Ampitheater Seating

[Lanelle]

I'm trying to put together a proposal for this client who isn't really sure what she wants or hasn't communicated it to me. I do already have signed work with her so this isn't a fishing expedition.

She has a Sport Court with an uphill grade on one side. We discussed putting some benches there so people could 'spectate' comfortably. I'm thinking of nice teak benches on a paver pad/segmental wall. This might have two or three levels. I'm looking for guidance on how much rise to use between levels. I would also have to put in steps as part of the project. Anyone have pics of this type of structure?

[Paul]

Over the course of several years we have done amphitheater seating using retaining walls and pavers, but do to insurance reasons we will not install seats on them.

Back to your question, 18"-20" is the max height for seating. now to do what you are looking for I would just jump up a course of wall units and then install seats. Think of a movie theater, they have a 7" rise between rows of seats. I don't know of what type of benches you are looking at ( size? Depth? ) but looking at my catalogs most are 20" deep, add another 20" to the depth of the wall for comfort and walking room.

Problems that you might have, securing the benches to the paver No! Too much stress placed along the pavers and the bench might come loose. You could install the benches into the sub base but ,again I'm not sure of the holding power unless you add grid to keep the wall from pushing out. It might not be a problem with only a single course of wall units.

Again we go back to what is a comfortable rise and run for the steps.

[Lanelle]

This is the type of bench I have in mind: http://www.countrycasual.com/benches/brittany.cfm

Another option is to construct this project in concrete, veneered in natural stone. Since other patio areas are finished in Tennessee Orchard flagstone, this is a strong option.

I thought that I had seen a picture of one of your projects where the rise between levels was considerably more than 7". Due to the backs on the benches being rather tall, I'm thinking that it might be necessay to put 14" between levels and construct an extra step in the stair area.

[Paul]

You have seen pictures of the rise more than 7" but that was making the seating out of wall units. 3 wall units high with cap and the cap height buried = 18" perfect for seating.

[Stonehenge]

Hey Lanelle, any news on this one?

[Lanelle]

Funny you should ask. I was trying to let that go for a bit while we do the more pressing things (things already under contract) but now she has asked for me to present several 'versions' of this idea.

[Stonehenge]

Several versions? :rrr: You're getting paid by the hour on that one, right?

[Lanelle]

:rolleyes: Yeah, right-------NOT!! Fortunately she is spending lots of money with us so that eases the pain a bit.