How Do I Build a Stone Wall Border?

Stones can be purchased from a quarry or aggregate supplier.

A stone wall border can help to create interest in a yard and to separate one property from another. Stone walls that are less than 4 feet tall can be built with a technique called dry-laying, which is laying stones without mortar by staggering the joints of paired stones and using tie stones to strengthen the structure. A dry-laid wall must be at least as wide as it is tall to help disperse the weight of the stones. Stone walls taller than 4 feet should be held together with mortar.

Things You'll Need

• Stakes
• String
• Measuring tape
• Shovel
• Stones
• Carpenter's level
• Mortar
• Trowel
• Capstones
• Rough-textured rag

Instructions

1. Separate stones by size into piles near the wall location. Mark the location of the wall with stakes, then run string from stake to stake to outline the wall. Dig a V-shaped trench--with sides angling to the center, not straight down--that is as wide as your wall will be tall and 4 to 6 inches deep; make it the length of the wall.

2. Lay stones that are similar in height into the trench, pairing stones side by side the length of the wall. Lay uneven sides toward the ground. Fill any gaps with smaller stones.

3. Lay a second layer of paired stones on top of the first layer, staggering the joints. Make an alternating pattern, laying long stones beside short stones. Make sure the layer is even and use small stones to fill gaps.

4. Place a third layer of paired stones on top of the second and lay tie stones, or stones that lay across the wall instead of along it, every 3 feet. Check to make sure that the stones are level with a carpenter's level, adjusting as needed.

5. Put down layers of paired stones with alternating tie stones until the wall is the height you intended, but no more than 4 feet. Check to make sure the stones are level. Spread mortar over the tops of the stones with a trowel and place capstones on top as close together as possible.

   If the wall will be higher than 4 feet, spread mortar over the tops of each layer of stones with a trowel and set the next layer into the mortar. Spread mortar over the last layer of stones and set capstones on top as close together as possible.

6. Fill gaps between the capstones with mortar, and wipe off residue with a rough-textured rag and water. Leave mortar to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Capstones come in different colors and styles can be added to create a distinctive look.

• Use caution when moving stone.

References

• "The Complete Guide to Creative Landscapes"; Black and Decker; 2000