Built In Seating vs Deck Furniture: Which is Best for Your Outdoor Space?
Choosing the best seating for your outdoor space can be challenging with so many options available. Two popular choices are built-in seating and deck furniture. Each has its own benefits, offering style, comfort, and practicality for your outdoor area.
This guide will help you understand the differences between built-in seating and deck furniture, so you can make the best choice for your outdoor relaxation and entertainment needs.
Keep reading to find out which option wins!
Deck vs Patio: Choosing the Right Option for Your Family
Key differences between a deck and patio
Decks are typically elevated structures made from wood or composite materials, offering a seamless flow from the inside of your home to your outdoor living space. They require support beams and a sturdy construction foundation, allowing them to be built at various heights.
This elevation provides views of your surroundings, making decks ideal for scenic backyards.
On the other hand, patios sit directly on the ground and can be crafted from concrete, bricks, pavers, or stone. Patios work well with any terrain type because they don’t need to be elevated or attached to a house structure.
Their flush-to-the-ground nature makes patios perfect for hosting large gatherings or incorporating features like fire pits or built-in seating into your outdoor living area.
Factors to consider when deciding between the two
Choosing the right option for your outdoor space requires careful consideration of both built-in seating and deck furniture. Each has unique benefits and limitations that should align with your lifestyle and preferences.
Here are crucial factors to keep in mind:
- Space Utilization: Built-in benches can save a lot of space on your new deck, making them an excellent choice for smaller areas. They fit snugly against the railing or along the edges, maximizing available space. In contrast, deck furniture requires more room but offers the flexibility to rearrange as needed.
- Budget Constraints: Generally, built-in seating might appear more cost-effective at first glance due to its permanence and low maintenance needs. However, the initial investment can be higher than buying deck furniture, depending on materials and design complexity.
- Maintenance Requirements: Deck bench seating tends to require less upkeep since it's part of the structure and often made from similar durable materials as the deck itself. Outdoor furniture may need regular cleaning, protective covers, or even indoor storage during harsh weather.
- Design and Aesthetics: Built-in benches offer a sleek, cohesive look that matches your decking material for a seamless appearance. Meanwhile, deck furniture allows you to introduce varying styles, colors, and textures which can be changed according to trends or personal preference.
- Comfort and Flexibility: While built-in benches provide permanent seating solutions that save space, they might not offer the same comfort level as plush outdoor sofas or chairs with cushions that can be adjusted for individual comfort.
- Functionality Beyond Seating: Some built-in seating options include storage underneath the bench seats—an excellent way to utilize every inch of your deck space efficiently for storing cushions, tools, or toys out of sight.
- Capacity and Entertainment Needs: Consider how you plan to use your outdoor area—built-in seating might limit how many guests you can accommodate compared to stackable or foldable deck furniture which can be added or removed based on the number of guests.
- Longevity and Durability: Materials used in built-in benches typically match those of your deck; therefore, they're likely to last as long as your decking structure with proper care. Outdoor furniture varies widely in durability based on materials ranging from wood to metal or plastic.
Pros and Cons of Built-in Deck Benches
Built-in deck benches provide convenient seating and can maximize space utilization, but they may limit flexibility in rearranging furniture. They offer a streamlined and cohesive look to the outdoor living area, however, they require careful planning for comfort and accessibility.
Benefits of adding built-in seating
Adding built-in seating to your deck design offers both style and functionality. These fixtures integrate seamlessly into your outdoor space, providing a cohesive look that stands out.
Here are the key advantages of opting for built-in benches or seating on your deck.
- Maximizes Space: Built-in seating fits snugly against the perimeter of your deck. This design choice frees up the central area, making it feel more spacious and open for activities or gatherings.
- Enhances Aesthetics: Deck bench ideas that incorporate built-in features add a custom, sophisticated touch to any outdoor setting. The seamless integration with the deck's overall design elevates the aesthetic appeal.
- Offers Additional Storage: Some built-in bench designs include hidden compartments for storing cushions, gardening tools, or pool accessories. This clever use of space keeps your deck tidy and organized.
- Provides Permanent Seating Solutions: Unlike movable furniture, built-in seating is always available and can't be blown away by strong winds or easily stolen.
