Here at Lazy Magazine, we adore the look and feel of natural grass. We think it's the perfect foil for our classically styled garden furniture.
However, we understand that real turf isn't always practical. Whether you have pets, challenging soil, or a space like a roof terrace or balcony where traditional lawns aren't feasible, then artificial grass can be a viable alternative.
Modern synthetic turfs are incredibly durable, and thanks to advancements in technology, they look and feel increasingly realistic.
While most UK artificial grass is made from polypropylene or nylon polyamide, it's important to acknowledge the environmental considerations surrounding plastics. Our advice? If you choose artificial grass, then research thoroughly, compare options, consult professional installers, and prioritise 100% recyclable products.
While we always champion natural lawns, we must concede that modern eco-grasses from reputable suppliers offer a good solution when a real lawn isn't possible.
Plus, we’ve already discussed whether garden furniture can go on real grass, so this month, we want to explore whether you can safely put outdoor furniture on artificial turf grass.
Can you put our metal garden furniture on artificial turf?
Artificial lawns are much like the carpet inside our homes. It is perfectly safe to place furniture such as sofas or dining tables on a carpet, however, you have to be prepared for it to leave indentations, especially with the heavier pieces.
Also, just like carpet, you very much get what you pay for. Cheap artificial grass will show signs of wear and tear quickly, and the good-quality artificial lawns will be much more hardwearing.
So, whilst it is perfectly OK to put our metal garden chairs and tables on artificial grass, that comes with a few notes of caution:
1. Keep your outdoor space tidy and garden furniture in good condition
Firstly, you must ensure your furniture is in good condition and free of any sharp edges, chips, or splinters.
Our collection features smooth, rounded feet and all legs come supplied with plastic screw-in protective pads (as pictured above).
They are primarliy supplied with all our tables and chairs to protect the metal from chipping on hard patio surfaces, but they also provide some adjustability for uneven ground, and we would highly recommend using them on artificial grass as well.
For furniture made from other materials like wood or rattan, ensure the feet are equally smooth. If need be shop around for some suitable outdoor furniture feet pads or leg caps.
2. Make sure you move your garden furniture around every few months
Like furniture on carpet inside the home, garden furniture on artificial grass will create indentations due to compression.
The solution? Move your furniture every couple of months. A slight shuffle is all it takes, ensuring all feet rest on a fresh patch of artificial turf and giving the old spot a chance to spring back.
Our cast aluminum furniture is ideal for this – robust yet lighter than wood, iron or steel, making it easier to pick up and to reposition.
Heavier pieces made from iron or timber will require even more frequent movement to prevent permanent indentations.
If you do plan to place heavy items like large garden sofas on your artificial lawn, then you need to choose a heavyweight, more durable synthetic turf too.
3. Ensure the weight of the furniture is distributed evenly
Uneven weight distribution can also compress artificial grass so you need to make sure the furniture is assembled correctly and the lawn is correctly installed on a solid even foundation.
For the best results, artificial grass should be installed on a stable, well-draining base. In our experience, the best materials for most applications is a combination of compacted crushed stone and Sand.
You need to excavate at least inches of existing soil and then add a base layer of 3/4 inch of crushed stone (decomposed granite or limestone), compact it with a plate compactor and then add around 1/2 inch of sharp sand or granite dust to level.
This will give you good drainage and a durable, long-lasting, even surface for the artificial grass to be laid. We would also highly recommend that you apply a shock-absorbing underlay and use the highest quality outdoor adhesive or tape to secure it all in place.
If laying on a balcony or rooftops, or directly on to any concrete or asphalt, then a foam underlay might be required too. Our advice? Speak to a professional installer as they will advise you on what's needed to achieve a level, well-drainging lawn for furniture to sit.
4. Avoid any outdoor furniture materials that could stain the fake turf
Unfortunately, some types of wooden garden furniture, especially popular timbers like teak, can stain artificial turf over time . They have a high level of natual oils and tannins that can leach out when exposed to rain or moisture that can potentially stain the green turf.
If the wood is untreated, it can also develop mould, mildew, or algae, which in turn can transfer to the artificial grass. Even those that are treated, some stains, sealants, or varnishes can bleed or flake off, causing discoloration on the turf.
Metals that are prone to rusting, such as cast iron, same problem, if the worst should happen. That's the advantage of the cast aluminium we use across our range. It is rust-resistant and powder-coated, so it will not transfer to the turf, even when exposed to rain and snow. Synthetic plastics would also work.
If staining from wood or iron, etc does occur, it can often be removed with mild detergent, a vinegar solution, or a specialist artificial turf cleaner.
5. Make sure the air can circulate around your outdoor furniture
You must ensure good air circulation around your furniture to prevent moisture buildup underneath. Occasionally lift large pieces to allow the fake grass to "breathe" and prevent mould or mildew from forming.
Artificial grass is usually designed (and if fitted as we described above) to drain well, but it’s still important to ensure air circulation around your furniture to prevent any moisture from getting trapped underneath.
One of the benefits of placing furniture on artificial grass is that it's much easier to clean compared to natural grass. If you ever need to move or adjust the furniture, the artificial turf won’t become muddy, and you can simply garden vac any debris from underneath the furniture.
How do you protect your artificial grass from garden furniture?
If you do have concerns about your furniture, then we have some simple solutions that will help minimise any potential damage but still keep your outdoor space looking stylish.
