Decking Seating Ideas to Transform Your Deck

Incorporating decking seating ideas into your deck can really transform your outdoor area, making it a more inviting space to entertain or just sit back and relax. If you are in the process of planning you might want to consider building composite decking seating ideas into the design from the outset. Alternatively, if you already have a deck but want to make it more functional and comfortable, you can add seating to your existing decking or even build a built-in deck bench.

There are two main approaches to incorporating garden decking seating ideas in your outdoor spaces. Complex decking seating involves built-in elements such as benches and tables that are part of the decking itself. You could also use raised or sunken levels of decking specifically to enhance seating areas which is a particularly good deck idea for sloping gardens. This is harder to achieve but can produce stunning results. Simple seating is more common and involves adding chairs, couches and other furniture to existing decking designs.

Article Contents

• Why Implement Deck Seating?
• 6 Stylish Deck Seating Ideas
• Things to Consider When Implementing Deck Seating
• Implementing Deck Seating into an Existing Deck

Why Implement Deck Seating?

For many people, seating is one of the main points of installing a deck in the first place. Composite decking can add a stylish and practical look to any garden, and appropriate seating provides a place where you can sit and relax, especially when the weather is warmer in the summer.

Whether you’re starting the morning with a cup of tea or relaxing on a summer evening with a glass of wine, entertaining friends or enjoying a family meal, stylish and comfortable deck seating is a must.

Our 6 Most Stylish Deck Seating Ideas

1. Corner Sofa

This type of seating idea usually comprises an L-shaped sofa but can also be in the form of a bench. With plenty of space and a shape that’s perfect for chatting, it’s a great option for entertaining or hanging out with family and friends.

It’s best not to use an indoor sofa with fixed upholstery as this can get damp and start to smell or rot. Outdoor sofas come with waterproof or removable cushions that you can take off when it rains. You can also add cushions and coverings to match the colour of your composite decking.

2. Fire Pit Seating

Picture yourself sitting around the flickering firelight and comforting crackle of an elegant firepit on a crisp autumn evening. Firepits can make for a fantastic decking feature, and curved built-in seating or chairs arranged around a fire at the centre can really enhance the experience. Read our guide on how to safely install a firepit on your decking.

3. Conversation Pit Seating

If you don’t fancy a firepit as a decking seating idea, you could always have a conversation pit instead. This usually takes the form of a sunken area in a deck or floor that includes built-in seating which can be done by installing a multi-level deck. This can be trickier to install than flat, single-level decking, but it can provide a cosy atmosphere for socialising.

4. Dining Table

Adding a dining table is one of the simplest decking seating area ideas, but it’s one that can make a big difference, especially if you intend to eat outside a lot. It’s great for everything from an al fresco breakfast for two to an outdoor dinner party, depending on the size of your space and table.

There are lots of tables to choose from, so it’s easy to find one to match your decking and decor. As with the sofa, you should ensure that it’s suitable for outdoor use or that it can be taken in and stored somewhere dry over the winter.

5. Benches With Planters

If you’re looking for decking seating ideas that combine form and functionality, installing benches with planters ticks all the boxes. They are essentially benches with planters located behind or to the side, adding a splash of natural colour or greenery to your seating arrangements. For more unique decking planter ideas, check out our blog.

This decking seating idea can be particularly spectacular when paired with the right composite decking light idea.

6. Hanging Seating

Hanging seats or swing chairs are seats that are suspended from a fixed point above. They look fantastic and the gentle swaying motion can be very relaxing.

Some hanging chairs can be hung from the wooden beams of a pergola or similar structure, while others are self-contained units that come with their own base and frame. To learn how to build a pergola on a deck, check out our guide.

Things to Consider When Implementing Decking Seating Ideas

Planning & Installation

Incorporating built-in deck seating can be a very practical and stylish way to provide permanent seating in your decking area, but it will make your decking project more complicated than installing a regular deck. Built-in benches, seats, and raised or sunken areas are more difficult to plan and build. If you’re not fully confident in your abilities, it might be worth getting in a professional to design and build your perfect deck.

If you do fancy taking it on yourself, don’t underestimate the importance of the planning stage. Planning permission when building a deck can be an important limiting factor and you need to be sure what you’re able to do. Fortunately, our guide to planning permissions for decking can help with that. Plus, drawing up plans will help you visualise what the finished project will look like, as well as ensuring that you know how much decking and other materials you need for the job.

Function & Usability

While built-in seating can be a great solution for some decks, it’s also important that you consider what the deck will be used for beforehand. If the deck is unlikely to be used much for gatherings and socialising, installing built-in deck seating might not be the best idea. In this case, removable chairs that can be stored or stacked when not in use might be a better option.

Implementing Seating Ideas into an Existing Deck

It’s generally easier to incorporate your decking seating ideas into a deck when you’re planning and building it from scratch, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t add seating into an existing deck. If you want to add features such as built-in benches or a conversation pit, you should still be able to do so with a bit of forward planning and extra work.

When implementing seating ideas into an existing deck, you should:

• Thoroughly plan out the changes you need to make to the deck, including having visual plans drawn out.
• Work out how much new decking and other materials you will need. You should try to match the colour and finish of any new decking boards to the existing ones.
• Take up the existing deck where the seating will be located.
• Ensure that the subframe and infrastructure are suitable for the new arrangement.
• Install the new decking and seating arrangement correctly.

This can be a more complicated task compared to installing flat decking on a single level or building a ground level deck. You might choose to get professional help with the planning and installation, but it is entirely possible for you to build your seating ideas into decking yourself if you are confident in your abilities.

Discover High-Quality Composite Decking in a Range of Colours

Garden decking seating ideas can add extra comfort, flair and functionality to any deck, and composite decking is the perfect material for decking designs of all kinds. Our composite decking is tough, durable, resistant to weather and warping, and comes in a range of beautiful colours like anthracite or white onyx. That makes it ideal whether you are looking to incorporate built-in seats and benches, constructing split-level decks for a conversation pit, or simply want a tough but beautiful deck on which to place comfy couches and other seating options.

Our variety of decking colours means that you’re guaranteed to match whichever seating idea or furniture you choose, so why not order a free sample pack today or contact us for more advice and information?