Sitting walls can accommodate a large number of people in a Harrisburg, PA, backyard, and these hardscape features can be just what a home needs for memorable entertaining events. Curved sitting walls, in particular, offer a lot of practicality, visual appeal, and a flow to an overall landscape design. However, creating a curved sitting wall is generally a more involved procedure, which is why we have this guide to help you through the process.

Location and Size

Creating a curved sitting wall starts off with choosing the ideal location. The wall should ideally be installed near a hub such as a patio or a fire pit where you expect a lot of people will congregate. Outdoor dining areas are also great locations for a sitting wall for homeowners who tend to host large parties.

Choosing the right length for the wall is also important as it impacts the seating capacity as well as the location options. Keep all existing seating solutions such as patio furniture and benches in mind when considering the ideal size. In addition to the length, the width and height of the wall are important in maximizing the comfort of the users. An ideal sitting wall is between 18 and 21 inches high with a seat that is at least 12 inches deep.

The Type of Curve

Once the location has been finalized, you need to choose the type of curve that best fits your design and space. If your sitting wall is enclosing a circular feature such as a fire pit or patio, a half circle could be the ideal shape. You can also experiment with large yet shallow arcs if your landscape design favors the more modern style. Serpentine walls are also popular in more traditional landscape designs and tend to offer more seating capacity than straight walls.

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The Right Materials

Choosing the right stone blocks to bring your vision to fruition is an important step. Curve or wedge-shaped stone component blocks are generally readily available in a range of colors and textures from reputable manufacturers. However, these are designed for walls with a particular radius. In some cases, cutting and reshaping blocks is necessary, depending on the radius of the wall you plan to install. Curved walls also have a setback built in where each wall stone is placed slightly further back from the one below it, creating a conical shape. This enhances the structural integrity but changes the radius of the wall at the top and bottom. All of these factors should be considered.

The right type of coping stones to cap your wall are of the utmost importance. Choose a smooth coping with a bullnose as sheer edges could be uncomfortable. If the sitting wall is expected to see a lot of use, consider installing a shallow stone back for more comfortable seating. Lastly, consider whether the colors and textures needs to match the existing masonry in the backyard.

Furnishings and Lighting

A final important step is to make your sitting wall feels like a part of the outdoor space. Steer the homeowner toward colorful cushion options to enhance their comfort as well as visual appeal. Recessed lighting can also go a long way in making your sitting wall feel like an integrated part of the backyard.

Image courtesy of Unilock.