Stone Walls and Pillars

What is Stone Wall Fencing

Stone walls have been used as a reliable barrier since ancient times. Throughout history, their role had changed from a defensive structure to a decorative feature. Garden stone walls are now an obligatory part of many country estates, as an appealing and durable addition to landscaping. 

Stone walls need a robust foundation, usually in the form of the concrete set below the frost layer. A solid base secures the wall's durability, supported by mortar to hold all pieces together. Stone fencing is often capped off with coping stones, to protect the structure from the natural elements.

A modern alternative is a drywall, made of wire mesh filled with stones.

Advantages of a Stone Fence

Stone fences are sturdy and durable, practically immune to the forces of nature. Stone walls are resistant to rain, wind, insects, mould, vandals, and even a fire. This resilient barrier is also excellent in absorbing noise, 100% natural, affordable, and maintenance-free. 

The longevity of stone fences is exceptional, as they can keep their natural look and colour for hundreds of years without any need to repair, paint, or seal.

Types of Stone Fences

While stone fencing may seem like a flat category at first, there are many different  types of stone walls available on the market.

A single freestanding wall is one of the simplest types of a stone wall, comprising a row of stones laid out and piled up to a certain height. A double freestanding stone wall is essentially the same, but with a little more structure and sturdiness, and two lines of piled stones. This type of stone wall is common for the countryside, with its rustic, organic appearance that perfectly immerses into the environment.

A laid wall can also be either single or double, but it is designed in an orderly, planned fashion. The stones are often shaped to fit into spaces, like in stone brick walls.

A mosaic wall is designed in a more decorative way than others. Various kinds of stones are arranged like a mosaic and stabilised by mortar. This is one of the most suitable choices for a stone garden fence, due to its aesthetic value. 

Veneer walls feature a base of different material, such as concrete, and a shell of flat stones added to the outside. This type can often be seen in the form of a support wall.  

Welded mesh stone wall or drywall is a composition of stone pieces inside a wire mesh. This is the most modern version of stone fencing that also doesn’t require mortar to hold it together. 

Types of Stone for Stone Fencing

A stone fence is an aesthetic as much as a functional element, and the material should be chosen accordingly. Locally sourced stone fits best with the environment, landscape, and local climate. Reclaimed stone is a sustainable and attractive solution, naturally weathered over the centuries. Finally, there’s newly quarried walling stone, with a broad choice of types, colours and textures.

The natural stone colour palette available is quite extensive and ranges from pure white to pitch black, with plenty of red, green and blue in between. However, the most common hues for a stone fence are various tones of grey and beige.  

It’s highly recommended to use the same type of stone for the exterior walls and the fences, in order to create a consistent concept throughout the property. The chives may include grey tones of Kavala stone, beige or brown Travertine, yellowish stone slabs or multicoloured slate panels. 

Stone Pillars and Columns

All fencing needs posts as anchors for panels. Replacing plain posts with stone pillars and columns can elevate the curb appeal of the entire property. Stone pillars are a beautiful enhancement of a landscape that adds a distinctive luxury polish to various kinds of fences. 

Breaking timber fencing or metal fencing sections with stone pillars results in a dynamic appeal followed by increased stability and resilience. Columns establish visual resting points, which work particularly well in combination with a wrought iron fence.

A decorative stone pillar can be built with various bases, such as concrete or cement blocks, and covered with stone veneer. 

Things to Consider When Buying Stone Fence

Building a fence within a property may or may not need a building consent. In case of a boundary fence, the plans should be discussed and agreed on between neighbours. If a dispute arises, a local council may intervene. 

Before building a fence, it’s important to check the type of soil in the area, any possible obstructions and overall ground conditions. For instance, the type of soil determines the depth in which the posts must be installed, in order to ensure the stability. 

Accurate measuring before buying is advisable, as it will secure sufficient amounts of materials and accessories.