All landscaping isn’t created equal, and neither are all garden walls made of stone. However, when done right, these eye-catching structures can add charm and personality to any yard or garden space. From deciding where to place them to choosing the right variety of stone, there are several key things you need to know before you begin this DIY project. That’s why we came up with these simple stone landscaping tips, which will help you create the perfect wall suited to your needs and tastes. Try them out in your own yard and watch your garden go from boring to beautiful in no time at all!
The Benefits of Building a Garden Wall Out of Stone
Stone walls can add a classic sense of elegance to your yard.
Stone walls can add a classic sense of elegance to your yard. The natural charm of stone will never go out of style. They are more likely to stay in their current state, and they tend not to be subject to the wear and tear that other materials experience over time. Plus, they require minimal maintenance so you won’t have to worry about repainting or adding new plants every year.
You will want to begin by determining what type of stone you would like your wall to be made out of before building it. Different types of stone have different looks. Some stones, such as marble and limestone, can have a natural sheen or patina. Others, such as travertine and granite, are darker in color. You may find that some stones are more porous than others. Different types of stones also have different levels of durability and require different care. Some common types of stone include limestone, granite, sandstone, brick and concrete. Each material has its own pros and cons when considering how long it will last and how much upkeep is required. Take into account the surface area of your yard or garden, as well as any existing landscaping elements such as lawns, trees and flowerbeds when deciding which material is best for you. It’s also important to consider if water is frequently present on your property during certain seasons because some types of stone do better with wet conditions than others do.
How to Build a Garden Wall out of Stone
After you’ve decided what type of material you want to use, calculate the height of the wall, which will typically range from 6 inches to 18 inches high. Measure the length and width of the area you want covered by the wall, then divide these measurements by two-thirds. For example, if you have an area measuring 10 feet by 12 feet (120 square feet), 120 divided by 3 equals 40 feet in length. Finally, decide how wide you would like the wall to be. In this example, we’ll go with 10 feet. Using these numbers, we would have a wall that is 4 feet wide (40 / 2) and 8 feet long (8 x 2). Now it’s time to start stacking!
The first step in stacking your wall is to make sure it is squared off. Then make sure that the stones are stacked tight together and there are no gaps between them. You want the face of the first row to be flush with the back side of the second row, then start your third row on top of that. The most important thing when stacking a garden wall made of stone is to keep everything tight together so it doesn’t fall down. Sometimes you may need help from someone else to hold the wall in place while you add another row. Once you have a good base, you can let go and work around adding rows as needed until all stones are used up. It’s also important to remember that not all walls need the same height: some may only need 3 or 4 rows while others will require many more rows depending on how much height is desired.
Ready to build your own stone wall? Contact us at All Around Soil and Stone today to get all the products you will need!
