The rock wall is one of the structures in landscape design that can add both stunning beauty and purpose. It can give a sense of antiquity and also be distinctly unique. While the natural look of stone can make the wall blend in with any surroundings, its very structure can be imposing. It doesn’t matter if you install a rock retaining wall or a freestanding wall, it seems to always be a work of art that adds to the inspiration of the landscape.

The beauty of rock walls can vary depending on the type of stone and how it is used. Stones can be piled randomly or cemented in place. They can create a wall that takes on a rustic appearance or one that has an elegant style. The different looks you achieve when building a rock wall are limitless. To help you imagine one in your landscape, we’ve highlight a few possibilities.

4 Types of Stone for Building a Rock Wall

Drystack Stone

The flat surfaces of drystack stone require methodical stacking with or without mortar. Used for thousands of years by ancient civilizations, drystone walls are more recently reminiscent of pioneers in early American history. Drystack stone can give a rustic look to any outside area. It is easy to work with and versatile for building applications. Consider building stretches of rock walls to mark property boundaries, as a retaining wall along a terrace, or as a short freestanding wall around a patio area.

Granite Cobblestone

When used to build rock walls, granite cobblestones produce a traditional, old world charm that is a reminder of the beautiful garden walls in Europe. The setts are rectangular in shape and similar in size so they are easy to stack for a neat, even-structured wall that can stand alone or function as a retaining wall. This is a popular decorative choice for a grand entrance or accent wall.

Riverrock

The random sizes and rounded shapes of riverrock fit tightly together when stacked and give a unique character to a rock wall. Blends of various colors of these earthen stone make these walls attractive and can bring out your inner creativity. Whether you set the riverrock in place with or without mortar, building this type of wall is time consuming. It takes a while to find the stone that fits just right. But the end product is a beautiful retaining or freestanding wall that brings a relaxed and informal look with a bit of country charm to any garden or yard.

Thin Stone Veneer

The thin cuts of stone veneer are easy to apply on a new or existing outdoor surface to create a decorative stone wall. Because it is cut from natural stone, it retains the beauty and characteristics of the stone. There are numerous color choices and regular or irregular shapes for different looks. In addition, it is lightweight and less bulky, making it easier to work with and more economic. Use thin stone veneer to add sophistication to your landscape with curved accent walls and pillared retaining walls.

If you would like to get more inspiration for a rock wall, come visit our showroom and see our wide selection of stone. You can also contact us for information at 770.385.7708 or customerservice@Fieldstonecenter.com.

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If you are thinking of using manufactured stone and are stuck on the type, a good place to start is deciding on the shape. There are three main popular types that are based on the general stone’s shape:

• Ledgestones are broken, symmetrical, and tight-fitting stones with a wide range of sizes and colors. The stones are stacked together using a mortar, cement, and sand mixture. They are generally short and wide with flat-cut sides and a jagged front for a rustic appearance. When selecting ledgestones in your architecture, they are mostly used on residential home facades or interior fireplaces, and can also be used in landscaping wall applications.
• Fieldstone is a gathered material and this stone material is typically left in its natural state. They are random-sized stones that have the appearance of being unearthed and stacked. The irregular shapes provide a much different rustic beauty compared to ledgestones. They work well in a variety of settings from interior fireplaces to home facades to landscaping.
• Riverrock are shaped using smoother, oblong river rocks, or cobblestones. They can show depth when used in architecture. The stones are suited for rough borders, pond and stream beds, or wall construction.

The shape of the rock has a lot to do with creating the appearance you are aiming for. If you are looking for a chiseled and stacked look, ledgestones are a good choice. If you want more random stacking with a smoother look, fieldstones are a good choice. Riverrocks work well when you want a slight uniformity in size, depth, and a smooth surface.

When considering the shape of manufactured stone, think about how it will match with your style. Native American Indians used the ledgestone style for construction of buildings and walls along cliff edges and ledges where the stones were sourced. The fieldstone style has historically been popular in agricultural areas because it is associated with the rocks found when plowing the fields in preparation for planting crops. And as you might guess, riverrocks are popular along rivers where the rocks have been tumbled over hundreds of years to become smooth and rounded.

Once you determine your overall shape, your next step is deciding on color and size. Fieldstones come in a multitude of color choices while riverrocks have colorful rocks. Ledgestones are usually in various neutral hues. When decorating, adding in lighter colors can help brighten and open up your space. Darker colors can make your space look smaller and more intimate.

As for the size of the stone, smaller stones and pebble textures look better when you are working in a small area. Whereas, you have more flexibility when using larger or random-sized stones in a larger area. And while ledgestone has softer colors with pinks, beige and grays, its blocky size works best in larger spaces so that it is not overwhelming.

Fieldstone Center has a wide selection of manufactured stone and natural stone for your home project. We can help you find the shape, size, and color that work best in your home. For more information or to see our products, contact us at 770.385.7708.

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