Do you have a grassy area by your patio area, pool area, fire pit area, or other outdoor area? If so, you are probably wondering if you can put furniture on this grassy area to create an outdoor seating area.Â
Well, before you put out some lawn furniture, I have rounded up some must-know information to help you understand how you can best use outdoor furniture on grass.Â
So read on below for my ideas, tips, and answers to common FAQs for creating a great seating area in your backyard grass.
When you are done reading below, come back and check out:
👉 Are you looking for Adirondack chairs to put in this grassy area? Check out these Adirondack chairs with cup holders.
👉 High-quality furniture is a must for use in grass. Check out our comparisons of some popular high-quality outdoor furniture brands:
To give you a complete overview of all you need to know about putting patio furniture in the grass, I answer 8 Frequently Asked Questions with a mix of 29 ideas and tips in the sections below.
Can You Put Patio Furniture on Grass?
Yes, you can put patio furniture on grass in your backyard. However, you should be prepared for your grass and lawn to be damaged or your outdoor furniture to experience some wear and tear.Â
Overall, while it is possible to put patio furniture on grass, it is important to take precautions to protect both the grass and the furniture. Below are some of the common concerns and risks associated with outdoor furniture on grass.
✅ My quick recommendations:
#1. If the grass is wet or muddy, don’t put patio furniture in the grass – the grass will quickly get ruined, and the furniture will likely get some type of damage.
#2. If you have an even and firm grassy area, use furniture on the grass only for a short period of time and try to protect the grass by putting down a rug or other items mentioned in the sections below to limit damage to the grass and furniture.
#3. Overall, placing patio furniture directly on grass is not recommended for long-term use. It can cause damage to both the grass and the furniture, and can make the outdoor space look unattractive.
#4. It is best to place furniture on a flat and durable surface (like an outdoor patio) to ensure that it lasts for a long time and remains in good condition.
What are some common problems with putting patio furniture on grass?
#1. Moisture damage: If the furniture is not properly protected, moisture from the grass can seep into the furniture, causing damage such as rust, mold, or mildew – if you are planning on using metal or wooden patio furniture, beware! (read more on the best materials below)
#2. Uneven surface: If the grassy area is uneven, you may have difficulty placing your furniture in the right spot so it won’t wobble. This can make it difficult to sit or eat on the furniture and can even cause damage to the furniture.
#3. Soft ground: If the ground surface is not firm (or the grass is wet or muddy), it may not be a good idea as the furniture legs can sink into the ground, causing the furniture to become unstable and potentially causing injuries. Additionally, a lot of foot traffic on a soft or wet part of the yard can quickly turn into a soggy, muddy, unusable mess.
#4. Damage to grass: The weight of the furniture can cause the grass to flatten or die, especially if the furniture is left in one spot for an extended period of time. This can result in unsightly patches on the lawn. This is especially true of heavy furniture with wide feet, such as outdoor tables or outdoor sofas.
#5. Furniture can block sun: Not only will the weight of the furniture damage grass, but the furniture can hinder the growth of the grass by blocking needed sunlight. This can result in large brown patches in your yard.
#6. Insects and pests: Grass is a natural habitat for insects and pests, which can be attracted to the furniture. This can cause damage to the furniture or create an unpleasant environment for people using it.
What are some tips for putting patio furniture on grass?
#1. Make sure the ground is level: Always select a grassy area that is level to avoid wobbly furniture. If the furniture is not properly set on the ground, damage could occur to the furniture or someone using the furniture could get injured.
#2. Ensure the ground is dry and firm: Only place furniture in grass when the grass is dry and firm. This will help prevent moisture from damaging the furniture and limit the damage from excess traffic and furniture in the grassy area.
#3. Choose the right type of furniture: When selecting patio furniture for grass, choose furniture with legs that are not too thin or sharp so that they can easily sink into the ground. Furniture with wider legs or those that are designed with a flat base are ideal.
#4. Choose furniture made from the right materials: Some outdoor furniture materials are better than others, so make sure your garden furniture has the right materials to withstand being in the grass. (read more about this below!)
