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DIY Spotlight: From Apartment Balcony to Backyard Porch
Our artificial grass has been a popular choice among apartment renters for a little touch of backyard green, but Ashley Read has taken apartment living to a whole new level. Learn how this customer used turf to turn her apartment balcony into an ultimate summer relaxation space.
Making an apartment porch feel like home can be challenging. Renters have little space to work with and landlord regulations to adhere to, but those obstacles didn’t get in the way for Ashley Read. Read recently transformed her Nashville apartment balcony into a relaxing summer space using artificial grass.
“I love being creative and finding inexpensive ways to do it,” Read said. “It’s important to me that my apartment has stuff that feels like me.”
Now she has a porch where she enjoys doing yoga, reading, watching rain storms pass and more. Her new balcony is complete with a couch, pillows, succulents, lights and decor.
And the whole thing cost about $700.
We asked Ashley how she decided on the artificial grass for her new porch space, how the product has been working out for her and what tips she has for other DIY-ers looking to get creative with their balconies. Here’s what she has to share about her experience.
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How did you decide on artificial grass?
“I like playing with color and it can be hard to add that in an apartment. My favorite color to decorate with is green, and, having moved from California, I missed green. Turf felt like being outside without really being outside.
I have a beautiful apartment complex, but I don’t feel like I have my own yard. I wanted to bring the greenery back. There’s nothing like having solid green to feel like home.
I also have a blind cat who can’t go outside, so I wanted something that felt like outside to him.”
Which product did you go with?
“I had samples for about three or four months and sat on the idea for a while. I knew I wanted nice, real-looking grass, as close to real grass as I could get without breaking the bank.
The Newport Premium felt the most real. I had my cat step on the turf too because he was going to be spending a lot of time on it.
I ordered one roll and had 10 feet left over. It was easy to install, I didn’t have any problems, and it was the perfect width for my porch.”
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How are the Newport Premium Turf Rolls working out for you?
“My cat spends more time on [the turf] than me. He rolls around on it every day and does flips, he loves it! I love sitting on it too. At the end of the day, it’s so important where you put your feet. I wanted to invest in something that would last and was a quality product.
The apartment complex manager is actually happy about it too. He says it increases the value of their porches.”
SHOP NEWPORT PREMIUM TURF ROLLS
What tips do you have for others who may want to convert their balcony into a backyard porch?
- Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on the basic things you need and want. For me, I knew I wanted a quality couch and turf. Those two things will last the duration of my time at this apartment. Look at quality products out of your comfort zones for those one or two big things.
- Spend less on decor and accessories. Accessories can be cheaper and you can change them out at any time.
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Follow Ashley on Instagram to for more DIY living tips: @schweetliving
| Featured Product >> Newport Premium Turf Rolls |
Create Your Own Apartment Backyard
Inspired by Ashley’s porch renovation? Take the first step toward your own apartment project today! Order samples of our artificial grass products to find the best fit for your needs.
GET FREE SAMPLES SHOP ALL ARTIFICIAL GRASS
Michelle Barichello helps passionate DIY-ers envision the home/gym/garage of their dreams. Michelle has contributed posts on topics such as gym flooring, decking options and pet-friendly solutions. Michelle has also written for publications such as Fit Bottomed Girls, the Girls on the Run Remarkable blog, and Women’s Running Magazine.
Newport Premium Turf Rolls
Featuring earthy green fibers and brown thatch with a short pile height, this turf ensures that your new lawn will look great year round.
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Newport Turf Rolls
This artificial grass is great for any outdoor application and will keep your lawn looking neat and trim all year long.
Shop Now >>Pre-Cut Newport Turf Rolls
Get our most popular landscape turf in easy-to-order pre-cut sizes.
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Daytona Turf Rolls
Featuring a super resilient yet soft matte fiber in pleasing contrasting earthy greens, this turf is perfect for a high-traffic area.
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Catalina Premium Turf Rolls
This fake grass roll features patented cool yarn technology, making these cooler than most turf products on the market today.
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Great makeover! Simple, cheap and makes a huge impact. If I had my choice I would stay away from straight synthetic plastic grass, but for this application and the intent, there’s not a ton of choices at that price point that make that kind of impact. Enjoy the patio! Looks great