It feels like we are in the Stone Age again.
Yes, you heard us right!
Of course, in the sophisticated stone period rather than a primitive one. Once more, dry-stone walling is in style thanks to premium materials and highly skilled labourers who can create intricate walls and buildings out of them. We at Stone Depot provide one of the best dry-stone walling in different textures and colours.
An essential part of preventing avalanches, floods and landslides is the old artisan craft of dry-stone walling. Along with boosting biodiversity and fostering the best possible agricultural conditions, these efforts help combat land degradation and desertification. These constructions are built of dried stone and blend perfectly with their surroundings. Additionally, the method illustrates a happy coexistence of nature and humans. This millennium approach has been applied in many contexts throughout history and geographically. In this blog, we will know what it is, the pros and cons of dry stone walling and how to build a dry stone wall.
What is Dry Stone Walling?
Since dry stone walls don't use mortar, they are long-lasting and enduring. The stones' weight is used to hold them in place. The way the stones are piled determines their strength and longevity. Experts and professionals construct the stunning dry stone wall.
Several remarkable instances of dry stone walls date back thousands of years and remain intact to this day. This kind of stone wall is said to be superior to some than a mortar wall. Water is able to penetrate through dry stone walls. However, walls with mortar encourage dampness. Dry stone walling has many benefits.
Pros & Cons of Dry Stone Walling
Pros:- Durability: Dry stone walls built correctly can endure for generations.
- Flexibility: They are incredibly flexible and don't crack when the earth moves.
- Aesthetics: They fit in perfectly with the surroundings, giving off a classic, natural appearance.
- Environmental Benefits: They give tiny animal homes and permit water drainage.
- Labor-intensive: Dry stone wall construction is a time-consuming and expensive process that calls for a great deal of skill and labour.
- Restricted Availability: Finding appropriate stones locally may not always be possible.
- Upkeep: Despite their durability, they could need sporadic upkeep to fix loose stones or settling.
- Structural Restrictions: They are not appropriate for all kinds of constructions, particularly those that need to be able to support a sizable amount of weight.
Step-by-Step Process to Build Dry Stone Wall
Dry stone walling, in contrast to mortar-based or cement-concrete wall building, is an art and requires specialised knowledge. As a result, certificate and diploma programmes are offered by contemporary technical institutions and colleges to prepare students for professional employment while utilising the newest tools and technology.
Still, the majority of consumers choose DIY (Do-it-Yourself) solutions. As a result, we will streamline the tutorial appropriately.
1. Get All the Required Tools At One Place
Professional dry-stone wall masons have access to a variety of tools and equipment, from simple to advanced, to complete work at a professional level. However, simple instruments are sufficient for do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
- Batter Frame is the initial set of tools. Its horizontal and vertical components give it a worn appearance and facilitate the running of threads at varying levels on either side as the task is completed.
- Shovels make up the second set of implements. The purpose is to excavate in order to prepare the foundation for a dry-stone wall.
- Hammers make up the third set of implements. A 22-ounce brick or mason hammer is needed to fix the stones. Stone trimming is aided with 2-to-4-pound hammers. Sledgehammers weighing six to ten pounds are used for crushing huge stones.
- Masonry string line for setting run and guiding stone face.
- A bucket to hold medium-sized to tiny stones.
- Gloves to shield your hands from filth and splintering flesh.
- Match the tap measures to different dimensions.
- Protective glasses.
2. Sourcing the Material
Historically, dry-stone walls were built using stones found nearby. People have frequently recycled stones from rubbish disposal sites or crumbling buildings. Nonetheless, the majority of States and nations worldwide now forbid and criminalise it. The greatest choice to investigate for quality and quantity at one time is stones from quarries. Thankfully, there are natural stone suppliers available nowadays, such as we Stone Depot. With a wide network of distributors, you can easily get your stones delivered anywhere in Australia. You can find the right raw materials for your dry-stone walling projects at a comparative wholesale rate and excellent client servicing facilities as a bonus.
