Using Armour Stone to Build a Retaining Wall

Armour stone is a large, thick and heavy rock which lends well to its wall building capabilities.

Their sheer size can be supplemented by a simple locking mechanism, such as a built-in lip on the bottom, to ensure a solidly built wall.

Getting started

Whether you’re looking to build a retaining wall or a raised garden area the same basic materials are needed

• The stones themselves
• 1/2” gravel
• Landscaping fabric

If you’ve never built an armour stone wall before, you will benefit greatly from the assistance of a contractor. The calculations and precise placement can be a bit tricky, and a well-versed professional can take all the guesswork out of it.

Here’s a breakdown of what your contractor will be doing will be doing step by step:

• Working with you to determine the desired height of the wall and calculating the number and size of stones required.
• Digging a trench twice the width and to the required depth for a proper foundation.
• Laying down the landscaping fabric. This vital step keeps plants and weeds from growing under the wall and pushing it out of level.
• Installing the gravel base. It will be at least 2” deep depending on how high your wall will be. The contractor will ensure the base is level with some sort of compacting device.
• The armour stones are stacked one on top of the other. They will likely be set with each tone slightly behind the other so that the lip built into them can lock into one another when the ground pushes forward against them. The weight of the armour stone itself, this lip, and the angle of incline are what keep the wall in place and the ground held back.

A retaining wall adds structure and formality to your landscape, just be sure it’s designed, installed, and maintained correctly.

Got more questions?

Do you have more questions about armour stone or retaining walls? Contact a Grand River Stone expert today!