Stones are a popular landscaping tool, not only for their rustic beauty, but also because of their versatility. Stacked stone walls are one of the many ways to use them to your advantage. Dry stacking is used to build a natural stone wall without cement or concrete. The selected stones are built in an interlocking pattern so that the finished wall will support itself.
There are many advantages to using stacked stone walls, such as the fact that stone walls don’t need any type of mortar, which allows them to shift with the earth and settle into place. This is why so many landscapers choose to use them for retaining walls or terraces – they won’t be going anywhere.
Since stacked stone walls do not usually use mortar, water can flow freely between the stones. This means that in the winter, ice will not be trapped inside and cause what is known as frost heave.
Stone walls have an amazing flexibility, as well. Once again, the fact that the stones do not need concrete to hold them together is a benefit. It cuts down on labor time and the expense of materials while remaining versatile to your landscaping plans. If the stones are damaged in any way, you can simply reuse your materials and re-stack.
On top of the practical benefits, stacked stone walls are just nice to look at. They lend a rustic look to your landscaping while complementing almost any style. It’s also a great tradition throughout time. The ancient Egyptians used this method in their pyramids and Colonials built them to border their fields and properties.
Regardless of whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, a stacked stone wall done right will remain a worry-free fixture of your home and lawn for years to come.
