A free standing wall is a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape, capable of creating elegant borders, defining outdoor spaces, or serving as a charming retaining wall for a raised flower bed.
Unlike walls that are part of a larger structure, a free standing wall supports only its own weight, making it a distinct architectural feature. While constructing one might seem like a job reserved for professional masons, it is a rewarding and manageable project for a dedicated DIY enthusiast.
This guide is designed to demystify the process for beginners. Learning how to build a free standing wall is primarily about understanding the importance of a solid foundation and following methodical bricklaying techniques. We will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you construct a wall that is not only visually appealing but also structurally sound and built to withstand the elements for years to come.
Why Building a Free Standing Wall Is a Great Landscape Project
A free standing wall offers immense versatility and aesthetic appeal in landscape design. It can act as a decorative garden feature, create privacy, or divide a large yard into more intimate “rooms.”
Unlike fences, a well-built brick or stone wall provides a sense of permanence and classic style that enhances property value. Building one yourself is a great way to learn valuable masonry skills and add a durable, low-maintenance, and high-impact element to your outdoor space, giving you complete creative control over the final look and feel of your landscape.
8 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build a Free Standing Wall
Step 1: Plan Your Wall and Prepare the Foundation
The first and most critical step is planning. Determine the wall’s height, length, and location. For wall stability, a general rule is that the wall’s base should be twice as wide as its height.
Once planned, you must create a solid foundation. Mark out the wall’s footprint with stakes and string, then excavate a trench that is at least 12 inches deep and wider than the wall’s base. It is crucial that this trench extends below the frost line in your region. This foundation preparation is the most important part of ensuring a long-lasting structure.
Step 2: Pour a Concrete Footing
With the trench excavated, the next step is to create a solid concrete footing that will provide structural support. Fill the bottom of the trench with about 4 inches of compacted gravel to allow for proper drainage.
Then, mix and pour concrete to fill the rest of the trench, creating a footing that is at least 6-8 inches thick. Use a trowel or a piece of timber to level the surface of the wet concrete. This footing must be perfectly level, as it will be the base for your entire wall. Allow the concrete to cure completely, which typically takes several days.
Step 3: Lay the First Course of Bricks or Blocks
The first course sets the standard for the entire wall, so precision is key. Start by spreading a 1-inch thick layer of mortar onto the center of the cured concrete footing. Press the first brick or block firmly into the mortar bed. Apply mortar to the end of the next brick (a process known as “buttering”) and press it against the first, ensuring a consistent 3/8-inch mortar joint between them. Continue this process, using a spirit level with every brick to ensure the course is perfectly level and straight.
Step 4: Establish the Corners with Builder’s Profiles
One of the most effective masonry techniques for keeping a wall straight and true is to build the corners up first. Lay three to four courses at each end of the wall, creating sturdy corner pillars. After each course, check that the corner is perfectly square and plumb (vertically straight) using your spirit level. These corners will act as your guide for the rest of the wall. This step is a fundamental part of learning how to build a free standing wall correctly, as it ensures the overall structural integrity and straightness of the project.
Step 5: Fill In the Wall Between the Corners
Once your corners are established, run a taut builder’s string line from the top edge of one corner to the other. This string provides a precise guide for both the height and alignment of the bricks in between. Now, you can begin filling in the courses, a process known as “laying to the line.” Spread your mortar bed and lay your bricks, making sure the top edge of each brick just touches the string line. This method ensures that your wall remains perfectly straight and level from one end to the other.
Step 6: Incorporate a Bond Pattern for Strength
For a wall to have strength, the bricks must be laid in an overlapping pattern, known as a bond. The most common and simple pattern is the running bond, where the vertical joints of each course are centered on the bricks of the course below it. This staggering distributes the load evenly and prevents weak vertical joints from lining up, which would compromise the wall’s stability. To start a new course in a running bond, you will need to use a half-brick at the beginning. This principle of bricklaying is essential for wall stability.
Step 7: Tool the Mortar Joints for a Clean Finish
When the mortar has partially set and is firm enough to hold a thumbprint (known as “thumbprint hard”), you need to finish the joints. This process, called tooling or pointing, involves pressing and smoothing the mortar to create a compact, weatherproof seal and a professional appearance. Use a brick jointer or a striking tool with a concave profile to press firmly along all the horizontal and vertical joints. This not only creates a neat look but also compacts the mortar, making it more durable and resistant to water penetration.
Step 8: Add Capping Stones for Protection
The final step in learning how to build a free standing wall is to add coping or capping stones. These are flat stones or specialized bricks that are laid on the top course of the wall. Their purpose is both aesthetic and functional.
They give the wall a finished, professional look and, more importantly, they protect the wall from weather damage. The cap should overhang the wall slightly on both sides to allow rainwater to drip clear of the wall’s face, preventing water from seeping into the mortar joints and causing damage over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How High Can I Build a Free Standing Wall?
The height you can safely build a free standing wall without additional reinforcement or professional engineering depends on its width and local building codes. A general rule of thumb for a DIY project is to keep the height of a single-width brick wall under 3 feet. For anything taller, the wall needs to be made wider (a double-width wall) or incorporate reinforcing pillars (piers) for added stability. Always check local regulations before building.
What Is the Best Mortar Mix to Use?
For most outdoor, above-ground free standing walls, a Type N mortar mix is the best choice. It provides a good balance of compressive strength and flexibility, which allows it to withstand temperature changes and minor ground movements without cracking. You can purchase pre-mixed bags where you just need to add water, or you can mix your own using a ratio of 1 part Portland cement, 1 part hydrated lime, and 6 parts sand.
Does a Free Standing Wall Need a Foundation?
Yes, absolutely. A solid concrete foundation (or footing) is the most critical part of a durable free standing wall. Without a proper foundation that extends below the frost line, the ground will shift during freeze-thaw cycles, causing the wall to heave, crack, and eventually collapse. The foundation provides the stable base necessary to support the weight of the wall and ensure its longevity.
What Is a “Bond” in Bricklaying?
A bond refers to the overlapping pattern in which bricks are laid. This is done to avoid having continuous vertical joints, which would create a major weak point in the wall. The most common pattern is a “running bond,” where each brick is centered over the joint of the two bricks below it. This interlocking pattern distributes the weight and stress throughout the wall, making it significantly stronger and more stable.
How Do I Cut Bricks for the Ends of Courses?
To create the half-bricks needed for a running bond pattern, you will need to cut them. The most accurate way is to use a wet saw with a diamond blade. For a more traditional method, you can use a brick hammer and a brick set (a type of wide chisel). Score a line around the brick where you want to cut, place the brick on a soft surface like sand, position the chisel on the line, and give it a sharp tap with the hammer.
Conclusion
Successfully learning how to build a free standing wall is a project that brings a profound sense of accomplishment and adds timeless character and structure to your property. While it requires careful planning, patience, and physical effort, the process is straightforward when you follow the fundamental principles of masonry. By focusing on a solid foundation and methodical construction, you can create a durable and beautiful feature with your own hands.
Do not be daunted by the prospect of bricklaying. With the knowledge from this guide, you are well-prepared to take on the challenge. Enjoy the process of building something permanent and beautiful that will enhance your landscape for decades.