Seat Wall Construction Tips

Construction of seat walls is easy and does not require any special permits in most communities. A typical seat wall is constructed using 8-12 inch wide cinderblock and topping it with a decorative cap of brick, stone or bull-nosed cast concrete. If you use stone, be sure to soften sharp edges that might cut into the backs of legs. Use a grinder to hone edges and create a smoother surface.

Concrete Pool Decks pool deck The Green Scene
Low garden wall anchors rear pool yard and adds seating space for 18 adults.
The Green Scene in Canoga Park, CA

Industry standard for adult seating height is 18-22 inches tall, with a seat depth of 12-18 inches, perfect for a low, easy-to-build masonry wall. Walls should be shorter to accommodate small children. Use these guidelines to assist with layout:

Child's Age (Years) Seat Height
1 to 4 10"-12"
5 to 7 12"-14"
8 to 10 13"-17"
11 to 13 15"-18"

Be sure and provide adequate drainage and waterproof your seat walls when using them as planters or small retaining walls. Proper waterproofing will reduce unsightly mineral buildup on the face of the walls caused by moisture that wicks through from behind. Mineral buildup can ruin the look of your walls and create a maintenance nightmare for your clients. The addition of "French" style hydrostatic relief drains or even simple weep holes will relieve water pressure from behind walls.

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