Artificial Grass and Patio Ideas to Enhance Your Irish Garden

Introducing Artificial Grass to Ireland

Does your garden require too much maintenance? Is it simply too small? Or are you stuck not knowing what to do with it to make it a nice and welcoming place to be?

We know what it’s like to feel stuck in a rut with your garden. That's why we've written this blog to give you a host of amazingly effective artificial grass and patio ideas, garden renovation ideas, and low-maintenance garden solutions!

Outdoor decoration and garden renovation is becoming more and more popular in Ireland. Of course, our country is home to some pretty wild, unpredictable weather conditions which can make it difficult to enjoy your garden year-round.

We strongly believe that Irish homeowners should not be deprived of enjoyable, welcoming outdoor spaces just because the weather's a bit rubbish half of the year. Installing artificial grass is one of the most effective ways you can ensure that your garden doesn't suffer from rain and ice.

Read on to discover a wide range of artificial lawns, appliances, features and materials which you can use to make your outdoors the new indoors.

What is Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass, as many of you will already know, is a synthetic substitute for naturally-grown lawns. The fibres used to weave rolls of artificial lawn are a soft plastic which feels very similar to natural grass underfoot.

You've probably seen artificial grass used for sports arenas, but what about laying a fake lawn at home? Artificial grass technology has evolved over the years to afford Irish homeowners a gorgeous, low-maintenance, authentic-looking, superior-feeling way to revitalise tired, dull and grey outdoor spaces.

Let's take a look at some of the impressive benefits you could enjoy if you choose to shop for artificial grass today!

The 7 Benefits of Artificial Grass Installation

1. Low-maintenance garden care: Artificial grass requires next to no maintenance. Unlike real grass, you'll never have to mow or weed your lawn again! A quick brush, followed by a hose or power-wash once in a while is all you need to keep your artificial grass in tip-top condition.
2. Affordable aesthetics: Starting at less than EUR10 per m², your Irish garden renovation doesn't have to break the bank when you choose to use artificial lawns.
3. Artificial grass doesn't fade in sunlight: Designed to be UV-resistant, the fresh-out-the-box lustre and shine of your artificial grass should never fade.
4. Faux lawns are suitable for all weather conditions: The key benefit for Irish exterior designers is that artificial grass can withstand severe weather conditions with ease. Sun won't scorch it, frost won't freeze it, and rain won't churn it to mud!
5. Safe both for family and your furry friends: Artificial grass is safe for young kids, elderly parents and pets alike! You can make your new lawn extra safe by installing a shockpad underneath.
6. Range of artificial grass lengths and styles to choose from: You don't have to settle for just any old artificial grass, either. Here at Tile Merchant, we've a range of different pile heights and colourations to choose from.
7. Fake grass does a good job of mimicking the real thing: Last but not least, it's worth reiterating that new, modern artificial grass does a really incredible job of replicating the natural look and feel of real grass, so you don't feel you're missing out!

Improving Your Artificial Lawn With Shockpad Underlay

We recommend laying your artificial grass down on top of a foam shock pad. Shock pads, once covered by the grass, are kept out of sight, but still they perform several crucial functions.

So why should you use a foam underlay when laying artificial grass?

Let's take a look at some of the reasons we recommend pairing your next artificial grass renovation with a shockpad foam underlay.

Shockpads make artificial lawns even safer

Artificial grass shock pads create a soft, cushioned foundation below the surface of the grass. This means that the risk of injury from falls and trips is drastically reduced. Artificial lawns are therefore ideal for families with young children.

Shockpads make artificial lawns feel natural

Shockpad cushioning enhances the comfort you feel when out on the grass. This makes it especially useful if you’ve laid your grass over a concrete base (or another hard surface). With an absorbent shockpad underneath the grass, your brain is tricked into thinking you're walking on the soft cushioning of grass atop mud.

Shockpads offer additional drainage for especially wet gardens

Using a shock pad underlay is a savvy idea if creating a roof garden or patio. Because not only does the underlay offer fantastic insulation, but it provides drainage, too. The foam used in our artificial grass shock pads is permeable, allowing water to freely drain through it. This makes shockpads perfect for building artificial grass on top of non-permeable surfaces.

Shockpads help make artificial grass installations more level

Using foam underlays ensures your artificial grass surface will be smooth and flat, since the underlay presents a uniform foundation. If laying artificial grass directly onto concrete or some other uneven surface, it can billow and ripple in places. This can make your final installation look untidy, and can even be dangerous. Foam shock pads can be laid on just about any surface, including concrete, prepared sub-base, decking or tarmac.

