If you’ve ever dreaded a Saturday morning because of the yard work on your to-do list, you may be considering changing out your fresh grass for something artificial. Artificial turf is one of the best alternatives for your lawn and can cut down on your yard work extensively. It’s low-maintenance (say goodbye to your lawn mower!) and safe for pets and kids. One downside for many, though, is the cost.
Artificial grass installation usually starts at around $5,000, making an entirely turfed backyard out of many people’s price range. Luckily, there are ways to use artificial grass for your yard that make it not only cost-effective but also beautiful. A DIY posted on TikTok by @lovenidarhman creates a classy criss-cross grass design using small amounts of turf — and no professional installation. The end result will instantly bring color and life to your yard without sacrificing your wallet. Plus, with just a few hours set aside, it’s quite easy to complete.
How to create the criss-cross grass design
@lovenidarehman
Criss cross faux grass #fauxgrass #backyard #backyarddiy #crisscross
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Take your lawn up a level using small amounts of turf. To follow the DIY TikTok, you’ll need artificial turf — which you can likely find at your local Home Depot for $2-$3 per square foot — as well as paint and heavy-duty glue. Worth keeping in mind is that this hack works best on a concrete surface rather than real grass or wood.
The first step is to fully clean your concrete. To ensure it’s pristine, consider using a pressure washer to get all the dirt and grime off. Once the concrete is clean and fresh, you can paint over it with concrete paint, which can also be found at Home Depot for about $36. The TikTok user opts for a white stain, but you can get creative and use another color like slate gray or even maroon for added dimension.
Once the paint dries, you can get started on the bulk of the project. Create a template using wood or cardboard to help you measure out your space and then cut the artificial turf to size. Once you have all of your strips, you can glue down the turf to the concrete. Use either a concrete glue or a turf adhesive; some are available on Amazon for around $20.
Other ways to use turf in your yard
Turf can do much more than just make your yard look good. In fact, artificial grass has a ton of uses. If you don’t have grass in your backyard, you can use turf to create a pet area where they can play (and do their business). The best part? All you have to do is spray the area down with a hose to get rid of pet waste. Artificial turf also makes a great place for kids to play, as it adds a bit of cushion to a concrete area, keeping them clean and safe. Plus, it can give them a designated space to play when they’re outside.
In addition to pets and kids, artificial turf, when you use it to line your garden, can keep weeds away. It can also be used year-round, so you don’t have to worry about grass dying in the winter, offering a source of greenery and color no matter how cold it gets outside. According to landscapers, when using artificial grass, just make sure to avoid placing BBQs or fire pits on it, as it doesn’t react well to heat.
