Stone Walls That Stay Built
A master waller shares how to dry-lay stone walls that hold their ground for centuries.
Synopsis: Brian Post is a Master Craftsman–level waller, certified by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. In this article, he explains that stone walls last longer than mortared walls, and describes how to build a dry-laid stone wall. His instructions include making sure to base the design on the site and type of stone, not worrying too much about the foundation or about fitting the face stones tightly together, forming a strong connection with hearting stones, and holding the wall together with capstone and copestones. Post describes the five essential rules of stone walling, and how they can help you build walls that will last centuries.
I began my professional training as a waller working under certified craftsmen in Great Britain, a country whose landscape is laced with stone walls that date back millennia. In New England, where I live, two-century-old walls are common. While this may…
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Great Article! Anyone have any advice on using these techniques for a retaining wall?