In short
Artificial grass on the balcony is low-maintenance, green all year round, and winter-proof. Typical disadvantages can be avoided: slopes and a drainage mat ensure water runoff, on rental balconies it is laid loose instead of glued, drains remain clear, and on south-facing balconies, shade or a quick rinse help against heat. Fire protection and house rules are also important.
A green balcony without watering, mowing, or potting soil on the floor – artificial grass is ideal for this. Nevertheless, there are a few points you should know beforehand. Here we show the most common disadvantages of artificial grass on the balcony and how to avoid them with the right planning.
The Advantages of Artificial Grass on the Balcony
- green all year round, even in the shade and on north-facing balconies
- no watering, mowing, or fertilizing
- pleasantly soft for bare feet, children, and pets
- winter-proof and frost-resistant
- easy to install and take with you when moving
Possible Disadvantages – and What Helps Against Them
| Disadvantage | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Waterlogging and odors | Water cannot drain away under the artificial grass | Use slopes, place a drainage mat underneath, choose a water-permeable backing |
| Moss and dirt | Leaves and dust accumulate | shake out or vacuum regularly, prevent moss |
| Heat on south-facing balconies | Plastic heats up in the sun | Parasol or awning, rinse briefly, see surface temperature |
| Damaged waterproofing | Adhesive or nails on the waterproofing | lay loose, never drill or nail through the waterproofing |
| Slipping in the wind | lightweight, loose-laid covering | weigh down edges, connect strips, see wind uplift |
| Fire hazard | Plastic is flammable | no grill or cigarettes directly on the covering, observe fire behavior |
Is Artificial Grass on the Balcony Winter-Proof?
Yes. High-quality artificial grass is frost-resistant and can stay outside all year round. The prerequisite is that water can drain away – otherwise it will freeze under the covering. It is best to simply let snow melt; you should avoid using road salt. Read more under Snow and Frost.
Artificial Grass on a Rental Balcony: What Should Be Considered?
- Lay loose: This way the balcony floor remains undamaged and you can take the artificial grass with you when you move out.
- Do not glue or nail: Permanent changes to the floor should be discussed with the landlord.
- Keep drains clear: Floor drains and gutters must not be covered.
- Check house rules: Some owners’ associations have regulations regarding floor coverings on balconies.
Note: This is not legal advice. If in doubt, clarify the installation in advance with your landlord or property management.
How to Install Artificial Grass on the Balcony
- Clean the balcony thoroughly and check the slope
- Cut and lay out the drainage or leveling mat
- Unroll the artificial grass and let it acclimatize for a few hours
- cut to fit from the back, create cutouts for drains
- connect strips with seam tape if necessary
- brush up the blades against the grain
Detailed installation tips can be found in our step-by-step guide and in the Artificial Grass Subsurface guide.
Which Artificial Grass is Suitable for the Balcony?
- rather short pile (approx. 20–30 mm) – easy to care for and dries quickly
- water-permeable backing
- UV-stable, colorfast fibers for sunny locations
- non-infill – without sand, which is only a nuisance on the balcony
Our guide Which artificial grass is the best? explains how to recognize quality.
Our Advice
We would be happy to advise you on the product and structure for your balcony or roof terrace – and can also handle the installation upon request. You can find all varieties in our product overview.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artificial Grass on the Balcony
What are the disadvantages of artificial grass on the balcony?
Possible disadvantages include waterlogging without water drainage, heating on south-facing balconies, contamination by leaves and dust, and the flammability of the material. With a slope, drainage mat, regular cleaning, and a little caution, these can be largely avoided.
Can artificial grass stay on the balcony in winter?
Yes, high-quality artificial grass is frost-resistant and can stay outside all year round. It is important that water can drain away. It is best to let snow melt and avoid using road salt.
Do you have to glue down artificial grass on the balcony?
No. On balconies, artificial grass is usually laid loose and weighed down at the edges. This protects the floor and the waterproofing and is the better choice for rental apartments.
Does artificial grass on the balcony need an underlay?
A drainage or leveling mat is useful so that water can flow away under the artificial grass, the covering dries faster, and joints do not show through.