8 Grass Driveway Ideas using Artificial Turf

With all the beautiful (and some not-so-beautiful) grass driveway ideas out there, how do you make your home’s drive-up stand out from the crowd while remaining low-maintenance? Three words: Artificial turf, baby! Modern synthetic grass is beautiful, resilient, easy-to-maintain, surprisingly eco-friendly, and so visually diverse that your driveway design options seem endless.

So, first let’s talk about why artificial turf such a good driveway design solution. Then get your creative juices flowing with 8 inspirational ideas. And I’d also like to offer you all the artificial grass design and installation basics to help you decide if turf is the right direction for your driveway.

Why Should You Use Artificial Grass for Your Driveway Design?

It’s easy to overlook driveways. You pass those boring, simple concrete strips constantly, right? But where’s the fun in that? Artificial turf driveway designs transform the simply-functinal into the visually-stunning.

You should use artificial turf for your driveway design because…

• • it elevates your driveway to a work of art.
  • it’s tough enough to handle the traffic.
  • artificial grass resists fading from sun and weather.
  • it’ll help make you the talk of the neighborhood!

It’s worth mentioning that artificial grass is incredibly low maintenance. Say goodbye to weeding, mowing, and watering. Your new artificial grass driveway will stay green and pristine. Year-round. Minimal effort. Durable artificial turf withstands the weight of vehicles and heavy foot traffic. Plus, it’s permeable nature allows for better water drainage. So now you also get to add puddles and erosion to the list of things to which you’re waving adios!

But let’s be honest … the biggest benefit? Instant curb appeal. An artificial grass driveway adds a pop of color and texture to your overall lawn vibe. Go ahead – make your home stand out. Roll out that gorgeous green carpet to welcome your guests!

8 Artificial Grass Driveway Ideas

Alright, this might be the main reason you’re here – for some beautiful and creative artificial grass driveway inspiration! Now, let me say you can always just go full-turf for your driveway. I’ve seen it done well. It won’t win you any landscaping awards, but it can look nice. And as long as you choose an artificial grass option that can handle the constant weight of vehicles, it will last a long time, too.

But here are 8 turf driveway inspo ideas that are bringing the heat!

1. Fabulous Faux Stone Pathway
An artificial grass base with concrete pavers designed to look like natural stones. You get a rich natural feel while adding a subtle depth of color and texture for that high-end look. Or place large, irregularly shaped concrete “stepping stones” throughout the artificial grass to give visitors an interesting pathway when they arrive.

2. Hello There, Herringbone!
Lay a sophisticated driveway using rectangular pavers in a herringbone pattern separated by thin strips of artificial grass.

3. Sleek and Circular
Combine a large circular concrete pad and artificial grass to make your driveway into a destination AND a visual statement. If you’re the spiritual type, include a Yin-Yang or stylistic motifs to give your statement personal meaning.

4. Curved Appeal
Flowing, curved concrete paths through the artificial grass create a graceful, organic look.

5. Minimal Running Ribbons
Who says you have to go over the top? Pour two long, thin concrete tire paths with artificial grass in the center and sides. Simple, understated, classy!

6. Punchy, Patchwork Quilt
Bring in a touch of the old world by using various sizes and shapes of concrete pavers arranged like a patchwork quilt. Fill in the gaps with artificial grass. Then just step back and enjoy your uniquely-you driveway design.

7. Get Geometric With It!
Geometric patterns can make a pleasing, tidy driveway appearance. Use various shapes like diamonds, hexagons, or triangles for concrete pavers, filling the gaps with artificial grass. Or mix it up with a checkerboard pattern, alternating square concrete pavers with square sections of artificial turf to create a classic checkerboard look.

8. Mixed-N-Match Materials
Go for a layered, textured look by pairing your artificial turf with a variety of other hardscaping materials. Think gravel, pavers, cobblestones, and cement. You can create a pattern or just use them to bring in some organic, curved visual shapes. Again, the sky’s the limit here.

That’s just 8 ideas. There are tons of beautiful artificial grass driveway ideas examples around the web!

