How to Build a Stack Stone Wall

Stack stone walls require no special base, tools or mortar. Because stones are not bonded together, the wall will not crack with changes in temperature. First determine how much stone you need. Measure the length of your wall in feet. Determine the desired height and depth. Multiply the Length x Height x Depth to get cubic feet. Stone weighs approximately 100 pounds per cubic foot. Multiply total cubic feet x 100 lbs to get total pounds. When placing your order, always round up – this will give you more options when fitting stones together and save delivery fees for multiple loads.

Sort stones by size, setting aside the smallest pieces to use as shims.

Where you want the wall, dig a trench, 6 inches deep and as wide as your largest stone. Pack and level the earth at the bottom of the trench. Line the trench with filter fabric to help drainage and minimize erosion.

Fill the trench with 1-2 inches of inexpensive crushed stone like Granite CSB.

Put your largest stones in the trench first. When you get to the end, work your way back in the opposite direction, to create the second layer. For best results allow stones to lay naturally – don’t try to set a stone on end. Repeat for each layer.

Mix small and large pieces so that the stones fit tightly together, avoiding continuous horizontal or vertical joints.

Slope the wall toward the ground behind it and fill in and compact with fill dirt as you go.

If you are working with a slope behind the wall, occasionally extend a longer stone into the hillside to anchor the wall and give it more stability.