Artificial grass on balcony and concrete surfaces

Check cracks, loose areas and changes in level. An uneven or damaged slab can affect the finish above it and may need its own investigation. Artificial grass should not be treated as a repair for moving concrete. Find out why a surface has failed before deciding that covering it is the right next step.

Look at where water goes after rain. A slab that already holds puddles will not become correctly drained simply because grass is placed on top. The product, fixing and any underlay must suit the intended water route. Keep drain covers and outlets available for inspection rather than hiding them beneath an inaccessible finish.

A balcony can involve building ownership, lease restrictions and communal responsibilities as well as appearance. Confirm who can authorise changes and whether the proposed covering is permitted. Do not drill or apply adhesives to a waterproofed deck without checking the relevant system and instructions.

Structural condition and loading are separate from the lawn material. The grass installer’s surface proposal should not be taken as approval of the balcony structure. Where there is uncertainty about waterproofing, capacity or the existing construction, obtain the appropriate building or specialist advice before choosing a covering.

Measure the finished height at doors and steps, including any proposed underlay. An added layer can change door clearance or create an awkward lip. Leave the opening usable and ensure that water is not trapped at the threshold. Small spaces make these details particularly important because every access route is used frequently.

Edges should be secured using a method suitable for the product and substrate. Consider exposure, particularly at an open balcony edge, without assuming a general fixing method suits every building. Avoid loose corners and keep the finish clear of drainage openings. The edging arrangement should be part of the agreed scope rather than a decision made after the roll is cut.

An underlay may change the feel underfoot, but it needs compatibility with the surface, drainage and product instructions. Extra softness is not the only aim. Compare how the complete build-up can be cleaned, dried and inspected, especially where the space receives spills or is used by pets.

For artificial grass on concrete, ask what preparation, fixing, joints and edges are included. For a balcony, include access arrangements and relevant permissions. Samples can help compare feel and appearance but do not establish that the site is suitable. Decide the construction first, then choose a product that works with that specification rather than treating the backing alone as a drainage solution.