#5. Use a rug or mat: Place a rug or mat under the furniture to create a stable and level surface. This will prevent the furniture from sinking into the grass and also protect the grass from damage. (more on this below!)
#6. Add a base: Another option is to add a base to the furniture. This can be done by placing bricks, pavers, or blocks under the legs of the furniture. This will create a solid foundation and prevent the furniture from sinking. (more on this one below too!)
#7. Consider the furniture’s weight: If you place heavy furniture on the grass, it is important to distribute the weight evenly. This can be done by placing the furniture on a larger surface area or by adding more support underneath.
#8. Regularly move the furniture: To prevent the grass from dying or becoming damaged, it is important to regularly move the furniture. This will allow the grass to recover and grow back. Lightweight and easy-to-move furniture is ideal for use on grass.
What are the best outdoor furniture materials to use in grass?
As you may already know, patio furniture can be made from a variety of materials. But that doesn’t mean all the materials are equally good at withstanding the outdoor elements. Metal furniture can rust and corrode, while wooden furniture can rot and warp. Plastic furniture may not be durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions.Â
The main concern with furniture in grass is that the furniture will be in direct contact with any moisture in the ground. Additionally, this direct contact with the grass and whatever else is on the ground may cause more wear and tear on the furniture.Â
So, you need to make sure your patio furniture is made with the right materials to withstand these conditions. Below are my six tips and recommendations for the best types of materials for outdoor furniture to use in the grass:
Plastic:
All around, any type of plastic patio furniture is the best type to use on grass because plastic is less likely to be damaged by moisture in the grass, so there are no worries about rusting or warping. However, you want to ensure you get high-quality plastic material that can withstand some wear and tear.
- Best: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is one of the best outdoor furniture materials because it is highly weather resistant and durable. Often you will find that HDPE is made to be fade-resistant, too (some manufacturers will use UV inhibitors in the plastic and/or create the plastic with the color dyed all the way through the material). There are other great plastic options like polypropylene and HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) that are very durable.
- Take Extra Care: If you are using furniture made from a lower-grade polyethylene (PE) or PVC, you may find that these materials will not be that durable. Lower-grade plastic furniture can also become damaged if left in the sun for extended periods, which can cause it to become brittle and break easily.
Wood:
Wooden patio furniture is a classic choice for any backyard. It offers a natural look that blends well with grass and other outdoor elements. However, wood can absorb moisture from the grass and soil, which can cause it to rot. Over time, wood requires regular maintenance to prevent rot, mold, mildew, and insect damage.
- Best: Teak is highly weather, moisture, rot, fade, and insect resistant due to its high natural oil content. Additionally, teak is extremely durable, and it can last many decades. With these characteristics, teak is one of the best wood materials to use in grassy areas.
- Take Extra Care: If you plan to use a wood with lower weather resistance or one prone to warping, take extra caution to care for the wood. If you are using acacia or eucalyptus wood patio furniture, make sure you treat the wood with the appropriate sealer to prevent moisture and insect damage.
Metal:
Metal patio furniture is a durable and stylish (there are many great metal options with a modern look) option for grassy backyards. However, with metal patio furniture in grass, the main concern is rusting.Â
- Best: Aluminum is a great metal in grass because aluminum will not rust. Additionally, aluminum patio furniture is usually lightweight making it easier to move around in the grass compared to other metal materials.
- Take Extra Care: Wrought iron and steel are prone to rusting. So, if you plan to use these materials in grass, make sure that their protective coatings (paint or powder coating) are intact.Â
✨ Tip: Check out my complete comparison of these best patio furniture materials of HDPE, Teak, and Aluminum.Â
Can you put wicker patio furniture on grass?
The answer here is yes, as long as the wicker is made with synthetic materials (in other words, plastic). Whenever you see wicker patio furniture labeled as made with “resin,” “PE Rattan,” “HDPE,” or “all-weather Wicker,” it means the furniture is made with a plastic-like material that is meant for outdoor use. Wicker made from natural materials (like natural rattan) will quickly break down and should never be used outdoors. Â
One consideration with wicker patio furniture is that it may be easy for dirt and other debris to get stuck in the wicker weave. So, you may need extra care to get the wicker clean when removing it from the grass
What are some items to put under patio furniture (or on top of grass) to protect the grass?
