diff --git a/include/sway/desktop/transaction.h b/include/sway/desktop/transaction.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..575d28c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/sway/desktop/transaction.h
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+#ifndef _SWAY_TRANSACTION_H
+#define _SWAY_TRANSACTION_H
+#include "sway/tree/container.h"
+
+/**
+ * Transactions enable us to perform atomic layout updates.
+ *
+ * When we want to make adjustments to the layout, we create a transaction.
+ * A transaction contains a list of affected containers and their new state.
+ * A state might contain a new size, or new border settings, or new parent/child
+ * relationships.
+ *
+ * Calling transaction_commit() makes sway notify of all the affected clients
+ * with their new sizes. We then wait for all the views to respond with their
+ * new surface sizes. When all are ready, or when a timeout has passed, we apply
+ * the updates all at the same time.
+ */
+
+struct sway_transaction {
+	struct wl_event_source *timer;
+	list_t *instructions;   // struct sway_transaction_instruction *
+	list_t *damage;         // struct wlr_box *
+	size_t num_waiting;
+};
+
+/**
+ * Create a new transaction.
+ */
+struct sway_transaction *transaction_create(void);
+
+/**
+ * Add a container's pending state to the transaction.
+ */
+void transaction_add_container(struct sway_transaction *transaction,
+		struct sway_container *container);
+
+/**
+ * Add a box to be damaged when the transaction is applied.
+ * The box should be in layout coordinates.
+ */
+void transaction_add_damage(struct sway_transaction *transaction,
+		struct wlr_box *box);
+
+/**
+ * Submit a transaction to the client views for configuration.
+ */
+void transaction_commit(struct sway_transaction *transaction);
+
+/**
+ * Notify the transaction system that a view is ready for the new layout.
+ *
+ * When all views in the transaction are ready, the layout will be applied.
+ */
+void transaction_notify_view_ready(struct sway_view *view, uint32_t serial);
+
+#endif
diff --git a/include/sway/output.h b/include/sway/output.h
index 70f746dc..e6ca0d02 100644
--- a/include/sway/output.h
+++ b/include/sway/output.h
@@ -42,6 +42,8 @@ void output_damage_surface(struct sway_output *output, double ox, double oy,
 void output_damage_from_view(struct sway_output *output,
 	struct sway_view *view);
 
+void output_damage_box(struct sway_output *output, struct wlr_box *box);
+
 void output_damage_whole_container(struct sway_output *output,
 	struct sway_container *con);
 
diff --git a/include/sway/tree/arrange.h b/include/sway/tree/arrange.h
index ce95cfe9..23cd66dc 100644
--- a/include/sway/tree/arrange.h
+++ b/include/sway/tree/arrange.h
@@ -1,18 +1,33 @@
 #ifndef _SWAY_ARRANGE_H
 #define _SWAY_ARRANGE_H
+#include "sway/desktop/transaction.h"
 
 struct sway_container;
 
-// Determine the root container's geometry, then iterate to everything below
-void arrange_root(void);
-
-// Determine the output's geometry, then iterate to everything below
-void arrange_output(struct sway_container *output);
+/**
+ * Arrange layout for all the children of the given container, and add them to
+ * the given transaction.
+ *
+ * Use this function if you need to arrange multiple sections of the tree in one
+ * transaction.
+ */
+void arrange_windows(struct sway_container *container,
+		struct sway_transaction *transaction);
 
-// Determine the workspace's geometry, then iterate to everything below
-void arrange_workspace(struct sway_container *workspace);
+/**
+ * Arrange layout for the given container and commit the transaction.
+ *
+ * This function is a wrapper around arrange_windows, and handles creating and
+ * committing the transaction for you. Use this function if you're only doing
+ * one arrange operation.
+ */
+void arrange_and_commit(struct sway_container *container);
 
-// Arrange layout for all the children of the given workspace/container
-void arrange_children_of(struct sway_container *parent);
+// These functions are temporary and are only here to make everything compile.
+// They are wrappers around arrange_and_commit.
+void arrange_root(void);
+void arrange_output(struct sway_container *container);
+void arrange_workspace(struct sway_container *container);
+void arrange_children_of(struct sway_container *container);
 
 #endif
diff --git a/include/sway/tree/container.h b/include/sway/tree/container.h
index 7ed6aab1..dd5bd47c 100644
--- a/include/sway/tree/container.h
+++ b/include/sway/tree/container.h
@@ -54,6 +54,28 @@ struct sway_output;
 struct sway_workspace;
 struct sway_view;
 
+struct sway_container_state {
+	// Container/swayc properties
+	enum sway_container_layout layout;
+	double swayc_x, swayc_y;
+	double swayc_width, swayc_height;
+
+	//struct sway_container *parent;
+	//list_t *children;
+
+	// View properties
+	double view_x, view_y;
+	double view_width, view_height;
+	bool is_fullscreen;
+
+	enum sway_container_border border;
+	int border_thickness;
+	bool border_top;
+	bool border_bottom;
+	bool border_left;
+	bool border_right;
+};
+
 struct sway_container {
 	union {
 		// TODO: Encapsulate state for other node types as well like C_CONTAINER
@@ -69,6 +91,8 @@ struct sway_container {
 	 */
 	size_t id;
 
+	struct sway_container_state pending;
+
 	char *name;            // The view's title (unformatted)
 	char *formatted_title; // The title displayed in the title bar
 
@@ -246,4 +270,9 @@ void container_set_geometry_from_floating_view(struct sway_container *con);
  */
 bool container_is_floating(struct sway_container *container);
 
+/**
+ * Get a container's box in layout coordinates.
+ */
+struct wlr_box *container_get_box(struct sway_container *container);
+
 #endif
diff --git a/include/sway/tree/view.h b/include/sway/tree/view.h
index 3df38e2d..f47db567 100644
--- a/include/sway/tree/view.h
+++ b/include/sway/tree/view.h
@@ -29,8 +29,8 @@ struct sway_view_impl {
 	const char *(*get_string_prop)(struct sway_view *view,
 			enum sway_view_prop prop);
 	uint32_t (*get_int_prop)(struct sway_view *view, enum sway_view_prop prop);
-	void (*configure)(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly, int width,
-		int height);
+	uint32_t (*configure)(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly,
+			int width, int height);
 	void (*set_activated)(struct sway_view *view, bool activated);
 	void (*set_fullscreen)(struct sway_view *view, bool fullscreen);
 	bool (*wants_floating)(struct sway_view *view);
@@ -70,6 +70,12 @@ struct sway_view {
 
 	list_t *executed_criteria; // struct criteria *
 	list_t *marks;             // char *
+	list_t *instructions;      // struct sway_transaction_instruction *
+
+	// If saved_texture is set, the main surface of the view will render this
+	// texture instead of its own. This is used while waiting for transactions
+	// to complete.
+	struct wlr_texture *saved_texture;
 
