How to make a fence from natural stone. Reliable fence made of stone with your own hands. Flat horizontal masonry

How to make a fence from natural stone.  Reliable fence made of stone with your own hands.  Flat horizontal masonry
How to make a fence from natural stone. Reliable fence made of stone with your own hands. Flat horizontal masonry

Fences made of stone have been used by humans since time immemorial. Currently, natural materials, including stone, are at the peak of popularity. Huge variety natural stone often leads the average person to confusion. Therefore, it is important to select and make the right choice of a certain type of stone suitable for the construction of a fence, the intended design.

Selection of materials (comparison table)

Name of the stone Price physical characteristics Material processing Weather resistance
Cobblestone (boulder stone) — fraction 70-100 mm -850 rub/m3;

— fraction 105-300 mm – 2500 rub/m3;

— cobblestones for gabions -70-130 mm – 300 rub/m3.

durable, strong, available in only a few colors with great effort highly resistant
Gravel From 800 RUR/tn durable, strong with effort highly resistant
Dolomite stone From 700 RUR/m2 durable, strong with little effort highly resistant
Limestone 750 rub/t durable, strong soft to handle absorbs moisture, requires treatment with water repellents
Sandstone Depending on color from 2200 to 9300 rub/m3 durable, strong, a variety of colors with effort highly resistant
Crushed granite 1800 rub/t durable, strong with effort highly resistant
Booth 1000 rub/ton durable, strong with great effort highly resistant

An equally popular building material for stone fencing is fake diamond. Its cost is much less than the cost of natural stone.

Preparatory activities

Before construction starts stone fence With your own hands, you need to determine its exact location, draw a diagram of the structure, a foundation plan, and also make approximate calculations of the required volume of building materials.

If the site and household are located in close proximity to neighbors, then their written consent to erect the building should be obtained. To avoid this, you should prepare and register a package of documents for construction at the technical inventory bureau. These activities will allow you to build a fence without complications and problems.

TO preparatory stages The construction of a fence made of natural stone can also include:

  • clearing land plot from all kinds of garbage and its layout (leveling);
  • markings for foundation construction in accordance with diagrams and drawings. Marking (fence lines, gate locations, gates) on the ground is carried out using cords attached to stakes;
  • purchase of building materials - stone, sand, cement, reinforcement;
  • purchase the necessary tool– welding machine, shovel, cooking tank cement mortar or a small concrete mixer.

The next step in constructing a stone fence is laying out the foundation.

Foundation

Digging a trench for the foundation is carried out in accordance with the markings made. Considering that the stone is quite heavy and strong construction material, the foundation must easily withstand the proper load, ensuring the reliability and strength of the structure.

Fences from stone material are being built exclusively on a strip foundation based on reinforced concrete blocks or bricks. At the stage of arranging the foundation, it is necessary to adhere to following requirements and rules:

  • the width of the prepared foundation should be 15.0 cm greater than the thickness of the fence, the trench is dug up to 80.0 cm in depth. If the fence is erected to a height of more than 2 meters, then the depth of the trench increases by 10.0 cm for each meter of fence;
  • first of all, a sand cushion with a thickness of at least 50.0 mm is made, which is spilled with water and compacted;
  • then laying reinforced concrete blocks is carried out using mortar and additional connecting reinforcement from 30.0 to 40.0 mm in diameter;
  • then a reinforced frame is mounted in the groove, around which formwork is arranged from edged boards, rising above ground level by approximately 20.0-30.0 centimeters, and the entire structure is filled with mortar;
  • dismantling of the formwork is carried out several weeks (3-4 weeks), after the final hardening of the cement mortar;
  • Gate and gate openings need installation support pillars, so the load-bearing parts are dug in and filled with reinforced concrete mortar.

At a time when the foundation gains strength (hardens), you can start sorting the purchased stones, which will help increase the speed of construction of the stone fence.

Pillars

In order to speed up construction work, all pillars must be constructed simultaneously. In the construction of stone fences, floating forms (formwork) are widely used. To do this, you will have to make the required number of sectional formwork from self-tapping screws and boards about 150 mm high. The internal parameters of which correspond to the dimensions of the foundation. One column requires 2 pieces of collapsible formwork.

