Are you considering installing a paving stone patio bench but don’t know how to lay it out? After all, there are many questions to consider, like:
- How many benches should I make?
- What style will look best?
- What mistakes should I try to avoid?
In this blog post, we will help you decide which type of paving stone patio bench layout options will be best for you in your home space.
Stone Bench Layout #1: One Bench
The first option is the most basic: installing one bench. The basic square or rectangular style bench is a classic option and will add dimension of seating and texture to your area.
Stone Bench Layout #1: Two Benches
The second option, installing two benches, doesn’t vary much from the first. You can be flexible with this option, however. You could do two benches side if your area is long and narrow. Alternatively, you could install the benches across each other to make for easy, face-to-face conversation.
Stone Bench Layout #1: Half Moon
You might consider installing a half-moon style bench with your pavers if you tend toward unique patterns. This style is perfect for a circular patio, a small circle off a walkway, or just where you want to add some interest and curve. This option is also ideal for installing on one side of a fire pit.
Stone Bench Layout #1: Garden Wall Bench
Do you want to double up the uses of your garden wall? The fourth and final option is a clever way to do just that—make your garden wall into a bench. Adding some tidy edges can make your wall easy and inviting to sit on and save space if you don’t have a lot of room for a patio or garden chairs. Garden wall benches are a charming and versatile option for extra outdoor seating.
Paving stone bench layout tips and tricks
What are some quick tips and tricks for installing a patio bench made of paving stones? Let’s look at a few that will ensure your bench will be satisfactory.
Add natural gaps
If you install the paving stones yourself, add gaps for water runoff and drainage. This will make sitting down in damp weather, or after it rains, much more pleasant—and you won’t have to run out to dry off your benches with towels before your guests arrive!
Build to a comfortable size height.
If your bench is too high, some people will have to climb up onto it, and because of that will probably avoid sitting there altogether. However, guests will likely underestimate you and sit down hard if your bench is too low! Avoid both extremes, and make sure your bench is installed at a comfortable height for the average person.
Use a smooth cap
Finally, we recommend using a smooth cap surface for the top of your bench. This will make it comfortable to sit on, eliminating bumpy or scratchy surfaces that will result in you and your family or guests avoiding the bench.
Download our Paver Project Planning Guide
Are you ready to DIY your own patio bench? Click here to download our free Project Planning Guide to get all the knowledge and tools you need before you start.
