How to Build a Pebble & Stone Garden Wall
A pebble and stone garden wall is an attractive addition to any landscape design, whether it borders a yard, accents a vegetable or flower patch, or provides support as a retaining wall. Pebble and stone may be more expensive to purchase than brick or concrete, but their natural beauty and durability can pay off in added value to your property. Pebble and stone garden walls are also simple to install, requiring properly planned construction but no concrete or mortar. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Wooden stakes
- String
- Measuring tape
- Stones and pebbles
- Garden tiller
- Gardening gloves
- Shovel
- Carpenter's level
- Gravel
- Stone chisel
Instructions
-
-
1
Plan the positioning, length and width of the wall. Drive wooden stakes into the ground at the beginning, middle and end of the layout, and link them with string to provide a visible framework.
-
2
Measure the total length and width of the wall to calculate the amount of stone and pebbles it will require.
-
-
3
Visit a landscape or building supply store and provide the measurements. The amount of stone required will depend on the size and shape of the materials. Stone is sold by the ton, so ask the sales representative for assistance in purchasing the correct amount of stone and pebbles for your wall.
-
4
Use a garden tiller to loosen the soil along the layout of the wall. This will make it easier to dig the foundation. Wear gardening gloves, as tilling and digging can be tough on hands.
-
5
Dig a foundation trench in the ground along the length of the wall, about 1 foot deep and a few inches wider than the base of the planned wall. Use a carpenter's level to make sure the foundation is flat.
-
6
Fill the trench halfway with loose gravel for added stability and to provide adequate drainage.
-
7
Piece your wall together with various sizes of stones and pebbles. Fit the stones closely together, and be sure to vary the sizes as you build. Place larger stones on each end and corner for added stability.
-
8
Complete the wall with a layer of larger stones to "cap" the structure.
-
9
Round jagged edges with a stone chisel, if necessary, for an even frame.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Research different types of stone and typical prices before you visit the building supply store. There are three basic stone shapes: field stone, which is round; stacking stone, which is flat but irregularly shaped; and dressed stone, which is uniformly cut. Dressed stone is usually the most expensive variety.
Follow a few basic rules of wall construction for a sturdy foundation, such as: butt two stones together, and place one on top, over the seam; periodically position stones that fit full-length across the width of the foundation; and mix stone sizes throughout the layers of the wall.
Building a wall requires heavy lifting, so protect yourself with back support if needed.