After making the frames, you should proceed according to the following algorithm:

  • The formwork is installed and the initial layer of stone is laid out. They are laid so that they fit as closely as possible to the collapsible form and to each other;
  • then all cracks and voids are filled with a thick solution;
  • then the next formwork is secured with self-tapping screws and filled with stone and mortar in the same way.

After a day or two, the lower parts of the collapsible forms can be removed and the construction of subsequent layers can begin. The voids found after dismantling the formwork must be immediately filled with mortar. In the places where the lags are attached, metal corners should be released, which are welded to the pipes.

Formed and constructed pillars must be protected from the effects of precipitation. An ideal option is to install plastic or metal caps.

According to rough estimates (in the case of simultaneous erection of pillars), it will take 20-25 days to erect supports for the stone fence.

Walls

The construction of fence walls begins with marking the foundation. The spans of stone fences are made narrower than the pillars by 100.0 mm, that is, the wall is shifted inward by 50.0 mm from the outer and inside. Using a level, symmetrical installation of stones is carried out along the edges of the wall. The optimal size of stones for laying a wall is up to 25.0 cm.

The threads stretched between the sections are used to guide the subsequent laying of the walls. For ease of use and structural strength, it is recommended to lay the stones with their flat side up, carefully filling the cracks and voids between them with cement-sand mortar.

The process of laying the wall is controlled by the level. Deviation from vertical position no more than 10 mm per 2.0 m wall height.

Joining the fence

Surface treatment and jointing are the final processes in the construction of fencing made of natural and artificial stone.

Masonry seams can be embroidered in three ways: deep, convex and shallow. The first option visually increases the volume of the masonry.

Joining is done using:

  • scraper - a strip of metal (4 mm x 150 mm x 2.5 mm), at the end of which there is a protrusion (“tooth”) measuring 10.0 mm by 20.0 m;
  • flat scrapers and brushes with metal bristles;
  • pieces of rags and foam rubber.

3-4 hours after laying, they begin jointing, after which time the solution hardens and is difficult to process.

The step-by-step process for deep jointing looks like this:

  • cleaning stones and seams with a wire brush;
  • creating neat, rectangular recesses with a scraper up to 20.0 mm;
  • washing seams and stones with foam.

If you ignore the jointing, the external attractiveness of the stone fence will significantly deteriorate.

Details

The main decoration of natural stone is texture and color. Therefore, fences built from natural stone, are self-sufficient and do not require the use of decorative parts to improve their appearance. However, if desired, the top of the support pillars can be equipped with elegant waterproof structures - caps with peaks.

Often, monumental stone fences are decorated with openwork forging, various lanterns and “living” decorative elements - vines (grapes, roses).

The canvases of blank fences can be enlivened with the help of glass mosaics, panels made from waste CDs. The use of certain decorative details depends on the preferences and wishes of the owners of the land plots on which stone fences are erected.

Cost of time and money

Stone fencing has many positive advantages, but despite this, there are several disadvantages:

  • erecting a stone fence is a rather long, painstaking construction procedure;
  • for the construction of such objects a foundation is required;
  • the high cost of some natural stone materials.

Construction of stone fences significantly more expensive than fencing or metal. Arrangement of the foundation, the cost of natural material, the cost of its transportation, payment of possible additional labor will require a considerable investment Money. You can reduce financial costs by performing construction work yourself.

Nowadays, getting master classes (video lessons) on the construction of stone structures, including fences, is not difficult; to do this, just go to YouTube and use a search engine to select a suitable video. An example of a shell rock fence with deep seams:

Below is a series of photographs where you can see different versions stone fence:

"Mosaic" stone fence.

A stone fence made of rubble is not susceptible to any mechanical, chemical or atmospheric influences.

Fence from wild stone, decorated with forging.

Sandstone fences are generally common and enjoy continued success.

Combined fences are no less popular among homeowners.

Rubble stone masonry

The video below shows how to properly lay rubble stone. The features of laying a corner are explained.

A fence can be built from different materials and using several technologies, but stone fencing is the most reliable. In addition, the stone makes the structure attractive in appearance. Most often, natural material is used in the construction of fences, but in last years Artificial substitutes are also gaining popularity.

