How To Build A Stone Retaining Wall Without Mortar

How to Build a Stone Retaining Wall Without Mortar

Building a stone retaining wall without mortar is a great way to add structure and style to your landscape. It's also a relatively easy project that can be completed in a weekend.

Here are the essential steps to follow when building a stone retaining wall without mortar:

### Choosing the right location

The first step is to choose the right location for your retaining wall. The wall should be placed on a firm, level surface. It's also important to make sure that the wall will be able to withstand the weight of the soil that it will be holding back.

### Digging the trench

Once you have chosen the location for your retaining wall, you need to dig a trench for the foundation. The trench should be about 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep. The bottom of the trench should be level.

### Laying the foundation

The next step is to lay the foundation for your retaining wall. The foundation can be made of gravel, crushed stone, or concrete.

If you are using gravel or crushed stone, you should compact it into the trench. If you are using concrete, you should pour it into the trench and let it cure for at least 24 hours.

### Laying the stones

Once the foundation has been laid, you can start laying the stones for your retaining wall. The stones should be placed in a staggered pattern. This will help to create a strong and stable wall.

When laying the stones, you should make sure that they are level and that they are firmly in place. You should also backfill the wall with soil as you go. This will help to keep the wall in place and prevent it from collapsing.

### Finishing the wall

Once you have finished laying the stones, you can finish the wall by adding a capstone. The capstone will help to protect the wall from the elements and will also give it a finished look.

Building a stone retaining wall without mortar is a great way to add structure and style to your landscape. By following the steps outlined above, you can build a strong and stable wall that will last for years to come.