Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a stone wall?
It depends on the height, width and whether the foundations need to be removed and reset.
Why are stone walls different colours?
The colour of a wall depends on two things. 1) The geology of the rock from which it is constructed, and 2) the age of the wall. Different types of rock have significantly different colours – a good place to observe this is in the river Derwent as it flows through Borrowdale. As rock weathers, the outer layer of the rock will change colour, and also be colonised by organisms that accelerate the process (e.g. lichens). If you crack a rock open you often see a colour change near the outer surface – this is the weathering process progressing. Colours tend to fade with greater weather, and when coupled with the growth of organisms on walls with age, explains why older walls tend to be less colourful.
Further information is available in the DSWA leaflet Geology for wallers.
How old are most stone walls?
A large number of Cumbrian walls were built 1750 -1850 under the various Enclosures Act but there are examples going back many hundreds of years.
Are there different types of walls?
Yes, there are several variations of dry stone walls sharing many of the same building principles. The tops/cams can also vary depending on where the wall is being built.
What makes a dry stone wall, a dry stone wall?
The use of strategically placed stones, with hearting (wall-filling), through stones that span the width of the wall, batter (angles of the wall), and top stones generally answer these criteria….. and of course no cement!
How much does a dry stone wall cost?
This is an ongoing question and answers will vary from the professional Waller, using area location, type of stone, distance to be built, and height, are just some of the typical factors taken into account when pricing.
How long does it take to qualify as a Master Craftsman?
This is purely down to the individual and their skill base. For some it takes many years of learning and practice to become a Master of this craft others pick it up very quickly and take the various level exams over a shorter period and gain this accreditation.
What makes a stone wall fall down?
A wall can fall for many reasons but some are poor construction, poor hearting (inner wall fill levels), poor foundations, general stone decay, and wildlife – deer, badgers, and cattle.
How long does a stone wall last?
A stone wall if constructed correctly can last over 100 years with many being found lasting over 200 years
Could you build a dry stone house?
As stone walls are self-supporting, they lack the necessary physical properties to make large structures. Large stone buildings use cut stones and mortar.
What is ‘walking the wall’?
This is something undertaken by the lead Waller on any project. Basically, the lead Waller walks along both sides of the wall checking the Wallers are building it correctly using the correct building principles, all measurements are correct, enough hearting (infill) is being used within the wall, the batter (wall angle) is correct and it is inline with all the guiding strings.
What’s underneath a stone wall?
A set of very secure foundations that gave a level base for the wall to be constructed on. You tend to find the biggest and odd-shaped stones are used for this.
Why were (and are) stone walls built?
A lot of walls were constructed to keep livestock in their fields, to protect livestock from predators e.g. Wolves, and as boundary markers for farms and properties.
Why are some walls covered in moss?
Moss is distinct from lichen (a symbiotic organism consisting of algae and fungi) and fungi and loves wet, shady places. Stone walls offer an ideal microclimate for the plant, which absorbs nutrients from the water that runs down over the rock. An extensively moss-covered wall is both old and located in a very wet place.
DSWA leaflets
The Dry Stone Walling Association produces several leaflets that cover aspects of the construction of dry stone walls, and their uses.