What are the advantages of a stone fence:

  • fire safety,
  • immunity to any precipitation and natural phenomena,
  • no rotting, corrosion, oxidation, etc.,
  • environmental friendliness,
  • the ability to select the desired shade,
  • availability of material,
  • durability.

It may seem to a beginner in the construction business that only a professional can make a stone fence on his own. In fact, this is not so and almost anyone can cope with the task. Before you start working directly, you need to decide on the type of future fencing. When building a fence the following is used:

Preparation

So, there is a goal to build a stone fence, it remains to find out what is required for this. First of all, you need to worry about the materials. Let's assume that the stone has already been purchased, then all that remains is to have a concrete mixer or a tank for mixing cement mortar. This mixture will also require crushed stone and sand, the volume of which depends on the length and height of the fence. It is better to choose cement marked 300, since it would be better suited for such construction. By the way, for dosing the components you will need a shovel (scoop), and for laying out ready mixture construction trowel.

Next, you definitely need boards and nails for constructing the formwork, as well as reinforcement to give the structure good rigidity. If the fence is high, you will need more welding machine. With its help, steel rods can be lengthened to the required size. It is definitely worth purchasing a pipe with a diameter of 50 - 80 mm. It will be the “heart” of future pillars.

For marking work, you need a tape measure, small stakes and regular twine. Once the location of the fence is determined, you can move on to the next stage.

Attention ! Before starting any work, you need to take care of safety precautions. Perform all actions wearing gloves and boots. If the stone breaks right on the spot, it is better to wear safety glasses. Just in case, you can prepare a first aid kit with bandages and disinfectants.

Building a foundation for a fence

First you need to dig a trench the width and length of the stone fence. In this case, a bayonet shovel or even a crowbar may come in handy. The depth of the trench depends on specific conditions, but it makes no sense to make it more than 700 mm. Do not throw away the soil from the hole, as you will have to fill the edges of the foundation later.

The next step is to knock together the boards to the desired configuration. At the same time, the rods are welded in the same shape and laid in the trench. You need to drive stakes along the entire perimeter, and nail cross beams at 1.5 - 2.0 meters from above. This is done so that the boards do not move apart when pouring.

Concrete mixture can be poured into the resulting structure. If you have no experience in kneading it, then here small instructions. You should always start from the volume of the binder and only then add other components. So, for one part of cement you need two parts of sand and four parts of crushed stone. All ingredients are poured into a concrete mixer and mixed.

When the mixture is ready, it can be poured into a container and distributed around the perimeter of the fence in buckets. But you can be smarter and pour the mixture directly into the formwork using a gutter. Moreover, each new batch involves moving the concrete mixer!

Pre-mark the points for the pillars and weld a pipe to the fittings at each of them. It is better to make a reserve in height!

After completing all concrete works the structure should be left alone for 15 - 20 days. For better and uniform hardening, an insulator (film) is placed on top of the formwork. Otherwise, the upper part of the foundation will dry out quickly and the strength of the concrete will be reduced.

Inexperienced builders at this stage can make one fatal mistake. Filling the foundation level with the ground (or even lower) will not cause problems with water later. Rain, melted snow, etc. will accumulate along the fence, thereby eroding the soil and promoting the formation of slime and mold. It is better to make the foundation slightly above ground level, and then decorate the concrete or fill it up thin layer soil (decorative stone).

Making fence posts from stone

The construction of pillars begins with measuring the distance between them. If it is different, then you can tighten or stretch the pipes a little using a rope. Stone columns for a fence are made slightly wider than the spans, which visually divides the entire wall into sections.

Next, formwork is made in the form of a square with the required width of the column. In this case, the height of the formwork should not exceed 40 - 50 cm. When everything is done, a layer of cleaned stones is laid out and this is done as close as possible (parallel) to the plane of the boards! After this, all cavities are filled with a moderately thick solution. By the way, the solution for the stone fence itself is made like this: 1 part cement, 1.7 parts each gravel and sand! It is important to ensure that all the cracks between the stones are filled with the binding mixture, but the solution itself does not spread over the column.

