
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Design the wall Step 2: Calculate your materials Step 3: Gather and sort your materials Step 4: Dig and line the base Step 5: Lay the base stones Step 6: Build the courses Step 7: Build a retaining wall (optional)








	If your aggregate pile isn't easily accessible, a good way to transport it to the wall is with a wheelbarrow or large buckets (10-gallon drywall buckets work well). Just fill them at the pile, carry them to the wall, and pour them in.

2torial #0741:
Learn2 Build a Dry Stone Wall (continued)

Dig and line the base

The stability of your wall will largely depend on its base, so here are the steps to setting it up correctly:

Mark off the base's dimensions (width and length) by tapping wooden stakes into the ground at each of the wall's corners, then tie string lines between the stakes and close to the ground. Note: If your wall is curved, you can mark the edge by tapping in evenly spaced stakes along the curve, then connecting them with string. Or try laying out a garden hose along the edge--this will give you a smooth curve every time.
Within the dimensions, dig a 4-inch (10-centimeter) deep trench if the wall is shorter than 1.5 feet (.5 meters). If it's higher than that, dig the trench 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) deep. Remove any roots or rocks so you have a level trench bottom.
For a shorter wall, line the trench with two inches (5 centimeters) of aggregate. For a taller one, line it with a 4-inch (10-centimeter) layer of aggregate.
Tamp down the layer. You can do this using a commercial hand tamper, but laying a board over the layer and jumping on it a few times works just as well.

With the recessed trench providing snug security for your first course, and the aggregate allowing for proper water drainage, you're ready to start building.

Step 5