The key to building a wall using mortar is when you apply the mortar it needs to go evenly onto the run of stones that are set.
Building a rock retaining wall with mortar.
Cap the wall with a course of flat stones large enough to cover both wythes.
A river rock wall adds character to any landscape and will help define property lines.
Even if you don t plan to sit on your wall 3 feet is about as high as i would recommend building any dry stacked wall.
Constructing a wall is backbreaking work but the results will be a structure that will for last for generations.
A stone wall can give your garden timeless appeal.
The easiest way to build a stone retaining wall is to use the dry stack method that requires no mortar between stones and does not need a concrete footing like mortared walls do.
Using your stakes string and line level.
Dry stone walls are methodically stacked rock structures that can be damaged by people animals and weather.
Brush them flush with the surface of the capstones to keep water from collecting and freezing there it could split the mortar or the stone.
When you mortar the capstones do not finish the joints.
Dig a trench that s below the frost line and 2 feet wider than.
They can be stacked without mortar but this requires stacking them just so.
Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas.
How to build a rock wall 1.
Whether you re looking to build a wall for a raised garden or a small retaining wall a stacked stone wall can offer elegance without a lot of expense.
When the mortar begins to set up stop laying stone and finish the joints.
Anything taller should be handled by professionals.
Adding mortar makes your wall stable and takes the worry away.
This prevents mortar from running down the face of the wall.
After spreading the mortar but before laying the next stone use the trowel edge to cut the mortar even with wall face.
Prepare the footing photo by russell kaye.
Ask a stone yard to help determine how much material you ll need and have it delivered as close to the site as possible.
Once built you ll have a rock solid retaining wall without all the heavy mortar lines.