Things You'll Need:
- Flagstone
- Gravel
- Twine
- Stakes
- Chisel
- Mallet
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Batter frame
- Plumb bob
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Step 1
Check with the local building inspector. Your community may have codes that govern the materials, height or location of the wall.
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Step 2
Purchase 300 pounds of flagstone for each 2½ feet of cubic wall surface. The width of the garden wall should be 1/3 of its height, so a wall that is 36 inches tall must be 12 inches wide.
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Step 3
Dig a 6-inch trench to create a foundation for the wall. The trench should extend one foot beyond the width of the wall. Fill the trench with gravel.
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Step 4
Choose the largest, flattest stones for the base of the wall. Use angular and medium-sized stones for the body of the wall. Save the smallest stones to tuck into the remaining crevices.
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Step 5
Lay each stone so that it covers the two stones beneath it. Use twine strung between two stakes as a guide to ensure that each row remains level.
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Step 6
Add the desired shape to any stones by scoring the stone with a chisel and breaking off the scored portion with a mallet. Wear gloves and protective eyewear to guard against flying debris.
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Step 7
Slant garden walls meant to serve as retaining walls towards the soil. The slant must be one inch for every foot of height. Check the angle using a wooden batter frame and a plumb bob.










