by Raymond Alexander Kukkee

Created on: August 25, 2009

Build a Dry-stone Retaining Wall

Natural dry-stone retaining walls have a special appeal to the environment and homeowners alike. No two natural stones are identical, colour of stones vary, and any structure built of natural stone offers solid, permanence with high curb appeal.

The dry-stone retaining wall may have been the first form of retaining wall ever built for convenience sake. Natural stones of all sizes right on the site are commonly used in dry stone construction. The reasoning is simple; natural stones often need to be removed for other reasons. Rock is heavy, and logic dictates that the closer stones were at hand, the more likely they were to be used in any adjacent dry-stone wall, fence, or other structure being built.

In modern times, other materials are available and easily obtainable, but why import expensive timbers and other materials to build a retaining wall if you have an abundance of free natural stone? Do you have a steep slope or area that would benefit from a structural retaining wall? Little has changed in dry-stone wall construction over the centuries; the idea is to use what you have. You can build a thing of beauty using much of that rock and a few handy tips.

The Plan
You will need to formulate a plan. Lay out the location of the retaining wall with small pickets.
Are any gas lines or other services in the area that could be damaged by digging? Call first, to prevent a serious problem. Is a building permit required? Where are your lot lines? How high will it be? Can the area be terraced with more than one wall, making the walls lower, safer, more stable, and easier to build? Are very large rocks involved? Plan to obtain the service of a loader or backhoe to do the heavy lifting.
Because a dry-stone retaining wall is a loose structure constructed using no mortar, the stones must lay securely and remain stable as piled.. Keep in mind that flat-shaped stones, or split sedimentary rock such as limestone, sandstone, slate, and other layered, or bedded rock is much easier to pile and work with, and does result in a safer, more stable structure.

You may need help lifting even moderate sized rocks. Rock is heavy stuff, so plan your lifts carefully and logically. Rocks also roll downhill and may cause injuries and wreak havoc, so be careful. You will also need the following:

Safety footwear, safety

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