Artificial grass vs real grass for a balcony or terrace
Real grass wants soil, water and sun. Most Indian balconies can't give it all three.
Team Sweethomee, Panipat
4 Nov 2026 · 5 min read
SweethomeeEvery summer people ask us whether they should grow real grass on the balcony instead of laying an artificial grass carpet. Real grass is lovely when it works. On a flat's balcony or a terrace, though, it means soil, waterproofing, daily watering and a patch that goes brown in May. Here's a straight comparison so you can decide.
Side by side
For a typical city balcony or terrace:
| Artificial grass carpet | Real grass | |
|---|---|---|
| Soil needed | No, lays on the floor | Yes, a soil bed |
| Water | Only to wash it | Regular watering |
| Weight on the slab | Light, rolls out | Heavy when wet |
| Sun needed | None | Several hours a day |
| Rain | Drainage holes let water through | Can turn muddy |
| Upkeep | Sweep and hose | Mowing, weeding, feeding |
| Green all year | Yes | Depends on weather and care |
| Move house | Roll it up and take it | Stays behind |
When real grass makes sense
If you have a ground-floor garden with real soil, good sun and someone who enjoys gardening, real grass is hard to beat. It stays cool underfoot and the smell after watering is something no carpet copies.
When artificial grass is the better choice
- A flat's balcony or a terrace with a concrete floor.
- A shaded balcony that gets little sun.
- Rented homes, where you can't build a soil bed.
- Kids' play corners and pet areas that need to be washable.
- Shop entrances, offices and event corners.
Our grass carpets are a durable polyester blend with drainage holes. They come in widths of 2, 3.25, 4 and 6.5 feet and lengths from 5 to 45 feet, and you can cut them with scissors to fit corners and pillars.
Choosing the pile height
Shorter pile stands up better to chairs and foot traffic. Taller pile looks and feels more like a lawn. For most home balconies we suggest 35mm. The full comparison is in our 25mm vs 35mm vs 45mm guide.
Just want a little green at the door?
An artificial grass door mat gives the same look at the entrance without covering the whole floor. Compare it with other entrance mats in our door mat buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is artificial grass good for a balcony?
Yes. It needs no soil, sun or watering, lets rain through its drainage holes, and can be cut to fit. It suits concrete balconies and terraces better than real grass.
Does artificial grass get hot in the sun?
Like any floor covering, it warms up in strong afternoon sun. A quick spray of water cools it down.
How do you clean artificial grass?
Sweep off leaves and dust, then hose it down. Brush the blades up now and then to keep them standing.
What sizes does artificial grass come in?
Our grass carpets come in widths of 2, 3.25, 4 and 6.5 feet and lengths from 5 to 45 feet, and can be cut with scissors.
