When planning a patio area design, it’s essential to consider how functional the space will be. In any landscape design, the little details are not so little.
Of those details, patio seating and concrete seat walls are perhaps the most important, so what is a patio seating wall?
A patio seating wall is short, usually between 18 to 24 inches high and between 12 to 24 inches wide. Often, patio seating walls are made from stone. It can be constructed in various shapes and might contain a backrest. This will often extend around the exterior of the patio.
There are numerous ways to add a space for your guests to sit. But one of the most elegant solutions might be to use a seating wall.
Read on the learn to learn more about how to add a seating wall to your patio.
What Are Seating Walls?
Seating walls are short walls that are often built along the edges of patios. They are the right seat wall height for most adults to sit comfortably on them.
Typically, they will be made from stones or bricks, with the top of the wall being flat. Depending on the style, they might also contain stone backrests.
While they mainly serve as a place for guests to sit while enjoying your patio, there are a few other purposes that a patio seating wall can serve.
For example, you might want to use it to prevent erosion. You can also use it as a retaining wall to plant a garden bed near your patio.
Pros And Cons Of Patio Seating Walls
If you are deciding whether this type of seating is a good option, let’s look at some advantages and drawbacks for you to consider.
Pros Of Patio Seating Walls
Let’s start by looking at some of the benefits that this type of seating can provide:
- Can function as overflow seating. You will likely have other forms of seating on your patio. But at a busy party, these can get quickly snatched up. A patio seating wall can act as overflow seating, so all your guests have a place to sit.
- Flexible. As we’ll discuss later, there are many ways that you can use a patio seating wall. This ensures that it will complement almost any type of outdoor area.
- Easy to maintain. These seating areas are made of stone. Because of this, they will be easy to keep clean. Often, all you will have to do is use a high-pressure hose to spray them down occasionally.
Cons Of Patio Seating Walls
Of course, there are a few negatives that you should take into account, these can include:
- Can be uncomfortable over a long period. Seating walls are only designed to be used for a short period. Because they are made from stone, and often don’t have any padding, they can get uncomfortable over a long period. Furthermore, some models might be built without a backrest.
- Can have sharp corners. Whether this is a problem often depends on how you style the patio seating wall. However, if you get an option that has sharp walls, it can be dangerous for children.
- Can get dirty. Finally, this type of seating is susceptible to getting covered in mud. Though this is a relatively minor concern.
How To Use A Patio Seating Wall
One of the biggest benefits of a patio seating wall is its versatility. Here are some of the ways that you might want to use these walls in your patio area:
- Seating around the outside of the patio. This is one of the simplest options. You can use the seating wall to define the boundaries of your patio.
- Defining areas. Sometimes, you might want to create multiple spaces on your patio. You can use a seating wall as a boundary to help delineate these zones.
- Creating new areas. A seating wall can be used to create a new space. For example, running a seating wall around a firepit area is common. This fosters an intimate feel while helping to block the wind.
Can I Use Stained Concrete for my Patio Seating Area?
When creating a patio seating area, using stained concrete is a fantastic option. With a step-by-step guide concrete patio staining, you can transform your patio into a stylish and durable space. Stained concrete provides a unique look, as well as durability and low maintenance. Enhance your outdoor living area with a beautiful stained concrete patio seating.
How To Add Your Own Patio Seating Wall
If you want to add a patio seating wall to your outside area, there are a few things to consider to create a space you are happy with.
Select The Shape Of Your Patio Seating Wall
The first thing you need to do is decide what shape you want the wall to be. Sometimes, you might want a clean, straight line.
Though you can also add some curves. It’s common to use a semi-circle around a firepit.
Choosing Which Materials To Use
Most of the time, a patio seating wall will be made out of stone. However, there is a wide range of stones you can use.
This allows you to create a wall that will fit the color scheme used in the rest of your patio.
How Tall Should A Patio Seating Wall Be?
Most of the time, you should aim to have a seating wall that is between 18 to 24 inches tall. The height will include the capstone. This will be a comfortable height for most adults.
You will also need to consider the width. Usually, you should aim for between 22 to 24 inches of width. Though you get away with a minimum of 12 inches.
How Much Does A Patio Seating Wall Cost?
Most of the time, you will need to call in a professional to install your patio seating wall for you.
Generally, it will be a similar cost to building a retaining wall. This will cost an average of $6,000 in the United States.
Though multiple factors can influence the costs. For example, the shape and the type of material you want to use.
Though the biggest factor is the labor, so it will pay to get multiple contractor quotes.
Can Patio Seating Help Create a Cozy Backyard Space?
Yes, patio seating can definitely transform your outdoor space into a cozy backyard oasis. By adding comfortable chairs, a table, and perhaps some outdoor cushions, you can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining. The right combination of furniture and decor can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
A seating wall is a simple way of making your patio stand out. Not only do they give guests a place to sit during events, but they can also be a beautiful low-maintenance patio feature.
