Basic Rules of Thumb for a Freestanding Stone Wall

1. Footing width needs to be 8" to 12" wider than the base of the wall.
2. Footing depth needs to be 6" deep for every foot of height starting at 1' deep. Example: wall height = 36" footing depth = 18" (Use crushed ledge stone.)
3. Base of the wall should be 75% of overall height. Example: wall height = 36" base = 27-30" wide. (Note: walls under 30" high should have a base of 24".)
4. Walls should pitch back approximately 2" for every foot of vertical rise. (This is called batter.) Example: wall height = 36" batter 6" back from base.
5. Heaviest stones should be used as a base.
6. Never stack joints; use 1 over 2 method. (Stagger your joints.)
7. Use a tie-stone mid-way through the wall approximately every 3' on cenbter. Ties should go all the way through the wall. Fill wall with smaller stones known as hearting. (See diagram.)
8. Face stones should tie back at least 8" to 10".
9. Use heavy flat stones for the cap.

Basic Tools for Wall Building

1. Round Tip Sovel (long or short handle)
2. Stone Mason's Hammer
3. Brick Mason's Hammer
4. 1.25" Mason's Chisel
5. 3.5" Flat Chisel
6. Hand Truck/Dolly
7. Wheelbarrow/Garden Cart
8. 4' Level
9. Heavy duty pry bar
10. Gloves
11. Goggles
12. Garden Stakes
13. String
14. Pick axe/mattock
15. 8-12 lb. sledge hammer