If one chooses to complete a dry stack stone wall as a diy project the costs of the project will come exclusively from tools and materials.
Dry stacked stone retaining wall.
Each layer of a dry stack wall is called a course.
Your house or garden may sit on a rolling hillside.
Step 1 granite slabs for retaining wall on project site.
To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site.
Step 2 determine the volume of gravel needed for the wall portion of a dry stack stone wall using the formula.
Draw the wall to scale and measure the length and height.
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.
The volume of gravel needed for the foundation of the dry stack stone wall is 30 x 2 x 333 20 cubic feet.
Determine the length height and location of the retaining wall.
Try to cut the ditch into native soil rather than loose added soil as the former provides a more stable foundation for the wall.
Dig a ditch the length of the wall that is about a foot wide and 8 to 12 inches 20 5 cm 30 5 cm below the ground level.
This ditch will act as the wall s footing and prevent the rocks from sliding forward due to pressure from the earth behind.
Rocks can be purchased at local landscape retail centers or can be collected from local creek beds.
Length x width x height divided by 3 volume in cubic feet.
Although dry stack stone walls do not require mortar or a highly specialized skill set a homeowner does need a few basic supplies including a heavy hammer a pick and a shovel a 3 foot level selected stone and backfill materials.
Higher walls should be engineered for stability.
The maximum height of a stacked stone retaining wall.
Building a dry stacked stone wall in your garden area is an easy way to incorporate dimension and architecture into the existing landscaping.
Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.
Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers.
A dry stack stone retaining wall not only holds back the earth it adds beauty to a landscape.
How to build a dry stack stone wall.
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.
While the view is lovely to provide a flat garden or lawn area you may need a retaining wall.