Selecting the Rocks

• The first task in building a stone wall is to select the right rocks. You should choose rocks that are about the size of a volleyball for the first layer or foundation. Select rocks that are about an inch or so smaller in total diameter for the wall itself. You will also need many small, fist sized rocks of various shapes. The rocks should be fairly circular, but they can have oblong and awkward-shaped sides. The point is to make them fit together almost like a jigsaw puzzle when you build the wall.
  
  

Laying the Groundwork

• The next task is to lay the foundation. Place rocks that are generally flat-bottomed flat side down along the length of the wall. Make sure the the spaces between the foundation rocks can be easily filled with your other rocks. If the gaps are too large or too small, it will make it difficult to fit rocks on top of them.
  
  

Building Up the Wall

• Now you should begin selecting rocks from your pile and fitting them into place along the foundation layer. You will spend a lot of time sizing up rocks and finding the right fit. It is important that the rocks you choose not only fit on the foundation solidly, but also create their own spaces for rocks to be placed on top of them. As you work you will probably need to find smaller rocks to fill in any holes. Sometimes you can wedge a fist-sized rock into a gap that is too large, so you have a more stable platform for another rock to be placed on top of it.
  
  

Completing the Wall

• Continue to fit rocks into place to complete the wall. The final layer of rocks most be very steady. Each one should fit snugly into place so they will not rock back and forth and fall off the wall. Build the wall as high as needed. Most are anywhere from a foot to several feet tall.