 	struct wlr_texture *marks_focused;
 	struct wlr_texture *marks_focused_inactive;
@@ -103,8 +109,6 @@ struct sway_xdg_shell_v6_view {
 	struct wl_listener map;
 	struct wl_listener unmap;
 	struct wl_listener destroy;
-
-	int pending_width, pending_height;
 };
 
 struct sway_xdg_shell_view {
@@ -119,8 +123,6 @@ struct sway_xdg_shell_view {
 	struct wl_listener map;
 	struct wl_listener unmap;
 	struct wl_listener destroy;
-
-	int pending_width, pending_height;
 };
 
 struct sway_xwayland_view {
@@ -138,9 +140,6 @@ struct sway_xwayland_view {
 	struct wl_listener map;
 	struct wl_listener unmap;
 	struct wl_listener destroy;
-
-	int pending_lx, pending_ly;
-	int pending_width, pending_height;
 };
 
 struct sway_xwayland_unmanaged {
@@ -212,7 +211,7 @@ uint32_t view_get_window_type(struct sway_view *view);
 
 const char *view_get_shell(struct sway_view *view);
 
-void view_configure(struct sway_view *view, double ox, double oy, int width,
+uint32_t view_configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly, int width,
 	int height);
 
 /**
diff --git a/sway/desktop/output.c b/sway/desktop/output.c
index 3142bdb4..c5d445a6 100644
--- a/sway/desktop/output.c
+++ b/sway/desktop/output.c
@@ -69,6 +69,7 @@ struct render_data {
 	struct root_geometry root_geo;
 	struct sway_output *output;
 	pixman_region32_t *damage;
+	struct sway_view *view;
 	float alpha;
 };
 
@@ -108,6 +109,38 @@ static bool get_surface_box(struct root_geometry *geo,
 	return wlr_box_intersection(&output_box, &rotated_box, &intersection);
 }
 
+static bool get_view_box(struct root_geometry *geo,
+		struct sway_output *output, struct sway_view *view, int sx, int sy,
+		struct wlr_box *surface_box) {
+	int sw = view->width;
+	int sh = view->height;
+
+	double _sx = sx, _sy = sy;
+	rotate_child_position(&_sx, &_sy, sw, sh, geo->width, geo->height,
+		geo->rotation);
+
+	struct wlr_box box = {
+		.x = geo->x + _sx,
+		.y = geo->y + _sy,
+		.width = sw,
+		.height = sh,
+	};
+	if (surface_box != NULL) {
+		memcpy(surface_box, &box, sizeof(struct wlr_box));
+	}
+
+	struct wlr_box rotated_box;
+	wlr_box_rotated_bounds(&box, geo->rotation, &rotated_box);
+
+	struct wlr_box output_box = {
+		.width = output->swayc->width,
+		.height = output->swayc->height,
+	};
+
+	struct wlr_box intersection;
+	return wlr_box_intersection(&output_box, &rotated_box, &intersection);
+}
+
 static void surface_for_each_surface(struct wlr_surface *surface,
 		double ox, double oy, struct root_geometry *geo,
 		wlr_surface_iterator_func_t iterator, void *user_data) {
@@ -225,13 +258,26 @@ static void render_surface_iterator(struct wlr_surface *surface, int sx, int sy,
 	pixman_region32_t *output_damage = data->damage;
 	float alpha = data->alpha;
 
-	if (!wlr_surface_has_buffer(surface)) {
-		return;
+	struct wlr_texture *texture = NULL;
+	struct wlr_box box;
+	bool intersects;
+
+	// If this is the main surface of a view, render the saved_texture instead
+	// if it exists. It exists when we are mid-transaction.
+	if (data->view && data->view->saved_texture &&
+			data->view->surface == surface) {
+		texture = data->view->saved_texture;
+		intersects = get_view_box(&data->root_geo, data->output, data->view,
+				sx, sy, &box);
+	} else {
+		if (!wlr_surface_has_buffer(surface)) {
+			return;
+		}
+		texture = surface->texture;
+		intersects = get_surface_box(&data->root_geo, data->output, surface,
+				sx, sy, &box);
 	}
 
-	struct wlr_box box;
-	bool intersects = get_surface_box(&data->root_geo, data->output, surface,
-		sx, sy, &box);
 	if (!intersects) {
 		return;
 	}
@@ -244,8 +290,7 @@ static void render_surface_iterator(struct wlr_surface *surface, int sx, int sy,
 	wlr_matrix_project_box(matrix, &box, transform, rotation,
 		wlr_output->transform_matrix);
 
-	render_texture(wlr_output, output_damage, surface->texture, &box, matrix,
-		alpha);
+	render_texture(wlr_output, output_damage, texture, &box, matrix, alpha);
 }
 
 static void render_layer(struct sway_output *output,
@@ -315,6 +360,7 @@ static void render_view_surfaces(struct sway_view *view,
 	struct render_data data = {
 		.output = output,
 		.damage = damage,
+		.view = view,
 		.alpha = alpha,
 	};
 	output_view_for_each_surface(
@@ -1134,6 +1180,16 @@ void output_damage_from_view(struct sway_output *output,
 	output_damage_view(output, view, false);
 }
 
