Though it can be hard work building a rock wall is well worth the effort whether it will be used as a retaining wall foundation or garden fence.
Making a rock wall with concrete.
Dig a trench that s below the frost line and 2 feet wider than the wall.
Slope the wall in a little as it gets taller 1 2 inches per foot of height is the minimum.
If those are the rocks you have buy some sheets of plywood build a simple but strong form to support same and make a concrete rock wall.
Once built you ll have a rock solid retaining wall without all the heavy mortar lines.
Some good tips about making rock walls that will help build your confidence.
Then make a groove in it with the side of the shovel.
Line it with landscape fabric overlapped 12 inches at the seams add a 6 inch layer of inch stone and tamp it.
Prepare the footing photo by russell kaye.
Mix 3 parts sand with 1 part portland cement.
If the surface stays smooth and the sides of the groove hold their shape your concrete is ready.
If the groove caves in add more dry ingredients.
A rock wall can be a long lasting distinctive addition to any garden or yard.
To know when your concrete is ready use the back of a shovel to smooth the surface.
New videos added march 2018 much more detail in the masonry playlist at https.
How to build a rock wall 1.
The stone walls i describe here are close to maintenance free.
Building good looking stone walls by amateurs using concrete foundations mortar and formwork.
Dry stacking with no mortar is the quickest method to build a rock wall but it won t last.
If you can t make a distinct groove add more water.
Add all the ingredients to a wheelbarrow or concrete mixer depending on the size of rock you are creating and amount of mortar you are mixing.
Combine dry ingredients for mortar mix.
A method even beginners can tackle sucessfully to build rock walls using concrete foundations mortar and formwork.