Dry Stack Limestone Wall is a wall of stone that’s made by stacking rocks on top of each other. It’s a great way to add character to your home or garden and can be done in any number of ways.
The best part about dry stack limestone walls is that they’re relatively easy to build yourself, so if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to add interest to your outdoor space, this might be the project for you.
To start making your own dry stack limestone wall, gather all of the materials you’ll need:
-Limestone boulders (these should be at least 18 inches in diameter)
-Sand or soil (you’ll want a minimum depth of 3 feet)
-Concrete
Dry stack limestone walls are a great way to add character and ambiance to your home. They’re perfect for creating a cozy, private space where you can enjoy the outdoors in your own unique way.
Limestone is a natural material that’s been used for centuries because of its durability. It’s easy to work with and can be laid in almost any design you want.
A dry stack limestone wall helps you bring nature into your home, giving it an earthy feel that will make you feel at peace.
The process is easy: just arrange the stones in whatever pattern you like and then fill in around them with mortar. You’ll want to use a level as well as some kind of guide so that everything stays straight and even while you’re building it up.
If you’d like more information on how to do this project yourself, check out our blog.
Dry stack limestone is a popular building material that’s used for walls and other applications. Dry stack limestone is made up of solid pieces of stone known as blocks or bricks. There are many different types of dry stack limestone, including random-cut, fieldstone, and rustic stone.
To build a dry stack limestone wall, you will need to start by making sure the area where you plan on the building has been cleared out properly. The height and length of your wall will depend on what type of structure needs to be built as well as how much room you have available for such projects in your yard or garden area. Once the site has been cleared out make sure there aren’t any large roots sticking up from underneath the dirt in one spot before beginning construction on your project.
What is Limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of calcite, a mineral that is very similar to calcium carbonate. Calcite is a major component of shells and the skeletal remains of marine organisms.
What is Dry Stack Limestone Wall
The Dry Stack Limestone Wall is a wall that is built without cement. A dry stack limestone wall is created by stacking limestone blocks without mortar or concrete.
Limestone blocks are typically cut and shaped in the quarry, then transported to the job site where they’re stacked on edge and secured in place with some kind of fasteners such as steel pins or wire mesh. The top course may be offset slightly from those below it so that no mortar joints will show at its surface; this feature adds visual interest to the finished product while helping to create an even bond between each layer of stone as well as between each layer of the block within a single course.
Uses of Dry Stack Limestone Wall
Dry stack limestone walls are a great way to add definition and interest to your landscape. The stones can be stacked in just about any shape or pattern, from basic rectangular shapes (think of the stone walls you might find in the garden at the Met) to more organic curves and corners.
The best part about dry stack limestone walls is that they don’t require a lot of maintenance just wash them down with water every once in a while. They’re also very durable and will last for years without losing their color or integrity.
Steps involved in building Dry Stack Limestone Wall
- Dig out the wall to a depth of six inches.
- Put gravel in the trench to level it.
- Arrange limestone blocks on top of the gravel.
- Fill the gaps between stones with mortar and sweep any excess mortar off the wall.
Lay out the wall.
Lay out the wall. To lay out your dry stack limestone wall, use a chalk line and measure twice, cut once. In other words, make sure it’s straight before you start. Use stakes and string to mark the corners of your stone wall so that it looks nice and straight. A level will also help you make sure that your ground is level enough for long-lasting walls made up of lots of heavy stones.
Dig out the wall to a depth of six inches.
The first step in the dry stack wall building process is to dig out the area for your wall. You can do this by hand with a shovel, but it’s much easier to use a hoe and rake instead. The hoe and rake will break up your soil and level it out, making it ready to be filled with gravel.
Put gravel in the trench to level it.
After the trench is dug and the sides are graded, use a rake to level the gravel. Make sure that it is level. Use a straight edge or a level to check your work as you go.
Arrange the limestone blocks on top of the gravel.
To ensure that your wall is level, straight and square, check each block as you lay it by placing a level across its top surface. Adjust each block accordingly so that it’s level before moving on to place the next one. If necessary, place shims underneath any low areas on your first course in order to achieve a uniform height throughout the wall. Also, using plumb bobs or string lines to check for proper alignment from side-to-side and front-to-back as well as at all corners during construction (photo 7).