+// Expecting an unscaled box in layout coordinates
+void output_damage_box(struct sway_output *output, struct wlr_box *_box) {
+	struct wlr_box box;
+	memcpy(&box, _box, sizeof(struct wlr_box));
+	box.x -= output->swayc->x;
+	box.y -= output->swayc->y;
+	scale_box(&box, output->wlr_output->scale);
+	wlr_output_damage_add_box(output->damage, &box);
+}
+
 static void output_damage_whole_container_iterator(struct sway_container *con,
 		void *data) {
 	struct sway_output *output = data;
diff --git a/sway/desktop/transaction.c b/sway/desktop/transaction.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..69f97e3d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/desktop/transaction.c
@@ -0,0 +1,214 @@
+#define _POSIX_C_SOURCE 200809L
+#include <stdbool.h>
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include <string.h>
+#include <wlr/types/wlr_linux_dmabuf.h>
+#include "sway/debug.h"
+#include "sway/desktop/transaction.h"
+#include "sway/output.h"
+#include "sway/tree/container.h"
+#include "sway/tree/view.h"
+#include "list.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+/**
+ * How long we should wait for views to respond to the configure before giving
+ * up and applying the transaction anyway.
+ */
+#define TIMEOUT_MS 200
+
+struct sway_transaction_instruction {
+	struct sway_transaction *transaction;
+	struct sway_container *container;
+	struct sway_container_state state;
+	uint32_t serial;
+};
+
+struct sway_transaction *transaction_create() {
+	struct sway_transaction *transaction =
+		calloc(1, sizeof(struct sway_transaction));
+	transaction->instructions = create_list();
+	transaction->damage = create_list();
+	return transaction;
+}
+
+static void transaction_destroy(struct sway_transaction *transaction) {
+	int i;
+	// Free instructions
+	for (i = 0; i < transaction->instructions->length; ++i) {
+		struct sway_transaction_instruction *instruction =
+			transaction->instructions->items[i];
+		if (instruction->container->type == C_VIEW) {
+			struct sway_view *view = instruction->container->sway_view;
+			for (int j = 0; j < view->instructions->length; ++j) {
+				if (view->instructions->items[j] == instruction) {
+					list_del(view->instructions, j);
+					break;
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		free(instruction);
+	}
+	list_free(transaction->instructions);
+
+	// Free damage
+	for (i = 0; i < transaction->damage->length; ++i) {
+		struct wlr_box *box = transaction->damage->items[i];
+		free(box);
+	}
+	list_free(transaction->damage);
+
+	free(transaction);
+}
+
+void transaction_add_container(struct sway_transaction *transaction,
+		struct sway_container *container) {
+	struct sway_transaction_instruction *instruction =
+		calloc(1, sizeof(struct sway_transaction_instruction));
+	instruction->transaction = transaction;
+	instruction->container = container;
+	memcpy(&instruction->state, &container->pending,
+			sizeof(struct sway_container_state));
+	list_add(transaction->instructions, instruction);
+}
+
+void transaction_add_damage(struct sway_transaction *transaction,
+		struct wlr_box *_box) {
+	struct wlr_box *box = calloc(1, sizeof(struct wlr_box));
+	memcpy(box, _box, sizeof(struct wlr_box));
+	list_add(transaction->damage, box);
+}
+
+static void save_view_texture(struct sway_view *view) {
+	wlr_texture_destroy(view->saved_texture);
+	view->saved_texture = NULL;
+
+	// TODO: Copy the texture and store it in view->saved_texture.
+}
+
+static void remove_saved_view_texture(struct sway_view *view) {
+	wlr_texture_destroy(view->saved_texture);
+	view->saved_texture = NULL;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Apply a transaction to the "current" state of the tree.
+ *
+ * This is mostly copying stuff from the pending state into the main swayc
+ * properties, but also includes reparenting and deleting containers.
+ */
+static void transaction_apply(struct sway_transaction *transaction) {
+	int i;
+	for (i = 0; i < transaction->instructions->length; ++i) {
+		struct sway_transaction_instruction *instruction =
+			transaction->instructions->items[i];
+		struct sway_container_state *state = &instruction->state;
+		struct sway_container *container = instruction->container;
+
+		container->layout = state->layout;
+		container->x = state->swayc_x;
+		container->y = state->swayc_y;
+		container->width = state->swayc_width;
+		container->height = state->swayc_height;
+
+		if (container->type == C_VIEW) {
+			struct sway_view *view = container->sway_view;
+			view->x = state->view_x;
+			view->y = state->view_y;
+			view->width = state->view_width;
+			view->height = state->view_height;
+			view->is_fullscreen = state->is_fullscreen;
+			view->border = state->border;
+			view->border_thickness = state->border_thickness;
+			view->border_top = state->border_top;
+			view->border_left = state->border_left;
+			view->border_right = state->border_right;
+			view->border_bottom = state->border_bottom;
+
+			remove_saved_view_texture(view);
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Damage
+	for (i = 0; i < transaction->damage->length; ++i) {
+		struct wlr_box *box = transaction->damage->items[i];
+		for (int j = 0; j < root_container.children->length; ++j) {
+			struct sway_container *output = root_container.children->items[j];
+			output_damage_box(output->sway_output, box);
+		}
+	}
+
+	update_debug_tree();
+}
+
+static int handle_timeout(void *data) {
+	struct sway_transaction *transaction = data;
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Transaction %p timed out (%li waiting), applying anyway",
+			transaction, transaction->num_waiting);
+	transaction_apply(transaction);
+	transaction_destroy(transaction);
+	return 0;
+}
+
+void transaction_commit(struct sway_transaction *transaction) {
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Transaction %p committing with %i instructions",
+			transaction, transaction->instructions->length);
+	transaction->num_waiting = 0;
+	for (int i = 0; i < transaction->instructions->length; ++i) {
+		struct sway_transaction_instruction *instruction =
+			transaction->instructions->items[i];
+		if (instruction->container->type == C_VIEW) {
+			struct sway_view *view = instruction->container->sway_view;
+			instruction->serial = view_configure(view,
+					instruction->state.view_x,
+					instruction->state.view_y,
+					instruction->state.view_width,
+					instruction->state.view_height);
+			if (instruction->serial) {
+				save_view_texture(view);
+				list_add(view->instructions, instruction);
+				++transaction->num_waiting;
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if (!transaction->num_waiting) {
+		// This can happen if the transaction only contains xwayland views
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Transaction %p has nothing to wait for, applying",
+				transaction);
+		transaction_apply(transaction);
+		transaction_destroy(transaction);
+		return;
+	}
+
+	// Set up a timer which the views must respond within
+	transaction->timer = wl_event_loop_add_timer(server.wl_event_loop,
+			handle_timeout, transaction);
+	wl_event_source_timer_update(transaction->timer, TIMEOUT_MS);
+}
+
+void transaction_notify_view_ready(struct sway_view *view, uint32_t serial) {
+	// Find the instruction
+	struct sway_transaction_instruction *instruction = NULL;
+	for (int i = 0; i < view->instructions->length; ++i) {
+		struct sway_transaction_instruction *tmp_instruction =
+			view->instructions->items[i];
+		if (tmp_instruction->serial == serial) {
+			instruction = tmp_instruction;
+			list_del(view->instructions, i);
+			break;
+		}
+	}
+	if (!instruction) {
+		// This can happen if the view acknowledges the configure after the
+		// transaction has timed out and applied.
+		return;
+	}
+	// If all views are ready, apply the transaction
+	struct sway_transaction *transaction = instruction->transaction;
+	if (--transaction->num_waiting == 0) {
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Transaction %p is ready, applying", transaction);
+		wl_event_source_timer_update(transaction->timer, 0);
+		transaction_apply(transaction);
+		transaction_destroy(transaction);
+	}
+}
diff --git a/sway/desktop/xdg_shell.c b/sway/desktop/xdg_shell.c
index d2b8822c..f43a0a1b 100644
--- a/sway/desktop/xdg_shell.c
+++ b/sway/desktop/xdg_shell.c
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 #include <wlr/types/wlr_xdg_shell.h>
 #include <wlr/util/edges.h>
 #include "log.h"
+#include "sway/desktop/transaction.h"
 #include "sway/input/input-manager.h"
 #include "sway/input/seat.h"
 #include "sway/server.h"
@@ -87,18 +88,14 @@ static const char *get_string_prop(struct sway_view *view, enum sway_view_prop p
 	}
 }
 
