Placing your new outdoor furniture set directly onto the lush green grass can be tempting. It seems natural and easy. However, while it is possible to put furniture directly on your lawn, it is generally not recommended for the long-term health of your furniture or your grass. There are several key reasons why a solid, level base like a patio, deck, or dedicated platform is a superior choice.
Firstly, placing furniture directly on grass can cause significant damage to your lawn. The constant weight and pressure block sunlight and air from reaching the grass blades and soil. This leads to moisture buildup, soil compaction, and ultimately, dead, yellow patches of grass underneath and around your furniture. Furthermore, metal furniture legs can rust faster from constant contact with damp ground, and wooden furniture is more susceptible to rot and insect infestations.
A patio provides a stable, level, and durable foundation. This stability prevents furniture from wobbling or sinking unevenly, which can cause stress and damage to the frames over time. It also creates a cleaner, mud-free environment for you and your guests to enjoy.
If you do not have a patio and still wish to use furniture on your lawn, consider these alternatives to minimize damage. Use wide, flat pavers or concrete blocks under each furniture leg to distribute the weight more evenly and reduce soil compaction. For a more temporary and lawn-friendly solution, frequently move your furniture to different areas of the yard to give the grass underneath a chance to recover. You can also invest in specialized plastic or composite deck tiles that interlock to create an instant, temporary solid surface right on top of the grass.
In conclusion, while you can place furniture on grass for a short period, a dedicated hardscape like a patio is the best option for protecting your investment and your lawn. For those without a patio, using protective barriers like pavers or moving furniture frequently are the next best strategies to enjoy your outdoor space without sacrificing its health.