
Buying vs Building a Home in Cayman: Which is Better?
Should you buy or build a home in the Cayman Islands? Explore the advantages, challenges, and costs of both options.
Crighton Properties | December 08, 2016
Living your life in Cayman houses is an experience altogether. With modern style and ocean views, Cayman houses generally feature comfortable outdoor spaces like poolside areas, lush gardens, patios, or backyards. These outdoor spaces represent your style and personality.
Most homeowners add their style to outdoor spaces when decorating them. They plant tropical flowers, install waterfalls, tropical flowers, or arrange aesthetic outdoor seating areas. However, there is one tricky area to maintain - a good lawn. It requires hard work and commitment, especially considering Cayman's heat, humidity, and sudden downpours. That is why individuals are now preferring artificial grass.
Synthetic grass was once the domain of sports fields only, but nowadays it finds its way into backyards across Cayman homes. But is it suitable for your Cayman Garden villa? Let us take a closer look.
Artificial grass is no longer exotic. It's becoming increasingly popular among homeowners in Cayman for the following reasons:
Markets in Cayman are experiencing increased demand for artificial grass, which was once used only for hotels or sporting complexes. But today, you can see its application in Cayman home gardens, poolside areas, rooftops, and patios.
New artificial grass is more life-like, softer, and better designed. Cayman homeowners are adopting it for domestic use, considering its UV stability, antimicrobial coatings, and improved drainage system.
Caymanians are now considering artificial grass for convenience and frequent use, especially where grass tends to struggle to grow naturally.
Although once an exclusive feature of sports stadiums, artificial grass is now common in households. Homeowners are fond of artificial grass for its clean look and easy maintenance in varying outdoor conditions.
Several advantages of artificial turf suit the lifestyle and weather of Cayman very well. Follow are some of the reasons why more and more homeowners are choosing it:
The fact is that modern and busy life schedules can't fit the time or energy that is required to maintain a perfect lawn.
Natural grass takes time to grow, and people don't have the time or expertise to water, fertilize, or weed the grass. Artificial grass doesn't need irrigation and hardly requires any maintenance. This is the best bet for people living busy lives.
For vacation homestays, residents may find lawn maintenance a chore. Artificial grass is a low-maintenance, cost-effective, and aesthetic alternative in such cases.
One of the most noticeable benefits of artificial grass is that it is always green. Natural grass may fade out or turn brown in extreme weather conditions. Artificial grass does not change color or texture and almost remains the same.
Artificial grass can survive for several years with minimal maintenance. It is a valuable investment that ensures your Cayman home is always guest-ready at all times.
Choosing the right kind of artificial grass requires an eco-friendly approach. You don’t need to buy expensive chemical pesticides to keep bugs away. Most importantly, there are fewer carbon emissions, lower maintenance costs, and lower water bills.
For children or adults with pollen allergy in a home, artificial grass is a blessing in disguise. It does not give off pollen and will not attract insects like normal grass would.
Artificial grass is perfect for swimming pools, as it is slip-resistant and fast-drying. For your furry friends, it offers a mud-free area that they can thoroughly enjoy. For kids, it gives a cushioned, safe playing space. Cayman roof gardens and home balconies enjoy their lightweight and insulating properties.
Artificial grass is not only for Cayman home gardens. It can be installed in other areas for use and aesthetics:
Here are some important factors you must consider before investing in artificial grass for Cayman home gardens:
Category | Type | Best For |
Blade Height | Short (½–1 inch) | Décor areas, balconies, putting greens |
Medium (1–1½ inches) | Residential gardens | |
Long (1½–2+ inches) | Large laws or for places that require a lush appearance | |
Material | Polyethylene | Soft – best for regular use |
Polypropylene | Budget-friendly – best for occasional use | |
Nylon | Strongest option – best for places with high foot traffic | |
Special Features | Pet Turf | Built-in drainage and odor control |
Sports Turf | Extra cushioning for play or exercise areas | |
Shade Turf | Blends in better in shaded or partly shaded areas |
A common misconception is that you don't need to clean your turf. You must regularly upkeep the turf to keep it clean and functional for decades. Here are some suggestions:
Weekly Cleaning – Clean the artificial grass and pick branches and leaves to prevent debris from building up.
Monthly Maintenance – Use a soft broom to sweep it off.
Quarterly Maintenance - Check edges for weeds and retighten borders.
Cleaning Options:
Artificial grass is not for every home. Here are some integral considerations that homeowners must look into:
Artificial grass and its installation can be expensive. In the long term, the investment is worth it, but it's something to set aside savings for.
Small as it may be, it does need to be cleaned, brushed, and maintained from time to time to appear at its best.
You will find several artificial grass options that could be plastic- or petroleum-based. If environmental impact is a priority, go for eco-certified products that are made from recycled or less harmful materials.
Artificial grass can absorb heat in intense sunlight. Although it remains safe, it's better to install it in a shaded environment. You can further equip the space with cooling equipment or shade structures.
If you have a naturally healthy lawn, then artificial grass is not required. It's only beneficial for homes that have large uncovered spaces or messy/problem areas that need to look good.
Transform your Cayman home garden into an attractive green space by installing low-maintenance artificial grass. This is a great solution for homeowners who want to simplify their garden upkeep and for those who travel a lot.
However, if you love gardening, grow your own green grass, or have more free time, natural grass still holds the charm.
If you're searching for a new home with great outdoor potential, Crighton Properties Ltd can help you find the ideal residential property for sale in the Cayman Islands, where your dream garden, real or artificial, can become a reality.
Yes. Most artificial grass products come with effective drainage systems that allow water to flow through easily. You don’t need to get stressed over messy puddles in your Cayman garden.
DIY is possible for small areas, but sloping or big properties are better left to a professional artificial grass installation. The experts help you achieve the correct leveling, drainage, and wear.
The lifespan of artificial grass varies between 10-20 years, depending on how well you take care of it, its material, usage, and maintenance.
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