A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Dry Stone Walling
You can follow the steps to build a dry stone wall on your own. From collecting tools to fulfilling the last step, it is easy to understand.

Have you ever thought that a simple pile of stones could turn your space into an outstanding masterpiece for decades? That's the charm of using dry stone walling.
It is a craft that perfectly blends strength, natural elements and aesthetic appeal. From creating a rustic garden wall to a strong boundary or a feature wall, you can add elegance with dry stone walls anywhere in your home.
Dry stone wall cladding, in general, is quite popular in Australia. Inspired by the Roman Empire, this ancient technique has already impressed various homeowners with its enchanting beauty and functionality.
If you're also an inspired homeowner, explore this step-by-step guide to creating your own dry stone wall.
Here we go,
What is Dry Stone Walling?
It is a method of building walls without using mortar or cement. You just have to arrange the stones carefully, according to their weight and shape. It is an ancient technique known for its remarkable strength, eco-friendliness and classy look. You can use this cladding style for your garden borders or to create retaining walls.
Step-By-Step Process to Build Dry Stone Wall
1. Get the Required Tools Together
Professional walling masons have many tools that come in handy while building a stone wall. They have every tool from the simple to advanced. However, if you are doing it yourself, the following tools will be enough:
1. A batter frame, which is composed of rebar stakes or wooden supports, is used with string lines to direct the wall's construction and helps in creating a decreasing upward slope, or batter, in dry stone walling.
2. Shovels help in excavating to prepare the foundation for a stone wall.
3. You'll need a mason hammer to fix the stones.
4. A 2-to-4-pound hammer is used to aid the stone trimming.
5. Sledgehammers weighing 6 to 10 pounds are used to crush huge stones.
6. A masonry string line is used for guiding the stone face.
7. A bucket for holding different-sized pieces of the stone.
8. Make sure to wear gloves to keep your hands safe from stone splinters.
9. Use a tap to measure the different dimensions of your wall.
10. Wear protective goggles.
2. Source the Material from Premium Suppliers
In ancient times, these walls were built using any stone found nearby. People recycled the stones from crumbling buildings or disposal sites to build them. However, times have changed now.
Now, these stones are sourced from local dry stone wall suppliers. These strong stones are available in various sizes. You can always ask your supplier for a free sample to know when material, colour or texture will suit your design.
3. Sort & Stack the Materials
The next step for you is to sort the stones based on their size and shape into three categories: small, medium and large. Now, it's time to stack them properly.
You have to keep large-sized stones close to the wall but at a distance of two feet. Place the medium-sized stones in the centre and huge stones next to the wall and smaller sizes as far as possible. This will help you save a lot of time and energy as you don't have to carry stones again and again. Also, make sure that for Coping (tie) and Through (leg) stones, choose the right size and keep them away from normal stones to avoid mix-ups.
4. Choose a Strong Foundation
A strong foundation is the key to a stable wall. Here are the steps you should follow to lay the foundation:
1. Make sure the area is clear of grass, roots and rubble.
2. Dig a trench about 150-200mm deep and just slightly wider than the wall.
3. Now, fill the trench with compacted gravel to create a strong base.
4. Lay the largest stone with the flattest surface stone on the base to ensure a firm position
5. Start Laying the Stones
1. Courses
You have to place the largest stone at the base and the smaller ones at the top. A stone in the following course must be joined with the previous course. And, as you go up, set the angular-shaped stones in firm positions. Now, use threads and batter to ensure the wall is straight and does not bend anywhere.
2. Trough Stones
Troughs are also known as leg stones. They serve to support the sides of the wall together. These are kept at the middle of the rise in a long wall and for a short wall, they are kept at 3-foot intervals. You must place it at regular intervals for a high wall.
3. Coping
It is the last step of building this stunning stone wall. Coping serves the same purpose as a trough and keeps the stones underneath together.
To Sum it Up
By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a strong and beautiful structure that will last for years. Whether you build a garden wall, retaining wall or exterior wall, dry stone walling will only enhance your home's beauty. However, make sure you place your order from a reliable source to get high-quality stones. Are you ready?
What's Your Reaction?






