Introduction
A "dry" stonewall means one without mortar holding the stones together. Because the individual Flagstones are able to shift slightly in response to frost heave, there's no need to have a foundation below the frost line. Even so, building with flagstone requires a substantial commitment of time and effort. Yet the results are so satisfying it's easy for the project to become a minor "obsession." The following steps will help you create a freestanding wall or a retaining wall that will beautify your property for as long as you own it.
Time to complete a 20 foot wall section:
a.- Beginner - 8 to 10 hours
b.- Intermediate - 7 to 9 hours
CAUTION ! - Since building a stonewall involves repetitive lifting, you should wear a back-support belt.
COMMON MISTAKE - Do not use all the largest flagstones in lower courses and smaller stones on top. Mix the sizes of stone throughout the wall. Always save a layer of larger flagstones to use as a "cap stone" or topmost course.
TIPS:
1.- Take extra care to level the foundation for the wall from side-to-side. This will help stabilize the wall for the long term.
2.- Limit the height of a freestanding wall to less than three feet. Higher freestanding walls will lean and fall apart more easily over time.
3.- When building a retaining wall, set each higher course of flagstone back about 1/2-in., creating a continuous back-leaning slope or face. If you make the wall perfectly vertical, the pressure of the earth behind it will eventually push it forward and cause it to fall apart.
4.- Use handfuls of crushed screenings to help level and stabilize "tipsy" or uneven stones as you build the wall.
6.- Plan openings for walkways and gates in your wall before you begin work.
STEPS
1.- Stake out the inside line for the wall to follow with wooden stakes and string. Your eye may suggest changes in position or proportion once you see the staked-out area.
2.- To calculate how much flagstone you'll need, make a drawing of the project and measure the total length of the proposed wall; plus the width if it's a freestanding wall. Flagtone is purchased by the ton, and each type of flagstone will provide a different running length of wall per ton. With measurements in hand, your stoneyard can tell you how many tons you'll need for your project.
3.- There are different colors and varieties of flagstone, including sandstone, limestone, granite, and so on. But there are three basic shapes: a). Field stone is roundish"bowling-ball" stones b) "Stacking" stone is irregularly shaped but relatively flat c) Dressed stone is carefully cut to be uniform and completely flat You'll choose the particular variety and shape based on the look you want, and the price. Dressed flagstone is more expensive than the other two, and gives your wall a more formal appearance. The stoneyard will deliver your choice on wooden pallets a few days after you order it.
4.- Dig a shallow foundation trench, about 8 inches deep. The trench should be 2-3 inches wider than the base of your proposed wall. If you have access to a rear-tine tiller, it will be easier to loosen the soil. Build a stair-step on any steep slope if the slope is more than 10 degrees. Dig a "stair-step" trench for the wall so each section rests on a flat, level foundation. The ground under the wall can slide away on a slope, especially in spring when the surface thaws while it is still frozen underground.
_________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment