The Complete Guide to Planning and Building Deck Seating
Turning an ordinary deck into a comfortable outdoor oasis is easier than ever with built-in seating. Whether you opt for simple benches or customized chairs, integrating permanent seating directly into your deck extends your living space and enhances outdoor functionality. Read on for everything you need to plan, build, and care for built-in deck seating.
Built-in deck seating provides a polished look compared to loose chairs and makes the most of your outdoor footprint. Curving bench seats promote social interactions while straight benches maximize seating capacity. Storage compartments keep accessories organized yet handy. From wood boards to weather-resistant composites, material choices blend durability and style.
Planning Your Built-In Deck Seating
Careful planning ensures your built-in seating complements your deck layout and matches your needs.
Determine Your Needs
Consider how you want to use your deck seating. Do you need privacy screening from neighbors? Protection from sun or rain? Figure out the amount of seating space needed for guests and occasions. This guides proper sizing and bench quantity. Note aesthetic preferences too - casual, elegant, ultra-modern? Your needs influence design.
Choose Location
Evaluate deck traffic flow when positioning built-in seating. Allow ample circulation space around benches. For convenience, place benches near stairs or doors, but avoid blocking openings. Consider privacy and views when orienting seat direction. Make sure at least some seating enjoys shade and sun at different times of day.
Select Materials
Durable, weather-resistant materials prevent rot and splintering while withstanding heavy use and outdoor elements. Pressure-treated lumber offers a traditional look. Low-maintenance composites like Trex are mold and fade resistant. Clean-lined choices like concrete and stainless steel provide contemporary flair.
Storage and Other Features
Maximize functionality with underseat storage for cushions, blankets and outdoor accessories. For evening ambiance, incorporate lighting like puck lights or LED strips. Self-watering planters built into benches add ornamental greenery. Heating extends seasons and speaker systems enable music.
Design and Layout
Layout possibilities are limitless. Go modern with sleek straight benches or create curving, organic shapes. Keep sightlines open with low-profile backless benches or ensure privacy with high slatted backs that also provide shelter from wind. Adjustable seat backs allow custom comfort.
Measure and Map Out Dimensions
Bench dimensions depend on quantity of seating. Allow adequate leg room - about 24 inches per person. A 6-foot bench can fit three seated comfortably. Standard deck seating depth is 14-18 inches . For backless benches, ensure proper railing height behind seats if attaching to deck rails.
Building Your Deck Seating
Proper construction techniques integrate seating for long-lasting function and stability.
Prepare the Deck
Verify the deck surface is flat and level where benches will be installed. Reinforce the framing underneath for strength. Install adequate blocking to securely attach the bench frame.
Install Framing
Build a sturdy support framework for seats and backs following plans. Use treated wood or steel posts and beams. Allow space for underseat storage if desired. Include additional framing like headers and ledgers.
Add Deck Boards
Use properly spaced deck screws to attach decking boards to the seat frame. Leave small gaps between boards for drainage. Use composite or durable wood species like cedar, redwood, or ipe. Stagger deck board layout for visual interest.
Attach Backrest
Cut vertical slats for the seat back to preferred height. Use treated lumber, composite or naturally rot-resistant wood. Fasten to horizontal supports with stainless steel hardware to form the backrest. Include a top rail for finishing.
Include Special Features
Make built-in storage from framing and decking, adding hinges to lift lids. Install lighting, speakers, and heating following manufacturer instructions. Use removable planter boxes for versatility.
Apply Finish
Protect wood seats and backs with outdoor stain or sealer. Use weatherproof finishes on metal and composite materials so benches retain their like-new look for years.
Maintaining Your Built-In Seating
Simple upkeep preserves your deck investment and keeps built-in benches looking their best.
Check for loose fasteners or instability over time and make repairs immediately to prevent injury. Reseal wood annually before winter. Remove cushions and use weatherproof bench covers in extreme cold. Clear dirt and debris to limit deterioration. With proper care, built-in seating provides lasting value and functionality.
Built-in seating allows you to customize exactly the right deck furniture for your space and lifestyle. Curving benches with extra-tall backs create intimate gathering areas. Add a bench swing for relaxing motion. For dining, incorporate a long built-in table. Lighted benches set the stage for nighttime entertaining. And nothing extends evenings outdoors like a built-in fire pit surrounded by comfy seating.
However you envision using your deck, built-in seating can make that vision a reality. Follow the planning, construction and maintenance steps outlined above, draw inspiration from photos of designs you love, and create your perfect integrated deck furniture.