How to Build a Natural Stone Retaining Wall?

A transition from one level of the ground to another is made using retaining walls. The dry-stack technique, which does not require a concrete footing like mortared walls do, is the simplest way to construct a stone retaining wall. My father was associated with the construction industry, hence, I can assist you with your query about, how to build a natural stone retaining wall.

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If you are pondering how to build a stone retaining wall, let me highlight that the process varies with the type of wall. Hence, let us delve into each process;

How to build a stone retaining wall with mortar?

• The first step is choosing the appropriate stones for your site. There are several options available, ranging from semi-dressed to uncut rubble. 

• To achieve a proper fit, the stones must then be divided into groups. Layout the site, and then add the footing.

• For a better appearance, fill in the spaces with smaller stones.

• After finishing the first course, measure the height for the following course using a mason's line level. When ready, lay down a second layer of stones so that they are positioned 12 inches below the mason's line.

• The mason line should be moved. To build a perfect wall, select stones that are flat and smooth. 

How to build a dry stone wall retaining?

• Layout and dig a trench 6 inches wider and 8 inches deeper than the wall on all sides and at both ends for the wall footing.

• In the trench, level and tamp roughly 4 inches of gravel. Place bondstones at the trench's ends. Lay the first course's front wythe (face) using stones of various lengths. Every 4 to 6 feet, place a bondstone. Place the stone's narrower edge in the trench's middle. 

• Lay the back wythe of the wall and pile tiny stones or debris in the area between the two wythes. Continue arranging the courses, using stones in each course that is all the same thickness but different lengths. Offset the joints of the previous course. If necessary, cut stones.

• As you work, use a batter gauge to monitor the batter—the taper from bottom to top. If necessary, adjust the placement of the stones and change their breadth on different courses. Install bondstones at 3-foot intervals every third course.

• For the top course, pick the broadest, flattest stones possible. You can choose to mortar the capstones into place. To promote drainage, tilt the top course of stones towards the face of the wall and place small, flat stones underneath. 

I hope this suffices your query about how to build a stone retaining wall without mortar. 

• Dig a stepped trench:

The depth of the trench must be at least half the height of your blocks and 6 inches of gravel material. 

• Gravel base:

You will start constructing your foundation of packed gravel after you have finished digging your stepped trench.

• Install the first row of blocks:

On top of your base of compacted gravel, instal your first row of blocks. Blocks should be laid one at a time, with the prior block being levelled on all sides. 

• Rough gravel:

You will see space between your trench wall and your blocks after setting and levelling your first row of blocks. Rough gravel will be used to fill this area to help with drainage.

• Install remaining block layers:

Stagger the seams as you add the blocks one at a time. Ensure that the blocks fit tightly together and that there are no rocks or dirt between the layers. 

• Secure top row blocks:

Each block in the top layer should be flipped over, covered with adhesive, and then repositioned.

• Backfill:

You will fill the space behind these blocks after laying and sealing the final row. Instead of your drainage gravel this time, use soil. 

I’d like to conclude my answer here about how to build a natural stone retaining wall. I hope this helps:)

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