Hello there!
This is Lewyn, your professional dry-stone waller from Natural by Design. Today, I’d like to share more detailed tips and steps in dry-stone walling based on decades of my experience in this beautiful craft.
- Sort Your Stones: Begin by systematically sorting your stones during the wall-stripping process. Separating the larger stones for the footing from the smaller stones designed for the top courses will save you time and effort later on. Plus, don’t forget to reserve your top stones which will be affixed once the wall is fully built.
- Evaluate the Footing: After stripping the wall, it’s time to judge the state of the existing footing. Key signs that the footing might require digging out and reinstalling include the presence of excessive dirt among the stones or indications that the stones have subsided and become uneven. If this turns out to be the case, you’ll need to excavate them.
- Install a Stable Foundation: When digging out the footings, be sure to reach down to the clay layer to provide a stable base for your stones, thus ensuring they won’t sink under subsequent layers.
- Frame Construction: Build your frames from two lateral pieces of wood on each side of the footing, inclining towards each other. Strengthen the structure with a crosspiece at the top, creating an ‘A’ shaped frame. Secure these frames using building pins and cable ties to minimise movement.
- Level String Line: Run a level string line between your frames near the base, which will help you to determine the height and alignment of the wall’s first layer, also known as the footing.
- Building Your Wall: You can then begin constructing your wall from the bottom up, progressing from the largest to the smallest stones. Ensure the stones run lengthwise into the wall for increased friction and strength. Overlap the stones to avoid consecutive vertical joints (‘running joints’). If need be, you can shape your stones with a hammer to fit the desired size or shape.
- Filling in The Wall: As you ascend the wall, remember to fill in the middle with smaller pieces of stone, known as ‘infill’. This process ensures minimal stone movement within the wall, bolstering its strength and durability.
- Finishing Touch: Once the body of the wall is structured, finish off by arranging your top stones that you initially set aside.
Dry-stone walling is a rewarding craft that requires patience, precision, and a love for working with one’s hands. If you wish to learn more practical insights on dry-stone walling, visit our website at Natural by Design.
Happy Walling!
Best Wishes,
Lewyn
Natural By Design
www.naturalbydesign.co.uk
Natalie, Studio: