Designing garden seating area can surely be tricky if you need something stylish, durable, and easy to care for. Having difficulties with setting up that cosy outdoor spot that should fit naturally into your garden without much upkeep?
Most gardeners want a seating area, but this needs to be attractive yet low maintenance, and many do not know where to start. This article will show you how to design a seating area using sleepers and gravel that will make your garden attractive as a relaxation space in just a couple of easy steps.
So, let's begin.
Why Use Sleepers and Gravel for Seating Areas?
Before getting straight to how to design a garden seating area with sleepers and gravel, it's very important to first understand the benefits that sleepers and gravel offer.
Some of the major benefits include:
1. Low Maintenance: Gravel and sleepers do not require much in terms of maintenance, hence appropriate for seating areas where you would not want to spend so much time caring for them. Gravel does not get muddy or overgrown, while sleepers are usually strong and resistant to all types of weather.
2. Good Drainage: Gravel avoids water accumulation in sitting areas, especially in humid climates. Most importantly, the rain quickly drains out, and you are able to enjoy a dry, usable seating area.
3. Natural Aesthetic: The smooth feel of the gravel coupled with the earthy and rustic appeal of the sleepers blends well into any garden. It is cosy and inviting for any form of relaxation.
Steps to Create a Seating Area with Sleepers and Gravel
Building a cosy seating area with sleepers and gravel can be easy. Here's a step-by-step guide to make your outdoor space inviting, durable, and low-maintenance.
Step 1: Plan Your Seating Space
Start by picking the best spot for your seating area:
Sun or Shade: Decide whether the seating area should be sunny or shaded. Look at where trees or structures provide natural shade or where the sun shines most of the day.
Adjacent to garden features: Choose a spot that connects well with the rest of your garden, like near a flower bed, water feature, or along a pathway for a natural flow.
Now, decide on the size and shape:
Circular designs are inviting and work out perfectly in case you intend to include a fire pit at the hub.
Square or rectangular shapes are practical for narrow spaces and create a neat, formal look.
Mark out the area using stakes and string or marking spray to make sure the space is big enough to accommodate all your seating, with room for extra decoration or tables if you wish.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Sleepers and Gravel
Choose materials following your design that will last for a long time:
1. Sleepers: Treated timber sleepers are very strong and will last a long while reclaimed wood sleepers add charm and character for a more rustic look. Sleepers also are easy to stack, so they make great, sturdy seating.
2. Gravel: Pea gravel or small crushed stones provide a smooth, easy-to-walk-on surface. Light-coloured gravel brightens the area, on the other hand, darker gravel provides a strong contrast. Measuring your area will provide you with how much to buy; 2–3 inches in depth is ideal.
Step 3: Prepare the Ground
With your area marked, now it's time to prepare the ground to create a stable base:
1. Clear the Ground: Remove grass, weeds, rocks, and other debris. Prepare the ground for a flat surface with a shovel or garden hoe.
2. Ground Preparation: Once you have cleared the ground, you will have to level it using a rake, then firm the soil with a tamper to prevent shifting.
3. Install Landscape Fabric: Place landscape fabric on the ground. This helps block out any weeds that try to grow through your gravelled area and provides better drainage. The edges can be secured with garden staples.
Step 4: Position and Build the Seating with Sleepers
Finally, it is time to add your seating! Here are ways you can arrange the sleepers:
1. Bench seating: Two or three sleepers might be laid horizontally on top of one another to form a simple bench at the edges. This is quite open and can allow a number of people to sit on it.
2. Circular Seating: The sleepers can be arranged in a circle around a fire pit or some small centrepiece. This is highly effective for holding conversations and is considered very inviting.
3. Secure the Sleepers: Use metal brackets or stakes to hold the sleepers in place. This keeps them steady and stable. If you're stacking sleepers, check that each layer is level, and sand rough edges for a smooth, comfortable finish.
Step 5: Spread the Gravel and Finish the Space
With the seating in place, gravel comes next:
1. Lay Gravel Evenly: Pour gravel across the space, aiming for a 2–3 inch depth.
2. Rake and Level: Use the rake to uniformly distribute the gravel, making sure no landscape fabric is visible. A level surface will be neat and not a tripping hazard.
3. Final Touches: Walk over the area and look for low spots. If necessary, you can push the gravel around to make a smooth, even surface.
Extra Touches: Complete the Look
To make the area even more inviting, consider adding these elements:
Plants and Planters: Surround your seating area with planters or potted plants, like ornamental grasses or succulents. They add colour and a natural feel.
Lighting: This can be done by using solar or string lights across the area or near plants, thus giving some ambiance. At the same time, it makes the area useful at night.
Accessories: Add weather-resistant cushions or throw pillows that match the colours of the wood and gravel. Small side tables can hold drinks or decor.
Centrepiece Option: If there is room, a fire pit or small water feature makes a great focal point. Fire pits add warmth, while water features add soothing sounds.
Conclusion
Seating areas made with sleepers and gravel bring style, functionality, and low maintenance to your garden. In this design idea, you can have an intimate, functional area for relaxation or entertaining with the perfect blend of nature.
If you feel like you'd like our team to take the stress out of designing and building your garden for you, click below and book a free design consultation. Make your dreams a reality.
Don't forget to download our '9 Common Mistakes To Avoid For Homeowners' guide!
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