Apartment living doesn’t have to deprive you of many of the joys of a backyard!
A ground-floor apartment may provide access to a private garden or patio that can spruce up the outdoor space and provide opportunities for leisure, entertaining guests, kids’ play or even pet play.
If you’re lucky enough to have a ground-floor apartment patio, you can keep it functional and low-maintenance with creative ground coverings like artificial grass, native plants, and carefully chosen furniture.
Here are some ideas to help you design your ground floor apartment patio space so that it perfectly suits your lifestyle…
Benefits of a Ground-Floor Apartment Patio
Direct access to outdoor space via a private garden or patio is just one of several benefits of living in a ground floor apartment.
For the elderly or incapacitated, not having to deal with stairs or lifts can be a major plus. You may even find deals on ground floor apartments because they don’t enjoy the views of the apartments on the higher floors.
Of course, if you have pets or children, the extra space and access to the outdoors can be a major benefit too.
As well as the various apartment outdoor living benefits, you may find that ground-floor apartments are even a little cooler than those on higher floors because heat rises!
Why Artificial Grass is Perfect for Small Patios
The good news if you live in a ground-floor apartment is that there are plenty of grass alternatives so you won’t have to worry about mud, poor growth in the shade, irrigation, mowing or any of the other maintenance tasks associated with a traditional lawn.
Artificial grass, in particular, is ideal for ground-floor apartment patios and small-scale backyard landscaping—with no mud, mess or worries about bald spots or bad growth.
Synthetic turf stays evergreen, is soft and lush underfoot, requires next-to-no maintenance, and is very kid and pet-friendly. It also works in combination with other common patio landscaping materials, like pavers and tiles.
Artificial grass manufacturing methods have improved markedly since the 1970s so you now get a realistic-looking synthetic grass affordably, without the effort or expense involved in maintaining real grass.
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The experienced team at Artificial Grass Pros will provide a free estimate and help you make the switch. Contact us here.
The 13 Best Ground-Floor Apartment Patio Ideas
We’ve selected the best 13 ground ground-level patio ideas based on having limited space, a preference for low maintenance, and a love of style, elegance, and color. Let’s get into them…
1. Full Artificial Turf Coverage
You can create a low-maintenance, mini-backyard feel by simply installing a small, artificial grass patio.
For a year-round verdant appearance that the kids or dogs can use, choose resilient pet turf that can stand up to wear and tear—and have it installed by professionals so that it can handle the drainage requirements without generating nasty pet odors.
2. Artificial Grass Patio with Pavers
Artificial grass and pavers are a stylish combination for any outdoor space. For an apartment patio makeover, the neutral colors of the pavers contrast superbly with the emerald green turf for a creation that is both low maintenance and visually appealing.
3. Artificial Turf Rugs or Mats
If you don’t have the space for a mini-lawn or a turf and pavers combo, try artificial turf rugs or mats as a small patio design idea.
Made with the best artificial turf, rugs or mats feel soft and lush underfoot and can be placed strategically around a patio or balcony area.
Balcony turf for small spaces is easy to clean and ideal for rental properties or temporary setups, as you can take the rugs with you to the next rental location.
4. Artificial Grass Wall or Backdrop
Another low-maintenance patio idea if you don’t have much outdoor floor space is an artificial grass wall or backdrop. This adds a splash of greenery and color to your patio vertically instead of horizontally.
Artificial turf handles gravity well and can be used for walls or backdrops without any issues if properly installed. You get the natural ambiance and color without the need to constantly water or prune the creation.
5. Edge the Patio with Planters or Raised Beds
Any cozy outdoor space can benefit from the addition of planters, raised beds or “container gardening” around its edges. This is a practical way to get a natural aesthetic even in small patio spaces.
The pots, planters or containers can sit on any patio surface, brightening up concrete, tiling or pavers, or atop artificial grass for even more color.
6. Composite or Brick Tiling
Another top-ground surface option for apartment patios in addition to concrete or artificial grass is composite or brick tiling,
Both are low-maintenance options that can work well in combination with planters, backdrops, screens, and other design ideas for ground floor apartments.
7. Small, Portable Furniture
Small-sized, portable furniture is an obvious choice for limited space—a challenge faced by most ground-floor patios.
If the area is exposed to the elements, you can still create a cozy seating area with weatherproof cushions and rugs or simply use collapsible furniture (foldable tables and chairs) that can be moved inside if necessary.
8. Hang Cascading Native Plants
Using native plants makes sense whether you have a large, expansive backyard or are looking for small patio design ideas.
Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate, requiring little upkeep and adding a vibrant, natural aesthetic to almost any outdoor space. You can use pots/planters or hang cascading native plants or vines around the patio space.
9. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Another excellent ground-floor apartment patio idea for small spaces is furniture that doubles up as storage space.
Storage benches are a good example, providing both seating and storage for cushions, toys or other household items that are inevitably collected over time!
10. Hang String Lights or Lanterns for Ambiance
As you design your ground floor apartment patio area, don’t ignore the lighting, which is an essential ingredient of the ambiance you create.
You can get creative with outdoor areas, with string lights, lanterns, and LED lights all popular choices for patios and small yards.
11. Use Vertical Garden Planters or Shelves
With limited ground space, most ground-floor apartment patios can benefit by “going vertical” to create additional space.
Shelving is a practical option for storage purposes but if you want to add color and a natural aesthetic without using artificial grass, try vertical garden planters. These are a great way to maximize the use of space during an apartment patio makeover.
12. Use Outdoor Curtains, Bamboo Screens or Trellises
Another consideration when designing ground floor apartment patios is privacy. Sometimes, patios adjoin each other without much “inbuilt” privacy.
Patio privacy solutions can be personalized for the aesthetic you need. This might include outdoor curtains, bamboo screens or trellises decorated with vines or plants.
13. Add an Umbrella or Pergola For Shade
Are you lucky enough to live in a part of the country that’s bathed in sunshine? If so, and your patio also faces south, you will need to consider providing some shade options for your family and guests.
A large garden umbrella or small pergola can add shade and comfort to your patio, turning it into the ideal seating or entertainment area at any time of the day and any time of the year.
Artificial Grass for Ground Floor Apartment Patios…
Artificial grass is a smart, stylish, and practical solution for ground floor apartment patio designs, as well as for backyards across the south.
High-quality, realistic, low-maintenance turf is versatile and can last 15 years or more, paying back the initial costs within a few short years compared to real grass—but where do you start with your patio design?
The Artificial Grass Pros team has helped thousands of homeowners enjoy the verdant appearance and lush feel of artificial turf in the past decade and more. Discuss your options with our experienced team of turf professionals.
