Designing a balcony or roof terrace garden

How artificial grass and green walls can transform your outdoor space

Modern urban living means that private green space is at a premium. Yet we know that spending time out of doors is vital for our wellbeing. If you have a balcony or a roof terrace, you can turn it into valuable sanctuary space with some simple, cost effective products.

Balconies and roof gardens – overcoming the challenges

There are two things that make people nervous about greening a roof terrace. One is access – being able to actually get people and materials onto the terrace. The other is weight.

If a roof terrace has been built to be used – ie it has doors and a balustrade for safety – then it’s fair to assume that it will bear the weight of however many people fit on to it. A normal flat roof however may not be as sturdy. If in doubt, always seek advice from a structural engineer.

Flooring

Once you have ascertained how much weight you can safely add to your balcony or terrace, then you can start designing.

I like to start with the ground upwards.

There are a myriad of landscaping products you can use to bring your roof terrace to life. On the floor, you could use decking, paving, gravel or grass. I would advise steering away from loose materials. They have a habit of finding their way into the house and small particles can play havoc if they find their way into drainage systems.

Aim for a floor that allows you to step out of your home/office straight onto the terrace. With no steps or trip hazards.

Paving – especially porcelain paving is beautiful and comes in every shape size and colour you could ever imagine. But it’s heavy. And it needs specialist installation if it is not going to affect your waterproofing or drainage. Ditto for a natural lawn. Sedum matting is beautiful – but won’t tolerate much wear and tear.

Artificial turf on the other hand – is ideal. Properly installed there is no trip hazard. It won’t block drains and although there is some weight to it, it’s nowhere near as heavy as paving. Plus, when it’s delivered artificial turf is just like a piece of carpet…. Far more manoeuvrable than a pallet of pavers.

Always opt for the best quality artificial turf you can afford. Lower priced products normally wear out faster and need replacing sooner. The same goes for the fixing adhesive and the edgings. If in doubt, always consult a professional.

Furniture

Every relaxing place should have some sort of seating. I’m a big fan of composite furniture. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to transport. But it’s nothing like those cheap white plastic chairs. Composite furniture is made from sawdust – a waste product from timber mills – which has been mixed with recycled plastic, dyed and moulded. It doesn’t fade, it doesn’t need chemical treatments every year and it’s frost proof. So once it’s on the terrace it can be left out all year round. Just introduce cushions and blankets to make it even more comfy.

Greenery

Plants need three things. Growing medium. A reliable supply of water and sunlight.

Growing medium – or soil – is bulky and heavy. If your plants are not growing on the ground, they will need a pot or planter to contain the soil. Also bulky and heavy.

Watering plants is relatively simple in a small area – a watering can will do the job. Over a larger area you will need an outside tap, enough water pressure to get it to work and possibly an irrigation system. Unless … you opt for realistic but low maintenance faux plants.

Take a look at this small balcony. It has been transformed from a bland utilitarian open area into a luxurious and intimate space in just a couple of hours. This customer has installed artificial green wall panels. They’re fixed on using tag ties (or screws if they are going onto a wall) and they look amazing.

Find out more here

If you would like to transform your balcony or roof terrace, why not get in touch? Green As Grass can send free samples of artificial turf for you to assess. We’ll also give you a quote for materials and guide you through the installation instructions or we’ll put you in touch with a professional installer who can do the work for you.