1. Add felt or rubber feet pads to your garden furniture
If you own our garden furniture and you’re still a little concerned about the plastic foot pads on your artificial grass, then a great hack is to apply some soft waterproof felt or rubber foot pads.
Adsamm® sell a great range on Amazon that is low-cost and the adhesive is strong so they stay on when used outdoors. They will come off over time but their 20 mm rubber pad is a nice neat fit and they come in a pack of 50 (pictured above) so easy to reapply.
2. Add rubber feet caps to your garden furniture
If you have garden furniture from another supplier that does not have our plastic feet pads or you want to further protect your artificial lawn from garden furniture, then another great solution is the rubber-style feet cups.
If for example, you have a square wooden set, then the Flyshop Furniture Caps (above) would be a great option.
Alternatively, something with a round slimmer leg like our range, then TARIO's Silicone Feet Cups (above) would fit great and help to further protect your artificial lawn from wear and tear.
3. Pair your artificial grass with a garden rug
Whilst the above solutions will help to prevent the furniture from damaging the fibres on your synthetic lawn, they will still leave indentations, so keep moving every so often.
Alternatively, you can greatly reduce the impressions left by pairing it with a garden rug. Not only will this protect the grass, but it also adds a stylish element to your space!
Dunelm has a great range of stylish garden rugs that are hard-wearing and fully weather resistant, such as their Traditional Reversible Outdoor Rug in Blue (above).
4. Pair your artificial grass with a stone patio or decking
If you wanted to create a seating or dining zone, then maybe the best solution would be to pair your artificial grass with something a little more permanent such as a timber deck or paved patio (as our customer has done in the photo above).
This way you get the best of both worlds, it will look great and the different materials will not only add visual interest but can also help make a smaller space look bigger or zone a larger plot for more intimacy.
How do you maintain artificial grass?
While you can totally set up your garden furniture on artificial grass with minimal issues. It is just a case of being mindful of the weight, cleanliness, and type of furniture you choose to ensure everything stays looking great.
For indentations, avoid picking or pulling at the fibres. Artificial grass is constructed from a yarn (the plastic fibres) and the backing (which is often made from rubber). Picking at it too hard could cause you to rip the matting or thin it out.
The best way to tackle indentations is to pour a little warm water on, leave it for a minute or two and then gently brush it with a soft bristle brush. This should usually be enough to help to get the fibres decompressed and get them standing back up.
Whilst maintaining artificial grass is easy compared to natural grass, regular upkeep will keep it looking great and prolong its lifespan.
In terms of a general maintenance routine, our recommendation would be to regulary do the following:
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Brush
Use a stiff-bristled broom or a power brush to lift and fluff the fibers, especially in high-traffic areas. Brush against the grain to keep it standing upright and fluff the fibres to prevent it from flattening. -
Hoover
A garden vac is a great investment, regardless of surface. They make quick work of removing dirt, debris, and leaves. You could also use a leaf blower, plastic rake, or soft broom to remove leaves, twigs, and dirt but avoid metal rakes as they can damage the fibres. -
Wash
To keep it fresh and odour-free), simply hose it down occasionally to remove dust and dirt. For pet waste, pick up poos regularly (don't let them sit too long as they could stain) and rinse with warm water. For any wee, you can spray it with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water or an enzyme-based cleaner to neutralise odour. -
Weeds
Weeds shouldnt be an issue if a weed barrier was installed. If weeds do appear, then apply a water-based weed killer (avoid any harsh chemicals as they could discolour it). For moss or algae, use a mild solution of vinegar and water or a specialist moss remover. -
Stains & Spills
Address stains and spills quickly. You can just use mild soap and warm water for most spills. For tougher stains such as oil, grease, or chewing gum, try a small amount of rubbing alcohol or a plastic scraper. Avoid harsh chemicals and bleaches, as they can damage the lawn. -
Repair
If your artificial grass has an infill like silica sand or rubber crumbs, then check them every few months or so. Add more as needed to maintain cushion and stability. -
Protect
Avoid placing hot items like BBQ grills, fire pits, or reflective surfaces nearby, as artificial grass can melt. Move heavy objects occasionally to prevent flattening. -
Deep Clean
In spring and autumn, give the turf a deeper clean with a pressure washer attachment or a power brush. Rinse it down thoroughly. Check if any repairs are needed.
With these maintenance steps, your artificial grass will stay lush, green, and inviting for years.
The video below from the Fixing Expert is a great place to start as it shows you step-by-step how best to clean an artificial lawn and there are some helpful tips on how to keep it looking new:
Our final thouhgts on the best type of garden furniture to put on fake grass?
We're a little biased, but cast aluminum is a fantastic option for artifical grass.
Resin and rattan are also good choices but we think cast aluminum offers a quality feel without being overly heavy. It will still resist being blowing over, but requires minimal maintenance, and our plastic foot pads provide further protection.
If you are concerned about your current garden furniture leaving imprints, then the best solution might be to purchase new. Our range is robust but lightweight. Combined with the small footprint of the slim legs, our classically styled collection creates the perfect solution.
We must stress, that most types of modern garden furniture will not cause damage to a good-quality artificial grass installation. Just move your garden furniture sets an inch or two regularly, and if you have any indentations, wet them and brush them out.
If you do accidentally damage your lawn, then ring a professional, as they are best placed to advise and repair.
If you have any photos of our garden furniture on real or artificial grass, then we’d love to see a few snaps for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or email them to us at sales@lazysusanfurniture.co.uk.
