How to Make a Stone Wall
Building a stone wall is one of the most satisfying and enduring ways to shape a garden or boundary. Whether it’s a dry stone wall built without mortar, or a mortared wall designed for strength and permanence, each type has its own method — and its own charm. Below, we’ll explain how both are made and why Cornish stone walls have such a timeless appeal.
How Do You Build a Dry Stone Wall?
A dry stone wall is built entirely from carefully chosen stones — no cement or mortar involved. Stability comes from precision and balance.
Here’s the basic process:
1. Choose your stone Local stone is best, as it blends naturally into the landscape. In Cornwall, granite and slate are most common.
2. Lay the foundations A shallow trench is dug to provide a stable base, with the largest stones placed at the bottom for weight and strength.
3. Build up in layers Each layer, or course, is laid so that the stones overlap the joints below — like a natural puzzle. This interlocking design gives the wall its strength.
4. Add hearting stones Smaller stones are packed into the centre of the wall to fill gaps and support the larger outer stones.
5. Finish with coping stones The top layer is finished with larger flat stones laid across the width of the wall to lock everything in place and protect it from weathering.
Dry stone walls are flexible and self-draining, making them ideal for uneven Cornish terrain. They can shift slightly with the ground, rather than crack like rigid walls — a big reason why they last for centuries.
How Do You Build a Mortared Stone Wall?
A mortared stone wall uses a mixture of lime or cement mortar to bind the stones together, creating a solid, permanent structure. The process looks similar at first, but includes a few key differences:
1. Prepare a firm foundation Dig a trench and pour a layer of compacted hardcore or concrete to support the weight of the wall.
2. Mix and apply mortar A traditional lime mortar is often used in Cornwall, as it allows the wall to breathe and flex naturally with the climate.
3. Lay stones with mortar joints Stones are placed with a thin layer of mortar between them, ensuring each is level and stable. Excess mortar is smoothed or brushed back for a clean finish.
4. Repoint if needed Once dry, any visible gaps are filled and neatened — this process is known as pointing.
Mortared stone walls are excellent for garden borders, property boundaries, and decorative features. They offer a timeless look with the added strength of modern materials.
Stone Walling in Cornwall
At Woodland Stonework, we specialise in both dry stone walling and Cornish hedging, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern attention to detail. Whether you want to restore an old boundary wall, add character to your garden, or build a new feature from local stone, we can help.
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If you’re planning a project and need an experienced stonemason in Cornwall, get in touch today for a free quote and friendly advice.