Designing a garden is an exciting project. Choosing between grass and a patio surface is often one of the biggest decisions we must make and it depends on factors such as lifestyle, homestyle, personal taste, and the garden's intended use.
For example, if you live in a dry climate, grass may require more watering, so a hard patio surface may be the most sustainable option. If you have young children or pets, then a large soft, lawn area might be preferable. If you enjoy entertaining guests, then a hard patio surface may be a more convenient place to set up your garden furniture, etc.
Budget also plays a key part in the decision-making process with such a project. Installing a patio can be more expensive than seeding a lawn, but ultimately, the best choice for your garden depends on your individual needs and preferences.
We’d advise that you at least consider your lifestyle, budget, and the environmental impact of different materials before you make a final decision.
In this article, we want to take a closer look at the pros and cons of some common material choices and highlight what we think are the best surfaces for garden furniture.
Is a real grass lawn best?
The big advantage grass has over a hard surface is its natural beauty. It provides a lush, green space that feels relaxing and vibrant.
In the summer, when we use our gardens most, it will stay significantly cooler underfoot than any hard surface, which is ideal for those with pets and/or young children.
It is the more eco-friendly option too (if you don’t mow it too short and too often) as it absorbs carbon dioxide, releases oxygen, and helps with water drainage.
A good patch of lawn is great for a kid's play area, picnic, or laying out on a blanket. It is also wildlife-friendly, which will attract birds, bees, insects, etc.
On the flip side, a lawn is maintenance intensive compared to a patio. It requires regular mowing, watering, and fertilising to keep it lush and green.
Plus, it is weather-dependent, something that can let us down in the UK. Even a lush green lawn can quickly turn muddy and patchy in heavy rain or go yellow/brown and dry in a drought.
Not to mention the damage that pets and kids can do. High footfall or what we like to call “diggy” paws can severely damage it, leading to those dreaded bare patches.
If you have allergy concerns then pollen from grass will be a potential issue too.
That said, we still think a lawn is a great option for families with kids and pets or anyone who enjoys a natural, park-like feel but doesn’t mind the regular maintenance.
Is a hard patio surface best?
A patio, whether it is on-trend porcelain tiles or an eco-friendly permeable paver, is the perfect space for entertaining, dining, BBQs and general summer relaxation with family and friends.
It will give you durable, low-maintenance functionality, and all that’s needed with most materials is a sweep-up and the occasional wash-down to keep it clean and looking great.
If it’s laid right (with adequate drainage) then you get no mud or puddles, and it remains accessible and usable in all conditions.
It will provide a stable surface for patio furniture that you can easily configure for outdoor gatherings, and it will withstand everything from summer BBQs to heavy winter foot traffic.
Solid surface patios also come in various materials and finishes so you can easily match the type to your home style and garden design.
On the downside, the majority of hard patio materials will get hot in direct sunlight, making them uncomfortable to walk on.
They’re also not as safe for children to play on, and if improperly installed, you can still get issues such as water pooling.
Maybe a combination of grass and patio?
Of course, that is why the majority of us go for a combination of lawn and patio, so we get the best of both worlds.
You have your grass area for relaxation, aesthetics, or play, then your patio area close to the house for outdoor dining, seating, or a BBQ setup.
Pathways can then be used to provide style and functionality and to blend different material "zones" seamlessly.
Of course, as we mentioned in our intro, the proportions of grass vs patio in a garden depend on your needs, lifestyle, and how you envision using the space.
As a general rule of thumb in a family garden, we would generally allocate space as follows:
-
Lawn
40-60% of grass area -
Patio
20-40% for the patio area -
Features
5-10% for other features such as paths, raised beds, fire pits, BBQs, water features and/or play equipment -
Plants
10-20% for trees, planting beds, flowers, etc
Garden sizes vary dramatically in the UK depending on location and property style.
However, if we take a classic 3-bed semi, then the average size garden is 100 square metres, so the above would translate as follows:
-
Grass
50 m2 for play and relaxation -
Patio
30 m2 dining and entertainment -
Features
10 m2 for design aesthetics and functionality -
Planting
10 m2 for aesthetics, wildlife, and creating a lush atmosphere
By combining a lawn with a solid surface patio area in our garden designs, we can create that balance of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental benefits.
The lawn provides us with a soft, natural surface, while the patio offers a hard, durable surface perfect for dining, entertaining, or creating a dedicated seating area.
Just like you would inside the home with different rooms, this enables you to build zones, giving you distinct areas for different activities, and preventing wear and tear on the lawn from heavy furniture or foot traffic, etc.
The patio will require minimal upkeep compared to the lawn, making it a practical choice for busy homeowners, and the combination of soft lush green grass and hard-structured surface will give the area visual interest and depth.
A patio can frame a lawn, highlighting its beauty and creating a sense of enclosure. And, of course, the design and size of the patio can be customised to complement the overall garden style and how you like to spend time in it.
In terms of the patio position and layout, you also need to factor in sunlight and privacy.
Try and create a combination of both sunny areas on the patio and shaded areas under trees or on the lawn.
You can position the patio to create a more private outdoor living space, while the lawn can offer a more open feel.
By carefully considering the size, shape, and placement of the lawn and patio, we can create a garden that is both beautiful to look at and functional to use.
For Lazy Susan, good garden design is all about balance and harmony. A perfect blend of landscaping (natural) and hardscaping (man-made).
What surface is best for garden furniture?
The best type of surface for garden furniture depends on several factors, including the type of furniture, the microclimate in your garden, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic preferences.
Our range can work on any surface with a few notes of caution:
1. Grass
You can put most types of furniture on grass but you do need to be careful, especially if it has rained recently.
