What is a sunken seating area?
A sunken seating area is an outdoor gathering space that’s designed below the surrounding patio, pool deck, or landscape. You step down into the seating area, which gives it a more intimate feeling and helps visually separate it from the rest of the yard.
We often incorporate fire features, built-in seating, or even place the entire area within the pool. Depending on the property, a sunken seating area can become anything from a quiet lounge to one of the main entertaining spaces in the backyard.
Key Takeaways
There are so many ways to incorporate sunken seating into a backyard. These are a few things we think about when we’re designing one.
Think about how you’ll use it. Some clients want an intimate place around a fire. Others want a larger entertaining area, a swim-up bar, or even somewhere to watch TV outside.
It doesn’t require a massive yard. We’ve incorporated sunken seating into some surprisingly small backyards. Scale becomes especially important when you’re working with a limited footprint.
Plan for water from the beginning. If you’re stepping down into the landscape, drainage has to be part of the plan. Rainwater needs somewhere to go.
Make it comfortable. You’re creating a place where people are going to sit and spend time together, so seating, shade, fire, lighting, and how you enter and exit the area all matter.
Sunken Seating Areas 🔥
There’s a reason we’re asked to include sunken seating areas in so many of our designs.
You step down into the space, you’re surrounded by the pool or landscaping, and suddenly you have this really intimate place to sit and spend time with people. Add a fire feature in the center and it can become one of the best gathering areas in the entire yard.
And there are so many ways to design one.
We’ve created sunken seating areas inside a pool, that double as a swim-up bar, that fit into surprisingly small backyards, and even that include a retractable TV screen.
Below are seven of our favorites, plus we’re answering two of the questions we get asked all the time: What happens when it rains, and how much does a sunken seating area cost?
A Floating Sunken Seating Area In A Monochromatic Backyard Spa
📍 YORBA LINDA, CA
This might be the most opulent sunken seating area we’ve ever created. It’s seriously cozy and accented by a sleek rain curtain, modern design, and all the lavish details you’d find at the most luxurious 5-star resorts.
A Sunken Seating Area In A Small Yard
📍 IRVINE, CA
This sunken seating area creates a cozy corner for relaxing in this tiny yard. It includes lighting and a custom fire table that’s perfect for spending an evening under the stars. The built-in seating and custom fire table give the family a dedicated place to gather without taking over the rest of the outdoor space.
A Floating Sunken Seating Area That's Perfect For Enjoying The View
📍 IRVINE, CA
For this yard, we placed the seating area within the water and connected it with floating walkways. Once you’re sitting inside, you have an incredible view across the pool and the rest of the property.
A Sunken Seating Area Gives This Small Yard Depth And Dimension
📍 IRVINE, CA
A sunken seating area is a great way to create the illusion that a yard is much larger than it is—and that’s exactly the case for this outdoor space. The stunning sunken zone instantly elevates the entire yard thanks to the depth and dimension it adds to this area.
A Floating Sunken Seating Area With Hidden Details
📍 LAS VEGAS, NV
This sunken seating area is more like a full-blown entertainment zone–complete with comfy lounges, a stunning fire table, and even a TV. There’s no better place to watch the game.
A Sunken Seating Area That's Part Lounge and Part Swim Up Bar
📍 YORBA LINDA, CA
This sunken fire feature and seating area is as gorgeous after dark as it is during the day—making it the perfect place to unwind—no matter what time it is.
A Yard That's Both Family-Friendly And Elegant
📍 YORBA LINDA, CA
This family-friendly backyard resort proves that your outdoor area can be both beautiful and functional. The sunken seating area is both cozy and safe for kids to enjoy.
BONUS PICK 👇
A Santorini-Inspired Backyard Resort With A Floating Island Seating Area
📍 YORBA LINDA, CA
This may not be a sunken seating area, but we had to add it as a bonus pick to our list because it’s one of our all-time favorite fire and seating areas. The floating platform is the stand-out feature in this organic modern yard and a seriously serene place to enjoy.
This is one of the questions we get asked the most.
Because the seating area sits below the surrounding surface, drainage has to be considered from the beginning. The exact solution depends on the property, local rainfall, and how the seating area is designed, but the important thing is making sure water has somewhere to go instead of collecting in the seating area.
This is something that needs to be planned during the design and engineering process, especially if you’re considering sunken seating in a climate that receives a lot of rain.
Watch the video below to see how we approach drainage in our sunken seating designs.
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Welcome to this full yard tour of an Austin Mediterranean dream home and luxury backyard. More than five years after it was designed, this Mediterranean outdoor space still looks stunning thanks to timeless design decisions that continue to elevate every part of the property. This yard tour will explain:
– How to design a small or difficult backyard that feels like a resort
– Ways to turn a retaining wall or slope into a focal point instead of something you try to hide
– How layering texture, elevation, and lighting makes the entire space feel deeper and more connected
– Money saving tips and more
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a sunken seating area in a small backyard?
Yes. We’ve designed sunken seating areas in some surprisingly small yards. The key is getting the scale right and making sure the feature doesn’t take over the limited space you have available.
Can a sunken seating area be built inside a pool?
Yes. Several of our projects include seating areas surrounded by water or connected to the pool with stepping stones or floating walkways. This can create a really immersive experience and make the seating area feel like its own destination within the yard.
Can you add a fire pit to a sunken seating area?
Absolutely. We frequently pair sunken seating with a fire feature because it gives everyone a natural place to gather. The size and placement need to account for comfortable seating, circulation, and the requirements of the specific fire feature.
What happens when it rains in a sunken seating area?
Drainage needs to be considered from the beginning because the seating area sits below the surrounding surface. The exact solution depends on the property, rainfall, and design, but water needs a clear way to drain instead of collecting in the seating area.
Can sunken seating be used as a swim-up bar?
Yes. We’ve combined sunken seating with swim-up bars so people in the pool and people sitting in the lounge can use the same space. It’s a fun option for homeowners who entertain frequently and want the pool and gathering areas to feel more connected.
Is sunken seating a good idea for entertaining?
It can be. If entertaining is important to you, a larger sunken seating area can give everyone a dedicated place to gather without feeling completely separated from the pool and other outdoor living areas.
Behind The Blog
Justin Fox
Founder & Creative Director
Founder Justin Fox grew up with a passion for landscaping. After 15+ years building luxury yards and pools as a licensed contractor, he saw the limits of the design/build model. Homes get detailed, architect-led plans, so why shouldn’t yards? In 2019 he convinced brother Nate Fox to join him and launched Foxterra Design to focus on immersive, luxury outdoor spaces.
Foxterra designs immersive outdoor environments that blend architecture, landscape, and lifestyle into one cohesive vision. Our work is rooted in timeless materials, intentional layout, and outdoor living that feels effortless to use every day.
Nate Fox
Designer
Nate Fox helps shape Foxterra’s creative vision, blending architectural detail with a designer’s eye for proportion and flow. His work redefines the backyard as an extension of modern luxury living.
In recent features, Nate’s perspective has been quoted across leading design publications, including Homes & Gardens and Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living, where he shares practical, design-forward guidance on everything from integrating sculptural moments and sightlines to creating “living wall” effects that soften hard architecture and make compact spaces feel more expansive.
For this story, Nate shares some of Foxterra's favorite sunken seating areas and the different ways we've incorporated them into pools, small yards, fire features, and outdoor entertaining spaces.
