Build a Patio Sitting Wall in 10 Steps

With a sitting wall you can make a small patio seem larger and need fewer chairs.

Step 1 – Decide the Location

Where to put a patio wall is always the first question. Since they are not mobile, a patio boundary is a good location as is a patio corner.

Step 2 - Find a Cap Stone

The most visible part of a sitting wall is the part you sit on--the cap stone. Visit a mason’s yard to find a cap stone that is attractive and one that will define the shape of your wall. A triangular piece of sandstone or a triangular-shaped flagstone would be ideal for a corner sitting wall.

Step 3 - Collect the Wall Stones

If you find a suitable cap stone you should also be able to find smaller stones to use to build the wall.

Step 4 - No Foundation

Since you are building directly on to the patio you need not worry about a foundation. Before starting the wall, remove any patio tiles you want to save for spares or repairs.

Step 5 - Use Mortar

For a wall like this, it is often safer to use mortar to construct the wall.

Step 6 - Mark the Wall Position

Mark out on the patio floor the area that will be covered by the capstone when it is placed in position. Use chalk to draw along the front edge of the cap stone so that the mark is not permanent.

Step 7 - Mix the Mortar

Do this in a wheel barrow or on a tough plastic sheet. Mix the mortar to a fairly stiff consistency.

Step 8 - First Layer of Stones

If you have removed any patio tiles fill the gap with sand. Arrange the first layer of stones without mortar until you have a good solid arrangement. Lift each stone in turn and place a dollop of mortar in its place. Return the stone and press it firmly. Clear up any excess mortar that squeezes out of the front of the wall. Subsequent layers will be added in the same way. Try not to disturb the previous layer as you are building the new layer.

Step 9 - Fit the Cap Stone

When the final layer of stones is in place it’s time to fit the cap stone. If the top of the wall is irregular the mortar should even it out. Place a dollop of mortar on the top of every stone and lower the capstone into place. The weight of the stone should be enough to settle it into the mortar. Use a level and a rubber mallet to get the capstone as level as possible.

Step 10 - Pointing the Front

With the capstone in place you can put mortar into the spaces between the stones in the front of the wall. Use a wet, old sponge to smooth down the mortar.

Once all the mortar has dried you will have a seat for 2 to3 people.