Dry Stack Flagstone Retaining Wall

How to build a dry stack stone wall.
Dry stack flagstone retaining wall. 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. Determine the length height and location of the retaining wall. 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.
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. Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers. 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.
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. 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. Learn to build a simple dry stack retaining wall for the garden using natural field stone. Your house or garden may sit on a rolling hillside.
Each layer of a dry stack wall is called a course. Try to cut the ditch into native soil rather than loose added soil as the former provides a more stable foundation for the wall. Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time. Building a dry stacked stone wall in your garden area is an easy way to incorporate dimension and architecture into the existing landscaping.
Higher walls should be engineered for stability. Here are the basic steps involved in building a dry stack stone wall. 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. A dry stack stone retaining wall not only holds back the earth it adds beauty to a landscape.
The maximum height of a stacked stone retaining wall. Dig a ditch the length of the wall that is about a foot wide and 8 to 12 inches 20 5 cm 30 5 cm below the ground level. Take the measurements to a stone supply yard and select the material for the project.