The beauty is that these inspo ideas are just that … inspiration! Take what you love, dream up your own version, then talk to some artificial grass pros about making it happen. The experienced Artificial Turf Supply team is just a call away (X), and they’d love to help you design and install your own stunningly modern artificial grass driveway.

Enhancing the Aesthetics with Landscaping Elements

Of course, your driveway doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it’s part of your overall landscaping. Make your artificial grass driveway shine by incorporating other design elements. Highlight your driveway’s unique design by adding some strategic lighting. Solar-powered path lights or even recessed fixtures can create a warm, inviting glow. Or border your driveway with low-maintenance plants or flowers. Get that profesh-look by choosing species that complement your driveway’s colors and textures.

Choosing the Right Type of Artificial Turf

Your driveway design’s long-term health depends upon your ability to choose the right type of artificial grass. So make sure you choose a variety that’s specifically designed to withstand the weight and pressure of vehicles.

• • Look for artificial turf with:
    – Shorter pile height
    – Dense, durable backing
    – Polypropylene or nylon fibers (more resilient than polyethylene)

A shorter pile height and a dense, durable backing make your artificial grass much more resilient to traffic. Polypropylene or nylon fibers tend to be more resilient than polyethylene. Also, don’t forget about infill. A good infill material (like silica sand or recycled rubber) helps to support the turf fibers and prevent matting.

Edging and Finishing Touches

To really make your artificial grass driveway look professional, you’ll want to pay attention to the edges and seams. Use a sharp utility knife or specialty turf cutter to trim the edges for a clean, crisp look. You can also use a nail gun or turf staples to secure the edges and prevent fraying.

If your artificial grass driveway idea combines artificial turf with pavers or other hardscaping materials, consider using a bender board or other edging material to create a smooth transition.

Preparing & Installing the Base, Drainage System, and Artificial Turf

Don’t start laying your artificial turf before properly preparing the area. If you don’t, you won’t have proper drainage. And a whole host of future issues are likely to pop up down the line.

Also, this is a great time to call in some professional artificial turf installers (866) 677-9405). Trust me, this is a long and complex process with many, many ways to make costly mistakes. 

If you’re starting with a concrete slab, make sure it’s in good condition with no major cracks or unevenness. Fill any cracks with a concrete repair compound and use a self-leveling compound to even out any dips.

For a gravel or dirt driveway, you’ll want to excavate the area to a depth of about 3-4 inches. Compact the soil and add a layer of crushed stone for stability and drainage.

With your driveway surface prepped, it’s time to start installing your artificial grass system. Here’s a basic overview of the process:

1. 1. Install a weed barrier or landscape fabric over the prepared surface to prevent weed growth.
   2. Add a layer of crushed stone or decomposed granite for drainage, and compact it thoroughly.
   3. Install a perforated drainage pipe along the edges of the driveway, sloping it slightly towards a discharge point.
   4. Add a final layer of infill material, like silica sand, and rake it evenly across the surface.
   5. Roll out your artificial turf, cutting it to fit your driveway’s dimensions. Secure the edges with stakes or staples.
   6. Brush the turf fibers with a power broom to fluff them up and help them stand upright.

Is Artificial Grass’s Cost Worth the Investment?

Of course, we can’t ignore cost. (No matter how much we’d love to.) It’s a huge factor in any home improvement project. An artificial grass driveway will definitely cost more upfront than a traditional concrete or asphalt driveway.

However, when you consider the long-term maintenance costs of a traditional driveway – resealing, repairing cracks, etc. – an artificial turf driveway can actually save you money in the long run. Plus, the added curb appeal can increase your home’s value, making it a smart investment.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot for an artificial grass driveway, depending on the turf variety and installation complexity. It’s best to get quotes from several professional installers to find the best price and quality for your project.

Before You Click Out

I hope these 8 artificial grass driveway ideas prepared you to turn your driveway game up to 11. Get creative, keep these installation techniques in mind, and your driveway will bring a functional, low-effort, property-value-raising, and neighbor-head-turning facelift to your home.

Call our Artificial Supply Turf team (866) 677-9405) if you want to learn more. Or click over to our quote tool to get an accurate price for your new artificial grass driveway vision.