Comparing Built-In Seating Options for Your Composite Deck

Are you planning your dream deck and looking to incorporate built-in seating? Whether you're envisioning cozy corners for intimate gatherings or spacious lounging areas for summer relaxation, the many options available can make your decision overwhelming.

At Custom Built, we understand homeowners' challenges when designing their outdoor living spaces. With 15+ years of experience in the industry, we've helped many clients navigate the complexities of deck construction, including choosing the right built-in seating options to suit their needs and preferences.

In this article, we'll explore 8 built-in seating options for your composite deck:

1. Beach Seating With Backrest
2. L-Shaped or Corner Bench Seating
3. Built-In Sofas or Daybeds
4. Integrated Planters With Seating
5. Curved Bench Seating
6. Wrap-Around Seating
7. Adirondack-Style Chairs
8. Combination Seating With Storage Compartments

1. Bench Seating With Backrest

Bench seating with a backrest is the most popular choice for built-in seating on composite decks. It offers more space for entertaining and activities while taking up minimal room.

Here are all the things you should consider before installing bench seating with backrest:

1. Comfort Level: Ensure the bench provides adequate support and comfort for extended periods of sitting.
2. Location Placement: Think about how close the seating is to doors, grills, and plants to make sure it's in the best spot.
3. Material Matching: Use the same decking material for your bench to maintain visual cohesion.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Assess the linear footage required for the bench to determine the cost and budget feasibility.
5. Safety Measures: Avoid placing the bench too close to access points or railing to prevent obstruction and potential safety hazards.

2. L-Shaped or Corner Bench Seating

PC: TimberTech

L-shaped or corner bench seating is ideal for maximizing seating in smaller deck spaces. It's perfect for socializing, providing ample room for guests to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Here’s a broader snapshot of considerations to think of for L-shaped/corner bench seating:

1. Socialization Space: Use corners or L-shaped configurations to maximize seating capacity and create inviting social areas.
2. Space Optimization: Evaluate your deck layout to determine the most suitable location for corner seating without overcrowding or limiting traffic flow.
3. Aesthetic Integration: Ensure the design integrates with the deck aesthetic and architectural style for visual harmony.
4. Functional Versatility: Consider the versatility of corner seating for various activities, such as dining or lounging.
5. Cost Considerations: Assess the extra materials and labor required for corner bench construction to determine cost-effectiveness within the budget.

3. Built-In Sofas or Daybeds

Built-in sofas or daybeds add a touch of luxury to your composite deck, offering a comfortable spot to lounge and unwind. These seating options are perfect for relaxation and sunbathing on lazy summer days. Consider installing a daybed if you have the space and want to create a cozy retreat on your deck.

Here are all the things to consider when choosing built-in sofas or daybeds:

1. Comfort and Relaxation: Focus on comfort and relaxation when selecting sofa or daybed designs for optimal lounging and enjoyment.
2. Space Availability: Determine availability for accommodating more extensive seating options like sofas or daybeds without overcrowding the deck.
3. Weather Protection: Install weather-resistant materials and consider covering options to protect sofas or daybeds from exposure to the elements.
4. Structural Support: Ensure proper structural support and anchoring for hanging daybeds or suspended seating options to maintain stability and safety.

4. Integrated Planters With Seating

PC: Legacy Decks

Integrated planters with seating combine greenery with functional seating, adding beauty and warmth to your deck. They're an excellent way to enhance your deck's aesthetics while providing more seating that doesn't take up much space. Choose low-maintenance plants and flowers to keep your deck looking beautiful year-round.

Here are all the things to consider when installing integrated planters with seating:

1. Greenery Selection: Choose low-maintenance greenery options for integrated planters to enhance the deck's ambiance without requiring extensive upkeep.
2. Design Harmony: Coordinate planter designs and plant selections with the deck aesthetic for visual cohesion and aesthetic appeal.
3. Space Optimization: Optimize space use by incorporating seating with integrated planters to serve dual functions while minimizing footprint.
4. Drainage Considerations: Install proper drainage solutions to prevent water accumulation and ensure the longevity of both seating and planters.
5. Maintenance Accessibility: Design integrated planters with easy access for maintenance tasks such as watering, pruning, or replanting to ease upkeep.

