Having a beautiful backyard oasis to relax in is one of the best things ever. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, having your own sanctuary is now more important than ever. That being said, while grass is green and beautiful, it also requires a lot of maintenance.
First, the grass needs to be planted, then it needs to be watered, not to mention constantly having to mow it. Having a backyard covered in grass becomes more of a nuisance than anything else.
That’s why we’re here today, to bring you some of the best backyard ideas that don’t require grass. Yes, it’s more than possible for you to create your own grass-free backyard that looks beautiful and is comfortable.
1. Cobbled patio
If you don’t want to have grass, but still want your backyard to look elegant, then paver patios are a great option.
Paver patios come in a variety of textures, colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can create a unique area that truly suits your aesthetic preferences. What’s even better is the fact that paver patios are also quite durable, as they are essentially either stone or concrete, depending on the material you choose.
It’s great because not only do you not have to mow the lawn, but the general maintenance required is minimal.
There’s also the fact that having a paver patio allows you to install many different types of patio furniture, even a large-scale outdoor dining area, something you simply can’t do on a lawn.
2. Composite Decking
If you want something that looks really nice, like real wood, but you don’t want to deal with its limited durability and longevity, not to mention its high price tag, then choosing composite decking is your next best option.
Composite decking allows you to give your backyard a modern touch, all without the high cost or ecological concerns Additionally, composite decking, made primarily from high-grade plastic, is extremely durable and much more resistant to the elements than real wood.
Plus, it also comes in many different finishes and colors, so you can create a backyard that suits your aesthetic appeal. A composite deck is a great place for sunbathing, summer barbecues, and everything in between.
3. Patio garden
If you want to go for a more traditional style, a courtyard garden may be ideal for you. By courtyard, we mean a pleasant space that could include a variety of small trees, potted plants, herbs, flower gardens, birdbaths, water features, and more.
What we’re really talking about here is creating a backyard garden that will attract both you and a variety of wildlife. Even better if you manage to incorporate some seating areas amongst the greenery, so you can entertain guests or even just relax by yourself.
If you have a large enough yard, you can always create a dining area in that yard as well. Yard gardens are not only functional, but also very beautiful.
4. Raised planters
If your main goal is to make your backyard look good and you are an avid gardener, then creating some raised garden beds It may be an ideal solution for you. If you don’t want to have a lawn, but want a backyard full of life, raised beds are the best option.
Raised beds are ideal because they are not only meant for flowers, but they also allow you to grow a variety of herbs and vegetables. This is true even if the soil in your area is not ideal for growing, as raised beds require you to add potting soil.
This may not be ideal for everyone, but if you are looking for an ongoing project that requires little maintenance throughout the summer and you love the beautiful smells that plants produce, then raised beds are ideal.
Let us not forget the fact that raised beds also help improve garden drainage, reduce pests and gardening is made easier due to its elevated nature.
5. Artificial grass
Okay, artificial grass may not be everyone’s first choice, but it’s certainly an option worth considering. If you want a green lawn, but something living isn’t up your alley, then artificial grass It’s the way forward.
The reality is that there are many types of modern synthetic grass that are durable, eco-friendly, and also incredibly realistic. In case you think that artificial grass doesn’t look real, if you’re willing to invest enough money, you can find artificial grass that you won’t be able to tell apart from the real thing.
Let’s not forget that artificial grass also doesn’t require fertilization, mowing or watering, meaning you can have the look of a green lawn without having to maintain it. It’s still nice and soft, making it ideal for both children and pets, and it allows you to create a green and beautiful environment.
6. Outdoor living room
If you live in an area where the weather is regularly warm and sunny, creating your own outdoor living room is always an option. If you love watching TV, listening to music, or even sitting in your favorite chair and reading a book, but you’re sick of staring at the same four walls, creating a cozy outdoor living room is always an option.
You can place some chairs, sofas, coffee tables and anything else like string lights, cushions and even outdoor rugs to effectively create an outdoor living room.
Just remember that you might want to add something like a gazebo or marquee as cover, in case it rains or there’s bad weather. There’s also the fact that you might want some shade from the strong summer sun, so options like a canopy, pergola, or even a full-scale gazebo are worth considering.
7. Outdoor bar and kitchen area
If food is your forte and you love entertaining, then you can turn your backyard into an outdoor bar and kitchen area. Now, whether or not you love entertaining is one thing, but the fact is that enjoying a good meal outdoors, and even being able to cook it in the sun, is always nice. The good thing about this is that the world is at your feet.
You could create a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, complete with counters, refrigerator, sink, and even cooking appliances like grills, griddles, and gas burners. This will allow you to create an outdoor dining experience that will make entertaining a breeze, so you can serve everyone in one central location.
However, if that’s too much for you, you can always create a small bar, even with something like a small bar cart. It’s a great idea because it’s something you can really tailor to your needs and the space available. Having some ambient lighting, bar stoolsand even a small campfire could be ideal too, especially for cool summer and fall evenings.
8. Yoga or Meditation Space
If you are someone who wants to relax, and that is not something you can do inside your home, create a dedicated space meditation or yoga space is another option for a yard without grass.
It’s entirely up to you whether you simply want to lay out some flat rocks, a yoga mat, and place some decorations, or whether you want to create a full-scale outdoor yoga studio and meditation space.
The main point here, though, is that your backyard is the perfect place to create a truly tranquil area, with things like safe outdoor cushions, water features, wind chimes, and other calming elements.
You should also consider adding some bamboo screens for privacy, some plants for shade, and some aromatic herbs and flowers to create a calming atmosphere. It’s all about having a personal sanctuary where you can recharge, reflect, and relax.
9. Wooden platforms
Next up on the list of ideas for backyards without grass is a regular wooden deck. Yes, we mentioned earlier that composite decking is a bit more durable than wood, but the reality is that wood just looks a lot better.
Wood also smells good, something that composite decking doesn’t achieve. That said, it’s essential to choose the right type of wood for an outdoor space. Something that is weather and insect resistant, as well as durable and sustainable, like cedar and redwood are two excellent options to consider here.
Having an outdoor wooden deck allows for a seamless transition between an indoor and outdoor space, and allows you to create an outdoor living space fit for a king. You can create an entire outdoor patio area with a nice wooden deck underneath. Just remember that the wooden deck will require some maintenance to keep it in good condition for an extended period of time.
10. Patio with plant cover
If you want all the greenery and good smells that come with having live plants, but don’t want to keep mowing the lawn, a patio with a green roof is always a good option.
Ground covers such as sedum, moss and creeping thyme They are hardy plants that grow low and spread slowly across the garden. They produce a truly vibrant tapestry of colour and texture, all without the huge amount of maintenance required by grass.
These are all great alternatives to grass, as they not only require minimal maintenance, but are also drought-resistant and can thrive in a variety of climate and soil conditions. You can then add a variety of pavers, paths, and other nice elements to your backyard with mulch.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15, he started working at a garden center helping people purchase plants, gardening supplies, and lawn care products. He has experience in real estate and is a homeowner himself. Jamie loves gardening projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.
