Stonework
Terraces and walls in stone and brick, built to last the frost
Frost lifts anything that is laid carelessly. Our stonework starts below the surface, with excavation, a compacted base and drainage, and the stone you see goes on top of that.
What is included
Excavation, base and drainage for every wall and terrace
Dry-laid and mortared stone walls
Terraces, steps and paths in stone, brick or pavers
Gates, piers and edging
Site cleanup and a written care note
How it works
From the first visit to the finished work
- 01
Step 1: Site visit
We look at the grade, the soil and where water collects, and talk through stone and brick.
- 02
Step 2: Plan and samples
The plan shows each wall in section, and you choose from samples on site.
- 03
Step 3: Base work
Excavation, compacted base, drainage and footings go in before any stone is laid.
- 04
Step 4: Laying
Masons set the stone, cut and fit it, and finish steps, caps and joints.
When it is done
Stonework follows the thaw
The ground has to be workable and dry, so most stone is laid between spring and early winter.
Winter
Plans, stone selection and orders. Little digging while the ground is frozen.
Spring
Excavation and base work start, then walls and terraces.
Summer
Paving, steps and finishing. Mortared work avoids the hottest days.
Fall
Last stonework before the freeze, with planting beside it.
Sample work
Stone, brick and the places they sit
Sample photos.
Questions
About this work
Dry-laid or mortared: how do you choose?
Dry-laid walls drain and move a little with frost, which suits garden walls under a certain height. Mortared work suits formal faces and some steps. We say which we recommend and why.
Does a wall need a permit?
Some do, depending on height, what it holds back and where it stands. We tell you at the site visit and prepare the drawings; the county sets the final rule.
Will plants grow in the wall?
They can. We leave planting pockets where the plan calls for them and choose plants that tolerate the sun and dryness.
Walk the site with us
We take measurements, listen to how you use the garden and agree what to draw first.