If you’re planning to upgrade your backyard, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is what surface to build on. Many homeowners in Vaughan find themselves choosing between artificial turf and concrete. Both are popular, both are durable, and both can completely change how you use your outdoor space.
The right choice depends on how you live, how you plan to use your backyard, and what kind of long-term maintenance you’re comfortable with. Below, we’ll walk through the real pros, cons, and use cases of each option so you can make a confident decision for your home.
Understanding Artificial Turf vs. Concrete
Artificial turf is a synthetic grass surface designed to look and feel like a natural lawn without the ongoing maintenance. Concrete, on the other hand, is a solid hardscape material commonly used for patios, walkways, and modern outdoor designs.
Both are long-lasting, but they create very different backyard experiences. One feels soft, green, and relaxed. The other feels structured, clean, and architectural.
Why Homeowners Choose Artificial Turf
Artificial turf has become increasingly popular in Vaughan neighbourhoods where homeowners want a clean, green look without dealing with mowing or patchy grass.
One of the biggest advantages is year-round appearance. Turf stays green in spring, summer, fall, and even after the snow melts in winter. There are no muddy areas, dead patches, or weeds creeping in.
From a lifestyle perspective, turf is ideal if your backyard is a place to relax, play, or entertain casually. Kids can run around safely, pets won’t track mud into the house, and the surface stays comfortable underfoot.
Maintenance is another major reason people choose turf. There’s no watering, fertilizing, or cutting. Occasional rinsing and brushing are usually all that’s needed to keep it looking fresh.
When Concrete Makes More Sense
Concrete is often chosen for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, modern, and highly structured backyard. It’s commonly used for patios, outdoor dining areas, pool surrounds, and walkways.
One of concrete’s biggest strengths is durability. A properly installed concrete surface can last decades with minimal upkeep. It’s also well-suited for heavy furniture, BBQs, pergolas, and high-traffic entertaining areas.
Concrete also gives you design flexibility through finishes like exposed aggregate, stamped concrete, or smooth modern slabs. If your goal is a sleek, minimalist backyard design, concrete may align better with your vision.
Comfort and Everyday Use
This is where the difference becomes very noticeable.
Artificial turf is softer and cooler underfoot compared to concrete. On hot summer days, concrete can absorb and radiate heat, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot. Turf, while it can warm up, generally remains more forgiving and family-friendly.
If you plan to spend time sitting, playing, or lying on the surface, turf usually wins for comfort. If your backyard is more about dining, hosting, and structured use, concrete may feel more practical.
Drainage and Weather Considerations
In Vaughan’s climate, proper drainage matters.
High-quality artificial turf systems are installed with a compacted base and drainage layers that allow water to flow through easily. This prevents puddling and helps keep your yard usable after rain.
Concrete relies heavily on grading and slope. If installed incorrectly, water can pool or flow toward your foundation. When done right, it drains well, but installation quality is critical.
Long-Term Maintenance and Costs
Artificial turf typically has a higher upfront cost than basic concrete, but it often saves money over time. No watering, lawn equipment, fertilizers, or ongoing landscaping costs add up quickly.
Concrete has a lower ongoing cost but may require sealing, crack repairs, or resurfacing over the years, especially with freeze-thaw cycles common in Ontario.
Both options are considered long-term investments, so it’s important to think beyond the initial install price and look at total ownership cost.
Which Option Adds More Value?
From a resale standpoint, neither option is universally better. It depends on the buyer and the neighbourhood.
Artificial turf appeals to families, pet owners, and buyers who want a move-in-ready backyard with minimal upkeep. Concrete appeals to those looking for clean lines, modern design, and outdoor entertaining spaces.
In many cases, the best solution is a combination of both.
Should You Combine Artificial Turf and Concrete?
Many Vaughan homeowners choose a hybrid approach. For example, concrete for a patio or seating area, and artificial turf for the surrounding green space. This creates visual contrast, improves usability, and balances comfort with structure.
This approach often delivers the most functional and visually appealing backyard without committing fully to one material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is artificial turf better than concrete for families with kids?
For families with children, artificial turf is often preferred because it’s softer, safer for play, and more comfortable for everyday use.
Does artificial turf look realistic?
Modern artificial turf is designed to closely resemble natural grass, with varied blade colours and textures that look natural from both near and far.
Does concrete crack in winter?
Concrete can crack over time due to freeze-thaw cycles if it’s not properly installed or reinforced. Proper base preparation and control joints reduce this risk.
Which option requires less maintenance?
Artificial turf requires light cleaning and brushing, while concrete may need sealing and occasional repairs. Neither requires daily maintenance like natural grass.
Can artificial turf be installed in a small backyard?
Yes. Turf works very well in small or narrow backyards where maintaining natural grass is difficult.
Making the Right Choice for Your Vaughan Home
Choosing between artificial turf and concrete isn’t about which is better overall. It’s about which fits your lifestyle, your backyard layout, and how you want to use the space.
If you want a soft, green, low-maintenance yard that feels inviting year-round, artificial turf is hard to beat. If you want a clean, modern surface built for entertaining and structure, concrete may be the right choice. And for many homeowners, combining both delivers the best of both worlds.
If you’re unsure which option makes the most sense for your backyard, a quick conversation with a local turf installation professional can help you explore layouts, costs, and design ideas tailored to your Vaughan property.