What You Need to Know Before Building Your Own Rock Walls

Are you planning to build a rock wall but have a minimal budget? You are probably thinking of doing it yourself because for many, it looks like simply stacking rocks with additives until it forms a wall. Rock walls are ubiquitous in Hawaii, and building them yourself can definitely add excitement as it can be a fun journey to embark on. However, there are several things you have to keep in mind as neglecting these important details can result in a disastrous outcome. So, before you skip things out and jump off to the stone stacking process or choose eye-catching decorative features, make sure to check these important details that are provided by professional rock wall builders in Hawaii so that somehow, you can manage to avoid building your rock wall like a pro.

Understand the Purpose of Your Rock Wall

The most important thing you need to identify before starting to do anything is to know what your rock wall is for. Each type of rock wall has its own functions, planning, advantages, and disadvantages, which you need to weigh as others’ requirements might be different from yours. For example, decorative rock walls prioritize aesthetics and do not bear significant weight. However, freestanding walls should have structural integrity to withstand outdoor elements such as wind and rain. On the other hand, retaining walls need a strong foundation and drainage system to withstand pressure from the earth behind them.
That is why there’s no single rock wall solution for every situation as it depends on your purpose. Understanding what to prioritize, what to balance, and what type of rock wall matches your area can help in defining the right material, layout, and construction techniques.

Additionally, keep in mind that stones have their own characteristics and where they are best for. You can check our guide comparing rock walls vs. other retaining walls in Hawaii to help you determine if that is the best option for you.

Preparation and Tools Needed

Although building a rock wall yourself can save you a significant amount, the downside is that you must purchase your own essential tools for the preparation and building process. Here are the things you need:
• Shovel and pick – For digging and leveling.
• Hammer and Chisel – to shape and flatten rocks.
• String and stakes – for marking your wall’s layout.
• Wheelbarrow – for moving heavy stones.
• A level – to ensure that the layers of stones are even.

You can try to borrow some tools from your neighbors or friends and improvise for some simple tools so you can save. Also, ensure that the length and height of your wall are measured properly to calculate the number of rocks and other materials needed accurately. For more insight, here's a helpful overview of rock wall equipment needed in Hawaii to give you a better idea of what you'll require.

Building a Strong Foundation

Note that a strong foundation is crucial in building a rock wall as it affects the whole strength of the structure. Here’s the rock wall foundation guide that you should follow:
Depth: Dig a trench at least 6-12 inches deep, depending on the height of the wall.
Width: The trench should be slightly wider than the base of your wall.
Base Material: Fill the trench with gravel or crushed stones to improve stability.

The foundation supports the entire weight of your wall, so putting more time and effort into this step will help a lot or directly asking for tips from professional rock wall builders in Hawaii can save you headaches later. If you're unsure how to approach this, check our detailed breakdown of what goes into Hawaiian rock wall construction for more insights.

Building for Stability

Since we are already talking about stability, if you are building a dry stacked rock wall, stability, and weight distribution are even more crucial. Here are some real-life tips from expert rock wall experts in Hawaii:
Start the layering process with the largest, flattest stones for the base layer. Each layer should be staggered similar to laying bricks. For retaining walls, backfill with gravel behind each layer for pressure reduction. Also, make sure to slightly lean the wall inward (toward the soil) to increase the structural strength of your retaining wall.
For mortar-based walls, mix a high-quality mortar and apply it evenly between each stone. But remember to be careful to not let excess mortar smear the outer surface, unless you prefer a rustic or unfinished look. If you're leaning toward a concrete-based solution, you might want to review our post on how to build concrete walls for more structured techniques.

Drainage is Important

One of the most important matters that saves a rock wall from failing is proper drainage–which a lot of DIYers neglect. If there’s no way out of the water, your wall may buckle or collapse due to water buildup and soil expansion. What you should do is add drainage pipes also known as “weep holes” in key spots along the walls. Also, incorporating crushed stone or gravel as backfill as we already mentioned is not only to reduce pressure but also improves drainage. Just a reminder, avoid using soil as backfill, as it will only retain moisture and exert additional pressure.

Prepare Yourself for Heavy Lifting

Obviously, rocks hold significant weight. This means you have to deal with it and put in more time and significant effort–which can be physically demanding–to move, lift, and stack stones. To avoid injuries, always lift with your legs and not with your back. You can also work in short, manageable sessions to avoid over-exhausting yourself and use mechanical assistance efficiently with the help of a dolly or wheelbarrow for moving heavier rocks easily. Lastly, don’t forget to use gloves, safety goggles, and a pair of sturdy boots to protect yourself during the project. If you’re unsure where to source the right materials, our article on where to get Hawaii lava rocks for a wall might point you in the right direction.

Final Advice

Building a real-life rock wall is no joke. It could be exciting in the beginning but all fun and games will disappear once a single to every aspect falls apart. That is why it can be cost-effective if everything goes smoothly. However, considering the time and effort you have to spend, along with the additional cost for tools and equipment–and having little to no assurance of success–do you think is it worth it? But if you are really eager to learn and to develop a new skill or looking for a challenge, we hope that this guide helps you boost your confidence.

On the other hand, Oahu Concrete Professional highly encourages people to seek professional assistance to ensure a successful and efficient rock wall-building process in Hawaii, with less hassle and peace of mind. We are fully aware of the advantages and drawbacks of building your own rock walls. So, if you need further assistance from professional builders who offer services across the islands, we are here to help. Message us or fill out our form to start building your rock walls with us!