Space Planning Tips

A Guide to Bench, Table and Bike Rack Placement

From pocket parks to public plazas, there are myriad variables to consider when determining arrangements of site furnishings. To assist you in this process, we’ve gathered some basic spacing suggestions based upon our many years of experience activating outdoor spaces.

BENCH SPACING

Our spacing recommendations for a few common bench placement scenarios

1. When an aisle is desired, allow a minimum of 36" between bench ends to provide a walkway wide enough for wheelchair access.
2. Benches facing the same direction in rows should be no less than 24" apart to allow for leg room and access.
3. Allow a minimum of 60" from the end of a bench to a site’s entrance to permit easy egress.
4. Benches facing each other across an aisleway should be no less than 96" apart to comfortable allow pedestrian traffic to pass.
5. Set benches back from sidewalks around 30" so that a setter’s feet do not protrude into the walkway.
6. Bench depth varies from product to product and for backed and backless options. Please refer to a specific bench's product page on our website for actual dimensions.
7. For optimal accessibility, a bench seat should be a height of 17" min. to 19" max. above the ground.

Bench Spacing Guide PDF

FREESTANDING TABLE SPACING

Our spacing recommendations for a few common freestanding table and seating scenarios

1. Distances referenced here assume the front edge of a chair lines up with the edge of a table top.
2. Allow a minimum of 36" between seat backs to permit wheelchair access between tables.
3. Allow a minimum of 24" between seat backs to provide a walkway between tables.
4. Allow a minimum of 18" between a seat back and a wall or edge to permit access to all seats.
5. Allow a minimum of 60" between a seat back and a site's entrance to allow for easy egress.
6. Please refer to ADA guidelines and local codes to determine the number of wheelchair accessible seating spaces needed in a seating group. It is recommended that a minimum of 32" in width be provided to accommodate a wheelchair at a table.
7. The minimum height and depth clearances necessary to accommodate a wheelchair at a table are 27" and 19", respectively.

Table Spacing Guide PDF

FIXED-SEATING TABLE SPACING

Our spacing recommendations for a few common fixed-seating table scenarios

1. Allow a minimum of 36" between seat backs to permit wheelchair access between tables.
2. Allow a minimum of 18" between a seat back and a wall or edge to permit access to all seats.
3. Allow a minimum of 60" between the seat back of a table unit and a site’s entrance to allow for easy egress.
4. Aligning a group of tables at a 45 degree angle reduces the overall footprint of the group while still maintaining the minimum recommended spacing and unit quantity. Compare the footprints of D1 and D2 above.
5. Please refer to ADA guidelines and local codes to determine the number of wheelchair accessible seating spaces needed in a seating group. It is recommended that a minimum of 32" in width be provided to accommodate a wheelchair at a table.
6. The minimum height and depth clearances necessary to accommodate a wheelchair at a table are 27" and 19", respectively.

Table Spacing Guide PDF

BIKE RACK SPACING

Our spacing recommendations for bike racks

1. Place bike racks in a series no less than 36" apart to allow easy access.
2. Allow a minimum of 36" between the end of a bike rack and a wall or obstacle.
3. Allow a minimum of 72" between bike rack rows to accommodate pedestrian traffic.
4. For additional detailed spacing and bike rack planning recommendations, please refer to the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professional’s Guide.

Bike Rack Spacing Guide PDF