Workshops - Rockin Walls - Fall 2014

FALL 2014 
Rockin Walls University - hosting beginner level workshops. Intermediate levels to come 2015.

See our Dry Stone Workshops Page for more details. 

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Estate Entrance Way, Pillar - Wall, Proposal Drawling Specs

In my drawing I have shown the left side which would be the same as the right side - mirrored.  Both would have a slight curve to follow the current wooden fence line. Shown in mini sketch at lower right. 

I like to draw out my visions for proposals to help my clients have a clearer understanding of what services I'm offering.  When a client can see your vision they will understand what services you're offering. 

This skill set puts me above others who don't take the time to create value in their proposals. I only go to this level once I have a strong commitment and understanding. We are both on the same path.

Real Example of this design by McAlister Stone KY

Proposed space left side

The first two 8' sections of wood fence would be replaced with 6 foot high pillar and 4 foot high wall. This would be a total of 16 feet of fence removed and replaced with local natural stone. A dry laid stone construction - An Estate Entrance Way. 

Proposed space right side

I like to be a part of the space when planning a project in order to get a better sense of what will be a match to the landscape. I've seen way too many great jobs that just don't fit the landscape.

Have you ever driven down the road and seen a Home or a Hardscape that just looks out of place? You get that gut instinct that something isn't right. Having a BFA in Vision Communication Graphic Design I have a trained education in compositions and negative space. This is a skill set I bring to the table helping to allow me to create Start to Finished work with out a team.  Giving the highest level of quality to each job.


Other quality examples of Dry Laid Stone - Estate Entrance Way can be viewed on:  McAlister Stone - Lancaster KY

Consider this when hiring a Dry Stone Mason!

If you plan on hiring a Dry Stone Mason, take the time to see their work. Understand what they do. How they have been trained. Do they hold any qualified certification from DSC or DSWA? Ask for referrals. Understand what good walling looks like. Just because someone is a mason who may work with mortar, they may not understand how to properly build a dry stone wall. 

Most businesses will be happy to take your money and say Yes we can do that. Remember also dry stone doesn't mean dry stone look or mortar should be used. Dry Stone walls are built with out mortar. Only on rare occasions mortar may be needed for a special application.

I've taken the steps to learn correct walling, I follow key rules and build to the level of my training, always pushing to be greater. In 2006 I built one of my first walls. (pictured above) I had never built a wall before of this size. This was recycled Butler stone a friend had given me and my wife. In 8 hours I put this together. I had only read books but never taken a workshop. Running joints in more then a few places. Weed cloth on the bottom- a no no. Simply not needed since your stones should sit right on the earth.

Some of the other things at the time I did not think of was the undercut of the stone. If you look hard at some of the stone you will see more then a few which are not working with the batter of the wall. So instead of tapering back some actually stick out due to the shape. I also did not use any string lines or frames - I had no idea what they were at the time. In 2007 I would learn the basics from the DSC in KY with master craftsman Neil Rippingale. Seen below workshop in Shaker village KY.

Moral of the story- don't let any fast talking "Professional Stone Mason" tell you how qualified he or she is. The internet is a big place - do your homework - check credentials, inspect work. Ask questions. Last but least do they build it or do they have a crew of men who do the work. Sometimes a one man show will be slower but the quality of work will be correct with a skilled craftsman.

For more information about correct dry stone walling check out Dry Stone Principles. The DSWA of Great Britain offers some great leaflets on proper dry stone walling. 

A MUST READ: Book - StoneWork, Standards & Common Faults, by SEan Adcock