How to build a dry stack stone wall.
Dry stack flagstone retaining wall.
A dry stack stone retaining wall not only holds back the earth it adds beauty to a landscape.
The ideal height for a dry stacked retaining wall is 18 to 22 inches so you can sit on it when your gardening chores are done.
Building a dry stacked stone wall in your garden area is an easy way to incorporate dimension and architecture into the existing landscaping.
Even if you don t plan to sit on your wall 3 feet is about as high as i would recommend building any dry stacked wall.
This ditch will act as the wall s footing and prevent the rocks from sliding forward due to pressure from the earth behind.
Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.
Here are the basic steps involved in building a dry stack stone wall.
Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers.
Each layer of a dry stack wall is called a course.
Higher walls should be engineered for stability.
When putting your wall together mix the stone sizes throughout the wall rather than using only large stones at the bottom and small toward the top.
If one chooses to complete a dry stack stone wall as a diy project the costs of the project will come exclusively from tools and materials.
Great for making inexpensive raised beds out of rocks.
Take the measurements to a stone supply yard and select the material for the project.
Rocks can be purchased at local landscape retail centers or can be collected from local creek beds.
To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site.
Determine the length height and location of the retaining wall.
Try to cut the ditch into native soil rather than loose added soil as the former provides a more stable foundation for the wall.
While the view is lovely to provide a flat garden or lawn area you may need a retaining wall.
Draw the wall to scale and measure the length and height.
Your house or garden may sit on a rolling hillside.
Although dry stack stone walls do not require mortar or a highly specialized skill set a homeowner does need a few basic supplies including a heavy hammer a pick and a shovel a 3 foot level selected stone and backfill materials.
Learn to build a simple dry stack retaining wall for the garden using natural field stone.