What can I use instead of grass in my backyard?

If you love the look of your grass but what something low maintenance , then consider replacing it with artificial turf. There are modern options that mimic the look and feel of real grass.

How do I make a grass-free yard?

You could use plants to grow and cover your backyard. Cover the ground with gravel. Level the ground and lay down tile or stone. Pour concrete for a continuous hardscape. Turn your backyard into a garden with raised plant beds for flowers, ornamental grass, or vegetables.

What is the cheapest ground cover?

Instead of using grass as your ground cover, you can use plants. Creeping periwinkle, walk-on-me thyme, and moss phlox all grow quickly and create a thick covering over your backyard. You only need to buy a few plants, and they will do the rest.

12 No Grass Backyard Ideas for Easy Maintenance

Mowing a grass lawn is a never-ending job. The weekend arrives, and you’d rather be out enjoying your time off. Instead, you are stuck pushing the lawn mower around the yard yet again. There is another way. You could say goodbye to this thankless task for good with no grass backyard ideas.

Whether it’s artificial turf, gravel, or tile, you too can have a backyard that’s free of grass.

1. Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are ideal for creating a modern, clean look. They can be laid in various patterns, like herringbone or staggered, and can be complemented with small plants or other decor elements them for a more dynamic appearance.

Cozy patio with pallet sofas, colorful cushions, potted plants, and a wicker chair on tiled floor — Source: @rookieurbangardener via Instagram

Metal pergola on a tiled patio with a stucco house and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky — Source: @cospiconsa via Instagram

Wooden pergola with string lights over a concrete patio, surrounded by potted plants and shrubs against a white brick wall — Source: @the_sumpter_house via Instagram

Paved patio with a lawn and wooden fence in the background, partially shaded by a building on the left — Source: @bbp_pavers via Instagram

Concrete patio with dining set, gazebo, and lawn area, surrounded by a wooden fence and trees under a partly cloudy sky — Source: @dmgconcretedesign via Instagram

Modern house with a gray patio featuring a wooden pergola, stone path leads to the wooden deck near double doors, trees in background — Source: @wildhogproducts via Instagram

Narrow paved walkway alongside a brick wall, with tree shadows on the ground — Source: @brisbane_home_landscaping via Instagram

Patio with gray wicker chairs, cushions, and a hot tub against a house with blue siding, surrounded by trees and greenery — Source: @nilsenlandscape via Instagram

2. Embrace Outdoor Living

Transform your backyard into a comfortable living space by adding outdoor sofas, a dining area, and decorative elements like outdoor rugs and lighting. It’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

Cozy backyard patio with a cushioned bench, patterned rug, potted plants, and a wooden fence under lush green trees — Source: @lisa.mc.pharm via Instagram

Outdoor patio with wicker furniture, umbrella, dining set, and potted plants on a brick floor surrounded by a white fence — Source: @thefontaineflat via Instagram

Outdoor patio with a dining table set and a seating area by a brick fireplace, under a pergola with string lights and hanging lanterns — Source: @marnieoursler via Instagram

Cozy patio with a green sofa, black and white chairs, wooden table, string lights, and a wall clock. Neutral curtains hang in the background — Source: @updatemycape via Instagram

A white pergola with wicker seating and colorful cushions on a patterned rug, illuminated by string lights at night on a wooden deck — Source: @prettymuchmypassions via Instagram

Outdoor patio with seating, a black table on a blue geometric rug, and potted plants; string lights hang overhead — Source: @renorowhome via Instagram

3. Deck the Yard

A wooden deck provides a natural, warm aesthetic. It’s great for uneven terrains and can be customized with built-in seating or planters. It’s perfect for hosting barbecues or lounging.

Wooden deck with steps, outdoor table, chairs, umbrella, and potted plants; house and greenery in the background

Wooden deck with a table and chairs, adjacent to glass doors, stone border below, sunny day with a clear sky

A backyard patio with turquoise Adirondack chairs on a red wooden deck, surrounded by a wooden fence and potted yellow flowers — Source: @worldofwander via Instagram

4. Artificial Grass

Artificial grass offers a green, lush look without the maintenance of real grass. It’s pet-friendly, great for play areas, and stays green all year round.

