Building Dry Stone Retaining Walls

227,345

1,774 0

Published 2012-05-31

This video shows how to build small drystone retaining walls from beginning to end; laying out the shape, digging the foundation, determining the wall angle, building the face, packing the back, and leveling the top. The techniques are suitable for all rock types, whether glacially rounded, angular, or flat-bedded.

A series of graphic drawing illustrates the principles of retaining wall construction, followed by two case studies showing on-site training classes. The first project is a low, two-foot wall suitable for a garden, with a Master Craftsman instructor who discusses the plans as well as the problems the class members encounter and solve. The second project is a four-foot wall that supports and equestrian trail and traverses a wet-weather water course in a Louisville park.

From small retaining walls in home gardens to road and trail walls in state and national parks, drystone is increasingly the material of choice. The flexibility of mortarless masonry is ideal for terraces and stream banks; it is functional, beautiful, and natural. Most projects do not require poer tools or machinery, and there is no need for harsh chemicals common in most construction.

The projects in the video were organized and managed by the Dry-Stone Conservancy. For instructions in print, you may want to consult the section on retaining walls in the DSC handbook, "Building and Repairing Drystone Fences and Retaining Walls."

All Comments (21)

@henrymichaelwilson8107 3 years ago

Hello there, that was my job. I was a stone waller for 30 years. I'm retired now with ill health diabetes and ulcers on my legs. But if someone asked me about it, I would do it all again, I loved the job. I have a lot of respect for my fellow Wallers. It's hard work and all weather.
@davidhickenbottom6574 2 years ago

I have retaining walls that are crumbling. Obviously not built right 40 + years ago. Looks like I'll be doing it myself. Great video.
@eleanorchapple8772 1 year ago

That is a real art. It makes a beautiful wall. It harkens back to ancient knowledge.
@backtoasimplelife 7 years ago

It's just awesome seeing old time skills like this still in use.
@jasonberezny9705 3 years ago

Excellent craftsmanship. ❤️
@ramboollie8115 4 years ago

Master of your craft gentleman my hats off you y’all.
@MikeGonzalez84 9 years ago

Great educational video! Dry stone walling is truly an art.
@jean6061 4 years ago

Excellent program! Thank you!
@rolandsalvato 2 years ago

Very useful and explanatory -- thank you from France!
@destefan100 3 years ago

Excelent vídeo!
@kermitefrog64 3 years ago

Fascinating that there is no mortar holding it together.
@undercurrentsmedia 11 years ago

Very helpful,thanks a lot, now to get onto the building
@johnbosco8209 4 years ago

A wonderful teaching and explanation about your Dry stone retaining wall. I love to learn
@georgeksirakis8898 5 years ago

truly a monumental wall , kudos to you guys...
@NashvilleLandscaping 11 years ago

Awesome useful information about natural stone walls. Great job.
@BuhlzI 11 years ago

Awesome. Thank you.
@cwpross4604 4 years ago

Very informative. Great reference !
@johnmack1185 4 years ago

22:23 It was nice of Christian Bale to donate some of his time and acting chops to the effort.
@RMURRAY86 11 years ago

this is a great video thanks!
@giovannidepetris6335 10 months ago

fantastic teaching. If I just could shape my granite rocks more easily.! hand tools can t do it fast enough and machine/drills I don t want to use. I am stuck