Enhance Your Outdoor Space By Building A DIY Patio Paver Seat Wall

Does your outdoor patio feel like something is missing? Maybe you're dreaming of an area where you can host your friends and family without worrying about seating, or perhaps you just need an element to tie the space together. Instead of reconfiguring your entire patio, build a DIY patio paver seat wall to improve the aesthetics while creating extra seating for entertaining. You can use matching pavers to create a cohesive look or choose a color that compliments your outdoor patio for a unique approach to this enhancement.

While you can opt for a DIY fireside seating wall design that requires no cutting, knowing how to cut paver stones is helpful for any outdoor crafter. There are several ways to approach cutting pavers, though some of the most DIY friendly include using a concrete saw or angle grinder. It's also possible to cut pavers using a hammer and chisel, but an option that creates a smooth edge is best for building a seating wall. The most professional results are typically achieved with a wet tile saw, which many at-home builders choose to rent versus purchase if these types of projects are sporadic.

Creating a curved seating wall is easier than you might think with the right materials and preparation. You'll need to start by marking its location with stakes, string, or marking paint. Then, excavate a trench between 6 and 8 inches deep that's slightly wider than the wall's base. Compact the soil, spread at least 4 inches of base material, and press it down. This will essentially be the foundation for the wall and help to make sure the structure has proper drainage. It's important to take your time to prepare the base. Laying a weak foundation is a big mistake when building a retaining wall out of pavers as it can cause shifting over time or from severe weather. 

Now, let's get to building the actual paver wall. Spread a thin layer of concrete sand and carefully place the first layer of pavers within the marked space, checking to make sure it is aligned with the design and level. You'll want to use a heavy-duty outdoor construction adhesive like Gorilla Heavy Duty Ultimate Construction Adhesive to secure each paver. Continue stacking additional rows until you reach the desired wall height. Complete the look by adding capstones to the structure. If you have leftover pavers after finishing the seat wall, use those materials to DIY a paver side table to accompany your new seating area.