5. Curved Bench Seating

PC: Rock Solid Builders

Curved bench seating offers a unique and elegant look for your composite deck but can be costly due to the extra materials and labor involved. It's perfect for creating a seamless and inviting space for relaxation and entertainment. Consider curved bench seating to add a touch of sophistication to your deck design.

Here are all the considerations to think of before installing curbed bench seating:

1. Check Space: Make sure you have enough room on your deck for curved benches without making it crowded.
2. Costs: Remember that curved benches might cost more, so plan your budget.
3. Get Professional Help: Hiring professionals to install curved benches is best, especially if you don’t have the right equipment.

6. Wrap-Around Seating

PC: Kelly Fradet Lumber

Wrap-around seating along the deck's edge is a practical and space-saving option, especially for decks closer to the ground. It is a safety feature while providing ample seating for relaxation and enjoyment. Consider incorporating wrap-around seating to maximize space and enhance safety on your deck.

Here are all the considerations to think about when installing wrap-around seating:

1. Adequate Space: Make sure you have enough room on your deck for wrap-around seating without feeling cramped.
2. Enough Seats: Consider how many people you want to sit on your deck and if wrap-around seating fits them.
3. Durable Materials: Use materials like composite decking or treated wood for your wrap-around seating so it can handle outdoor weather.
4. Aesthetics Blending: Make sure your wrap-around seating matches the look of your deck and the area around it.

7. Adirondack-Style Chairs

Adirondack-style chairs made of composite material are a durable and stylish seating option for your composite deck. While this style is technically not built in, it can be customized to match your decking material for a cohesive look. Consider adding Adirondack chairs for comfortable and versatile seating options.

Here are all the things you should consider when adding Adirondack-style chairs to your deck:

1. Match the Deck: Pick chairs that look like they belong with your deck so they look good together.
2. Comfort: Choose chairs that feel nice to sit in with comfy seats and armrests.
3. Easy to Move: Adirondack chairs can be moved around easily, so you can arrange them however you like.
4. Weatherproof: Get chairs that can handle the sun, rain, and cold without damage.
5. Maintenance: Keep your chairs safe from bad weather when you're not using them, and clean them regularly to keep them looking good.

8. Combination Seating With Storage Compartments

PC: Forbes

Combination seating with storage compartments is a practical and space-saving solution for storing deck furniture pads and accessories. Ensure the compartments are weather-tight and sealed to protect your belongings from the elements. Consider incorporating storage compartments for added convenience and organization on your composite deck.

Here is a broader view of considerations for combination seating with storage compartments:

1. Weatherproofing: Ensure the storage compartments are weatherproof and sealed to protect stored items from moisture and environmental damage.
2. Accessibility and Convenience: Design storage compartments with easy access mechanisms such as hinges, latches, or hydraulic lifts for convenient use and maintenance.
3. Space Optimization: Incorporate storage compartments into seating designs to maximize space use and lessen clutter on the deck surface.
4. Material Selection: Choose durable and rot-resistant materials for storage compartment construction to ensure longevity and withstand outdoor conditions.
5. User Safety: Install safety features such as childproof locks or soft-close mechanisms to prevent accidents and ensure user safety when accessing storage compartments.

Next Steps to Installing Your Composite Deck Seating

As you embark on your journey to create the perfect outdoor retreat with built-in seating for your composite deck, it's essential to consider the unique characteristics of each option and how they align with your lifestyle and preferences. Remember the importance of functionality, aesthetics, and space utilization as you decide.

In this article, you learned more about the best built-in seating options for your composite deck.

With our 15+ years of deck-building experience, we’ve crafted hundreds of composite decks with unique built-seating options.

Ready to bring your dream deck to life? Contact Custom Built today to schedule a consultation with our team.

Now that you know more about built-in seating options for your composite deck, let’s explore how to compare deck builders, how much your new structure will cost, and how long it’ll take to build:

• How to Compare Composite Deck Builders - Explore the best strategies to vetting your composite deck builder options.
• How Much Do Composite Decks Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - An overview of how much your Lansing composite deck will cost and the factors that will influence your price.
• How Long Does it Take to Build a Deck (Factors that Affect Timeline)  - Explore details that affect how long it takes to build your composite deck with Custom Built’s Proven Process as the foundation.