Articles by Bart FleggIf you are not familiar with what a seat wall is that’s ok because that’s where we are going to start. A seat is a small wall, normally 18” in height and wide enough to sit on. Why 18” you ask? That’s because that’s the standard for adult seating, meaning most adults feel comfortable sitting at 18”. Normally constructed from 8”concrete block, retaining wall block, or other cast concrete products seat walls serve many purposes in an outdoor space.
Constructing seat walls around the perimeter of a patio area helps to define the patio area. Furthermore it also provides additional seating which always comes in handy when entertaining. A bonus of the perimeter seat wall is that has ability to provide an increased sense of privacy as well as reducing drafts when positioned around fireplaces or furniture. Seat walls combined with pillars are also a great place to start and terminate fences or gates. Using PL premium or a Unilock adhesive assures that the seat wall will last the test of time.
Another thing to think about when designing seat walls is drainage. A common patio set against a house it sloped away from the house to ensure drainage away from the foundation. Unfortunately a common place to put seat walls is directly opposite the house wall. This poses a problem when the water attempts to drain into the wall you have erected. My drilling holes in the wall or leaving gaps in the base stones this problem can be alleviated.
Seat walls are a great addition any landscape. By positioning them in the correct place and constructing them correctly you are adding a lasting peace of outdoor furniture to your outdoor space.