Height of a Sitting Wall

General Information

• A sitting wall is an outdoor wall that is often made of brick or concrete. It surrounds an outdoor area and is commonly built around a flower garden or other landscaping. It provides a framework around an area while also supplying an area where you and guests can sit outdoors.

Standard

• The standard height of a sitting wall is 18 to 20 inches. This height represents a measurement that allows most adults to sit down comfortably. Although this is the builder's standard for a sitting wall, you may want the wall to be higher or lower, based on your own needs for the structure.

Children

• If you are building a sitting wall that will primarily be used by children, you may want the height to be lower. If the height is lower, a child can seat himself, rather than depending on you to lift him up. A shorter wall can also help prevent serious injuries, since a child will not have as far a distance to fall. The smaller your children are, the smaller the wall should be. Use a 10-inch wall for children under 4, a 12-inch wall for 5- to 7-year-olds and a 13- to 17-inch wall for 8- to 10-year-olds.

Retaining Wall

• If your sitting wall will double as a retaining wall, it may need to be higher to achieve its function. Retaining walls help storm water navigate its way safely away from your home and assist with water drainage on sloping areas. Make sure that you have an alternative method to reach the wall, such as steps or a small ladder, if it exceeds 3 feet in height.