Outdoor Natural Seating

Picture this: you're in the heart of nature, the sun warming your face, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, and you have a place to rest. That place is an outdoor natural seat, a delightful blend of the great outdoors and comfortable seating. These seats are not just furniture; they are an invitation to connect with the environment, offering a unique and engaging way to enjoy nature.

Outdoor natural seats are designed to provide comfort in the open air, made from eco-friendly materials that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. More than just a place to sit, they are an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, whether that's in your backyard or at the park. But what are the different types of natural outdoor seats, and what makes them so special? Let's explore.

Types of Outdoor Natural Seating

The beauty of natural outdoor seating lies in its diversity. From simple to intricate, there's a seat for every space and preference. Here are a couple of popular types:

Log Seats are classic choices, offering a rustic, natural aesthetic. They can be as simple as a polished log on the ground or a complex bench made from multiple logs. These seats embrace the organic, uneven shape of the wood, making each one unique.

Stone Benches provide a more solid, permanent feel. They can be made from natural, uncut stones or precision-cut slabs. Some even incorporate plants into their design, offering a living, growing seat.

Benefits of Log Seats

Log seats bring a warm, inviting feel to any outdoor space. They are often more affordable than stone options, and DIY enthusiasts can even create their own. Plus, the wood provides a degree of flexibility, making them comfortable for longer periods of time.

Moreover, using wood for seating supports sustainable logging practices. By choosing locally sourced, reclaimed, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, you can ensure you're supporting responsible forestry.

Why Choose Stone Benches?

Stone benches offer a solid, enduring feel, perfect for high-traffic areas or where you want a more formal, permanent look. They require minimal maintenance, withstanding harsh weather conditions and even adding to the landscape over time as moss or lichen grows on their surface.

Incorporating stone into natural landscaping can also provide ecosystem benefits. Rocks and stones shelter small creatures, provide habitats for plants, and can help retain water in the soil, aiding overall biodiversity.

Designing with Natural Outdoor Seating

Natural outdoor seating can be as simple or as intricate as you want. Here are some ideas to help you incorporate them into your space:

Create a Setting. Natural seats aren't just for solitary relaxers. Arrange a few around a fire pit or beside a water feature to create an inviting social space.

Consider the View. Place your seat where you can enjoy the best view of your space. Perhaps it's the arch of a tree or the dance of sunlight on a pond. Make sure the seat is positioned to let you enjoy it.

Design for Accessibility

Making your outdoor space accessible doesn't mean sacrificing aesthetics. Natural seats can be designed with accessibility in mind, such as by providing armrests for assistance getting up, or choosing harder woods that don't soften too much over time.

For stone benches, ensure the seat height doesn't exceed 18 to 24 inches for easy access. And don't forget to consider wheelchair turning space around the seat.

Blend with the Surroundings

The best part about natural outdoor seating is how seamlessly it blends into the environment. Choose materials that complement your landscaping, whether that's a dark, rugged log for a woodland feel or a light, smooth stone for a beachy vibe.

Planting around the seat can also help it feel more integrated, while providing beauty and interest throughout the seasons.

Pacific Dawn, the old Oregon Coast Hemlock tree, stands tall, its gnarled trunk and sprawling branches offering shade and comfort to all who sit beneath it. This isn't just a tree but an icon, a symbol of the power and beauty of nature. It's a reminder of what outdoor natural seating can represent - a connection to the natural world, a place to rest, reflect, and recharge. So, go find your Pacific Dawn, your perfect natural seat, and let the serenity of the great outdoors embrace you.