For projects that don t require a lot of mortar use smaller bags of mortar mix or concrete.
Natural stone retaining wall with mortar.
This is also ideal for stone columns.
It must be deeper than the frost line or at least 12 inches deep for a 3 foot high wall.
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.
Anything taller should be handled by professionals.
This is high strength contractor grade and pre blended mortar.
The easiest way to build a stone retaining wall is to use the dry stack method that requires no mortar between stones and does not need a concrete footing like mortared walls do.
Type s is the common choice for many below grade applications such as masonry foundations manholes retaining walls and sewers as well as at grade projects like brick patios and walkways.
Mortar is not always necessary but it is especially.
Tamp the gravel in the bottom of the trench and pour at least 8 inches of concrete.
Natural stone is often laid in a dry stack style without any mortar but mortar stabilizes the stones to keep them from falling off the wall.
Dig a trench about 6 inches wider than your wall.
A mortar wall must be built on a firm foundation or its joints will crack.
Remove the stone spread a trowelful of mortar on the wall and tamp the stone into it with a mallet.
Although type s mortar must have a minimum compressive strength of 1 800 psi it is often mixed for strengths between 2 300 and 3 000 psi.