Tips on how to build a low stone garden wall

A low stone garden wall creates a functional and decorative area of landscaping in any outdoor space. Stone, such as Stamford Stone’s locally sourced limestone, creates a more durable, aesthetically pleasing alternative to regular brick walling. It is inherently flexible and organic, harmonizing perfectly with any existing or modern stone-built property. We quarry this limestone ourselves, from sites we own, so we can guarantee its provenance and its quality. 

Download our Walling Stone brochure to learn more about our outstanding product range.

Inspiring garden stone wall ideas

The natural long-lasting feature of a stone wall adds character and interest to any property style – from a traditional country cottage to a contemporary eco-friendly development.

A stone wall can be used as a boundary wall, a retaining wall or to separate different areas of your garden, blending seamlessly with all types of plants and vegetation. Four or more courses of stone can even form the base of a timber-framed greenhouse. Plus, stone is ideal for repairing any existing walled structure.

What you’ll need to create a low garden stone wall

Walling stone is surprisingly easy to work with, even if you have no specialist masonry skills. But before starting work, be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles.

First, as with any structure, you need to lay a firm foundation or footing. This needs to be at least 450mm wide extending by 120mm on both sides. This allows for a stronger, double-faced stone wall. To start, mark out the footing to guide each face of the wall. From your Stamford Stone delivery, select some suitable corner stones or ‘quoins’. If necessary, cut them to shape with a bricklayer’s hammer or stonemason’s axe. Mix your mortar, trowel it onto the footing and place a quoin at each end along the guide marking. 

Start building up the corners and ends, using a spirit level to ensure the quoins are vertical. Next, stretch a level line between the two ends of the wall, 300mm-400mm above the footing. Then set stones of varying sizes to complete the course between the quoins. Move the line up the wall as you build, using it as a guide until you reach the finished height, which must be level. 

Continue working on one side of the wall up to a maximum height of 500mm. Move to the other side and build the course up until it’s roughly level with the first. 

For added strength and stability, attach metal wall ties no more than 900mm apart horizontally and 450mm apart vertically. Back fill the cavity with mortar and small stone offcuts as you work along the length of the wall.

If you wish, cap your wall using either slabs or by ‘cock and hen’ capping. This finish alternates upright large and small stones, held in place with mortar. Before the mortar dries completely, scrape away any surplus with a trowel and brush the stones with a medium-soft brush.

Let us help…

Building a low stone garden wall may seem daunting, but our team of stone and masonry experts are always on hand to advise. They’ll help you choose the right stone to use and help you estimate the quantity you’ll need. 

Simply call Stamford Stone on 01780 740 970 for all your stone needs or to book an appointment.