-static void configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly, int width,
-		int height) {
+static uint32_t configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly,
+		int width, int height) {
 	struct sway_xdg_shell_view *xdg_shell_view =
 		xdg_shell_view_from_view(view);
 	if (xdg_shell_view == NULL) {
-		return;
+		return 0;
 	}
-
-	xdg_shell_view->pending_width = width;
-	xdg_shell_view->pending_height = height;
-	wlr_xdg_toplevel_set_size(view->wlr_xdg_surface, width, height);
-	view_update_position(view, lx, ly);
+	return wlr_xdg_toplevel_set_size(view->wlr_xdg_surface, width, height);
 }
 
 static void set_activated(struct sway_view *view, bool activated) {
@@ -174,18 +171,12 @@ static void handle_commit(struct wl_listener *listener, void *data) {
 	struct sway_xdg_shell_view *xdg_shell_view =
 		wl_container_of(listener, xdg_shell_view, commit);
 	struct sway_view *view = &xdg_shell_view->view;
-	if (view->swayc && container_is_floating(view->swayc)) {
-		int width = view->wlr_xdg_surface->geometry.width;
-		int height = view->wlr_xdg_surface->geometry.height;
-		if (!width && !height) {
-			width = view->wlr_xdg_surface->surface->current->width;
-			height = view->wlr_xdg_surface->surface->current->height;
-		}
-		view_update_size(view, width, height);
-	} else {
-		view_update_size(view, xdg_shell_view->pending_width,
-				xdg_shell_view->pending_height);
+	struct wlr_xdg_surface *xdg_surface = view->wlr_xdg_surface;
+
+	if (view->instructions->length) {
+		transaction_notify_view_ready(view, xdg_surface->configure_serial);
 	}
+
 	view_update_title(view, false);
 	view_damage_from(view);
 }
diff --git a/sway/desktop/xdg_shell_v6.c b/sway/desktop/xdg_shell_v6.c
index 6ffe334a..bce59174 100644
--- a/sway/desktop/xdg_shell_v6.c
+++ b/sway/desktop/xdg_shell_v6.c
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 #include <stdlib.h>
 #include <wayland-server.h>
 #include <wlr/types/wlr_xdg_shell_v6.h>
+#include "sway/desktop/transaction.h"
 #include "sway/tree/container.h"
 #include "sway/tree/layout.h"
 #include "sway/server.h"
@@ -86,18 +87,15 @@ static const char *get_string_prop(struct sway_view *view, enum sway_view_prop p
 	}
 }
 
-static void configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly, int width,
-		int height) {
+static uint32_t configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly,
+		int width, int height) {
 	struct sway_xdg_shell_v6_view *xdg_shell_v6_view =
 		xdg_shell_v6_view_from_view(view);
 	if (xdg_shell_v6_view == NULL) {
-		return;
+		return 0;
 	}
-
-	xdg_shell_v6_view->pending_width = width;
-	xdg_shell_v6_view->pending_height = height;
-	wlr_xdg_toplevel_v6_set_size(view->wlr_xdg_surface_v6, width, height);
-	view_update_position(view, lx, ly);
+	return wlr_xdg_toplevel_v6_set_size(
+			view->wlr_xdg_surface_v6, width, height);
 }
 
 static void set_activated(struct sway_view *view, bool activated) {
@@ -173,18 +171,12 @@ static void handle_commit(struct wl_listener *listener, void *data) {
 	struct sway_xdg_shell_v6_view *xdg_shell_v6_view =
 		wl_container_of(listener, xdg_shell_v6_view, commit);
 	struct sway_view *view = &xdg_shell_v6_view->view;
-	if (view->swayc && container_is_floating(view->swayc)) {
-		int width = view->wlr_xdg_surface_v6->geometry.width;
-		int height = view->wlr_xdg_surface_v6->geometry.height;
-		if (!width && !height) {
-			width = view->wlr_xdg_surface_v6->surface->current->width;
-			height = view->wlr_xdg_surface_v6->surface->current->height;
-		}
-		view_update_size(view, width, height);
-	} else {
-		view_update_size(view, xdg_shell_v6_view->pending_width,
-				xdg_shell_v6_view->pending_height);
+	struct wlr_xdg_surface_v6 *xdg_surface_v6 = view->wlr_xdg_surface_v6;
+
+	if (view->instructions->length) {
+		transaction_notify_view_ready(view, xdg_surface_v6->configure_serial);
 	}
+
 	view_update_title(view, false);
 	view_damage_from(view);
 }
diff --git a/sway/desktop/xwayland.c b/sway/desktop/xwayland.c
index 6447b711..6a3c1b66 100644
--- a/sway/desktop/xwayland.c
+++ b/sway/desktop/xwayland.c
@@ -167,19 +167,18 @@ static uint32_t get_int_prop(struct sway_view *view, enum sway_view_prop prop) {
 	}
 }
 
-static void configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly, int width,
+static uint32_t configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly, int width,
 		int height) {
 	struct sway_xwayland_view *xwayland_view = xwayland_view_from_view(view);
 	if (xwayland_view == NULL) {
-		return;
+		return 0;
 	}
 	struct wlr_xwayland_surface *xsurface = view->wlr_xwayland_surface;
 
-	xwayland_view->pending_lx = lx;
-	xwayland_view->pending_ly = ly;
-	xwayland_view->pending_width = width;
-	xwayland_view->pending_height = height;
 	wlr_xwayland_surface_configure(xsurface, lx, ly, width, height);
+
+	// xwayland doesn't give us a serial for the configure
+	return 0;
 }
 
 static void set_activated(struct sway_view *view, bool activated) {
@@ -250,15 +249,21 @@ static void handle_commit(struct wl_listener *listener, void *data) {
 		wl_container_of(listener, xwayland_view, commit);
 	struct sway_view *view = &xwayland_view->view;
 	struct wlr_xwayland_surface *xsurface = view->wlr_xwayland_surface;
-	if (view->swayc && container_is_floating(view->swayc)) {
-		view_update_size(view, xsurface->width, xsurface->height);
-	} else {
-		view_update_size(view, xwayland_view->pending_width,
-				xwayland_view->pending_height);
+
+	// Don't allow xwayland views to do resize or reposition themselves if
+	// they're involved in a transaction. Once the transaction has finished
+	// they'll apply the next time a commit happens.
+	if (view->instructions->length) {
+		if (view->swayc && container_is_floating(view->swayc)) {
+			view_update_size(view, xsurface->width, xsurface->height);
+		} else {
+			view_update_size(view, view->swayc->pending.swayc_width,
+					view->swayc->pending.swayc_height);
+		}
+		view_update_position(view,
+				view->swayc->pending.view_x, view->swayc->pending.view_y);
+		view_damage_from(view);
 	}
-	view_update_position(view,
-			xwayland_view->pending_lx, xwayland_view->pending_ly);
-	view_damage_from(view);
 }
 
