How to Put Up Stacked Stones

Preparations

• 1

  Select a site for stacked stone. Push stakes into the ground at each end of where your structure will be. Attach a string to the stakes at the height desired for the finished wall, and pull the string tight.

• 2

  Choose the type of stone to be used. Calculate the amount of rock that will be needed by multiplying the length by the width by the height of your planned wall.

• 3

  Sort the rock for size and pile the stones at convenient locations near your project, wearing your steel-toed boots, back brace and gloves.

• 4

  Dig a trench with the pick and shovel at least 2 feet deep for a planned wall height of 3 feet or less and a width 6 inches more than the planned width of your first course of stone. Smooth and compact the bottom of the trench, using the tamper. Dig level steps at intervals, if your wall will be constructed on a slope, so all interior rocks can be laid level.

Laying the Stone

• 5

  Set the first course of stone so that it is steady, with no rocking motion. If it can be moved by pressing on it, fill in around and underneath it with smaller rock. Every two feet or so, set a stone sideways that is the full width of your course. Set large, flat rocks that have square corners at the end of your wall. Check to see how level the course is, both in width and length, using the level. If needed, break a few larger rocks into flat pieces and wedges, using your hammer and chisel. Wear your safety glasses during this process. Strategically position the pieces to make the first course level.

• 6

  Set the next course so every stone overlaps the gaps where rocks in the first course join. Set the sideways stones in the second course at the midpoint of the distance between those in the first course. Check the stability of every stone you set and fill in with smaller stones where needed. Add flat stones and stone wedges so that the entire top of the course is level.

• 7

  Continue in the same manner until your wall is the height you want, ensuring that every stone overlaps the gaps where rocks join in the previous course and that stones are laid crosswise at alternating intervals. Finish the top of your wall with large flat rocks, keeping the course level.