Combine dry ingredients for mortar mix.
Making a rock wall with concrete.
A rock wall can be a long lasting distinctive addition to any garden or yard.
No snake can take up residence and it is almost impossible for weeds to invade since there is no sustenance for them.
If the groove caves in add more dry ingredients.
If the surface stays smooth and the sides of the groove hold their shape your concrete is ready.
How to build a rock wall 1.
Dry stacking with no mortar is the quickest method to build a rock wall but it won t last.
Once built you ll have a rock solid retaining wall without all the heavy mortar lines.
Some good tips about making rock walls that will help build your confidence.
Prepare the footing photo by russell kaye.
To know when your concrete is ready use the back of a shovel to smooth the surface.
A 4 foot wall made of round 4 inch rocks is a bad joke.
If you can t make a distinct groove add more water.
If those are the rocks you have buy some sheets of plywood build a simple but strong form to support same and make a concrete rock wall.
Line it with landscape fabric overlapped 12 inches at the seams add a 6 inch layer of inch stone and tamp it.
Building good looking stone walls by amateurs using concrete foundations mortar and formwork.
Add all the ingredients to a wheelbarrow or concrete mixer depending on the size of rock you are creating and amount of mortar you are mixing.
Dig a trench that s below the frost line and 2 feet wider than the wall.
Mix 3 parts sand with 1 part portland cement.
Though it can be hard work building a rock wall is well worth the effort whether it will be used as a retaining wall foundation or garden fence.
Then make a groove in it with the side of the shovel.
New videos added march 2018 much more detail in the masonry playlist at https.
The stone walls i describe here are close to maintenance free.