In our daily lives, multitasking has become the norm. We juggle multiple internet browsers, reply to emails while listening to music, and help kids with schoolwork while washing clothes and cooking dinner. Our couches morph into beds, and coffee tables open into toy boxes. It has become time to take the double duty outdoors. Due to the pandemic, more Americans than ever have been spending time outdoors at home, and now with life getting back to normal, our outdoor spaces have become the spot for reacquainting with friends. We are also getting a chance to show off new hardscape features like patios, decks, and fire pits. So, now the question is, where is everyone going to sit? One constant in our yards is walls, so why not let the experts at Stone Age Masonry add to the wall’s functionality by turning them into additional seating.
One of the common walls that many of us need on our properties are retaining walls. The materials and styles available today allow us to create a beautiful-looking feature while still providing protection from soil erosion and taming a slope. Adding seating allows you to enjoy some otherwise hidden places. Generally, seating is 18 inches above ground level. If your retaining wall is higher than that, we can add a secondary wall, creating a tiered look that blends perfectly with the landscape design. Adding a different colored cap makes for an eye-catching contrast. Retaining walls are also used to create garden beds. If there is not room enough for a raised garden, capping the wall off with seats is a great way to take the stress off of your knees and back.
Fire pits have become one of the most popular outdoor additions and adding seat walls is a fantastic way to knock out multiple functions. By creating seating that matches the material, style, look of the fire pit, the eye extends out and gives the property a larger feel. Many materials we use absorb the heat from the fire creating a cozy atmosphere. No more mixing and matches chairs and the added chore of putting them away in storm season. Bench-style seating typically accommodates more people, and you can add pillows and cushions for more comfort. Couch kits are also a popular feature. They can be worked into curves, tiers, and corners and holds up to 4 people.
For safety purposes, guardrail codes are in place to protect those on porches and decks raised above a designated height. Many times, these codes are based on local and community regulations. Rather than a traditional, boring guardrail, adding seat walls opens the space for furniture, outdoor kitchens, and grilling stations and can cover the required codes.
In Manasses and the surrounding areas, the name to trust for a seating wall is Stone Age Masonry. We understand the lay of the land, and our creations can blend seamlessly with most existing landscapes. We also make sure to use materials for the caps that don’t cling or pull at your clothes. Call us today for an estimate.