Thus, this procedure must be done on each pillar and left to harden for one to two days. You can also cheat a little with the formwork for stone fence posts. In order not to assemble a new square each time, you can simply nail another one to the bottom row and so on! Gradually the height of the pillars will reach the desired level, and then you can start laying the walls!

Laying the fence walls

Making walls can be done in different ways. Experienced builders they simply pull a string, which becomes a guideline for the height and deviation of the fence. They lay one layer of stones along the entire perimeter of the fence, after which all voids are filled with mortar. After a day, a second layer is laid out, etc. But in this case, there is a high risk of getting too uneven wall, so it’s better to use formwork.

Tip: If large round stones are used for the fence, then formwork will not help. It’s better to lay them out “by eye”!

The formwork is done similarly to the pillars, but here it is no longer necessary to place the stones tightly against the boards. Some irregularities are acceptable; they give the fence an asymmetrical appearance. After laying out the first layer, the stones are covered with mortar and left for one or two days.

Important: It is better not to make the formwork too high, as this will lead to voids in the solution and poor quality of the entire structure. All seams must be hammered using a trowel!

In order for the fence spans to be the same in height, closer to completion they need to be measured with a tape measure. By varying the size of the stones, you can achieve a uniform level for the entire wall. After completing the installation and dismantling of the formwork, it is important to carry out jointing in a timely manner, otherwise the mixture will harden greatly.

Joining the fence

After pouring, you need to wait about 5 hours and start undoing the seams. First, all remnants of the solution are cleaned with a coarse brush, after which the work begins special tool- guillemot. It is a metal rectangle with a protrusion equal to the required seam width.

TIP: To give the fence volume, it is better to make the seams deep. If you want the effect of a single monolith, then the recesses of the seams should be minimal (no more than 2 cm)!

The jointing stage is quite simple, but it is important to maintain accuracy when deepening the tool. Experienced builders recommend treating the seams and stones with mortar after jointing. of hydrochloric acid(no more than 30%).

The same seam significantly improves appearance fence and allows you to better process it.

Fence parts

The natural stone fence is ready, the seams are embroidered, the formwork is removed. But at this stage the design still looks unfinished! The point is in the details that will refine the rough shape of the material and give the wall a well-groomed look.

Firstly, a so-called cap must be installed on each pillar. They are sold in stores or made to order in blacksmith shops.

Secondly, the seams of the pillars can be shaded with some waterproof paint, which will visually divide the fence into spans.

Conclusion

Making a fence is not easy, but, as the classic said, if you have the desire! This material clearly shows that all stages of construction can be completed even by a person far from manual labor. Just a few things are enough and you can start building!

A strong, aesthetically attractive and durable stone fence can become excellent protection your home. Every resident can easily build a stone fence. country house, the main thing is to try hard.

Pros and cons of stone fencing

Stone is one of the most common materials used to build fences. Stone fencing is a powerful argument that buyers take into account when buying a home.

Advantages of stone fences:

  1. Strength. It is quite difficult to break or make a hole in such a fence; you cannot do without special devices and tools, which means that your home will be under good protection.
  2. Durability. A stone fence can last long years, centuries-old buildings are known that become architectural monuments. Such fences easily withstand adverse weather conditions: heat and cold, wind and rain.
  3. Presentability. Fencing buildings made of stone always attract attention, because they are beautiful, and also often indicate the wealth of the owners.
  4. Compatibility with other materials. The stone is easily combined when building a fence with wooden and metal fragments. Often, forged metal or wooden elements become decorations for a stone fence.
  5. Fire resistance. A stone fence will become an effective barrier against fire entering the territory suburban area from outside.
  6. Environmental Safety. Stone is a natural material, so you can be one hundred percent sure that there are no dangerous effects of stone buildings on human health.
  7. No size restrictions. A stone fence can be built in the dimensions required by the design idea, there are no “prohibitions” on the parameters, the stones can be laid out to the required height and width.

