Select the size of the stone:

Small:

Ideal for limited spaces where lighter weight matters. Due to the narrow depth, the range in both lengths and heights is more limited. These stones always require a backfill.

Medium:

A versatile size offering both aesthetic appeal and stability. Suitable for cladding indoors and outdoors, such as facades, fireplaces, walls, and other masonry. This size usually requires backfilling.

The amount of stone needed depends on the type of wall, whether it’s a fireplace with many corners or a straight long wall, for example.

Always have extra stone available — about 10 % more than the finished wall size.

Prepare the foundation and set up a guide line (string line) to ensure a straight build.

Empty the stone bag or box and spread out the stones to get a clear view of the selection. Set aside potential cornerstones and sort roughly by depth, using the deepest stones at the bottom.

The stones should be laid in a “bond,” meaning all vertical lines should be broken. Ensure the height of the layers varies along the length of the wall, breaking the horizontal line every 3 – 5 stones.

The visible side of the stone is usually slanted. Place the stone with the widest side down at the bottom.

A thick stone with a steep slant should always be split (reduced in height) one or more times to reduce the slope.

Dry-stone walls should generally be used at full length. If you need to adjust the length, the stone might naturally split along its layers. If splitting is required, it’s best to use an angle grinder—either by cutting through or by creating a groove and then breaking it (known as hewing. When hewing, the rule of thumb is to remove at least twice the stone’s thickness.

If backfilling with mortar, it’s important to brush off the back of the stone to ensure good adhesion. Also, don’t build too much at once.

Capping the top of the wall is crucial to prevent water infiltration, which can cause salt deposits, lime stains, and frost damage.

Choose a size (thickness and overhang) that complements the wall.

Adjust the length by splitting the stone (scoring and breaking). The rule of thumb is to always remove at least twice the stone’s thickness.

It’s essential to apply full adhesive coverage, best achieved by double gluing—applying adhesive both to the underside of the capstone and the top of the wall.