A dry retaining wall is one that is constructed without mortar. It is a challenging and attractive form of wall and is relatively simple to do. The dry wall depends upon the weight and friction of one stone on another for its stability. Therefore, walls over two feet high require a batter of 2 inches back for every 1 foot in height. When starting a dry wall, the first stones can be laid approximately 6 inches below grade. There is no elaborate footing required for a dry wall since the stones are not bonded together and will raise and lower with the frost. In laying the first layer or “course” larger stones should be used. A line should be then strung along the wall as a guide to keep the rest of the wall straight.

 

Now, construct batter boards. These are wedge shaped, flat on one side, sloping on the other. When driven into the ground at the edge of the wall, they afford a quick check on the inward slopes of the wall. Be sure the batter board is at right angles with the ground by checking with a level.

 

For best results, lay stones as they would lie naturally on the ground. Do not turn them on end. In laying stones, pack the back of the stones with earth tying some stones into the earth by using larger pieces. Iry to break up joint lines so that continuous lines do not appear. A continuous joint line is not as attractive or as structurally sound. As shown on the drawing, install a continuous drain surrounded by coarse gravel.

 

In smaller dry walls (up to 2 feet in height) a batter is not always necessary if it is not retaining much earth. A stone coping can also be placed on this wall as well as on a larger battered wall as an alternative way of finishing the top of the wall.