Natural retaining wall stone how to#

It’s crucial to backfill as you work your way up, and not all in one step. Depending on the soil in your area, you may also want to add a quality drainage fabric for better soil management. Step 4: Backfill As You Work Your Way UpĪs you build the wall, backfill the area behind it with pea-sized gravel and compact it to provide additional support and stability. Your wall should have a batter of ¼” for each course to make it stable. Remember to use a level to ensure every layer is even, even if the foundation and base layers are already level. Start building up by placing larger stones at the base of the next layer, alternating smaller and larger stones as you work your way up. These points are key for creating a durable wall that will last you for years.

Use thin chips to help stabilize a stone if necessary.

Consider using stones of different shapes and sizes so that they fit snugly together without leaving any gaps. Step 3: Raising the WallĬontinue laying pieces of natural stone adding additional courses to the structure and build up the wall, careful to keep vertical joints from being directly over each other if possible. It’s crucial to ensure that this first course of natural stone is level before proceeding with the next steps as this will determine the integrity of the rest of your wall. Bury 1’ of the base course for every 8” of wall height. Once this step is finished, lay the first course of the natural stone of your choice. The shape and diameter of this gravel ensures a stable base and proper drainage, allowing stormwater to filter through without damaging the foundation’s structural integrity.

Our recommendation is this excellent ¾” Crushed Drain Rock. Then add the ¾” Crushed Drain Rock and compact it until the base of the trench is level. To lay the foundation, excavate a 6 to 8 inches deep trench at least as wide as the wall will be. Begin by clearing the area where the wall will be built and making sure you have the necessary tools and materials: When your backyard or outdoor space has different elevation areas, a dry stack retaining wall is a fantastic solution to hold the soil in a stepped arrangement and prevent soil erosion due to stormwater runoff. How Do You Build a Natural Stone Retaining Wall? Step 1: Preparing Your Site and Materials Another option would be Chiefcliff or Bronze Dry Stack. The Connecticut Bluestone colors are elegant and timeless, ranging from blue-gray, green, with random surface colors of rust, gold, brown. Dating back to the 1800s, it is well known for its durability, resulting from the denser nature of this sandstone.

One of our favorite hard sandstones is the Connecticut Bluestone Natural Edge Dry Stack, a classic East Coast stone that’s been used for centuries. In California, sandstone or argillite are particularly well-suited for retaining walls due to its aesthetics and availability. When choosing the best natural stone for your dry stack retaining wall, the primary considerations are ease of installation, durability, aesthetics, and cost. What Is the Best Natural Stone for a Retaining Wall? In this article, we’ll recommend the best tools and materials for your project needs, whether your Californian property is located on a hillside or by the coast. Choosing the best natural stone for a dry stack retaining wall can be overwhelming, as it often depends on your area’s climate, soil conditions, and availability. When you begin planning your Dry Stack Wall project, check with your town or city for height limitations that may require a building permit or engineering.Īt Lyngso, we understand the challenges of selecting the right materials and tools for your landscaping project.

Natural retaining wall stone how to#

In this article, we’ll show you how to build a beautiful and functional dry stack retaining wall to elevate your property and impress your guests. If you are considering adding a natural stone retaining wall to your landscaping project or backyard, you’ve come to the right place.