DIY Network

Round Stone Planting Wall: Demolition of Old Wall/Prep Work From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-111

Scenic Cohasset, Massachusetts

In this episode of Rock Solid, Derek and Dean are on location in Cohasset, Massachusetts -- home of lobster boats, rocky seashores and some of the oldest stonework in America. Inspired by the quaint harbor town, the two will replace an old wall of railroad ties and build a New England-style fieldstone planting wall in its place.

First, the two will remove and separate the railroad ties using sledgehammers and crowbars before planning the layout of the new wall. (Complete instructions continue below.)

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	Before: rustic railroad ties are unattractive -- and do nothing to show off the garden.
	After: a handsome curved stone wall captures the spirit of New England and spruces up the space!

Materials:

Wood stakes
Landscaping rake
Shovel
Mud shovel
Sledge hammer (optional: pick hammer)
Pick hammer
Crowbar
Stone hammer
Chipping hammer
Chisel
Trowel
Safety glasses
String
Line or marker spray paint
Paint brushes
Levels - bullet, 2' and 4'
Jointers
Hand brush
5 gallon buckets
Pruning shears
Wooden stakes
Measuring tape
Wheelbarrow
Mixing hoe
Mortar mixer (rented)
Gravel mix concrete
Rebar
Palletized round fieldstone (a mix of small and medium pallets)
Mason sand
Mortar (any type)
Type II Portland Cement
3/4" crushed stone

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. First, Derek and Dean begin demolition of the old wall by removing and separating the railroad ties with a sledge hammer and crow bar. Because the railroad ties are heavy, the two will separate the ties first. Safety tip: When removing railroad ties, make sure you're careful of the spikes. Use stone hammer or sledge hammer to pound the spikes flat (figure A) to avoid damage or injury.

2. With the wall down, it's time to work on the shape of the new wall. Use marking paint (sprays upside down) to paint the lines of the new wall (marking paint can also be erased). Use the paint to mark the outside edge of the footing (figure B) and face of the wall.

3. Next, dig the footing for the new wall (figure C). The curved wall in this project measures 24" at its highest point, and has a width of 16". The footing is about 12" deep and 18" wide. Because this wall is set on a slope, not all of the wall will measure 24" high -- areas with less height can be proportionately shallow.

4. Mix and spread 6-12" of gravel mix concrete (following manufacturer's directions) into the footing (mix in wheelbarrow using hoe). Spread and smooth by tapping with a rake. The concrete will act as a stabilizing pad on which the stone will sit. It will prevent the stonework from shifting in rain or freezing weather. Pour or shovel the gravel mix concrete into the footing until 1-2" below grade.

5. Add 1/2" rebar to the footing while concrete mixture is still wet. Rebar enables the footing to expand and contract, while reinforcing concrete strength. In this example, the rebar used is 10' long and is placed into the concrete like railroad tracks. Apply pressure to the rebar to shape like the footing. Use the rake to hammer the rebar into the footing. When the footing dries, the rebar will be located around the middle depth of the footing. Allow concrete to set overnight.