Building Stone Walls - Introduction

Scene near Popham Point, Maine. Note prepared foundation for stack of boulders consisting of a trench backfilled with gravel. Note pallets of stone from some old wall. This should be discouraged in most circumstances.

INTRODUCTION:

Working with stone is a New England tradition that goes way back to colonial days.  Building one is a way to reconnect with that past.  But it is also more.  It’s a way to do physical exercise, be outdoors, satisfy an artistic impulse, and leave a lasting legacy. Please do so without using stone strip-mined from the landscape or stealing someone else’s wall.  Though this sounds absurd, its far more common than you think.  

To accomplish this, you will need to:

• Get stone from appropriate places.

• Build the wall following simple rules.

• Give the stones that time tarnished look.

Follow the link to each step above by clicking on it.