 static void handle_unmap(struct wl_listener *listener, void *data) {
diff --git a/sway/meson.build b/sway/meson.build
index b6bb02a7..5ff62490 100644
--- a/sway/meson.build
+++ b/sway/meson.build
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ sway_sources = files(
 	'desktop/desktop.c',
 	'desktop/layer_shell.c',
 	'desktop/output.c',
+	'desktop/transaction.c',
 	'desktop/xdg_shell_v6.c',
 	'desktop/xdg_shell.c',
 	'desktop/xwayland.c',
diff --git a/sway/tree/arrange.c b/sway/tree/arrange.c
index 721b557e..d8b3aec1 100644
--- a/sway/tree/arrange.c
+++ b/sway/tree/arrange.c
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 #include <string.h>
 #include <wlr/types/wlr_output.h>
 #include <wlr/types/wlr_output_layout.h>
-#include "sway/debug.h"
 #include "sway/tree/arrange.h"
 #include "sway/tree/container.h"
 #include "sway/tree/layout.h"
@@ -17,116 +16,56 @@
 
 struct sway_container root_container;
 
-void arrange_root() {
-	if (config->reloading) {
-		return;
-	}
-	struct wlr_output_layout *output_layout =
-		root_container.sway_root->output_layout;
-	const struct wlr_box *layout_box =
-		wlr_output_layout_get_box(output_layout, NULL);
-	root_container.x = layout_box->x;
-	root_container.y = layout_box->y;
-	root_container.width = layout_box->width;
-	root_container.height = layout_box->height;
-	for (int i = 0; i < root_container.children->length; ++i) {
-		struct sway_container *output = root_container.children->items[i];
-		arrange_output(output);
-	}
-}
-
-void arrange_output(struct sway_container *output) {
-	if (config->reloading) {
-		return;
-	}
-	if (!sway_assert(output->type == C_OUTPUT,
-			"called arrange_output() on non-output container")) {
-		return;
-	}
-	const struct wlr_box *output_box = wlr_output_layout_get_box(
-			root_container.sway_root->output_layout,
-			output->sway_output->wlr_output);
-	output->x = output_box->x;
-	output->y = output_box->y;
-	output->width = output_box->width;
-	output->height = output_box->height;
-	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Arranging output '%s' at %f,%f",
-			output->name, output->x, output->y);
-	for (int i = 0; i < output->children->length; ++i) {
-		struct sway_container *workspace = output->children->items[i];
-		arrange_workspace(workspace);
-	}
-	container_damage_whole(output);
-}
-
-void arrange_workspace(struct sway_container *workspace) {
-	if (config->reloading) {
-		return;
-	}
-	if (!sway_assert(workspace->type == C_WORKSPACE,
-			"called arrange_workspace() on non-workspace container")) {
-		return;
-	}
-	struct sway_container *output = workspace->parent;
-	struct wlr_box *area = &output->sway_output->usable_area;
-	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Usable area for ws: %dx%d@%d,%d",
-			area->width, area->height, area->x, area->y);
-	workspace->width = area->width;
-	workspace->height = area->height;
-	workspace->x = output->x + area->x;
-	workspace->y = output->y + area->y;
-	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Arranging workspace '%s' at %f, %f",
-			workspace->name, workspace->x, workspace->y);
-	arrange_children_of(workspace);
-	container_damage_whole(workspace);
-}
-
 static void apply_horiz_layout(struct sway_container *parent) {
 	size_t num_children = parent->children->length;
 	if (!num_children) {
 		return;
 	}
 	size_t parent_offset = 0;
-	if (parent->parent->layout == L_TABBED) {
+	if (parent->parent->pending.layout == L_TABBED) {
 		parent_offset = container_titlebar_height();
-	} else if (parent->parent->layout == L_STACKED) {
-		parent_offset =
-			container_titlebar_height() * parent->parent->children->length;
+	} else if (parent->parent->pending.layout == L_STACKED) {
+		parent_offset = container_titlebar_height() *
+			parent->parent->children->length;
 	}
-	size_t parent_height = parent->height - parent_offset;
+	size_t parent_height = parent->pending.swayc_height - parent_offset;
 
 	// Calculate total width of children
 	double total_width = 0;
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < num_children; ++i) {
 		struct sway_container *child = parent->children->items[i];
-		if (child->width <= 0) {
+		if (child->pending.swayc_width <= 0) {
 			if (num_children > 1) {
-				child->width = parent->width / (num_children - 1);
+				child->pending.swayc_width =
+					parent->pending.swayc_width / (num_children - 1);
 			} else {
-				child->width = parent->width;
+				child->pending.swayc_width = parent->pending.swayc_width;
 			}
 		}
-		total_width += child->width;
+		total_width += child->pending.swayc_width;
 	}
-	double scale = parent->width / total_width;
+	double scale = parent->pending.swayc_width / total_width;
 
 	// Resize windows
 	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Arranging %p horizontally", parent);
-	double child_x = parent->x;
-	struct sway_container *child;
+	double child_x = parent->pending.swayc_x;
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < num_children; ++i) {
-		child = parent->children->items[i];
+		struct sway_container *child = parent->children->items[i];
 		wlr_log(L_DEBUG,
 				"Calculating arrangement for %p:%d (will scale %f by %f)",
-				child, child->type, child->width, scale);
-		child->x = child_x;
-		child->y = parent->y + parent_offset;
-		child->width = floor(child->width * scale);
-		child->height = parent_height;
-		child_x += child->width;
+				child, child->type, child->pending.swayc_width, scale);
+		child->pending.swayc_x = child_x;
+		child->pending.swayc_y = parent->pending.swayc_y + parent_offset;
+		child->pending.swayc_width = floor(child->pending.swayc_width * scale);
+		child->pending.swayc_height = parent_height;
+		child_x += child->pending.swayc_width;
+
+		// Make last child use remaining width of parent
+		if (i == num_children - 1) {
+			child->pending.swayc_width = parent->pending.swayc_x +
+				parent->pending.swayc_width - child->pending.swayc_x;
+		}
 	}
-	// Make last child use remaining width of parent
-	child->width = parent->x + parent->width - child->x;
 }
 
 static void apply_vert_layout(struct sway_container *parent) {
@@ -135,46 +74,51 @@ static void apply_vert_layout(struct sway_container *parent) {
 		return;
 	}
 	size_t parent_offset = 0;
-	if (parent->parent->layout == L_TABBED) {
+	if (parent->parent->pending.layout == L_TABBED) {
 		parent_offset = container_titlebar_height();
-	} else if (parent->parent->layout == L_STACKED) {
+	} else if (parent->parent->pending.layout == L_STACKED) {
 		parent_offset =
 			container_titlebar_height() * parent->parent->children->length;
 	}
-	size_t parent_height = parent->height - parent_offset;
+	size_t parent_height = parent->pending.swayc_height - parent_offset;
 
