A dry stack stone retaining wall not only holds back the earth it adds beauty to a landscape.
Stacked flagstone retaining wall.
Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas.
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.
Take the measurements to a stone supply yard and select the material for the project.
Anything taller should be handled by professionals.
This is known as a gravity wall it s a matter of physics and good engineering.
Sedimentary flat stones such as ashlar and flagstone are among the easiest to use when building a wall of this type.
To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site.
And with textures that emulate the look of tumbled stone stacked stone chiseled stone or quarried stone there s a look to complement any architectural style.
Step 1 granite slabs for retaining wall on project site.
For a stacked block retaining wall that s no higher than four feet a trench filled with three inches of crushed rock will help keep the wall from shifting and settling.
A stacked stone retaining wall relies on its own weight its setback leverage and the wall s mass to stand up.
Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers.
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.
Determine the length height and location of the retaining wall.
Tame a slope with a terrace of loose stone retaining walls.
Unlike other types of retaining walls stacked stone walls don t need drainage systems because water escapes naturally through cracks between the stones.
Higher walls should be engineered for stability.
Landscape wall project ideas in addition to retaining walls project ideas include outdoor fireplaces fire pits stone mailboxes stone water features outdoor kitchens built in.
The ideal height for a dry stacked retaining wall is 18 to 22 inches so you can sit on it when your gardening chores are done.
Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.