Build Stone Wall Around Patio

We re adding a low retaining wall along a hill at the edge of the layout.

Build stone wall around patio.

After spreading the mortar but before laying the next stone use the trowel edge to cut the mortar even with wall face. You ll find stone patio ideas for around the swimming pool garden terrace courtyard elevated backyard and more. Construct a retaining wall to build the raised patio. Building a raised patio is easy and can add more usable living space and lasting value to your landscape.

Thick stone intended for building walls but any relatively flat stone that s 2 to 4 in. Step 2 stone selection. Place the blocks on the base material near the front of the trench. Because stone is sold by the ton we used 5 1 2 tons a thinner stone like flagstone would have been more economical but it wasn t available in the tumbled finish we wanted.

Watch how to build a retaining wall for more details on retaining walls. Choose the type of stone for the wall. We added the low curved stone wall to enclose one end of the flagstone patio and provide plenty of informal seating. The key to building a wall using mortar is when you apply the mortar it needs to go evenly onto the run of stones that are set.

Build the wall and set the capstones. Install pavers for the outdoor flooring. Lay out the length and shape of the wall. If the yard slopes more than 1 inch every 4 feet a wall helps contain the patio when you build it up to the recommended slope.

We chose 3 or 4 in. This prevents mortar from running down the face of the wall. You have the option of creating one or more walls placed along the perimeter of the patio. Choosing where to put a patio sitting wall is the first step.

Step 3 capstone selection. Visit a center that specializes in natural stone to see the types of stones that are available. How to choose materials for a stone wall. That s the perfect place to position an outdoor fireplace to chase the chill on cool spring and summer evenings.

Dig out the area and put down the base layer. A flagstone patio will complement the new wall. It sits on the gravel base and is held together with construction adhesive. Choose the location wisely photo by kolin smith.

By adding flagstone and natural shapes it will connect in a more natural free flowing way with the rest of the yard. One smart option is to build a stone wall that does double duty serving as a patio or garden border and extra backyard seating. This house with its combination of clean rounded whitewashed walls with a columnar built up area of thinly sliced split faced sandstone achieves a more mediterranean feel. Step 2 lay out and excavate the area photo by kolin smith.

For a uniform look around a patio this old house senior technical editor mark powers prefers to use cast concrete blocks. How to build a sitting wall illustration by gregory nemec.