Landscaping - Helpful Hints about Stone Wall Construction

In the course of a party show we did when my band toured NSW, way back in the beginning

of 2001, I'd the delightful experience of seeing Russell Crowe’s property near Nana Glenn.

After we had performed a few tunes, savoured a delicious supper and had a look at a lot of

interesting ‘Gladiator’ paraphernalia, we all moved down to take it easy around the pool area.

It actually was a great example of what you can do, with respect to landscaping, to improve

poolside surroundings. At the rear of the swimming pool, massive boulders allowed

swimmers a handy diving place and yet it was actually so well done that it nearly seemed to

be that the swimming pool had been constructed in amongst the rugged outcropping.

Attractive, appropriate plantings and a minimal utilization of cement further enhanced the

pool’s surrounds.

You do not need to go to quite such extremes about your own fibreglass or concrete pools;

there are many less costly ways to enhance your poolside environments. A great way would

be to build a low stone feature wall. A small natural stone wall might be inserted between the

poolside walking area and any expanses of mulch coated plantings. This will provide a

degree of separation between the locations and provide a boundary to the walking area. If a

wall is well made and also of suitable stone it's going to indeed become a striking feature.

The best way of constructing this type of stone wall begins with a concrete foundation of

suitable depth, including appropriate structural materials. This will depend on the height of

the feature wall, however a feature wall of half a metre would require a foundation that is at

least 10 centimetres and steel reinforcing as specified by your regional construction authority

regulator.

My personal preference, so far as the stone to be employed, is for slate. Placed with all the

long sides horizontally, the wall will then be given a striking linear dimension. The style

associated with stone walling I prefer is that widely used in rural Ireland. In a way it simulates

the appearance of slate as it would occur in a natural outcrop and in addition offers great

overall toughness to the construction. Carried out effectively, it'll substantially improve the

look of both fibreglass and concrete pools.

Keep the actual depth of mortar consistent throughout the wall. Place stones using a level,

keeping in mind it's the top surface that ought to be level, not necessarily the base. Be sure

to tap every stone into position, if possible utilizing something wooden (e.g. the handle of the

lump hammer.) If a stone features a sloping face, up to 30 degrees, work with it, but don't

forget the incline must always be out at the top and slope down, in towards the wall.

Coursing will be the laying of stones with their tops level, making a lengthy flat course on

which you can add the following level. Don’t lay your stone too evenly or else you may as

well construct a brick wall, the actual talent of creating feature walls is tied up with the

harmony of the stones you employ. Do not attempt to put large stones up on their sides, for

whilst it may mean you finish a little more rapidly, distinct ‘Shiners’ will take away from the

overall balance and flow of your work.

Leave the mortar between the stones till it's started to dry. Last thing you will do right after

every stone-laying session is to rake out the joints between the stones. Keep the raking out

consistent; I'd generally use a raking out depth of about one centimetre. Remember to brush

the wall clean afterward, as this prevents concrete discoloration that is difficult to wash off

when it cures.

Prepared by: Freedom Pools - Swimming Pool Brisbane