Backyards provide an outdoor space for homeowners to relax, entertain guests or enjoy recreational activities with family and friends. Whether you want a multi-purpose space or a low-maintenance landscape, artificial turf is a great option to transform your backyard. Here are 10 turf backyard ideas to inspire your landscaping project.

Play Area

Play Area

A play area using artificial turf is ideal for kids and pets. Designate a corner of your backyard with turf for activities like tossing a ball, setting up a basketball hoop or playing tag. The soft yet durable surface is safer than concrete or asphalt for active play. You can add backyard toys, play structures or outdoor furniture to complete the fun zone.

Outdoor Garden

Outdoor Garden

Bring the beauty of a garden landscape to your backyard without high-maintenance plants. Lay turf in decorative patterns to resemble garden beds. Choose different shades of artificial grass to mimic plant varieties. Place small terra cotta pots, statues or bird baths throughout to accent the "garden". This low-effort design allows you to enjoy nature without weeding or watering real plants.

Entertaining Space

Entertaining Space

Turf makes an ideal surface for hosting gatherings outdoors. Designate a large section of the backyard with artificial grass for relaxing and entertaining. Add a patio set, café tables, string lights and an outdoor kitchen or grill area. The soft yet durable surface makes strolling comfortable in bare feet. Cleanup is simple - just hose down the turf after parties. Guests will enjoy spending time in the versatile space.

Outdoor Movie Theater

Outdoor Movie Theater

Create an at-home cinema experience outdoors with turf. Clear a large area and lay down artificial grass. Add motion-sensing string lights or solar path lights around the perimeter for ambiance after dark. Place lounge chairs, a loveseat or daybed facing a portable projector screen to watch movies under the stars.

A fire pit, heater or blankets keep the space cozy on cooler nights. Kids and adults alike will look forward to movie nights on the lawn.

Putting Green

Putting Green

Design a small section of backyard as a putting green for practicing golf shots. Measure and mark guidelines to mimic cup locations. Use different shades of artificial turf to create ball-friendly speeds and breaks similar to real greens. Add a portable hole and flags for an authentic golf experience. Store putters, balls and other accessories nearby for easy access to the informal practice area.

Turf Patio

Turf Patio

Extend outdoor living space with a turf patio. Install durable artificial grass around an existing wood deck or concrete patio. The seamless carpet-like surface makes it easy to flow between indoor and outdoor areas. Use outdoor-safe furnishings like sectional sofas, armchairs and planters to make the soft turf patio as comfortable as an inside room. Substitute rugs with decorative grass tiles for the cozy yet practical design.

Barefoot Lawn

Barefoot Lawn

Create an adult relaxation space where people can unwind without shoes. Lay lush artificial grass in the backyard corner and scatter oversized floor pillows and floor loungers throughout. Place string lights overhead or wind chimes in surrounding trees. Add a tabletop water fountain, bookshelf filled with novels and chilled beverages within reach for blissful days spent barefoot on the soft turf.

Dog Run

Dog Run

Give pets their own designated play area with turf. Fence off a section of the yard with plastic or wood fencing. Lay artificial grass inside for paw-friendly fun. Add interactive dog toys, a water bowl and shade structure. The contained space allows furry family members to burn energy safely without damaging real grass. Cleanup is simple by hosing down dirty paws and any messes on the washable turf.

Covered Patio

Covered Patio

Extend the use of an existing wooden patio cover year-round by adding artificial turf underneath. Lay patterned turf sections that coordinate with the structure's style. Place outdoor furniture, café lighting and appliances like a grill beneath the shelter.

Now the covered space can be enjoyed even during rain storms or extreme heat due to the forgiving turf flooring.

Lawn Games

Lawn Games

Bring backyard games like cornhole, ladder ball, bocce ball and horseshoes to the next level with a dedicated turf surface. Mark playing areas and toss zones accurately on sections of artificial grass. This dedicated games lawn allows family and friends to easily access favorite pastimes without worrying about damaging real grass. Cleanup afterwards is simple - just brush stray items aside when finished.