Building a Dry Stone Wall

Dry stone wall building is one of the oldest construction methods known to mankind. These mortar-less barriers are dotted throughout the British countryside. During the Burke's Backyard trip to Ireland, Don visited the Rock of Cashel, a cathedral built entirely (including the ceiling) by this dry stone method. These days, dry stone walls are becoming increasingly popular as fashionable additions to the home garden.

To find out about building walls using this method Don visited Geoff Duggan at the Mt. Annan Botanic Gardens in Sydney. Geoff is a Senior Horticulturist and also one of the few Dry Stone Wallers outside of Britain to have gained qualifications in this ancient craft. The method of construction begins with the laying of the foundation. The ground immediately below the wall should be cleared of all turf and organic matter as this will reduce the settling of the wall. The largest stones should then be laid end in and butted together tightly so that they won't wobble. Make sure that the length of the stones is running into the wall and that they are secure. You may need to underpin with smaller wedges or stones. Fill the empty spaces with large filling stones. Geoff says the principle is "one hole, one stone". To keep the wall straight, use a string line on either side as a guide.

The next layer requires more of the larger stones which are brought up to the string line. The stones should be laid so that they are covering two stones wide, similar to a brick pattern with one stone over two and the next layer having two stones over one. You also need to ensure that the top of the stone is level. You may need to use thinner stones or again use the wedges to achieve this. Again, check the wall for firmness and solidity. Fill the middle again and repeat the previous instructions until your wall is about half the expected size (the base width should be at least half of the total wall height).

The next step is to tie the two halves of the wall together with a long stone. Place the long stone over the middle of the joint in the stones below. It should protrude slightly from the wall to cope with the spread over time. Fill up underneath the stones and check for stability.

Once you've completed your basic wall you can finish it off with the top stones or coping stones. These are set vertically on top of the wall so that the weight of the stone is spread over a smaller surface area. Lock the coping stones together by driving wedge stones between them and you now have a cattle proof wall.

The technique for building dry stone walls can be used for a number of additions to the garden including a bench built into a wall. They are long lasting and can be built over time as there's no waiting for mortar to go off or it going off too quickly. You can express your creativity through Dry Stone Walling and, besides providing a natural looking structure, they can also become a home for small plants and animals.

Further information

If you want to try your hand at this construction method, why not attend one of Geoff Duggan's Dry Stone Wall weekends.

Geoff Duggan
PO Box 55
Bargo NSW 2574
Mobile: 0417 680 981

Copyright CTC Productions 2006