The quick verdict
If you are redoing a Perth backyard, the choice between concrete and artificial turf is not really a battle. They are good at different jobs, and plenty of the best yards use both.
Artificial turf gives you a soft, green surface with no mowing and no watering, which suits play areas and small courtyards. Concrete gives you a hard-wearing, low-maintenance surface that lasts decades, which suits alfrescos, paths, driveways and pool surrounds. The trick is matching each surface to how you actually use the space.
“The best Perth backyards are not concrete or turf. They are concrete where you live and entertain, and turf where the kids and pets play.
Cost: up front vs over time
Turf almost always looks cheaper on the first quote. That gap closes once you look at the full lifetime, because turf typically gets replaced two or three times over the life of a single concrete pour.
The ranges below are indicative Perth figures to show the shape of the decision, not a fixed quote. Your real number depends on size, access, the finish you choose and site prep.
| Factor | Concrete | Artificial turf |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost (indicative) | $80 to $160 per m2, by finish | $60 to $110 per m2, supplied and laid |
| Typical lifespan | 30 to 40+ years | 8 to 15 years |
| Heat underfoot in full sun | Warm; light honed or limestone stays cooler | Can get very hot, often hotter than light concrete |
| Drainage | Built-in falls or permeable mixes | Drains through a prepared base |
| Maintenance | Hose down; reseal every few years | Brushing, rinsing and infill top-ups |
| Pets and kids | Tough and easy to clean, but hard | Soft and forgiving for play |
| Look over time | Ages slowly, can be resealed | Can flatten and fade with UV |
| Resale value | Reads as a permanent improvement | Seen as a replaceable finish |
Over a 30 year window, a quality concrete area often works out lower in total cost, because you pay for it once. Turf is the cheaper way to get a green look in the short term.
How each handles Perth heat
This is where Perth really matters. Our summers are long and the UV is harsh, so surface heat is a genuine comfort and safety question, especially around pools and play areas.
Artificial turf can get surprisingly hot in direct sun, because the plastic fibres absorb heat and hold onto it. On a hot Perth afternoon a turf lawn in full sun can be uncomfortable for bare feet and paws.
Concrete heats up too, but the finish and colour make a big difference. A light honed concrete or liquid limestone surface reflects more heat and stays noticeably cooler underfoot than a dark one, which is exactly why liquid limestone is a favourite around Perth pools.
Whichever you pick, shade is the real fix. A patio roof, tree canopy or pergola keeps both concrete and turf comfortable right through summer.
Drainage and Perth soils
Perth sits on sandy soils that drain fast, but our winter downpours arrive in short, heavy bursts. Both surfaces need drainage planned properly, or you get pooling and, over time, movement.
Concrete needs falls built in so water runs where you want it, and it can be laid as a permeable mix or paired with drainage channels where needed. Done well, a concrete driveway or patio sheds a winter storm cleanly.
Turf relies on a compacted, free-draining base underneath. If that base is thin or poorly prepared, the turf can hold water and smell after heavy rain, particularly in shaded, low-lying corners.
Maintenance and lifespan
Low maintenance is a selling point for both, but they ask for different things.
Concrete is close to set and forget. A hose down keeps it clean, and a reseal every handful of years keeps the colour rich and protects the surface. Our exposed aggregate and honed finishes are built to take years of Perth weather.
Turf needs more regular attention than most people expect: brushing to keep the fibres upright, rinsing off dust and pet mess, and topping up the infill as it settles. It is easy work, just ongoing, and the turf itself still ages out and needs replacing in time.
TIPSKeeping either surface looking good in Perth
- ✓Reseal concrete on scheduleA reseal every 3 to 5 years, sooner near the coast, keeps colour rich and stops stains soaking in.
- ✓Brush turf against the layA stiff broom lifts flattened fibres and keeps a turf lawn looking fresh and upright.
- ✓Hose both after summer dustPerth's easterly winds coat everything in fine dust. A quick rinse keeps both surfaces bright.
- ✓Fix drainage earlyPooling water is the number one killer of both surfaces. Sort falls and bases before they cause damage.
Look, feel and everyday use
Think about who actually uses the space. Turf is soft, forgiving and great for young kids and pets, which makes it ideal for a dedicated play lawn.
Concrete is the better base for anything you put weight on: outdoor furniture, a barbecue, a car, a pool surround or a table setting. It does not dent, it does not flatten, and it handles heavy use without complaint.
For entertaining, a concrete alfresco area gives you a clean, level, durable floor that looks the part for years. Turf around the edges then softens the space and keeps it green.
Which to choose, and where
You do not have to pick a side. The smartest Perth backyards zone the space: concrete where you live, cook and park, and turf where the family plays.
DOA simple way to choose
- ✓Choose concrete forAlfrescos, paths, driveways, pool surrounds, and anywhere furniture or cars sit.
- ✓Choose turf forKids' play areas, pet runs, small shaded courtyards and soft green accents.
- ✓Combine them forA balanced yard that is durable where it needs to be and soft where it counts.
If you want a hand working out the right mix for your block, we are happy to walk the yard and give you honest advice. Get in touch for a quote and we will help you plan it.
About Richard Marsh
Founder · CoastCrete · 20+ years on the tools
Richard founded CoastCrete in Perth after a decade of pouring driveways, alfrescos and pool surrounds across the metro. He writes the articles, answers the calls, and runs the crew personally on every job — so what you read here is the same advice he gives clients on-site every week.
Read more articles by Richard →Common questions
Is artificial turf hotter than concrete in Perth summers?
It can be. Artificial turf absorbs and holds heat, so in full sun it often gets hotter than a light concrete surface. Dark concrete gets hot too, but light honed or liquid limestone finishes stay comparatively cool, which is why they are popular around pools.
How long does each surface last in Perth conditions?
Quality concrete typically lasts 30 to 40 years or more with occasional resealing. Artificial turf usually needs replacing every 8 to 15 years as the fibres flatten and fade under Perth's UV.
Which is cheaper overall, concrete or turf?
Turf is usually cheaper up front. Concrete often wins over the full lifetime, because you pay once rather than replacing turf two or three times over the same period. The right answer depends on the area and how long you plan to stay.
Can I use both concrete and turf in the same backyard?
Yes, and it is the most common approach we see. Concrete handles the alfresco, paths and pool surround, while turf softens the play areas. Zoning the yard this way gives you durability and a green look together.
Does concrete or turf add more to resale value?
A well-finished concrete alfresco, driveway or path reads as a permanent improvement and tends to hold value. Artificial turf is generally seen as a replaceable finish, so it adds less on its own, though a tidy combination of both presents very well.