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How to Build a Stone Cap on a Stone Wall
How to Build a Stone Cap on a Stone Wall. A stone cap can improve the appearance of a stone wall, as well as its stability. By choosing stones based upon their flatness, size and ability to fit tightly on top of existing walls, you can create an attractive, yet safe, structure that will maintain its integrity for years.
A stone cap can improve the appearance of a stone wall, as well as its stability. By choosing stones based upon their flatness, size and ability to fit tightly on top of existing walls, you can create an attractive, yet safe, structure that will maintain its integrity for years.
Things You'll Need
Stones
Mortar
Choose your stone caps and additional materials based upon the construction of the existing stone wall. If the current wall is constructed of loose stone, you may simply want to place the stone cap directly on the top without any bonding materials. If the stone wall was constructed with mortar, you will want to keep the appearance consistent, and use mortar for the stone cap as well.
Inspect the top of the existing stone wall, and determine whether it is level enough to build a proper stone cap. You may need to add small stones in various locations to create a smooth, consistent and level surface for the cap.
Find the right type of stones to build your stone cap. The stones should be flat, slightly bigger than the stones just underneath them and of the same general color as the existing wall. For maximum stability, however, the stone cap should not be wider than the base of the stone wall.
Lay the stones for the cap on the ground in front of the wall, and determine where to place each stone for the perfect fit. When building a stone wall, you should approach it in the same way you would approach a jigsaw puzzle, and be willing to move stones around until you achieve the most secure combinations. It's better to remove the entire stone cap and start from scratch than to build a potentially unsafe wall that could cause injury down the road.
Test the stone cap for stability once all the stones are in place. If you're not using mortar or some other bonding agent, you may want to consider adding dirt, clay soil or smaller stones to some of the larger cracks and spaces. While the dirt may wash away quickly, it will give the stones more time to settle into the wall.
Tips & Warnings
Employ proper lifting methods when working with heavy stones. Remember to lift with your legs, ensure that you have the proper footing and always ask for help if a stone is too heavy for you to lift.
