What Goes Into Hawaiian Rock Wall Construction?

rachelle madula • February 23, 2022
Hawaiian lava rock wall construction process

The ancient structures located on the Big Island used to be built with lava rocks. We can find Hawaiian rock wall construction in many parts of America. 

The beautiful lava-rock walls are seen through islands. The residential properties and the commercial areas are constructed with Hawaiian rock walls. 

The Hawaiian rock wall construction is commonly spotted in Hawaii. The rock-wall masons are located on the Big Island. In this post, we will be throwing light on how Hawaiian rock wall construction is done.

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Dry Stack Method 


The dry-stack method is very much in use even today. The Hawaiian rock wall is designed with attractive styles and is fashioned with cement to get a firm hold. The type of rock used for the rock-wall building is the Hawaiian blue rock. This rock can be efficiently mined and has a smooth finish.


Where To Get Hawaiian Rock Walls From? 


Masons purchase Hawaiian rocks from the landowners. They obtain rock from quarries and sometimes harvest rock themselves by taking it from their friends’ properties. Blue rock is used for building walls and stairs. These rocks are used for outdoor showers, spas, mailboxes, ranching pens, terraces, and more. They are also used for building structures. The layers of the rocks are put into place like a puzzle. It is essential to buy a rock that is the right fit for the surface. 


What Type Of Hawaiian Rock Walls Are Used For Construction? 


The blue rock is one of the most famous rocks used by the masons. The blue rock wall is commonly used to build beautiful rock walls. Pahoehoe lava is one of the best options because it showcases a smooth and colorful surface. This rock is a great pick if you want to build fireplaces and interior accents. Pahoehoe is available on the Big Island. The outdoor shower designed with pahoehoe is rarely found on any other islands. Moss rock is also one of the most popular rocks that has been used for centuries.

A new lava rock wall Hawaii fence built in Honolulu

Tips For A Durable Hawaiian Rock Wall Construction 


Most people believe that the walls are solid rock, but this is not usually the case. Walls are built with a slight tilting inward. The interior of the wall is generally filled with rubbish rock. Many rock walls are designed with drainage pipes installed to divert water.

The top of the wall plays a significant role in making the walls durable and strong. It is best to cap the walls with a thick layer of cement. It is also great to top the rocks with an even surface. 

Masons can use creative and innovative techniques and design the caps' surface. This will allow them to build in a cantilever style. It is also a good idea to use insets to mount bamboo. The bamboo must fence on top to make it more durable. It is also a great idea to install solar lights that match the length of the wall.


Conclusion

Lava rock is abundant on the volcanic island, which is why the building walls and terraces with Hawaiian rock walls are endless. Masons in Hawaii invest a lot of time and effort to make Hawaii beautiful with the mesmerizing rock walls.

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