Built-in bench or seating wall?
photo: Russell Kaye
We feel we've come up with a great design for our landscape through the diligent efforts of our site designer, Stephanie Hubbard (SiteCreative), in collaboration with Roger Cook. Starting with a sloping back yard, the heavy lifting has focused on the design of a patio, and various steps and retaining walls so that we could create a terraced, useable yard.
One of the options we are thinking through is a U-shaped wall that defines the patio, and acts as the retaining wall as we drop to the yard. Do we build that wall as a seating wall, or do we incorporate built-in benches into the design?
Our current design calls for a wall made of fieldstone with a bluestone cap. At the two opposite corners, we would incorporate a built in bench, preferably made of teak. Our thought was that we would start with a matching set of table, chairs and two benches. We would cut the legs off the benches, attach them to form a corner, and then bolt them on top of the wall. In one corner, we'd have the table nestled against the seating bench with chairs around, and in the other, we'd keep it as an open bench. In between the two corners the wall would be slightly elevated—something you might perch upon, as opposed to sit.
Our alternative would be to just run a seating wall across the entire length with a bluestone cap, at a height comfortable for seating, such as 18 inches. The advantage to this, more simplified (and less expensive) approach, is that we would be able to change outdoor furniture any time and we'd have a seating area across the entire patio.
The advantage of built in benches is that we would have a natural place to sit and lean back, even if other furniture was stored during the winter. While more expensive to implement, we'd better utilize the space with a table close to the benches, it should weather well over time, and perhaps save money and maintenance in the long run.
Are built-in benches worth the investment? Do you think one approach is better than another? There's still time to decide, so your thoughts would be very much appreciated!
Posted by Paul Friedberg | Categories: Newton 2007 | Permalink
(6) Comments
My personal experience is that I want as much open patio space as possible so I have opted for the bench wall. It provides flexible seating, temporary shelfing for plants, utensils, etc.
The one negative I've found is that, depending on the orientation of the sun, the shadow the wall creates in the summer can encourage moss and dampness in some areas of the patio that don't dry out due to lack of light.
Good luck with your project!!
I like the idea of the bench -- you can never have too many seats for guests, and ones they can lean back in are so much better.
Fred,
I hadn't thought about the sun exposure and moss, which would have an impact with or without a bench. Definitely something to keep an eye on. Thanks for your comments!
Alex,
Definitely a consideration about seating during parties, or just to take the load off! Thanks much.
Hi Paul,
We just finished a large terrace surrounded by a field stone sitting wall which matches the limestone walls of our old PA farmhouse. The walls work for sitting and for potted plants and some have flower beds behind because of the terrain. Our Corgis love to sit on the walls & survey the back lawn & horses. When we store our patio furniture for the winter the stone walls are still available for seating. Don
My sisters place has a Bluestone patio with a sitting wall around it. It works great during parties. I think of it as an informal sitting area. The ladies sit on the nice seats and the men sit on the wall with there drinks. Keep the wood inside.