Asked on Mar 20, 2015

Any ideas on outdoor flooring that can be laid right over grass

Wil L
by Wil L

I'm a renter with a big backyard. I need to create an outdoor space with flooring and shade than can be removed easily if we ever decide to move. Nothing too tacky but useful.



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  23 answers
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Mar 21, 2015
    Hi Wil- The best solution I could think of that would be sturdy but not permanent is these teak patio squares- they are interlocking so they stay put. Available at most big box stores. But I will say that no matter what you put down, you are going to kill the grass underneath it so perhaps you might check with your landlord before doing anything? http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Premium-Plantation-Teak-Tiles-Box-of-10/4348649/product.html
    • See 2 previous
    • Aleita Aleita on May 05, 2019

      I hear that the breathable outdoor rugs (or even rv rugs) do not kill the grass..?

  • Teresa Still Teresa Still on Mar 21, 2015
    I used wooden pallets and then put down sheets of plywood over that.
  • Diane Diane on Mar 21, 2015
    We had a floor rug that was going to the trash.... instead we laid it in the garden for our ground cover... made a cute sitting area!
  • Marsha Whitt Marsha Whitt on Mar 21, 2015
    @Wil - Lowe's has composite interlocking pieces that are very durable (as Sue mentioned), or you could lay down 4'x8' sheets of concrete board (goes by diefferent names: Permaboard, Hardyboard...) - somewhat lightweight, virtually indestructible. Have fun!
  • Candace Baker Candace Baker on Mar 21, 2015
    I'd try a bamboo rug. This is one I have in my office. As you see the slats make it pliable so moving it is easy and placing it on an uneven ground it'll stay flat and sturdy. This flat non-pours surface is great for a party or social space where you might put furniture and have to quickly clean a spill. The other idea I like is that it's natural so it will compliment the grass it is on,if that's where you'll lay it down. It won't get soaked like carpet. I might put a tarp under it though,unless you find one suited for a lawn. Good-luck!!
  • Barbara Barbara on Feb 24, 2016
    Thanks for all your help i think i'm going to try interlocks pcs, that Marsha had mention
  • Teresa Still Teresa Still on Apr 13, 2018

    Sorry don't have that camera anymore.


  • Elle Elle on May 20, 2018

    Hello I have the same question. I would just like to use the ideas mentioned below for a day for a gathering. Would it harm the grass if you lay it down for a day?

  • Gwen Barham Loftus Gwen Barham Loftus on May 20, 2018

    I saw these interlocking plastic ones at Big Lots and our neighbor made a small patio area using them. It looks super cute with his little cast iron chair and love seat. I think they are not expensive either.

  • Kim Kim on Aug 05, 2018

    I'm trying to find an inexpensive way to floor my gazebo that won't kill my grass but look great?

    • Aleita Aleita on May 05, 2019

      Breathable outdoor rugs are made specifically to not kill your grass. They are also mold and uv resistant

  • 1401470 1401470 on Aug 05, 2018

    Well what about just putting down mulch? Other option would be to check out exterior rugs, home depot normally has a neat selection. They're designed for patios.

  • Lrw Lrw on Aug 12, 2018

    Great ideas guys.I think that I will get my handyman to put down pallets then cover them with a rug.I have a nice size yard so I am not stressed out when it comes to loosing the grass in that area.






  • Cody Cody on Dec 19, 2019

    how did the composite decking workout? I’m in the same situation and trying not to kill the grass because I’ll have to move out in 15 months

  • Edie Babe Edie Babe on Apr 26, 2020

    Dead grass on a relatively small area could be fixed with sod.

  • How about getting a gazebo and then placing an interlocking brick or wood look square under it. According to their rep, they have an open design for airflow and allow drainage. You can see them online at shops like Lowe's and Home Depot.

  • Annie Annie on Jun 16, 2021

    An inexpensive solution would be to lay pieces of cardboard down and then place a large outdoor carpet over that. Then create your sitting area.

  • A piece of artificial grass may work.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Jun 16, 2021

    Most anything you put on the grass is going to kill the grass over time. If keeping the grass alive is your concern, then I don't think you have an option. If you don't care about it dying (you can always reseed it before you move out), I would use squares of decking to create a seating area.

  • Maura White Maura White on Jun 17, 2021

    I like the idea of pallets and a rug.

  • Pallets would work well and you could probably anchor them to the ground to prevent some movement. You can also purchase temporary concrete deck footings such as these. such as thesesuc

  • Janice Janice on Jun 17, 2021

    Hi Will, since you mentioned that you're a renter, you might want to check to be sure your landlord is okay with you "killing" the grass by covering it with whatever you decide. The landlord might even be willling to kick in on the expense if approached.

  • Deb K Deb K on Mar 04, 2022

    Hello, they make some fabulous mats for RV's nowadays that would work well for this purpose! https://www.walmart.com/search?q=RV+mat

  • Ray Ray on Jun 03, 2022

    Have the same problem only not worrying about the grass. I have a 12 x12 area I also have a grass carpet for it what can I put on the top soil under the carpet?