When redesigning your backyard, the ground surface for backyard is one of the most important aspects to consider. Different surface materials can each have their own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to find a surface that is practical for your lifestyle, along with climate you live in. This could include choosing multiple different surfaces for different sections of your yard. Below are 5 of the most common ground surfaces to choose in a backyard.
Natural grass
A natural lawn is a great option if you have pets or kids, as it can provide a soft, spongy surface to play on. Lawns also provide a burst of greenery and produce fresh oxygen, which can help counter carbon emissions while also serving as a habitat for local wildlife.
Of course, natural lawns do require a lot of upkeep. You’ll need to invest in a decent lawn mower and regularly trim it in the summer months which is time-consuming or costly if you outsource it.
If you don’t get a lot of rainfall during certain months, be prepared to water the grass regularly too to prevent it from becoming dry and patchy – this is what happened to us back in Utah. We also started having voles digging everything up, and it took months and months to get them out.
Then, in North Carolina the backyard was sloppy and as the state is rainier in the autumn time, the backyard was absolutely unusable as it kept holding water and felt like a swamp.
Pros
- Soft surface for pets and kids to play
- Helps clean air and support local wildlife
- Can bring a natural burst of color
Cons
- Can cause allergies in some people
- Requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking attractive
- Can get muddy after rain
Artificial grass
Designed to mimic real grass, artificial grass stays looking lush and green throughout all 12 months without requiring any mowing or watering. It’s the perfect low-maintenance option for those who want a lawn. And it’s still suitable for pets and kids (dog urine can be easily washed off of it with a hose).
Of course, not everyone likes the fakeness of it, and it doesn’t have any of the same environmental benefits of real grass (because it is made of plastic, it can even be damaging to the environment if disposed of incorrectly). Artificial lawns also cost more to lay than real grass and if it gets really hold some cheaper brands might actually melt – sadly, I’m not kidding.
Pros
- A low-maintenance alternative to natural grass
- Stays looking lush and green all year round
- Suitable for kids and pets
Cons
- More expensive to lay than real grass
- Does not have the environmental benefits of grass
- May get hot in direct sunlight
Patio paving
Hard surfaces like patios are much better suited for outdoor furniture than grass, because they’re flat and don’t get boggy when it rains. Although occasionally sweeping and annual power washing is recommended, maintaining these surfaces is relatively easy compared to other surfaces. They’re also attractive features that can be designed using a variety of stone materials and paving patterns – quite often adding value to a property.
But although they add value, a professionally-laid patio can also cost a lot of money to install. Proper installation is key to prevent cracking, weeds or poor drainage. While some people cover their entire yard in paving slabs, this may not be recommended if you have kids – patios can get slippery and could be a danger to injury-prone kids.
Pros
- A stable, hard surface that is ideal for furniture
- Low maintenance and very durable
- Potential to add value to your home
Cons
- Can be a relatively expensive option
- Potentially to get slippery in the rain
- Unsuitable for young kids to play on
Wooden decking
A well-designed wooden deck could potentially add more value than a patio. These beautiful wooden surfaces are ideal for social areas, and the ability to easily raise them makes them a more affordable option for sloped gardens than a raised patio.
A basic deck could be quite cheap to lay. However, if you want to add railings and stairs, and levels, the price could soar well past that of a patio. Decking also requires more maintenance than a patio – regularly sealing it could be necessary to prevent rot and termite damage. You should also be wary of placing a BBQ or patio heater on a wooden deck, as it could be a fire hazard.
Pros
- A great flat surface for outdoor furniture
- Raised decks can be a great option for sloped yards
- Can often add value to a home
Cons
- Typically costs a lot to install, although it depends on the design
- Susceptible to damage from weather and pests
- Can potentially be a fire hazard
Gravel
Gravel costs less to lay than patio paving or wooden decking, making it an economical choice when it comes to hard backyard surfaces. You can buy gravel stones in an array of different colors and sizes, from small golden pea gravel stones to black slate chippings. One of the most unique benefits of gravel is that it is excellent for providing drainage – rainwater can seep through the gravel into the soil. Deep gravel can even be used as a flood defence.
Compared to a patio or deck, gravel does not provide the same stable flat surface and isn’t as likely to add value to your property. Stones can also be picked up by the wind or kicked into other parts of your backyard where you may not want gravel.
On top of this, gravel could be a hazard to young kids – it can be painful to fall on, and young kids may try to put it in their mouth. We had gravel and Utah and quickly got rid of it (which was time-consuming) bas it was also destroying our law mover! However, we put the gravel back in North Carolina as otherwise we wouldn’t be able to walk over the muddy grass after the rain.
Pros
- Lower cost to install than other hard surfaces
- Can provide great drainage for flood-prone yards
- Can come in a huge array of colors and stone styles
Cons
- May not provide a stable enough surface for heavy furniture
- Pebbles can easily be displaced and mess up other areas of the backyard
- Unsuitable for kids to play on
Which is the right surface for you?
If you have kids or pets, your backyard could benefit from having a lawn area to provide a soft surface. Choose natural grass if you want an environmentally-friendly option, and artificial grass if you want a low-maintenance solution.
A hard surface could be better suited for the social area of your yard as it will provide flat, stable ground for furniture. Invest in a patio or decking for an attractive, low-maintenance hard surface that could potentially add value to your home. Choose gravel if you’re on a tight budget and want to provide drainage.
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