 	// Calculate total height of children
 	double total_height = 0;
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < num_children; ++i) {
 		struct sway_container *child = parent->children->items[i];
-		if (child->height <= 0) {
+		if (child->pending.swayc_height <= 0) {
 			if (num_children > 1) {
-				child->height = parent_height / (num_children - 1);
+				child->pending.swayc_height =
+					parent_height / (num_children - 1);
 			} else {
-				child->height = parent_height;
+				child->pending.swayc_height = parent_height;
 			}
 		}
-		total_height += child->height;
+		total_height += child->pending.swayc_height;
 	}
 	double scale = parent_height / total_height;
 
 	// Resize
 	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Arranging %p vertically", parent);
-	double child_y = parent->y + parent_offset;
-	struct sway_container *child;
+	double child_y = parent->pending.swayc_y + parent_offset;
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < num_children; ++i) {
-		child = parent->children->items[i];
+		struct sway_container *child = parent->children->items[i];
 		wlr_log(L_DEBUG,
 				"Calculating arrangement for %p:%d (will scale %f by %f)",
-				child, child->type, child->height, scale);
-		child->x = parent->x;
-		child->y = child_y;
-		child->width = parent->width;
-		child->height = floor(child->height * scale);
-		child_y += child->height;
+				child, child->type, child->pending.swayc_height, scale);
+		child->pending.swayc_x = parent->pending.swayc_x;
+		child->pending.swayc_y = child_y;
+		child->pending.swayc_width = parent->pending.swayc_width;
+		child->pending.swayc_height =
+			floor(child->pending.swayc_height * scale);
+		child_y += child->pending.swayc_height;
+
+		// Make last child use remaining height of parent
+		if (i == num_children - 1) {
+			child->pending.swayc_height = parent->pending.swayc_y +
+				parent_offset + parent_height - child->pending.swayc_y;
+		}
 	}
-	// Make last child use remaining height of parent
-	child->height = parent->y + parent_offset + parent_height - child->y;
 }
 
 static void apply_tabbed_or_stacked_layout(struct sway_container *parent) {
@@ -182,46 +126,33 @@ static void apply_tabbed_or_stacked_layout(struct sway_container *parent) {
 		return;
 	}
 	size_t parent_offset = 0;
-	if (parent->parent->layout == L_TABBED) {
+	if (parent->parent->pending.layout == L_TABBED) {
 		parent_offset = container_titlebar_height();
-	} else if (parent->parent->layout == L_STACKED) {
+	} else if (parent->parent->pending.layout == L_STACKED) {
 		parent_offset =
 			container_titlebar_height() * parent->parent->children->length;
 	}
-	size_t parent_height = parent->height - parent_offset;
+	size_t parent_height = parent->pending.swayc_height - parent_offset;
 	for (int i = 0; i < parent->children->length; ++i) {
 		struct sway_container *child = parent->children->items[i];
-		child->x = parent->x;
-		child->y = parent->y + parent_offset;
-		child->width = parent->width;
-		child->height = parent_height;
+		child->pending.swayc_x = parent->pending.swayc_x;
+		child->pending.swayc_y = parent->pending.swayc_y + parent_offset;
+		child->pending.swayc_width = parent->pending.swayc_width;
+		child->pending.swayc_height = parent_height;
 	}
 }
 
-void arrange_children_of(struct sway_container *parent) {
+static void _arrange_children_of(struct sway_container *parent,
+		struct sway_transaction *transaction) {
 	if (config->reloading) {
 		return;
 	}
-	if (!sway_assert(parent->type == C_WORKSPACE || parent->type == C_CONTAINER,
-			"container is a %s", container_type_to_str(parent->type))) {
-		return;
-	}
-
-	struct sway_container *workspace = parent;
-	if (workspace->type != C_WORKSPACE) {
-		workspace = container_parent(workspace, C_WORKSPACE);
-	}
-	if (workspace->sway_workspace->fullscreen) {
-		// Just arrange the fullscreen view and jump out
-		view_autoconfigure(workspace->sway_workspace->fullscreen);
-		return;
-	}
-
 	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Arranging layout for %p %s %fx%f+%f,%f", parent,
-		parent->name, parent->width, parent->height, parent->x, parent->y);
+		parent->name, parent->pending.swayc_width, parent->pending.swayc_height,
+		parent->pending.swayc_x, parent->pending.swayc_y);
 
 	// Calculate x, y, width and height of children
-	switch (parent->layout) {
+	switch (parent->pending.layout) {
 	case L_HORIZ:
 		apply_horiz_layout(parent);
 		break;
@@ -232,33 +163,135 @@ void arrange_children_of(struct sway_container *parent) {
 	case L_STACKED:
 		apply_tabbed_or_stacked_layout(parent);
 		break;
-	default:
-		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "TODO: arrange layout type %d", parent->layout);
+	case L_NONE:
 		apply_horiz_layout(parent);
 		break;
+	case L_FLOATING:
+		sway_assert(false, "Didn't expect to see floating here");
 	}
 
-	// Apply x, y, width and height to children and recurse if needed
+	// Recurse into child containers
 	for (int i = 0; i < parent->children->length; ++i) {
 		struct sway_container *child = parent->children->items[i];
 		if (child->type == C_VIEW) {
 			view_autoconfigure(child->sway_view);
 		} else {
-			arrange_children_of(child);
+			_arrange_children_of(child, transaction);
 		}
+		transaction_add_container(transaction, child);
 	}
+}
 
