Sunken Seating Area

A sunken seating area is a great way to create a cozy and inviting space in your garden. Enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends. There are many ways to design and build a sunken seating area, depending on your budget, preferences, and available space. Here are some steps and tips to help you create your own outdoor sunken sitting area:

Decide the size and shape of your sunken seating area.

You can choose a round, square, or rectangular shape, depending on how many people you want to accommodate and the layout of your garden. A typical size for a sunken area is 3x3m or 4x4m, but you can adjust it according to your needs.

Choose the location of your sunken seating area.

You can place it near your house, or away from it for a more secluded feel. Take advantage of the natural slope of your garden, if you have one, to reduce the amount of digging and improve the drainage. You should also consider the sun exposure, the view, and the privacy.

Mark out the area using wooden pegs or spray paint.

You will need to dig the area to the desired depth, depending on how deep you want your sunken seating area to be. You should also dig an extra around the perimeter and below the bottom to create a drainage cavity and a soak away zone.

Build the walls.

You can use bricks, stones, concrete blocks, or railway sleepers to create retaining walls that will support the soil and prevent it from collapsing. You will need to install posts along the edge of your area to anchor the walls. Make sure they are concreted into holes that are at least 50cm deep. Adding some waterproof membrane or geotextile fabric to the walls prevents water seepage.

Fill the drainage cavity and the soak away zone with gravel or crushed stone.

This will help the water to drain away from your sunken area and prevent flooding or dampness. Some perforated pipes or drainage channels can improve the water flow.

Create the floor of your sunken area.

You can use paving, decking, tiles, or artificial grass to cover the floor of your sunken area and create a smooth and comfortable surface. If you want to add a fire pit, you should use paving or tiles to protect the floor from the heat of the fire. You can also add some insulation or underfloor heating to keep your sunken seating area warm and cozy in the colder months.

Create the seating for your sunken seating area.

You can use built-in benches, sofas, chairs, or cushions to provide seating. Try to use the same material as the walls or the floor, or you can use a different material to create some contrast. Also you may use the walls as a backrest, or add some pillows or throws to make it more comfortable. As well, you can add some storage space under your seating to store your cushions, blankets, or other items.

Add some accessories and decorations to your sunken seating area.

You can add some lighting, plants, rugs, candles, or artworks to your area. That will make it more attractive and inviting. You can also add some speakers, a TV, or a projector to enjoy some entertainment. Umbrellas, awnings, or pergolas as well provide some shade and protection from the weather.