When planning your perfect outdoor space, the big question is always the same—turf vs decking. Do you go for the soft, natural feel of artificial turf, or the structure and elevation of a wood or composite deck? The answer depends on what kind of lifestyle you’re building your yard around.
Let’s break it down so you can choose the surface that suits your space best.
Comfort: Softness vs. Structure
If comfort is your top priority, synthetic grass has a clear edge. Artificial grass offers a plush, forgiving surface that’s easy on bare feet, pets, and young kids. It stays even and consistent without splinters, gaps, or nail pops—something you can’t always say about older wood decks.
Decking, especially traditional wood, can feel rough or hot underfoot. While composite options improve on this, they still don’t offer the same cushioned feel as fake grass installation.
Heat Resistance and Summer Use
Summers in Ontario get hot—and surface temperature matters. Artificial turf products are now built to stay cooler than ever, especially with infills designed to reflect sunlight. Compared to dark-stained wood or composite planks, turf tends to be more comfortable for daytime use.
Decks can become heat traps, making them hard to enjoy in peak summer hours. If your outdoor space sees a lot of sun, this is a factor worth weighing.
Maintenance: What Does Each Option Demand?
When it comes to upkeep, artificial grass installation is the winner. No sealing, staining, or repairs—just a simple rinse and brush-up as needed. Turf resists mould, mildew, and pests, while decks often require seasonal attention.
Wood decking, in particular, needs regular sanding, sealing, or replacement of warped boards. Even composite can lose its sheen over time. If you’re aiming for a low-maintenance backyard design, turf keeps things stress-free.
Cost and Longevity
Both turf and decking come with upfront costs, but astroturf installation typically pays off longer term. With no ongoing material costs, water usage, or lawn care equipment, synthetic turf can save you thousands over the years.
Decking may start off more affordable depending on the material, but maintenance and repair costs can add up quickly. Plus, well-installed artificial grass can last over 15 years with minimal wear.
Style and Flexibility
Decks offer height, levels, and structure—ideal for seating areas or elevated views. But turf products give you flexibility to create curved pathways, zone different areas, or blend seamlessly with landscape design elements like gardens, stone edging, or lighting.
Want a lounge space, play area, and fire pit all in one? Turf gives you that design freedom. It also offers consistent, green beauty year-round—no fading, peeling, or patchiness.
Which One Works for Your Yard?
Think about how you use your yard: if it’s about play, lounging, and easy upkeep, turf delivers unmatched versatility. If you want formality or elevation, a deck might have a place. Many homeowners even blend both—adding a turf base with a small deck for raised seating.
Build Comfort, Not Chores
At Turrific Turf, we help homeowners design outdoor spaces that match their lifestyle—not just today, but for years to come. Our landscaping company in Essex specializes in full-service artificial grass installation, working with premium artificial turf products to create stunning, soft, low-maintenance yards across Ontario. Whether you’re in Windsor, Essex, or Kingsville, we’re ready to build a space that feels good and looks even better. Contact us today to get started.
