| Dry stone walling is a method for creating a | | | | wall's base and lay them into the trench, making |
| special type of stone wall. Particularly popular in | | | | sure to keep them as flat and level as possible. |
| the UK countryside, dry stone walls are unique as | | | | Continue to build upwards using the joints |
| they don't require mortar or any other binding | | | | provided by the rocks beneath. Always start with |
| materials to keep them together. A dry stone | | | | the larger stones and work your way up with |
| wall can be constructed by the technique of | | | | gradually smaller stones. |
| interlocking the stones so that they don't require | | | | If it helps, have a picture with you of what you'd |
| any additional elements to hold them up. In both | | | | like your wall to look like and try to place your |
| past and present these walls have been used for | | | | stones in the same way. |
| field division and as retaining walls. | | | | Finish off the top of your wall with some |
| Preparing for construction | | | | decorative stones. Achieve this by placing two |
| Calculate how much stone will be required for | | | | heavy set stones at each end and then placing |
| your wall. This will vary in every situation, but a | | | | them in very tightly. |
| general guideline is that the width of the base | | | | If you're not entirely confident with the solidity of |
| should be around half the height of your stone | | | | your wall it is highly recommended that you call an |
| wall. Once you have your stones sorted be sure | | | | expert to fix it up for you. |
| to clear off any debris or obstructing objects | | | | Tools and materials required |
| before starting construction. | | | | Walling stone is really the key ingredient for dry |
| Next, dig a shallow trench with enough space to | | | | stone walling. Limestone is very popular and widely |
| comfortably house your base stones. Now you're | | | | used throughout the UK. Other tools you will need |
| ready for the real work to begin! | | | | include a shovel and as a last resort, a hammer. |
| How to make a dry stone wall | | | | Good luck with your dry stone wall! |
| Choose your widest and flattest stones for the | | | | |