backyard hearths for cooking and heating are hotter than ever. Build an upscale outdoor kitchen, a seating area with a gas or electric fireplace, a fire pit for the gang to gather round, or simply add a cozy chiminea. Just be sure they’re surrounded by concrete flooring, to protect your artificial grass from errant sparks or coals.
- Build permanent outdoor seating atop low concrete walls. Or build planters that double as outdoor room dividers.
- Show off your sustainable side with permeable pavers for your driveway or walkways. Combine concrete squares and sections of artificial grass to create a checkerboard, or create a different pattern such as windowpane, diamond, or a stylized sunburst. Minimalist linear designs are trending right now. On the other hand, you can do virtually anything with both concrete and artificial grass, so if curves are your thing, we say go for it.
No matter the size of your yard or your lifestyle, there are innumerable ways to combine decorative concrete and artificial grass to create outdoor spaces you’ll love. Which project will you choose first?