3. Stacking the Material
Staking the raw materials appropriately may greatly simplify the process of building a dry-stone wall. Let's acquire it. To make things easier to work around, keep the large size category of stones close to the wall but provide two feet of space. Arrange the stones into three sizes: large, medium and small.
Place the stones of lesser sizes as far away as possible. The huge stones next to the wall, and the medium-sized stones in the centre. It makes it easier for stonemasons to make fast decisions and move large loads over short distances. For the Coping (tie) and Through (leg) stones, choose the appropriate size. Keep those away from the normal stone piles. Thus, you may steer clear of errors.
4. Laying Foundation
According to industry standards, a solid foundation is the only way to build a sturdy and stable dry-stone wall. As per your designs, dig a shallow trench for the foundation/footing that is the appropriate depth and breadth for your dry-stone walling. Place your feet in a trench that is slightly larger than the wall. Excavate to create a solid soil basis or construct a base using suitable base materials such as gravel or stone aggregates. Smooth and level the foundation with a press, then add a small layer of sand to act as a cushion. Use the biggest stone pieces, such as the Coping or throughs extending between the faces. Flat stone pieces with anti-skid surfaces can be used rather than rounded stones to prevent sliding as pressure increases on the top. Excavate square borders on both sides, then backfill with smaller fragments of leftover stone or crushed stone aggregate.
5. Building Layers of Dry-stone Wall
- Courses:
- Through Stones:
- Coping:
In the dry-stone wall, place the largest stones at the base and the smaller ones at the top. A stone in the following course must span a joint in the previous course. As you go, take care to set the hearting stones, which should be firm, angular-shaped stones. Use threads and batter to ensure the wall's face is perfectly shaped.
The troughs, also known as leg stones, serve to keep the wall's sides together. It prevents the wall from collapsing and bellying out. Throughs are often positioned at the middle of the rise or, in the case of a short wall, the whole height of the wall, such as three feet. Place throughs at regular intervals if the wall is high. Throughs determine the lifts in the wall, and the recommended lift height is 18" or so.
Coping is the uppermost layer of stone in a dry-stone wall. Coping serves as a kind of thought, keeping the stones underneath together and adding a beautiful touch by utilising various coping techniques.
6. Finishing Touch in Dry Stone Walling
To give it a clean form, keep the wall face smooth and adhere to the batter. The walls are supported by a few other structures.
What Is the Cost of Dry Stone Walling?
As previously indicated, the high labour costs associated with dry stone walling are the primary cause of its high cost. The cost of acquiring the stones must be added in cases where there isn't a ready supply of them. The average dry stonewall cost in Australia is around $300 per metre. And it is a really steep cost for cladding, a retaining wall and other things.
The Bottom Line
Dry stone walling is a complex and age-old technology that is still widely used for a variety of building applications, such as dry stack stone walls and dry stone retaining walls. The advantages and disadvantages of dry stone walling are as follows: its expense and labor-intensiveness are countered by the material's strength, environmental advantages and visual appeal. The advantages of dry stone walling, such as enhanced biodiversity, natural drainage, and the capacity to blend in with the surroundings, make it an investment well worth making, even at a greater cost. Whether you want to construct a dry stone wall for aesthetic or utilitarian reasons, knowing the procedures and things to take into account can help you create a long-lasting and effective construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Stone Is Used for Dry Stone Walls?
Natural stones like Granite, Limestone and Sandstone are frequently utilised for dry stone walls because of their strength, availability, and visual appeal. The uneven forms and required weight of these stones make them perfect for mortar-free, solid building.
How Long Do Dry Stone Walls Last?
If built and maintained correctly, dry stone walls can endure several centuries; some historical examples have been preserved for more than a millennium. Their ability to tolerate changes in the climate and movements in the earth is partly responsible for their longevity.
How To Maintain a Dry Stone Wall?
Use tiny stones known as filler stones to fill in any spaces created by the bigger stones in each tier so that the wall remains sturdy. The wall will be strengthened by these smaller stones. Place 'through stones' at regular intervals as you create up layers.
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