You need to move it around regularly to prevent damage to the lawn, and materials such as wood are best not left on too long as they can absorb moisture and discolour.
That said you can temporarily place furniture on grass in the summer to create a relaxed and organic atmosphere, it will simply require some extra TLC to keep the grass healthy.
However, if you want to place your furniture somewhere cool and casual on a sunny day then our lightweight cast aluminium is the perfect choice as shown in the photo above.
2. Gravel
Unlike many solid surface patios, gravel gives excellent drainage, prevents water pooling, is low maintenance, and cost-effective.
It can be a stylish choice when paired with modern or rustic designs but when it comes to garden furniture, as with grass, a little caution is needed.
Furniture legs can be unsteady on loose gravel unless stabilised with pads, and you need to watch to ensure it is not gouging, chipping, or scratching the furniture as it is moved around.
Gravel also scatters over time and requires periodic replenishment and it is not the best surface for bare feet or for children to play.
That said it has a formal elegance and is great when paired with patio tiles for zoning the space and providing drainage. Plus, it fits with modern, rustic, or minimalist garden designs.
Our weather-resistant furniture will sit happily on gravel as in the photo above and if you do find it has scratched or chipped the paintwork, then you can easily repair it with one of our touch-up paints.
3. Porcelain/Ceramic Tiles
Porcelain and ceramic-style outdoor tiles are very much on-trend at the moment. They are durable, water-resistant, and available in a wide range of designs, colours, and finishes.
They provide a smooth and level surface that is ideal for all types of furniture, and they’re super easy to clean and maintain.
On the flip side, some types can become slippery when wet, posing a safety risk, and just like an indoor tile, they are prone to cracking under heavy loads or due to sudden temperature fluctuations.
Of course, installation must also be done properly with suitable pitch, fall, and drainage, so they can be costly and they require a solid foundation.
That said, we think they are perfect for setting up all types of patio furniture, dining, cooking, and entertaining.
They provide an elegant look that is great for both classical and contemporary spaces where style and ease of cleaning are the priorities.
4. Pavers
Pavers made from concrete, stone, or brick are still the most commonly used patio material and for good reason.
Extremely durable and stable, there is a huge amount of choice in terms of colour, style, etc, so they are versatile in design, and complement both traditional and modern gardens.
They are generally resistant to weathering and will have no problem with all types of garden furniture no matter the material or how heavy each piece is.
Much like tiles, good installation is critical though, so they can be expensive to install.
Where porcelain and ceramic tend to fair better is that it's easier to clean. Pavers tend to stain a little easier so it will require a jet wash and weed control, from time to time.
That said, they give a nice hard surface, which may not be comfortable for barefoot walking but is perfect for permanent outdoor furniture arrangements and high-traffic areas.
5. Decking
Wood or composite decking is a great middle ground between soft lawns and harder pavers/tiles. It provides a warm and inviting appearance, and a stable and level surface
While suitable for various furniture styles, caution is often required to ensure you don’t scratch the surface though.
Composite decking is low-maintenance and weather-resistant, and while real wood often looks better, it will require regular sealing, staining, or painting to keep it protected from the elements.
Both types can become slippery when wet, and composite options can be more expensive to install initially, however, that is generally offset by the significantly lower maintenance requirements over time.
Decking is great for creating a versatile setup where comfort and aesthetic appeal are important, and with our furniture, all our chairs and tables come supplied with screw-in plastic feet to protect the deck surface from scratches.
6. Artificial Grass
I’m not sure we would choose artificial grass over the real thing but we can appreciate that it is maintenance-free and always looks pristine, even when you let children or pets loose on it.
It is comfortable on bare feet, safe for pets and children to play, drains well, and it doesn’t get muddy. So you can see why many choose it.
That said, it can become hot in direct sunlight, has a much higher upfront cost compared to natural grass, and we just don’t like the fake grass look if we’re being brutally honest.
However, if ease of maintenance is a priority, or if you want it on say a shaded or balcony area where grass won't grow, then it is a great surface to set up garden furniture without too many issues.
You won’t need to move it around as much as you would on a real lawn but think of it like a carpet.
If you leave anything on it for some time, it can create an indentation, so just be mindful of that and move it a few cm here and there every so often.
Our final thoughts on grass vs patio…
Pavers and decking will give you stability and longevity, so they are ideal for a heavy or permanent furniture set-up.
If it's for casual use such as a summer party or you just want something that’s budget-friendly, then gravel or grass works well but will require some compromises in terms of stability and maintenance.
Porcelain or ceramic tiles are stylish, easy to maintain, and will also provide a stable surface for garden furniture.
To choose between lawn and/or different patio materials think about how you use the space, what you like the look of, the level of maintenance you’re prepared to do.
Set yourself a budget and do a little research to assess the environmental impact too.
High-traffic areas like paths and patios often need more durable materials like porcelain, stone, concrete, or brick.
Permeable surfaces like gravel or grass will help prevent water logging so are often better for the environment, something we discussed recently in our What is the impact of climate change on UK gardens? article.
When choosing, try and match the materials to your overall garden style, whether it is a modern, rustic, formal, etc you're going for.
Select colours and finishes that complement your home and the wider surrounding landscape, and think about how your needs might change over time.
We’ve been looking at sustainability recently so our advice would also to be try and choose eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics or locally sourced stone.
A great place to start when choosing between a lawn and a patio is to visit a garden centre to see some samples of different materials and get some expert advice.
Before you commit, create a trial area by laying out samples of different materials to see how they look in your garden.
When you're ready you can order our free sample kits to see how our metals and fabrics will fit with the surface material you choose.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the perfect surface materials to create a beautiful and functional outside space.
If you have our garden furniture, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.