The photos at left (enlargeable) and instructions below are for an 8-inch-thick facing over a block wall; if you're
planning to build a thicker wall, lay it up 12 or 16 inches thick and leave out the block backing.
The randomly-fitted style illustrated here is known as a rubble pattern. As for the stones, I
gathered them from our property.
Preliminaries
1. First you must prepare an adequate foundation. My wall has an 8-inch deep by 16-inch wide
footing of poured concrete placed in undisturbed soil well below the frost line for this area.
2. Collect plenty of stones, but don't pile them so deep that you cannot sort through them when
you need to find just the right one. You can always haul more when you begin to run low.
3. Gather the tools you will need: Mortar pan (or wheelbarrow), a hoe for mixing (not shown),
a rock hammer (MUST WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN STRIKING STONE!), a small trowel, measuring stick, and a
stiff wire brush. Waterproof gloves are recommended because Portland cement is caustic while it is wet.
4. Mix mortar in your pan. I use one part Portland cement to 3 parts mortar sand. You can
purchase mortar already mixed--just add water, or in some cases add sand and water. Purchased
mortar mix is easier to use than the Portland-sand mix because it has plasticizers that make it
stick, as well as preventing drying out too quickly. You can also add colors if desired.
Casting the First Stone, and the Second...