Shockpads are eco-friendly and anti-bacterial

Our Alpha Shock pads are made from environmentally-friendly sources and emit zero toxins or gasses. Shock pads are also resistant to harmful bacteria and microorganisms, ensuring the safety of you, your garden, and your family.

How To Install a Foam Shock Pad Underlay

Foam shock pad artificial grass can be laid on top of pre-existing foundations such as concrete, wood decking, or tarmac. It can also be laid elsewhere, provided an appropriate sub-base has first been put down.

A sub-base is a layer of MOT Type 1 aggregate or granite/limestone chippings. Sub bases are help to create a solid, drainable foundation on otherwise soft ground.

Secure the perimeter of your foam underlay when installing on concrete by using adhesive. Use nails to secure shockpads to wood. And if laying faux grass on top of a sub-base, then you should use artificial grass adhesive or galvanised U-pins around the perimeter instead.

Gaps between sheets of shockpad can be secured using duct tape. Galvanised U-pins can then be used to connect artificial grass, weed membrane, and shock pad underlay together.

For a fully detailed guide on how to install artificial grass, follow the Tile Merchant Style & Advice blog.

How to Care for Artificial Grass and Shock Pads

Shock pads are built to last without maintenance for anywhere up to twenty years. As such, it will be a long time before you have to concern yourself with repairing or replacing your underlay. As for artificial grass, it too is designed to require minimal care. One of the few things which fake grass does need, however, is a semi-regular brush.

Since fallen leaves, dirt, and debris will become lodged in the grass, clogging it up and flattening it over time, it’s necessary to give the grass a brush from time to time. 

At Tile Merchant, we stock a strong, durable, yet lightweight metal-handled brush designed specifically for faux lawns. With PP (polypropylene) teeth designed to clean, but never damage your lawn, and an adjustable handle to maximise ease of use and efficiency, our artificial grass brush is affordable, too, making it Ireland’s number one choice of cleaning product for artificial lawns. 

Did we mention it works indoors, too? If you’re frustrated by your hoover’s inability to extract hair from your carpet, give this grass brush a whirl and we promise you’ll be impressed.

Keep your artificial lawn looking as attractive and fresh as the day you installed it with the faux grass brush from Tile Merchant.

How to Compliment Your Artificial Grass Installation Using Other Garden Renovation Ideas

There are lots of ways you can improve the look and feel of your garden on a budget. Fake grass is just one of them. Let's take a look at some other awesome low-maintenance garden solutions and renovation ideas to take your Irish outdoor space to the next level!

1) Hanging Egg Chairs with Cushions and Rain Covers

Move over hammocks, egg chairs are the new kids on the block! Increasingly popular in Ireland are these innovative indoor/outdoor seats. Hanging from a sturdy black frame is an egg-shaped chair, lined welcomingly with anthracite grey cushions. The hanging chair is designed to rock and swing ever-so-gently whilst you use it, enveloping you like a cocoon to make you feel warm, snug, and protected.

Outdoor hanging egg chairs are simply the perfect places to relax, recline, and read a new book, listen to your favourite podcast, or nap.

Easy to assemble, disassemble, and protect from the rain (with the included rain cover), our egg chair at Tile Merchant goes as perfectly in a conservatory as it does out in the garden.

2) Outdoor Patio Heater

Irish weather being Irish weather, you’d do well to consider including a gas patio heater in your grand garden renovation plans. Sturdy, weatherproof (thanks to the included waterproof PVC cover), and fuelled by propane, butane, or LPG gas, installing one of our patio heaters is undoubtedly the best way to heat a patio – ensuring you, your family, and friends can enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature.

Conclusion

There are many ways to renovate your garden and many materials you can use. Enhancing your garden is a delightful journey that can transform any outdoor space into a haven of beauty and relaxation.

Whether you opt for the lush greenery of artificial grass, the comfort of a shockpad underlay, or the warmth of a patio heater, these ideas cater to the needs of Irish homeowners, providing solutions for year-round enjoyment.

With a touch of creativity and thoughtful planning, your garden can become a cherished retreat where you can unwind and connect with nature. Explore our blog on 13 creative ways to use artificial grass to get inspiration for your own renovation!

So roll up your sleeves, embrace these ideas, and enjoy your garden! Browse the Tile Merchant outdoor range today.

Why Tile Merchant?

We offer extremely competitive pricing on our entire range of tiles and likewise. We stock a huge range of wall and floor tiles and our prices are competitive for retail and trade. Our stock is widely available in our tile stores in Dublin and Ashbourne (Co. Meath) which are open 7 days a week.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to shop our tiles online, we can supply you with samples delivered for free.

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