Construction
Free-standing seats
Free-standing stone seats are relatively simple to construct. The height should be about 14-16″ (350-400mm) for general use, and slightly lower for children. The other dimensions are a matter of personal choice, and the availability of the top stone or stones.
The base is essentially a stone box, built using the principles of building a corner. The top stone or stones need to be heavy enough that they cannot be displaced by someone leaning on them, and for improved appearance and comfort they should overlap the base by 2-3″ (50-75mm). If using a pair of stones, match them carefully for height and width. The top stones should be so heavy that more than one person is needed to move them. Note the details on moving heavy stones.
If suitably heavy top stones cannot be found, lighter ones can be set on a 10-20mm deep bed of mortar, of 5:1 sand:cement.
In the curved example below, a heavy wooden slab has been used, because this was easier and cheaper to cut than a stone slab. The wooden slab has metal brackets beneath, which are anchored into the concrete core of the base, by being placed in position before the concrete set. This holds the top securely and prevents it being removed by vandals.
A simple variation on this type of free-standing seat is to sit a large slab or slate on two regularly shaped support stones, each one placed a sixth to a quarter of the way in from the ends of the top stone, to leave an overlap of about 8-12″ (200-300mm) for a 4′ (1.2m) slab. The slab can be fixed as necessary with epoxy adhesive.
Seats in walls
A simple seat can be made by building a base which projects about 16″ (400mm) for the length of the seat. Ideally the wall and seat should form an integrated unit, constructed as a series of corners. Alternatively, build the seat first and then construct the wall over it, making sure that the stones which butt up to the side of the seat extend well into the main body of the wall.
The stone slab or slabs for the top are held by the wall, so do not have to be as heavy as for a free-standing seat. Choose smooth comfortable stones for the ‘backrest’, and position them carefully.
Building seats recessed into the main body of a free standing wall is not generally recommended, as there are problems, similar to those with niches in building the ‘backrest’ or rear side of the wall.
Recessed seats in retaining walls are easier to construct, the extra digging apart. Level off the wall at the required height and fit the slab for the seat. Then build corners lapped onto the end of the slab, and return them about 16″ (400mm) in, across the back of the slab. In the example below, the back is also a slab, in this case of slate, set slightly angled and secured by the side wall overlapping it.
In taller retaining walls, a recessed seat with an arched top can form quite an impressive feature, similar to a giant niche.
