How to Build a Dry Stack Retaining Rock Wall

A step-by-step guide to plan and construct a sturdy dry stack retaining rock wall

Are you looking to add another dimension to your property with your own two hands? Dry stack rock or rubble stone walls add a great touch to flowerbeds and landscape projects. Fortunately, building one is easy enough that you can do it yourself!

Steps

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1
Plan your project. Decide how wide and long you'd like your rock wall to be, and make sure that this is feasible with the location of your wall.
- Dry stacked rock walls are typically built against a hillside, as it can be used as a tool to prevent soil erosion from ruining a garden ^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Select your stones from a stone supply yard. Give a representative your measurements, as that affects the quantity and size of stones you need. Dry stack walls can typically be made from three types of stones: round field stones, relatively flat stacking stones and uniformly cut dressed stones.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Each type will give your wall a different look and feel, so make sure you look at pictures to determine which would be the best fit for your house and landscape.
- Note that flatter stones tend to be easier to work with than rounder ones, as they are more suited for stacking.
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3
Lay out the wall area and direction. You may be cutting away a bank (shown below) or building the wall and back filling as you go, in order to create a terrace effect. Pull a string line the length of the wall (about 8 inches (20.5 cm) off the ground level) to define the front of the wall.
- Freestanding dry rock walls can be stable if they are up to three feet in height^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Dig a ditch the length of the wall that is about a foot wide and 8 to 12 inches (20.5 cm - 30.5 cm) below the ground level. This ditch will act as the wall's footing and prevent the rocks from sliding forward due to pressure from the earth behind.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Try to cut the ditch into native soil rather than loose added soil, as the former provides a more stable foundation for the wall.
- Level the foundation trench. Smooth over the ground beneath your wall with a shovel, and line it with crushed stone pieces called stone screenings, stone dust or fines. This material will also be useful for filling in gaps.
Place the flat side facing forward, and slanted back about 8 degrees. The rock should just miss touching the string line, and be supported by dirt filled in behind it. Do this for the length of the wall, with each large rock touching the one next to it.^{[5]XResearch source}
6
Fill dirt behind the large rocks and tap the earth firmly, while letting the 8 degree slant hold the rock in place by gravity.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Avoid large vertical gaps in your wall. Try to rearrange the stones so that those don't appear.
These rocks may be smaller, but need to be a shape that fills the void between the large rocks. Lay the rock flat side out and support it with earth filled in behind it. These rocks also lay back by 8 degrees.
Fill out the entire span of the trench. You can add water to the fill to make it settle.

What Should I Know Before Building a Retaining Wall?

Community Q&A

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Question
Is 8 degrees 1/4 - 1 slope? Meaning the wall leans by 1 foot run to 4 foot rise?
Community Answer
No. sin(8*) ~ .14, so for every foot of rise, we should expect 1.66 inches of lean. On a 4 foot wall, that's 6.68 inches of lean.
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Question
What is the purpose of the lean? Why are the blocks not just stacked flat?
Community Answer
The blocks "lean" into the bank so the wall is more structurally stable. Gravity holds the wall in place. With a flat wall the balance is significantly more precarious.
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Tips

The first row of rock should be larger than a bowling ball but small enough to move by yourself or with a helper.
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Use a crowbar to pack dirt in between the rocks.
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Mix stone sizes throughout the wall to create an even, fit-together look.
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Warnings

Don't lift rocks that are too heavy or you may cause yourself back problems.
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Call before you dig if there is a service provided in your country that helps to identify underground utility lines. This will help save you from damage, injury, and fines.
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Walls should be no higher than three feet.
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Many cities, towns and municipalities require a professional engineer's sign and seal or some other form of certification for any retaining wall that exceeds three feet. Make sure to check with your local building department or local government sector responsible for building.
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