Dry Stone Walls
While we handle all kinds of stonework and masonry, dry stone construction is our specialty and first love. Here’s why.
Timeless beauty.
There is something about a dry stone wall that attracts and delights people. Like a mosaic, thoughtfully placed stones create beautiful lines, curves, and rhythms. The finished wall is greater than the sum of its parts, the embodiment of elegant problem solving, chaos becoming order.
Enduring strength.
Dry stone construction is one of the oldest known building practices and has stood the test of time. Unlike a mortared wall, a dry stone wall can move and breathe along with New England’s freezes and thaws, and when built properly settles and becomes stronger over time. And if the wall does fail one day, it is easier to rebuild.
Environmental harmony.
A dry stone wall is just stone—no chemicals or man-made products that can harm our air, soil, water, or wildlife. Stone walls help stop erosion, manage water, and provide habitat. Using traditional building practices centered around hammers and chisels further minimizes the environmental impact.
Principles of Dry Stone Construction
These sound building principles have been used for centuries. Simple in theory, they require time and patience to achieve in practice.