There are several solutions to protect both the grass and the furniture and to create a level and flat surface for the furniture. Below are four of the best ideas:
- Outdoor rugs, mats, or tarps: Outdoor rugs, mats, and tarps can be a cost-effective solution to protect your furniture and grass. Place the rug (mat or tarp) on the grass and then place the furniture on top of the rug. Not only will this add protection to your grass and furniture, but it will also give a decorative touch to your outdoor space.
- Pavers or bricks: An easy way to protect the grass and create a level surface is to put pavers or bricks underneath the legs of the tables or outdoor seating.
- Temporary flooring (interlocking tiles or roll-out flooring): Temporary flooring, such as interlocking tiles or roll-out flooring, is a great option for creating a firm floor on the grass for your outdoor furniture. This will create a stable and level surface for your furniture and also protect the grass underneath.
- Pallets: One unique way to create a level surface for your patio furniture on grass is to use pallets. Place the pallets on the grassy surface and then place the furniture on top of the pallets. This will create a stable and level surface for your furniture.
However, any of these ideas should be considered a temporary solution because these options will block sun, air, and water from reaching the grass. Keeping these items on grass for a long period of time can lead to brown patches and dead grass.
What are some decorating tips for patio furniture in grassy areas?
As you consider putting patio furniture in that perfect grassy area in your backyard, below are five decorating tips to make a great outdoor space:
- Create a seating area: Instead of placing individual pieces of furniture on the grass, create a seating area by placing the furniture in a circle or square. This will create a defined space and make moving the furniture around easier. If you have a small space, consider a bistro set as a great way to create a seating area in this space.
- Use planters as decoration: You can use planters with flowers and other plants around your patio furniture to help tie in the furniture with the grassy open area.
- Add string lights:Â String lights can add a great ambiance to your outdoor area and allow you to use your seating area at night. Mix these lights in with an all-weather outdoor area rug and this space can quickly look and feel like an outdoor room.
- Add an umbrella: You might need some overhead shade if you are out in the grass. Get a patio umbrella that helps you tie in your patio furniture style and any surrounding flower beds, landscaping, and any other vegetation.
- Create a focal point: However you set up your seating area, add a focal point. This can be something like a centerpiece on a coffee table or colorful pillows (with weather-resistant outdoor fabrics) on an outdoor sofa.
How do you care for patio furniture in grass?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping patio furniture on grass in good condition. Below are six tips for caring for patio furniture in grass:
- Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines: Before you set out to clean any item, make sure you follow the patio furniture manufacturer’s guidelines on what to use and how to clean your patio furniture.Â
- Remove any debris or leaves: Basic cleaning starts with removing any large dirt and debris, like loose blades of grass and leaves.Â
- Use mild soap to clean and a soft bristle brush: For the next level of cleaning, most patio furniture can be cleaned with a soft bristle brush, warm water, and mild soap. Â
- Consider vinegar or fabric cleaner to remove tough stains on fabric: For fabric cushions or upholstery, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar to remove stains and odors. Consider a fabric cleaner for tougher to-remove stains.
- Consider bleach solution to remove mold and mildew: If you notice mildew on your furniture, you can use a mixture of water and bleach to get rid of it (if approved by manufacturer’s guidelines)
- Protect your grass: However you need to clean your patio furniture, always make sure you protect your grass while you clean it. You can either put down a tarp in the grass under the furniture or move your furniture to a different area in your backyard.
Overall, cleaning patio furniture on grass requires some extra care and attention, but it’s worth it to keep your furniture looking great and your grass healthy. By following these basic cleaning tips (and your patio furniture manufacturer’s guidelines!) and dealing with stains and mildew promptly, you can enjoy your backyard oasis all season long.
Conclusion
Overall, with the right planning and preparation, it is possible to put patio furniture on grass without damaging the grass or the furniture. So use some of my tips and ideas to make help you use patio furniture in the grass of your backyard!
