Advantages & Disadvantages of Stone Fences

Artistry (Advantage)

• Building a stone fence is an art, and the professionals who build these fences must carefully fit the stones together so that they don't fall. The shape and weight of a stone will determine where it should be placed. Builders can can find stones near rivers, mountainous regions and rural areas. Because stones come in all shapes, sizes and colors, artists can mix and match different types of stones to fit a certain landscape.

Maintenance (Advantage)

• Stone fences are incredibly durable and don't require any maintenance. The stone on a fence will not fade, and it can hold up to just about any type of weather conditions. Some stone fences have even held up for hundreds of years. No painting or sealing is required, and the stone may give a backyard a more natural look and feel.

Time (Disadvantage)

• Building a stone fence is very time consuming, and not many individuals still construct these fences. Individuals who are building the fence must spend time looking for the right stones, hauling them to a home and determining how they fit togther. While the stones may be free, this can be an arduous process, and homeowners may not be able to complete this project on their own.

Builders (Disadvantage)

• Because constructing a stone fence is an art, it takes a builder with specific artistic skills to complete this project. Homeowners interested in putting up a stone wall can find certification professionals through the Dry Stone Conservatory. While the stones may be free, the cost of a dry stone mason can be expensive because of the time and skill it takes to put up this type of fence.