Ideas for Building an Exterior Stone Half Wall

Define a Patio

• Build an exterior stone half wall to define the patio entertainment area from the rest of the landscape. Add a small wall to just one side of the patio or enclose the space on all sides, leaving a few small pathways to exit to the yard. The half wall can do double-duty as a place to display potted plants. Line the entire wall with potted plants to create a temporary privacy screen from neighbors during outdoor parties. This type of wall is ideal for planting a small flowerbed on the other side of the wall. The stones provide a natural backdrop to help flowers stand out, and there's no worry that guests might trample the flowers.

Sitting Wall

• Sitting walls are attractive half wall features that work well in any exterior area. A sitting wall is usually about 18 to 24 inches high and has a course of capstones on top that creates an inviting garden seat. Use a sitting wall as a border between a flowerbed and pathway. Surround a fountain with a sitting wall; the wall provides a place for guests to admire the fountain while discouraging people and pests from entering the area. A sitting wall can also be used to define a patio space and provide extra seating for entertaining.

Property Entrance

• Create a dramatic entrance to your home with an exterior stone half wall. Choose a style of stone that matches the home's exterior, such as random-size fieldstone for rustic homes or precision-cut granite pieces for modern homes. The wall can line the front yard or wrap around the entire property to serve as a fence; a remote-operated gate can be installed to allow homeowners to enter and exit the driveway. Two stone half walls on either side of the driveway make a grand impression without the scale of a full yard fence. Try a pair of walls with sloping sides to frame the driveway. This type of wall would be taller on the ends closest to the driveway and descend in height toward the other ends.

Terraced Walls

• Stone half walls are ideal for making terraced retaining walls. They are not only aesthetically appealing in the landscape, but they also serve the function of preventing erosion of slopes around the home. Build a half wall at the base of the slope, and then cut a level terrace at the top of the wall; make the terrace as deep as desired. Build another half wall at the terrace level, and then create another level terrace if desired. Use the terraces as in-wall planters; the steps of terraced walls are ideal for showcasing plants. A small bistro table on a large terrace makes the ideal spot for enjoying a cup of coffee or reading a book.