laying stone

Step-by-Step

Drive stakes and stretch mason's lines to establish the two outside edges of the bottom of the wall. Remove sod, any roots larger than 1/2 inch in diameter, and 2 or 3 inches of soil to provide a smooth, level base. Dig the trench deep enough so the top of the first course is slightly above grade.

Begin placing stones by setting them securely into the soil. Lay the stones in each course perpendicular to those in the course below them. This helps tie the courses together and strengthen the wall.

voids

Fill voids in the center of the wall with small stones and plug vertical gaps between stones by tapping chinks (small pieces of stone) into place. Cut these chinks and any other small stones you need with a brick hammer. Wear eye and hand protection when breaking stones. Always avoid placing stones of the same size directly on top of each other.

capstones

Batter the wall as you work; that is, build the wall so it becomes slightly narrower as it rises. This makes the wall more stable. Notice in this wall how the stones form bonds both across the width and along the length of the wall. Select large, flat stones for the top course. Some masons spread mortar over the stones in the next-to-top course, then set the capstones into the mortar. This helps seal the top of the wall from moisture, which otherwise may freeze and weaken the wall.