Fill the gaps between stones with mortar.
While you don’t need mortar to construct a dry stack stone wall, it can be useful in situations where the stones are not perfectly level or straight. Mortar is a mixture of sand and cement that is used to fill gaps between stones for added strength. It’s important to use the proper type of mortar for this purpose depending on your project’s needs. For example, if you want your wall to stay strong in all weather conditions, consider using concrete (a mixture consisting mostly of Portland cement).
Sweep any excess mortar off the wall.
Sweep any excess mortar off the wall using a broom. Use a damp cloth to wipe any excess mortar off the wall. Use a wet sponge, or mop if you have one available, to wipe any excess mortar off the wall.
Materials needed for Dry Stack Limestone Wall
- Limestone blocks. You can buy these or make your own by using a chisel and hammer on natural stone. If you choose to purchase a limestone block, make sure that the material is strong enough to support itself without crumbling apart in the rain or snow. Also, when purchasing limestone blocks from a manufacturer, it might be wise to ask about how many blocks you will need for your project and if certain patterns are available.
- Mortar mix. This is what gives the wall strength and adhesion between individual pieces of a limestone block. A general rule of thumb for mortar mix is 1 part sand with 2 parts cement powder plus water; however, depending on how strong you want your wall (and how much money you want to spend), feel free to experiment with different quantities of each ingredient until you achieve desired results.
Tools needed for Dry Stack Limestone Wall
- Hammer
- Trowel
- Sponge
Benefits of Dry Stack Limestone Wall
Dry stack limestone is the most durable and versatile kind of stone. It’s easy to maintain, too. In fact, dry stack stone walls can be used for many different applications including landscaping or retaining walls for your home or commercial property.
In addition to being very durable, limestone also has a lovely appearance that makes it suitable for many different types of building projects. If you’re thinking about adding a new patio or walkway on your property, consider using dry stack limestone as your base material.
Maintenance tips for Dry Stack Limestone Wall
To maintain your dry stack limestone wall, keep it clean and dry. The more dirt and moisture the mortar has to deal with, the more likely it is that your wall will crack.
Keeping your dry stack limestone wall shaded can also help prevent cracks from forming. If sunlight hits the wall directly, it may get too hot and cause cracking or flaking.
Lastly, if there’s a lot of snow on top of your stone wall during the winter months (or if you live in a very cold climate), make sure to take down any snow that builds up on top of your stone walls so it doesn’t weigh them down too much and cause them to crack.
Cost of Dry Stack Limestone Wall
The cost of dry stack limestone walls depends on the size and complexity of the project, but here’s a sample breakdown:
- Cost of limestone blocks. If you’re getting your blocks from a mason, expect to pay around $4 per square foot for natural stone. This would give you roughly 7 pounds per square foot—a pretty good amount for most projects.
- Cost of mortar. A gallon of premixed mortar will run about $35-$50, depending on what kind you get (cement-based or lime-based). You’ll need 1 gallon for every 100 linear feet when building a typical 6-inch wall with standard 2×6 timbers placed 16 inches apart (which holds roughly 12 blocks per course).
- Tools needed include planks or plywood sheets to build forms that hold each course in place while it hardens; hand trowels and power trowels; chisels; hammers; garden hoses or buckets to mix mortar; cartons or pallets to serve as staging platforms during construction; scaffolding if necessary
- Labor costs vary widely depending on where your project is located and how many workers are involved at any given time
That was easy.
This project was so easy and fun, I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to it. It’s true that you can do this, even if you’ve never mucked with a hammer before.
You’ll be glad you did it. You’ll be proud of yourself for having the courage to try something new.
In Conclusion
Dry stack limestone walls are a popular choice for homeowners who want to build something unique and beautiful. These limestone walls can be used in many different applications including; garden walls, retaining walls, or even as an accent piece for the home. The process of dry stacking limestone is fairly simple and requires minimal preparation before installation.
