Creating an outdoor seating area on your lawn can be a great way to enjoy the nice weather and add extra living space to your home. With some planning and DIY skills, you can build a comfortable and stylish spot to relax, dine, or entertain outdoors. Here are some tips on how to make an outdoor seating area on grass.
Choose a Location
When deciding where to put your outdoor seating area, consider the following:
- Sun exposure – Pick a spot that gets plenty of sun for most of the day. Avoid excessive shade from trees or buildings.
- Views – Orient the seating to face something pleasant like gardens, landscapes, or water features.
- Accessibility – Make sure the area is convenient to access from your home. Near a patio or deck is ideal.
- Privacy – If you want a secluded space, pick a more hidden part of your yard away from neighbors.
- Drainage – Choose a spot that is relatively flat and won’t collect water when it rains. Good drainage is key.
- Utilities – You’ll need access to electricity and lighting if you want those amenities. Situate your seating near suitable outlets.
Choose Flooring
There are several good options for flooring that will spruce up the grass and give your space more of an defined, polished look:
- Paver stones or bricks – These are a classic choice that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. They are easy to install, durable, and permit water to flow through the cracks between them.
- Concrete pavers – Pre-formed concrete blocks are sturdier than bricks and interlock together firmly. They withstand heavy foot traffic and furniture legs well.
- Gravel or pebbles – A simple stone finish gives texture underfoot. Use landscape fabric underneath to inhibit weed growth.
- Wood decking – Deck boards or outdoor composite flooring panels create a warm, elegant look. Allow for drainage gaps between boards.
- Artificial turf – Synthetic grass carpet provides an instant green surface. Opt for permeable backing so water can pass through.
Build Seating and Structures
For seating, you have several options like benches, chairs, stools, lounge chairs, etc. Consider building some of the following structures to create an inviting space:
- Benches – Sturdy wooden benches with back rests make for comfortable seating. Attach to paver or concrete footings.
- Planter boxes – Doubles as seating walls and creates decorative borders. Use stone, brick, wood, or concrete.
- Patio table – A nice outdoor table is great for dining. Opt for heavy duty metal or wood construction.
- Pergola – An open-air wood pergola provides shade and a framework for hanging lights or plants.
- Fire pit – Extend enjoyable evenings outside with a cozy fire pit space with chairs around it.
Add Decor Touches
Decorate and furnish your outdoor room with these kinds of accents and amenities:
- Comfy weather-resistant cushions and pillows
- Rugs and carpet squares
- Planters, flower pots, and garden beds
- Lanterns, string lights, and torches
- Candles and luminary bags
- Outdoor curtains or sun shade sails
- Sculptures, water features, or focal points
- Storage like deck boxes, cabinets, or shelves
Really make it feel like an outdoor living room!
Maintain the Space
To keep your outdoor seating area looking fresh, invest some regular maintenance:
- Remove fallen leaves, debris, and weeds promptly
- Pressure wash hard surfaces as needed
- Seal and protect wood structures annually
- Drain and cover furnishings in cold months
- Touch up paint when it begins to fade
- Repair cracks, dents or damage right away
With proper care, your outdoor oasis on the grass will stay an appealing place to enjoy for years to come! Get creative with different layouts, building materials, plants and decorative details to create your ideal backyard relaxation destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Outdoor Seating Areas on Grass
How much does it cost to make an outdoor seating area?
Costs can range widely from $500-$5000+ depending on size, materials, and what structures are built. Simple DIY projects with basic patio pavers and furniture can be very affordable. More elaborate designs with built-in benches, pergolas, fire pits etc can get quite pricey.
What kind of base do you put under an outdoor seating area?
Good bases are gravel, crushed stone, or landscape fabric covered with mulch or pebbles. This creates drainage under the flooring and prevents grass and weeds from growing through.
Should you put plastic under pavers?
Yes, lay down landscape fabric or weed block cloth before installing paver stones or bricks. This further inhibits weed growth and stabilizes the pavers.
How far apart should paver stones be?
For pedestrian foot traffic, optimal spacing is 1/8″-1/4″ between pavers. This allows room for sand to sweep between the cracks. Wider gaps risk pavers shifting out of place.
How do you flatten ground for pavers?
Use a tamper tool to compact the soil thoroughly before installing pavers. Level and flatten the ground as much as possible. For sloped sites, build retaining walls or terraced benches.
How do you secure outdoor furniture on grass?
Anchor lighter furniture into the ground with heavy duty stakes. For heavier items, use surfaces like pavers or gravel. You can also pour concrete pads to anchor legs permanently in place.
How do you delineate a seating area without hardscaping?
Use soft borders like gardens, flower beds, gravel, mulch, or low hedges to define the space. Outdoor rugs also create a visual boundary on top of grass.
What kind of outdoor curtains are waterproof?
Look for outdoor curtain fabric labeled water-resistant, mold/mildew resistant, and UV resistant. Acrylic, polyester, vinyl and olefin are good waterproof choices.
Conclusion
Creating a comfortable seating oasis in your backyard is easy with some simple grass-friendly DIY projects. Well-built furnishings on an enhanced surface will let you enjoy the outdoors in style. Add some personal flair with fun decorations and amenities to craft your ideal outdoor living room on the lawn. With regular care and maintenance, it will serve as a lovely spot to relax for years to come. Get ready to relax in your new favorite backyard retreat!