How to build a stone wall: Dig a trench that’s below the frost line and 2 feet wider than the wall. Line it with landscape fabric overlapped 12 inches at the seams, add a 6-inch layer of ¾-inch stone, and tamp it with a plate compactor. Add and tamp more layers until the footing is about 8 inches below grade.Click to see full answer. Similarly, you may ask, how do you make a river stone wall? Choose Stones A mortar wall must be built on a firm foundation, or its joints will crack. Dig a trench about 6 inches wider than your wall. It must be deeper than the frost line, or at least 12 inches deep for a 3-foot-high wall. Tamp the gravel in the bottom of the trench, and pour at least 8 inches of concrete. what kind of cement is used for rock walls? Mortar Types For a garden wall, mortar mix is a good choice. This is a blend of Type N masonry cement and graded sand. It has good adhesive properties and workability. If you’re building a retaining wall, use a blended mason mix, which includes the heavy-duty mortar type S masonry cement and graded sand. Likewise, people ask, how do you install river rock on an exterior wall? How to Lay Rock on a Wall Wipe the back of each rock to remove debris. Mix a batch of rich mortar. Spread a 1/2-inch layer of rich mortar over the prepared surface. Dampen the back side of the rock. Apply a 1/4-inch layer of rich mortar on the dampened rock back. Position and press the rock into the desired location. How do you make a rockery? Create an alpine rockery Lay the foundations. Having cleared and levelled your chosen site, add a layer of bricks or rubble to provide good drainage and start to shape your creation. Cover the foundations. Secure the rocks in place. Mix your compost. Spread the compost. Set out pots ahead of planting. Time to plant. Water in plants.