Facts & Questions

What is drystack? How tall can you stack a wall? What are other options?

Drystack generally means that the stones are stacked with a technique that uses their own natural shapes and sizes to interlock them – no mortar. Stones can also be mortared tightly together so as to give a “drystack” look while gaining the integrity of a mortared substructure. Generally, natural stone walls shouldn’t be stacked much higher than a couple of feet. If you need to go higher, walls can have very large stones as a base; or you can terrace your walls, which can add a dramatic effect as well.To get walls higher, you may need significant site work behind the wall to prevent future heaving or damage.

What kind of site work is required to build a wall?

For most decorative walls or retaining walls, we generally excavate six inches down and compact a bed of crushed stone. This helps with drainage under the wall and minimizes heaving during the changes of season. If the wall is a veneer wall, we need to get a concrete footing in the ground. Then we build a structural wall out of cinder block. From there, we can face that structure with veneer stone.

What kind of site work is required for a patio or walkway?

Similar to a stone wall, we excavate down between four to six inches and then fill the void with stonedust. This is compacted, smoothed, and pitched for water runoff. It is then set for setting pavers.

For my interior fireplace, can I use pallet stone or do I need to use more expensive veneer cut stone?

This generally depends on the preparation done around the firebox. Pallet stone can be used if there is a concrete base wide enough to support it. If this is something being retrofitted, you will likely need to use veneer stone.

What is required to set stone on any wall in my house? What about on an exterior wall?

Interior walls can be prepared with a cement board or with particle board that is then wrapped in waterproof materials. Exterior walls are very similar in their preparation. Both usually require a wire lathe as well that helps create a strong bond between wood and the masonry.

What is cultured stone? are there special requirements for this product?

Cultured Stone is actually a specific brand of faux stone, but most people use the name generically to describe any faux stone product. Most-faux stones have similar prep to natural stone, but some brands specify certain types of mortar that must be used with their product.

Do you offer full masonry services, such as brick and mortar and fireplace construction?

We do not offer brick and mortar construction for home façades, but we do offer fireplace construction inclusive of all masonry elements.