Design inviting chair layouts for decks and lawns. Pick units, styles, and spacing goals easily. See instant results, then export PDF or CSV anytime.
Choose a layout, enter dimensions, and calculate comfortable seating spacing.
These examples show typical garden seating scenarios and outputs.
| Scenario | Layout inputs | Chair + spacing inputs | Typical result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patio edge seating | Straight line, 22 ft available | 30 in chair, 18 in gap, 12 in edge | 6 chairs fit with even spacing |
| Fire pit circle | Full circle, 18 ft diameter | 32 in chair, 20 in gap, 12 in entry | 8 chairs around the ring |
| Garden view arc | Arc, 16 ft diameter, 60% coverage | 30 in chair, 16 in gap, 12 in entry | 5 chairs with open access path |
The calculator treats each chair as a width segment, adds gaps, and reserves edge clearances.
| Layout | Core terms | Capacity rule |
|---|---|---|
| Straight line |
L = available length W = chair width G = gap between chairs E = edge clearance |
n*W + (n−1)*G + 2*E ≤ L n ≤ (L − 2E + G) / (W + G) |
| Circle / Arc |
D = circle diameter C = π*D (circumference) A = C*(coverage/100) |
n*W + (n−1)*G + 2*E ≤ A Angle per chair ≈ (360*coverage/100)/n |
Use the straight-line layout for patio edges, fences, or pool coping where chairs face one direction. Use circle or arc layouts around a fire pit, planter, or focal tree. Begin with usable frontage or ring diameter, then decide whether you want a clear opening. Arc coverage near 50–70% typically leaves an easy entry while keeping a social curve.
Many Adirondack chairs measure 28–34 inches wide, but thick armrests can increase that footprint. For relaxed elbow room, a gap of 12–24 inches works well, especially when side tables are planned. If space is tight, adjust gap in small steps and compare chair count. When auto-distribute is enabled, leftover space is shared across gaps for an even, finished look.
Edge clearance reserves space at both ends of a run or at the entrances of an arc. A practical starting range is 12–18 inches, increasing for heavy traffic or planting buffers. Rear clearance supports walking behind chairs; many garden paths feel comfortable at 30–42 inches depending on use and surface. Footprint depth equals chair depth plus rear clearance for quick fit checks.
For round layouts, circumference is calculated as π×D and multiplied by your coverage percentage to get usable arc length. The tool also estimates center angle per chair to help you visualize spacing around a focal feature. If angles become small, seating feels crowded even if it “fits.” Increase diameter, widen gaps, or reduce coverage to restore comfort and sightlines.
Export a CSV for quick spreadsheet review or a PDF for sharing with clients and installers. Exports capture inputs, chair count, used length, leftover space, and clearance warnings. Save one report per zone, such as deck edge and fire pit ring, to compare revisions. Measure onsite, update values, then finalize furniture placement and hardscape dimensions with confidence. Add brief notes on slope, mulch borders, and paver joints for consistency always.
Measure the widest point, usually outside armrest to outside armrest. Typical Adirondack widths are 28–34 inches, but oversized models can exceed that. Enter the larger value to avoid crowding.
If auto-distribute is enabled, leftover space is spread across the gaps to create even spacing. If the distributed gap would fall below your target gap, the calculator keeps your target and reports leftover space instead.
Many gardens feel good at 50–70% coverage because it leaves a clear entry path and reduces smoke exposure from one direction. Use higher coverage when access is from behind the seating zone.
A common comfort range is 30–42 inches for a walking path behind chairs. Choose the higher end when people will pass frequently, when carrying trays, or when the surface is uneven.
Yes. Use the widest item as the “chair width,” or run separate scenarios and compare totals. For mixed seating, keep a consistent minimum gap so traffic and side tables still fit.
Zero fit usually means the usable length or arc becomes smaller than one chair after edge clearance is reserved. Reduce edge clearance or gap, decrease chair width, or increase available length/diameter to regain capacity.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.