How to Build Ferrocement Walls

A ferrocement wall is a mesh wire frame covered in a thin layer of cement. These types of walls are attractive if a second layer of cement is placed and smoothed out over the initial layer which is bumpy because of the wire mesh underneath. Because the wall is made of cement and wire, there is no need to worry about rotting or replacing wooden frames. This is a cheap and quick project that can create any size of wall for any outdoor need, such as raised vegetable garden squares or flowerbed borders.

Wire mesh

Wire cutters

2-foot long rebar

Ball pein hammer

Wire ties

Cement mix

Water

Bucket

Spade

Rubber gloves

Trowel

Cut wire mesh into 1-foot wide strips using wire cutters.

Hammer 2-foot long rebar into the ground at 18-inch intervals along the area where the ferrocement wall is needed using a ball pein hammer. Hammer the rebar until only 1 foot is above ground.

Tie the strips of wire mesh to the rebar using a wire tie at the top of the rebar and at the base next to the dirt.

Mix the cement mixture with water in a bucket using a spade. Use a 2:1 cement to water ratio when mixing. This means you will use twice as much cement mix as water.

Apply the cement to the wire mesh while wearing rubber gloves. Apply slowly to allow the cement a little time to cure while you are working with it. You want the cement to dry as it connects to the mesh before adding more cement because the wet cement is heavy and will bend the mesh or fall off the wire.

Apply a second layer of cement to the wall after the first layer has completely dried. Use a trowel to smooth the second layer.

Use flowers or leaves to imprint designs on your ferrocement walls as the second layer dries.

Wear a face mask when mixing the cement to prevent inhaling dust.