How to build a strong wall ?
Question:We want build a small wall to encase a garden bed using the rocks in the ground. The landscape is ruged though lots of rocks and lots of old tree roots. Anyone with tips on clearing and stacking techniques?
Answers:
I do a lot of rock work. I don't have enough info from your question to give a real good answer. I have no idea what you are clearing. I have done a couple things similar to what I think you are asking... I have a rock retaining wall up the side of my drive way that is 200 feet long, 2 feet high that has no foundation and no mortar and has stood there for eleven years so far, with an ocassional animal knocking down a few of them. I have large rocks at all elevations so it is not a matter of just put large rock at the bottom or a foundation.
It also would help to know what basic shape your rocks are. But basically you are trying have a hard base to start with, Stack your rock so each rock sets stabile where you place it and on two or more rocks kinda like bricks, as often as possible. If it has some movement after you place it. you may need to add a smaller rock or chip of one to make it sit stabile. The tighter you can make it all fit together the better,
What you want to build is a dry stack wall. The secret is a good foundation (hello roots), proper batter (lean back) and stone placement (they sorta lean into the wall. Of course bigger stones on the bottom. It takes a lot of stone, strong back and patience. Done right, it lasts for generations.
Here's a site that should explain it:
http://www.huckleberrystone.com/pdf/how%...
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