-	// If container is a workspace, process floating containers too
-	if (parent->type == C_WORKSPACE) {
-		struct sway_workspace *ws = workspace->sway_workspace;
-		for (int i = 0; i < ws->floating->children->length; ++i) {
-			struct sway_container *child = ws->floating->children->items[i];
-			if (child->type != C_VIEW) {
-				arrange_children_of(child);
-			}
-		}
+static void _arrange_workspace(struct sway_container *workspace,
+		struct sway_transaction *transaction) {
+	if (config->reloading) {
+		return;
+	}
+	struct sway_container *output = workspace->parent;
+	struct wlr_box *area = &output->sway_output->usable_area;
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Usable area for ws: %dx%d@%d,%d",
+			area->width, area->height, area->x, area->y);
+	workspace->pending.swayc_width = area->width;
+	workspace->pending.swayc_height = area->height;
+	workspace->pending.swayc_x = output->x + area->x;
+	workspace->pending.swayc_y = output->y + area->y;
+	transaction_add_container(transaction, workspace);
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Arranging workspace '%s' at %f, %f", workspace->name,
+			workspace->pending.swayc_x, workspace->pending.swayc_y);
+	_arrange_children_of(workspace, transaction);
+}
+
+static void _arrange_output(struct sway_container *output,
+		struct sway_transaction *transaction) {
+	if (config->reloading) {
+		return;
+	}
+	const struct wlr_box *output_box = wlr_output_layout_get_box(
+			root_container.sway_root->output_layout,
+			output->sway_output->wlr_output);
+	output->x = output_box->x;
+	output->y = output_box->y;
+	output->width = output_box->width;
+	output->height = output_box->height;
+	output->pending.swayc_x = output_box->x;
+	output->pending.swayc_y = output_box->y;
+	output->pending.swayc_width = output_box->width;
+	output->pending.swayc_height = output_box->height;
+	transaction_add_container(transaction, output);
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Arranging output '%s' at %f,%f",
+			output->name, output->pending.swayc_x, output->pending.swayc_y);
+	for (int i = 0; i < output->children->length; ++i) {
+		struct sway_container *workspace = output->children->items[i];
+		_arrange_workspace(workspace, transaction);
+	}
+}
+
+static void _arrange_root(struct sway_transaction *transaction) {
+	if (config->reloading) {
+		return;
 	}
+	struct wlr_output_layout *output_layout =
+		root_container.sway_root->output_layout;
+	const struct wlr_box *layout_box =
+		wlr_output_layout_get_box(output_layout, NULL);
+	root_container.x = layout_box->x;
+	root_container.y = layout_box->y;
+	root_container.width = layout_box->width;
+	root_container.height = layout_box->height;
+	root_container.pending.swayc_x = layout_box->x;
+	root_container.pending.swayc_y = layout_box->y;
+	root_container.pending.swayc_width = layout_box->width;
+	root_container.pending.swayc_height = layout_box->height;
+	transaction_add_container(transaction, &root_container);
+	for (int i = 0; i < root_container.children->length; ++i) {
+		struct sway_container *output = root_container.children->items[i];
+		_arrange_output(output, transaction);
+	}
+}
+
+void arrange_windows(struct sway_container *container,
+		struct sway_transaction *transaction) {
+	switch (container->type) {
+	case C_ROOT:
+		_arrange_root(transaction);
+		break;
+	case C_OUTPUT:
+		_arrange_output(container, transaction);
+		break;
+	case C_WORKSPACE:
+		_arrange_workspace(container, transaction);
+		break;
+	case C_CONTAINER:
+		_arrange_children_of(container, transaction);
+		transaction_add_container(transaction, container);
+		break;
+	case C_VIEW:
+		break;
+	case C_TYPES:
+		break;
+	}
+	transaction_add_damage(transaction, container_get_box(container));
+}
+
+void arrange_and_commit(struct sway_container *container) {
+	struct sway_transaction *transaction = transaction_create();
+	arrange_windows(container, transaction);
+	transaction_commit(transaction);
+}
+
+// These functions are only temporary
+void arrange_root() {
+	arrange_and_commit(&root_container);
+}
+
+void arrange_output(struct sway_container *container) {
+	arrange_and_commit(container);
+}
+
+void arrange_workspace(struct sway_container *container) {
+	arrange_and_commit(container);
+}
 
-	container_damage_whole(parent);
-	update_debug_tree();
+void arrange_children_of(struct sway_container *container) {
+	arrange_and_commit(container);
 }
diff --git a/sway/tree/container.c b/sway/tree/container.c
index cd2c083c..e6956f5c 100644
--- a/sway/tree/container.c
+++ b/sway/tree/container.c
@@ -116,6 +116,7 @@ struct sway_container *container_create(enum sway_container_type type) {
 
 	if (type != C_VIEW) {
 		c->children = create_list();
+		//c->pending.children = create_list();
 	}
 
 	wl_signal_init(&c->events.destroy);
@@ -162,6 +163,7 @@ static void _container_destroy(struct sway_container *cont) {
 	wlr_texture_destroy(cont->title_urgent);
 
 	list_free(cont->children);
+	//list_free(cont->pending.children);
 	cont->children = NULL;
 	free(cont);
 }
@@ -971,3 +973,12 @@ bool container_is_floating(struct sway_container *container) {
 	}
 	return container->parent == workspace->sway_workspace->floating;
 }
+
+struct wlr_box *container_get_box(struct sway_container *container) {
+	struct wlr_box *box = calloc(1, sizeof(struct wlr_box));
+	box->x = container->x;
+	box->y = container->y;
+	box->width = container->width;
+	box->height = container->height;
+	return box;
+}
diff --git a/sway/tree/layout.c b/sway/tree/layout.c
index 6d4cd088..3bba049a 100644
--- a/sway/tree/layout.c
+++ b/sway/tree/layout.c
@@ -915,10 +915,10 @@ void container_recursive_resize(struct sway_container *container,
 	bool layout_match = true;
 	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Resizing %p with amount: %f", container, amount);
 	if (edge == RESIZE_EDGE_LEFT || edge == RESIZE_EDGE_RIGHT) {
-		container->width += amount;
+		container->pending.swayc_width += amount;
 		layout_match = container->layout == L_HORIZ;
 	} else if (edge == RESIZE_EDGE_TOP || edge == RESIZE_EDGE_BOTTOM) {
-		container->height += amount;
+		container->pending.swayc_height += amount;
 		layout_match = container->layout == L_VERT;
 	}
 	if (container->children) {
diff --git a/sway/tree/view.c b/sway/tree/view.c
index c9c82405..40fe2740 100644
--- a/sway/tree/view.c
+++ b/sway/tree/view.c
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ void view_init(struct sway_view *view, enum sway_view_type type,
 	view->impl = impl;
 	view->executed_criteria = create_list();
 	view->marks = create_list();
+	view->instructions = create_list();
 	wl_signal_init(&view->events.unmap);
 }
 
@@ -37,6 +38,11 @@ void view_destroy(struct sway_view *view) {
 		view_unmap(view);
 	}
 
+	if (!sway_assert(view->instructions->length == 0,
+				"Tried to destroy view with pending instructions")) {
+		return;
+	}
+
 	list_free(view->executed_criteria);
 
 	for (int i = 0; i < view->marks->length; ++i) {
@@ -44,6 +50,8 @@ void view_destroy(struct sway_view *view) {
 	}
 	list_free(view->marks);
 
+	list_free(view->instructions);
+
 	wlr_texture_destroy(view->marks_focused);
 	wlr_texture_destroy(view->marks_focused_inactive);
 	wlr_texture_destroy(view->marks_unfocused);
@@ -119,11 +127,12 @@ const char *view_get_shell(struct sway_view *view) {
 	return "unknown";
 }
 
-void view_configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly, int width,
+uint32_t view_configure(struct sway_view *view, double lx, double ly, int width,
 		int height) {
 	if (view->impl->configure) {
-		view->impl->configure(view, lx, ly, width, height);
+		return view->impl->configure(view, lx, ly, width, height);
 	}
+	return 0;
 }
 
 static void view_autoconfigure_floating(struct sway_view *view) {
@@ -178,21 +187,23 @@ void view_autoconfigure(struct sway_view *view) {
 		}
 	}
 
