How a Stone Exterior Wall Is Constructed

Ground Preparation

• The ground base affects how stable and level the stone wall is, no matter how it is constructed. Shovels are used to dig out the ground for a level base. Tampers enable you to compact the ground for additional leveling capabilities. The base of the stone wall also needs proper drainage, particularly during colder weather when the water may freeze. The freezing and thawing process of the water tends to shift a stone wall, especially a dry stone wall that doesn't have mortar holding the stones together. A layer of gravel below the wall aids in drainage.

Dry Stone Wall

• The dry stone wall technique is typically used as a retaining wall so you are able to back-fill behind the wall with soil and gravel. If you're using rough stone, you'll start by placing larger stones along the wall. The smaller stones fill in the gaps to make the wall solid. Subsequent layers work the same way. For the greatest stability, stagger where the edges of the stones meet the same way you would stagger a brick wall. Finished stone pieces that are smoothed make it easier to stack and stagger your joints.

Mortared Stone Wall

• Unlike the gravel base for a dry stone wall, the mortared wall needs a concrete base for stability. Mortar is placed on top of the set concrete, and stones are placed in the mortar. The next layer starts with mortar being spread on top of the first row of stones. You continue layering stones and mortar to build the wall. Small stones help fill in gaps. You can also fill in holes with mortar.

Tips

• Stone walls have a rustic appearance, so the thickness of the wall doesn't have to be exact. Varying thicknesses in the wall adds to the rustic charm of the wall. When adding each layer, use smaller stone pieces as fillers or shims to make the larger pieces level. If you're using large rocks, you may have difficulty lifting them by yourself. Enlist the help of an assistant or break the rocks into smaller pieces by drilling holes and using specialty wedges to crack them.