Walls
Benefits of dry-laid stone retaining walls: They resist fire, water and insects. They can be recycled due to the dry-laid method. They provide natural drainage without any damage to the structure, unlike mortared walls, which tend to crack and break into sections. Note: You may not want to use the dry-laid method right up against a swimming pool because of the silt that filters through the stone wall from rain or sprinklers. A dry-joint method would be a better choice to achieve the same look.
Benefits of dry-laid stone retaining walls: They resist fire, water and insects. They can be recycled due to the dry-laid method. They provide natural drainage without any damage to the structure, unlike mortared walls, which tend to crack and break into sections. Note: You may not want to use the dry-laid method right up against a swimming pool because of the silt that filters through the stone wall from rain or sprinklers. A dry-joint method would be a better choice to achieve the same look.
Kinds of stone used. Consider using native stone in your area for dry-laid retaining walls. Fieldstone and boulders create a more natural look, while layered flagstone can provide a groomed and clean look. You can also integrate boulders within the wall, as shown here, to combine both. Stone with a sandy texture, such as the red sandstone found in the American Southwest, may not be wise to use around a pool or patio area because of the sandy residue that can accumulate
Design options. Dry-laid stone retaining walls can complement most landscape designs. Curving lines or structured lines create definitive boundaries from one space to another. The retaining wall pictured above has a stone bench integrated within the structure. If you are limited in space for seating, why not integrate seating into your wall?
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