Small backyard with artificial grass, wooden fence panels, and greenery on a black-painted fence with rooftops in the background — Source: @livvjarr via Instagram

Wooden deck with string lights, a pergola, and wine barrel tables, metal chairs arranged for seating against a brick house backdrop — Source: @ourlilmeridianhome via Instagram

5. Kid’s Playset

Adding a playset with swings, slides, or a climbing frame is great for families. It encourages outdoor play and can be designed to match the style of your backyard.

Wooden playhouse with slide and pink swing on a raised deck, surrounded by trees and a fence, under clear blue skies — Source: @projekt_sky via Instagram

6. Patio With a Fire Pit

A fire pit adds a cozy, inviting element. Surround it with comfortable seating and consider a built-in bench for a seamless look. It’s great for evening gatherings.

Outdoor patio with corner seating and geometric cushions, wooden pergola, and circular stone fire pit with logs — Source: @boho_bonnie via Instagram

Modern outdoor fire pit with flames, surrounded by gray stones, wooden benches, and greenery in the background — Source: @gardenscapesbyclaudia via Instagram

Backyard with white chairs around a fire pit, black stepping stones on gravel, and green artificial grass under a clear sky — Source: @naturallandscaping via Instagram

Outdoor rustic cooking area with a metal fire pit, surrounded by stacked wood and wooden benches, large green plants frame the scene — Source: @ofyr_worldwide via Instagram

Cozy patio with brick fire pit, surrounded by chairs, under string lights at night — Source: @scotthouse2home via Instagram

7. Pebbles & Rocks

Pebbles and rocks create a zen, low-maintenance space. You can use them for paths, as a ground cover, or to create a dry garden. They’re perfect for a modern, minimalist look.

Garden path with wooden planks and circular stone slabs surrounded by gravel and small plants in a modern design — Source: @hurtownia_kamien via Instagram

A backyard with a pergola, seating, and a gravel area with lounge chairs surrounded by wooden fencing and tropical plants — Source: @selinasseet via Instagram

Outdoor patio with a pergola, wooden dining set, woven lantern, and garden landscaping at night — Source: @designbybrookside via Instagram

8. Covered Patio

Ideal for all-weather use, a covered patio can be equipped with outdoor furniture, lighting, and even a kitchen or bar area. It extends your living space outdoors.

Modern house with a sliding door and a sleek, gray pergola casting striped shadows on the patio — Source: @cospiconsa via Instagram

9. Backyard Pool

A pool can be the centerpiece of your backyard, offering a refreshing retreat. Surround it with lounge chairs, a deck, and landscaping for a resort-like feel.

Luxurious house with a large pool at sunset, surrounded by greenery and mountains under a pink and orange sky — Source: @purehavenhomes via Instagram

Small rectangular swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by wooden fencing and a lounge chair — Source: @rach_ando via Instagram

10. Concrete Pavers With Greenscape Patches

This combination offers a balance of hard and soft landscaping. Interspersing pavers with patches of greenery or small flowers creates a natural, yet orderly appearance.

Cozy patio with potted plants, a white chair, and a wooden fence, surrounded by lush greenery and string lights above — Source: @juliavallelunga via Instagram

Modern garden with tall wooden posts, stone bench, potted plant, and curved stone path. Beige fence and trees in the background — Source: @landscape_construct via Instagram

11. Mulch with Pavers

Using mulch with pavers is practical for creating pathways or defining spaces. It’s good for drainage and adds an organic touch to your backyard design.

Narrow garden pathway with plants on both sides, flanked by two houses, a satellite dish and air conditioning unit visible — Source: @high.im.morgan via Instagram

Garden path with square stone slabs, surrounded by green plants and a wooden fence, pebbles line the side — Source: @kreatecube via Instagram

Curved gravel path with stepping stones leads to a patio with wicker furniture, lawn and soil border the path — Source: @landscape_solutions_nj via Instagram

12. Brick Walkway

Bricks provide a timeless, classic look. They’re durable and can be laid in various patterns, like basketweave or running bond, to add character to your backyard.

A newly constructed winding stone pathway with unfinished edges and some loose bricks on the side — Source: @mr.pitts96 via Instagram

Curved stone path leading to steps, surrounded by gravel, plants, and a grassy area beside a fenced yard with a pool — Source: @xtraordinairelandscapes via Instagram