BEAUTIFUL LAWNS. FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW.The best artificial grass for an apartment depends first on whether it is permitted in the proposed outdoor space. A private ground-floor patio, a projecting balcony and a roof terrace can have different requirements. Do not assume that a product described as suitable for balconies is approved for your building.
Where the product and complete installation are permitted and suitable, compare Sorrento 20mm for a lower-profile finish, Jersey 30mm for flexible roll widths, and Luxury 30mm for an alternative yarn texture. This guide covers apartment outdoor spaces; it does not recommend these products as indoor flooring.
In this guide
Check balcony permission and fire requirements first
Some building policies prohibit artificial grass on balconies. For example, Chesterfield Borough Council's balcony safety guidance includes artificial grass among the combustible floor coverings residents should not fit.
Ask your landlord, freeholder or building manager about the proposed covering and installation before purchasing. Follow the building's requirements and obtain any required product and system test documentation. We have not verified balcony fire compliance for the products in this shortlist. A removable fitting, short pile or good drainage does not establish fire suitability. If grass is prohibited, do not fit it.
A conditional shortlist for permitted outdoor installations
These comparisons use Status Grass product specifications and selectable sizes checked on 13 October 2026. They are not fire classifications, structural assessments or independent comparative drainage tests.
| Product | Suggested comparison | Specification to consider | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sorrento 20mm Recyclable PP Artificial Grass Order a sample |
A compact profile where the installation is permitted | 20mm pile; drainage holes listed; 2m and 4m widths | Check the complete build-up and required fire documentation before selection. |
|
Jersey 30mm Artificial Grass Order a sample |
Narrow layouts or a more lawn-like finish | 30mm flat yarn; 1m–5m selectable widths; drainage holes listed | More pile depth than Sorrento; a narrow roll only helps if the cut plan fits. |
|
Luxury 30mm Artificial Grass Order a sample |
An alternative 30mm texture | C-shaped yarn; 1m–5m selectable widths; drainage holes listed | Compare feel and colour with Jersey; the name does not establish balcony approval. |
The product table at the end of this guide shows current prices per m², width choices and sample links. Confirm suitability for your building before turning a sample shortlist into a full order.
For a lower-profile finish: Sorrento 20mm
Sorrento is the shortest pile in this shortlist, with two green tones and 2m and 4m selectable widths. Its product record lists drainage holes.
The 20mm pile can be useful when comparing a compact appearance, but it is not the total fitted thickness. Include the backing and any approved drainage or underlay layer when checking the space beneath a door. The product description identifies PP construction; confirm local collection arrangements before relying on an end-of-life recycling route.
For narrow layouts: Jersey 30mm
Jersey has 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m and 5m selectable widths. Its 30mm pile and flat-yarn construction give you a more lawn-like alternative to the lower-profile Sorrento.
Measure the maximum width, not just the gap at one end. A space 1.2m wide cannot be covered by a 1m strip without another piece. Plan the pile direction, trimming allowance and any joints before deciding which width is economical.
For a different 30mm texture: Luxury
Luxury 30mm uses C-shaped yarn with three green tones and brown curly fibre. It also lists widths from 1m to 5m, making it a useful sample alongside Jersey where the proposed installation has been approved.
Compare the two outdoors in the light your balcony or patio receives. Shade from walls and nearby buildings can change the appearance. Keep the fibres facing the same way so you are comparing the products fairly.
Why the shortest grass is not automatically the right choice
Preston 6mm has a lower pile than these options, but its current product record states that it has no drainage holes. We have therefore left it out of this rain-exposed balcony shortlist. A small height number alone does not resolve water flow, fixing, surface protection or building requirements.
Even when drainage holes are listed, water must still reach the existing outlet. Keep channels, inspection points and outlets accessible. If water already pools, have the underlying issue assessed before covering the surface. See our drainage guide.
Measure clearance, access and the fitted area
Mark outward-opening doors, posts, drains and areas that must remain uncovered. For a 1.2m by 3m area, the finished surface is 3.6m², but a single 2m by 3m piece supplies 6m² before extra trimming allowance. That example shows why the cut layout matters as much as the price per m².
Also check how the roll will reach the apartment. The route through doors, stairs or lifts may affect handling. For a roof terrace or raised structure, get the proposed build-up and loading checked where required rather than assuming that a light-looking surface is acceptable.
Protect waterproofing and plan the fixing method
Agree a fixing method suitable for the existing surface, exposure and building requirements. Do not puncture waterproofing or assume that an adhesive is compatible with it. Loose edges can lift, and exposed balconies need particular attention to wind.
A removable covering is not automatically a permitted one. If a removable method is approved, plan how it will remain secure and how you will reach the drainage outlets. Our balcony measuring and fitting guide covers further layout considerations.
What about pets and cleaning?
If the outdoor area will be used by a dog, agree a cleaning and drainage arrangement before choosing turf. Rinse water and residue must not be directed onto neighbours or shared areas. If you cannot clean the surface appropriately, reconsider the proposed use instead of relying on a pet-friendly label.
Clear debris, check edges and keep approved drainage routes accessible. Follow the product care instructions. A small covered area can still accumulate dirt, hair and moisture beneath furniture or plant pots.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put artificial grass on a rented balcony?
Only where it is permitted and the installation meets the requirements for that building. Confirm this before ordering; removability alone is not permission.
Does a drainage-hole specification mean the balcony will drain?
No. It describes a feature of the turf, not the performance of the complete floor, underlay and outlet arrangement.
Which should I sample first once suitability is confirmed?
Compare Sorrento 20mm with Jersey 30mm for height and feel. Add Luxury 30mm if you want another yarn texture with narrow-width choices.
Once the proposed installation is confirmed as suitable, compare samples in the space and use our measuring guide to plan the order.