I’m planning a small backyard renovation with approximately 300 sq ft of artificial grass next to an outdoor kitchen and seating area. The cooking zone will include a gas grill, while the turf will be used for dining, walking, and general outdoor activities.
My main concern is how to design the transition between the two surfaces. I understand that artificial grass can be damaged by direct heat or hot embers, so I don’t want the grill positioned directly over the turf. I’m considering creating a 3–4 ft hard-surface buffer between the grill and the artificial grass, but I’m unsure whether that is sufficient.
I’m also trying to avoid creating a drainage problem where the hard surface meets the turf. For example, should the paved section have a slight slope toward a dedicated drain, or is it better to keep the entire area at the same finished level and rely on the turf’s permeable backing?
For those who have installed artificial grass beside an outdoor kitchen, what setup has worked well in practice? I’d especially appreciate advice on heat protection, surface transitions, drainage, and long-term maintenance rather than general landscaping recommendations.
Cool Games