Having a beautiful backyard oasis to relax in is one of the best things of all. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, having your own sanctuary is now more important than ever before. That said, although a lawn is green and beautiful, it also takes a whole lot of maintenance.
First you need to plant the grass, then you need to water it, not to mention the constant mowing of it. Having a backyard covered in grass just becomes more of a hassle than anything else.
That’s why we’re here today, take a look at some of the best backyard ideas that don’t involve any grass. Yes, it’s more than possible for you to create your own no-grass backyard that looks nice and is comfortable to be in.
1. Paver Patio
If you don’t want any grass, but you still want your backyard to look elegant, then paver patios are a great way to go.
Paver patios come in a variety of textures, colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can create a unique area that really suits your aesthetic preferences what’s even better is the fact that paver patios are quite durable as well, as they are essentially stone or concrete, depending on the material you choose.
It’s great because not only do you not have to mow any lawns, but the overall maintenance required is minimal as well.
There’s also the fact that having a paver patio allows you to set up many different types of patio furniture, even a full scale outdoor dining area, something that you just can’t do on a lawn.
2. Composite Decking
If you want something that looks really nice, like real wood, but you don’t want to deal with the limited durability and longevity of it, not to mention its high price, then choosing composite decking is your next best option.
Composite decking allows you to give your backyard a bit of a modern upgrade, all without the high cost or ecological concerns associated with using real wood. Even better is the fact that composite decking, essentially made out of high quality plastic, is also extremely durable, and much more resistant to the elements than real wood.
Furthermore, it also comes in many different finishes and colors, so you can create a backyard that suits your aesthetic appeal. A composite deck is a great place to sunbathe, have some summer barbecues, and everything in between.
3. Courtyard Garden
If you would like to go a little more old school, a courtyard garden might be right for you. By a courtyard, what we mean is a nice space that could include a variety of small trees, potted plants, fragrant herbs, flower gardens, bird baths, water features, and more.
What we’re really talking about here is creating a courtyard garden that will attract both you and a variety of wildlife alike. Even better is if you manage to incorporate some seating areas amongst the greenery, so you can entertain guests, or even just unwind by yourself.
If you have a large enough yard, you could always create a dining area in that courtyard as well. Courtyard gardens aren’t just functional, but really beautiful too.
4. Raised Garden Beds
If your main goal is to have your backyard look great, and you happen to be an avid gardener, then creating some raised garden beds might be an ideal solution for you. If you don’t want to have a grassy lawn, but you still want a backyard that is full of life, then raised garden beds are the way to go.
Raised garden beds are ideal because they’re not just meant for flowers, but you can grow a variety of herbs and vegetables as well. This is the case even if the native soil in your area is not ideal for growth, because raised garden beds require you to add potting soil.
This may not be ideal for everyone, but if you’re looking for an ongoing project that requires a bit of maintenance throughout the summer, and do love the beautiful smells that plants produce, then raised garden beds are ideal.
Let’s not forget the fact that raised garden beds also help improve yard drainage, they reduce pests, and gardening is made easier due to the raised nature of them.
5. Artificial Turf
Okay, so artificial turf might not be the first choice for everyone, but it is certainly an option worth considering. If what you want is a green lawn, but something living is not in your domain, then artificial turf is the way to go.
The simple reality is that there are plenty of modern synthetic grasses that are durable, eco friendly, and are incredibly realistic too. In case you think that artificial turf doesn’t look real, if you’re willing to invest enough money, you can find artificial turf that you won’t be able to tell the difference between it and the real stuff.
Let’s not forget that artificial turf also doesn’t require any fertilizing, mowing, or watering, which means that you get to have the appearance of a green lawn without ever having to maintain it. It’s still nice and soft, making it ideal for kids and pets alike, and it allows for a green and beautiful atmosphere.
6. Outdoor Living Room
If you happen to live in an area that sees warm and sunny weather on a regular basis, then creating your own outdoor living room is always an option. If you enjoy watching TV, listening to music, or even sitting in your favorite chair and reading a book, but you’re sick and tired of looking at the same four walls, then making a cozy lounge area outdoors is always an option.
You could set up some chairs, sofas, coffee tables, and anything else of the sort, such as string lights, throw pillows, and even outdoor rugs, to effectively create an outdoor living room.
Just remember that you might want to add something like a gazebo or tent as a cover, in case it rains or inclement weather comes along. There’s also the fact that you might want a bit of shade from the hot summer sun, which makes something like a canopy, a pergola, or even a full-scale gazebo all options worth considering.
7. Outdoor Bar Area & Kitchen
If food is your forte, and you love entertaining, then you may as well turn your backyard into an outdoor bar and kitchen area. Now, whether or not you actually like having people over is one thing, but the fact of the matter is that having a nice meal outdoors, and even being able to cook it under the sun, is always nice. The cool thing here is that the world is your oyster.
You could create a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, complete with countertops, fridge, sink, and even cooking appliances, such as grills, griddles, and gas burners. This will allow you to create an alfresco dining experience that makes hosting a breeze, so you can serve everyone in a central location.
However, if that’s too much for you, you can always just create a little bar set up, even with just something like a small bar cart. It’s a great idea because it’s something that you can really tailor to suit your needs and the space at hand. Having some ambient lighting, bar stools, and even a small fire pit might be ideal as well, especially for those cool summer and fall nights.
8. Yoga or Meditation Space
If you’re someone who wants to relax, and that’s not something you can do inside of your home, creating a dedicated meditation or yoga space is another option for a no grass backyard.
Whether you just want to lay down some flat rocks, a yoga mat, and put up some decorations, or you want to create a full scale outdoor yoga studio and meditation space is totally up to you.
The main point here however is that your backyard makes for the perfect place to make a really tranquil area, featuring things such as outdoor safe cushions, water features, wind chimes, and other calming elements.
Having some bamboo screens for privacy, some plants for shade, and some fragrant herbs and flowers to create a peaceful ambiance should be considered as well. It’s all about having a personal sanctuary where you can recharge, reflect, and unwind.
9. Wood Decking
Next on the list of no-grass backyard ideas is some regular wood decking. Yes, we already mentioned above how composite decking is a little more durable than wood decking, but the simple reality is that wood just looks a whole lot better.
Wood also smells nice, something that you don’t really get with composite decking. With that being said, choosing the right type of wood for an outdoor space is essential. Something that is weather and insect resistant, as well as durable and sustainable, such as cedar and redwood, are both prime options to consider here.
Having an outdoor wood deck allows for a seamless transition from an indoor space to an outdoor space, and it allows you to create an outdoor living space right for a king. You can create a whole outdoor patio area with a good wood decking underneath. Just remember that wood decking will require a bit of maintenance to keep it in good condition over a prolonged period of time.
10. Ground Cover Yard
If you want all of that greenery and the good smells that come with having live plants, but you don’t want to keep mowing a lawn, a ground cover yard is always a good option.
Ground covers such as sedum, moss, and creeping thyme are all hardy plants that they’re low growing and will slowly creep their way across your yard. It produces a really vibrant tapestry of colors and textures, all without the huge amount of maintenance required by lawns.
These are all great alternatives to grass as well, because not only do they require minimal upkeep, but they’re also drought resistant and can thrive in a variety of soil and climate conditions. You can then add a variety of stepping stones, pathways, and other nice elements to your ground cover backyard.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.