How to Mortar Rock

Pour 4 pounds. of sand, 1 pound of cement mixture and 5 cups of lime powder into a wheel barrel. Stir the mixture evenly with a wooden stick. The cement mixture should not contain gravel.

Pour 1 gallon of water into the wheel barrel. Stir the mixture until the mortar thickens. More or less water can be added, depending on the temperature of the day. Add additional water for hot days, which evaporates the mortar, during the application process.

Wash the surface of the rocks with a hose. The mortar does not hold as well where there is dirt and debris. Let the rocks dry for one hour.

Position a row of rocks in the desired pattern. Place the rocks as close as possible to each other. Mortar holds the rocks in place, but they cannot support the weight of the rocks if spread too far apart.

Shape rocks with uneven surfaces, using a hammer and chisel. Step on the rock with your foot on a level surface. Position the tip of the chisel in the area that you want to shape and hit the end of the chisel with a hammer.

Apply 1/2-inch of mortar around the top and in between the first row of rocks, using a trowel. Add additional mortar, depending of the shape of the rocks. The mortar should be fully cured after five days. Wipe off any excess mortar on the side surfaces of the rocks, using a cloth.

Position a level on top of the first row to ensure the wall is straight. Position a L-ruler on the sides of the first row to ensure that the wall is perpendicular to the ground. Continue until the rock wall is the desired height and width.