- Creates a Safe Space: Without the need to navigate around loose chairs or tables, built-in seating makes decks safer for children and pets to play on.
- Increases Home Value: Outdoor living spaces with high-quality additions like built-in benches often attract homebuyers willing to pay more for these thoughtful features.
- Customizable To Fit Any Style: Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more traditional aesthetic, there's a backless deck bench or other built-in option that can match perfectly with your home’s exterior.
Drawbacks of built-in deck seating
- Limited flexibility in terms of rearranging or repositioning the seating
- Difficult to clean and maintain due to fixed positioning and structure
- Costly and time - consuming installation process, especially if customized to fit specific deck designs
- Potential reduction of available deck space for other furniture or activities
- Less versatile for accommodating different group sizes or changing seating arrangements
Comparing Built-in Seating and Deck Furniture
When comparing built-in seating and deck furniture, it’s essential to evaluate factors such as cost, maintenance requirements, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision that best suits your outdoor living space.
Cost
| Aspect | Built-in Seating | Deck Furniture |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Higher due to customization and construction | Lower, with options ranging from affordable to high-end |
| Long-term Value | Adds to the home’s value; less replacement over time | May need replacing or updating every few years |
| Customization | Costs more but tailored to space and needs | Less customizable, but a wide range of styles available |
The initial outlay for built-in seating can be steep, but it pays off in durability and added value to your property.
Deck furniture, while initially more pocket-friendly, might require more frequent updates. Each choice has its merits, leading us to consider maintenance differences next.
Maintenance
| Maintenance Aspect | Built-in Seating | Deck Furniture |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Less frequent | More frequent |
| Type of Maintenance | Sealing and staining | Cleaning and protecting |
| Weather Resistance | Depends on materials | Varies widely, often higher |
| Longevity Impact | High, with proper care | Depends on quality and care |
| Ease of Maintenance | Can be cumbersome | Generally easier |
Durability
| Feature | Built-In Seating | Deck Furniture |
|---|---|---|
| Material Strength | Typically uses materials matching the deck, often high-strength wood or composite. | Varies widely, from metals like aluminum to natural woods and plastics. |
| Weather Resistance | Designed for exposure, with materials chosen for outdoor resilience. | Depends on quality; higher-end furniture is more resilient but requires careful selection. |
| Maintenance Needs | Low-maintenance, especially composites that resist decay and fading. | Can demand frequent maintenance, such as painting or sealing, depending on the material. |
| Longevity | Often lasts as long as the deck itself due to integrated design and materials. | Life span varies; premium products last longer but might need replacing to match deck renovations. |
Built-in seating generally offers superior durability with lower maintenance needs, closely tied to the deck’s lifespan. Deck furniture provides flexibility but may require more upkeep and periodic replacement.
Next, we will explore the aesthetics of these options to determine how they influence the overall look and feel of your outdoor space.
Aesthetics
In terms of aesthetics, built-in seating seamlessly blends with the overall design of your outdoor space, creating a cohesive and streamlined look.
The integrated nature of built-in benches provides a polished and custom appearance, contributing to a more organized and spacious feel on your deck. Additionally, you can personalize the aesthetic appeal by choosing stylish cushions or upholstery that complements your exterior decor.
On the other hand, deck furniture offers versatility in styles and materials for creating different looks – from contemporary to traditional. Whether you opt for sleek metal chairs or classic wooden furniture, you have the flexibility to mix and match pieces to achieve a tailored aesthetic that suits your taste.
For contentment within your domain, consider pairing durable furnishings with vibrant accent pillows or throws to create an inviting ambiance where personal style transcends conventionality.
Embarking on Your Outdoor Seating Adventure
The journey to selecting the ideal outdoor seating arrangement is a voyage of balance—between permanence and flexibility, between bespoke elegance and eclectic charm.
Whether you opt for the custom craftsmanship of built-in seating or the adaptable allure of deck furniture, your choice will pave the way for countless memories under the open sky.
As you set sail towards making this pivotal decision, let the compass of your preferences, lifestyle, and space guide you to the shores of an outdoor space that resonates with comfort, beauty, and timeless enjoyment.
Built in Seating VS Deck Furniture - FAQs
Chart Your Course with Us
Contact us at RaynorShine, and let your outdoor seating adventure begin. (910) 985-8064