Dry Stacked Rock Wall

They can be stacked without mortar but this requires stacking them just so.
Dry stacked rock wall. This will allow me to terrace my property and give me more usable space for gardening play. Excavate to a depth of 6 inches along the entire base of the stone retaining wall using the string marker as a guide. For this 18 inch high wall the footing should be at least 18 inches wide. 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.
Dry stack walls can typically be made from three types of stones. Adding mortar makes your wall stable and takes the worry away. Big small retaining free standing. Try and stick with odd numbered layers of rock.
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. Join me as i build my first ever dry stack retaining wall. But dry stack walls work well in a more formal garden setting when the stone used is cut to be thinner and more uniform. Here a decorative garden ornament was inset into the this dry stack wall for an unexpected outdoor accent.
Higher walls should be engineered for stability. Dry stack walls are built without mortar the stones are stacked one on top of the other. A stone wall can give your garden timeless appeal. Building a wall with even numbered rows will give the decorative wall a patterned.
Round field stones relatively flat stacking stones and uniformly cut dressed stones. Stone walls also look better with age. How to build a natural dry stacked stone free standing or retaining rock wall. Dry stone wall surrounds a replica of a traditional blackhouse built by the dswac in ontario canada.
It sincerely breaks my heart every time i see a wall built with stone blocks courtesy of big box stores inspired by diy cable tv. There is no need to build a foundation below the frost line because the loose stones can shift slightly to accommodate frost heave. Dry stack walls may be created with large pieces of field stone which gives it a more naturalistic appearance. Incorporate the wall into a gentle slope or create a raised planting bed and use the rock wall to retain the elevated soil.
For dry stack walls the base should be as wide as the wall is tall. And i love rock walls. Use a hand or power tamper to level the base. X research source each type will give your wall a different look and feel so make sure you look at pictures to determine which would be the best fit for your house and landscape.
This makes them naturally draining which is important when using a wall to retain soil.