-	view->border_top = view->border_bottom = true;
-	view->border_left = view->border_right = true;
+	struct sway_container_state *state = &view->swayc->pending;
+
+	state->border_top = state->border_bottom = true;
+	state->border_left = state->border_right = true;
 	if (config->hide_edge_borders == E_BOTH
 			|| config->hide_edge_borders == E_VERTICAL
 			|| (config->hide_edge_borders == E_SMART && !other_views)) {
-		view->border_left = view->swayc->x != ws->x;
-		int right_x = view->swayc->x + view->swayc->width;
-		view->border_right = right_x != ws->x + ws->width;
+		state->border_left = state->swayc_x != ws->x;
+		int right_x = state->swayc_x + state->swayc_width;
+		state->border_right = right_x != ws->x + ws->width;
 	}
 	if (config->hide_edge_borders == E_BOTH
 			|| config->hide_edge_borders == E_HORIZONTAL
 			|| (config->hide_edge_borders == E_SMART && !other_views)) {
-		view->border_top = view->swayc->y != ws->y;
-		int bottom_y = view->swayc->y + view->swayc->height;
-		view->border_bottom = bottom_y != ws->y + ws->height;
+		state->border_top = state->swayc_y != ws->y;
+		int bottom_y = state->swayc_y + state->swayc_height;
+		state->border_bottom = bottom_y != ws->y + ws->height;
 	}
 
 	double x, y, width, height;
@@ -202,53 +213,54 @@ void view_autoconfigure(struct sway_view *view) {
 	// In a tabbed or stacked container, the swayc's y is the top of the title
 	// area. We have to offset the surface y by the height of the title bar, and
 	// disable any top border because we'll always have the title bar.
-	if (view->swayc->parent->layout == L_TABBED) {
+	if (view->swayc->parent->pending.layout == L_TABBED) {
 		y_offset = container_titlebar_height();
-		view->border_top = false;
-	} else if (view->swayc->parent->layout == L_STACKED) {
+		state->border_top = false;
+	} else if (view->swayc->parent->pending.layout == L_STACKED) {
 		y_offset = container_titlebar_height()
 			* view->swayc->parent->children->length;
 		view->border_top = false;
 	}
 
-	switch (view->border) {
+	switch (state->border) {
 	case B_NONE:
-		x = view->swayc->x;
-		y = view->swayc->y + y_offset;
-		width = view->swayc->width;
-		height = view->swayc->height - y_offset;
+		x = state->swayc_x;
+		y = state->swayc_y + y_offset;
+		width = state->swayc_width;
+		height = state->swayc_height - y_offset;
 		break;
 	case B_PIXEL:
-		x = view->swayc->x + view->border_thickness * view->border_left;
-		y = view->swayc->y + view->border_thickness * view->border_top + y_offset;
-		width = view->swayc->width
-			- view->border_thickness * view->border_left
-			- view->border_thickness * view->border_right;
-		height = view->swayc->height - y_offset
-			- view->border_thickness * view->border_top
-			- view->border_thickness * view->border_bottom;
+		x = state->swayc_x + state->border_thickness * state->border_left;
+		y = state->swayc_y + state->border_thickness * state->border_top + y_offset;
+		width = state->swayc_width
+			- state->border_thickness * state->border_left
+			- state->border_thickness * state->border_right;
+		height = state->swayc_height - y_offset
+			- state->border_thickness * state->border_top
+			- state->border_thickness * state->border_bottom;
 		break;
 	case B_NORMAL:
 		// Height is: 1px border + 3px pad + title height + 3px pad + 1px border
-		x = view->swayc->x + view->border_thickness * view->border_left;
-		width = view->swayc->width
-			- view->border_thickness * view->border_left
-			- view->border_thickness * view->border_right;
+		x = state->swayc_x + state->border_thickness * state->border_left;
+		width = state->swayc_width
+			- state->border_thickness * state->border_left
+			- state->border_thickness * state->border_right;
 		if (y_offset) {
-			y = view->swayc->y + y_offset;
-			height = view->swayc->height - y_offset
-				- view->border_thickness * view->border_bottom;
+			y = state->swayc_y + y_offset;
+			height = state->swayc_height - y_offset
+				- state->border_thickness * state->border_bottom;
 		} else {
-			y = view->swayc->y + container_titlebar_height();
-			height = view->swayc->height - container_titlebar_height()
-				- view->border_thickness * view->border_bottom;
+			y = state->swayc_y + container_titlebar_height();
+			height = state->swayc_height - container_titlebar_height()
+				- state->border_thickness * state->border_bottom;
 		}
 		break;
 	}
 
-	view->x = x;
-	view->y = y;
-	view_configure(view, x, y, width, height);
+	state->view_x = x;
+	state->view_y = y;
+	state->view_width = width;
+	state->view_height = height;
 }
 
 void view_set_activated(struct sway_view *view, bool activated) {
@@ -307,8 +319,8 @@ void view_set_fullscreen_raw(struct sway_view *view, bool fullscreen) {
 			view_configure(view, view->saved_x, view->saved_y,
 					view->saved_width, view->saved_height);
 		} else {
-			view->swayc->width = view->swayc->saved_width;
-			view->swayc->height = view->swayc->saved_height;
+		view->swayc->width = view->swayc->saved_width;
+		view->swayc->height = view->swayc->saved_height;
 			view_autoconfigure(view);
 		}
 	}
@@ -496,6 +508,8 @@ void view_map(struct sway_view *view, struct wlr_surface *wlr_surface) {
 	view->swayc = cont;
 	view->border = config->border;
 	view->border_thickness = config->border_thickness;
+	view->swayc->pending.border = config->border;
+	view->swayc->pending.border_thickness = config->border_thickness;
 
 	view_init_subsurfaces(view, wlr_surface);
 	wl_signal_add(&wlr_surface->events.new_subsurface,
@@ -963,7 +977,7 @@ bool view_is_visible(struct sway_view *view) {
 	}
 	// Check the workspace is visible
 	if (!is_sticky) {
-		return workspace_is_visible(workspace);
+	return workspace_is_visible(workspace);
 	}
 	return true;
 }
diff --git a/sway/tree/workspace.c b/sway/tree/workspace.c
index 9ba210fd..ad581a96 100644
--- a/sway/tree/workspace.c
+++ b/sway/tree/workspace.c
@@ -60,6 +60,12 @@ struct sway_container *workspace_create(struct sway_container *output,
 	workspace->prev_layout = L_NONE;
 	workspace->layout = container_get_default_layout(output);
 
+	workspace->pending.swayc_x = workspace->x;
+	workspace->pending.swayc_y = workspace->y;
+	workspace->pending.swayc_width = workspace->width;
+	workspace->pending.swayc_height = workspace->height;
+	workspace->pending.layout = workspace->layout;
+
 	struct sway_workspace *swayws = calloc(1, sizeof(struct sway_workspace));
 	if (!swayws) {
 		return NULL;