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.
Dry stacked stone retaining wall.
Higher walls should be engineered for stability.
Determine the length height and location of the retaining wall.
The maximum height of a stacked stone retaining wall.
Here are the basic steps involved in building a dry stack stone wall.
Each layer of a dry stack wall is called a course.
Take the measurements to a stone supply yard and select the material for the project.
Draw the wall to scale and measure the length and height.
A dry stack stone retaining wall not only holds back the earth it adds beauty to a landscape.
While the view is lovely to provide a flat garden or lawn area you may need a retaining wall.
How to build a dry stack stone wall.
Your house or garden may sit on a rolling hillside.
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.
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.
To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site.
Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers.
Length x width x height divided by 3 volume in cubic feet.
The volume of gravel needed for the foundation of the dry stack stone wall is 30 x 2 x 333 20 cubic feet.
Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.
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.
Try to cut the ditch into native soil rather than loose added soil as the former provides a more stable foundation for the wall.
Step 2 determine the volume of gravel needed for the wall portion of a dry stack stone wall using the formula.
Rocks can be purchased at local landscape retail centers or can be collected from local creek beds.
This ditch will act as the wall s footing and prevent the rocks from sliding forward due to pressure from the earth behind.
Step 1 granite slabs for retaining wall on project site.