With all the positive characteristics of this material, some disadvantages of a stone fence should be taken into account:

  1. Expensive. Stone is an expensive material, its installers also do not value their work cheaply, so a stone fence is a pleasure for people of means. There is an opportunity to save money if you build such a fence yourself and collect stones to build the fence.
  2. “Pickiness” of stone structures. The significant weight of such buildings implies the presence underneath solid foundation, therefore, stone structures need a reliable soil foundation; areas with soil vibrations and nearby groundwater. A reliable and solid foundation is a prerequisite for the construction of a stone fence.
  3. The process is labor intensive (building a stone fence requires a lot of time and effort).

Selection of stone material

Having weighed the pros and cons of stone fencing structures near houses or cottages, it is necessary to decide on the material from which the fence will be built.

To build a stone fence you can use:

  • cobblestone;
  • pebbles;
  • limestone;
  • sandstone;
  • dolomite stone;
  • granite, etc.

Each of the listed materials helps solve certain problems and, accordingly, is suitable for different fencing structures. An important point when choosing a stone is its cost, which can also vary.

Preparatory stages

Like any serious project, erecting a stone fence with your own hands requires preliminary preparation. First you need to decide on the location and size of the future building, calculate, select and purchase materials, acquire necessary tools. Preparation also includes work on cleaning and leveling the site for the future fence. Any debris, trees and plants will interfere with the construction of the fencing structure.

Based on the cost of the selected material and the dimensions of the fence, we draw up an estimate and estimate whether we can afford such construction. Of course, a stone fence built with your own hands saves costs on a team of builders. Therefore, we will try to do without hired workers by applying own strength and skills.

Area calculation

  1. Measure the width of the strip base of the fence and add eight centimeters on each side. For example, 45 + 16 = 61 cm (0.61 m) - this is the width of the foundation part of the fence.
  2. Measure the length of each side of the fence (from corner posts). For example, let's take the length of each side - 10 meters.
  3. The base area of ​​each side of the stone fence is calculated as 10 m multiplied by 0.61 m. The result is 6.1 m 2.
  4. Next, this figure is multiplied by the number of sides of the fence (usually 4, but there may be options if one of the sides is being built by neighbors, etc.) 6.1 x 4 = 24.4 m².
  5. If the fence is not solid, but there are areas with a gate or garage doors, then subtract their dimensions from the resulting 24.4 m².
  6. When calculating the area, the area of ​​the pillars is also taken into account (if they are also made of stone).

In general, calculating the area of ​​the foundation of a stone fence is a purely individual matter; every novice builder can cope with this. If you doubt your abilities, contact specialists who will make all the necessary calculations and draw up a project.

Fence dimensions

Depending on the functions assigned to the stone fence, the acceptable dimensions of this structure are selected. Fences can be low, in which case they play more of a decorative role than a protective one. Some owners use stone in a fence to decorate their homes; here we are talking about the decorative function of a stone structure around a house or cottage. Such fences can be completely different sizes and configurations.

The average parameters of a solid solid fence, behind which you can hide from prying eyes, are as follows: height - 2 meters, width of spans between posts - 2.5 meters, width of support pillars - half a meter.

Material selection

A fence built from cobblestones will be very durable and will retain its natural color. However, under natural conditions the choice of color for such material is not very rich. You can get creative and arrange the cobblestones according to shades, or you can not focus on color, relying on intuition.

You can get cobblestones by walking through the fields, but it is better to purchase them in specialized stores. Usually they lay out a fence from stone specimens with one flat side; if there is no such thing, then they cut the cobblestone. It is desirable that the cobblestones are approximately the same size. This will significantly speed up and simplify the construction process.

For the construction of complex structures, as well as for decorating and strengthening corners, you should take pebbles and gravel. These small stones are also suitable for laying out patterns in a stone fence. Fences are rarely made entirely from this small stone; it is used to fill metal mesh when constructing gabions.

Rubble stone is suitable for “playing” with design. Rubble produces unique, beautiful spans with a unique configuration. The length of the edges of such stones varies between 55–400 mm, which is what original designers use in their style decisions. Rubble stone can be used both for constructing the base of a fence and for finishing it.

Dolomite has a big plus - flat shape, it is obtained during blasting operations in quarries. Such stone is more often used as a cladding material, but its use as the basis of a fence is not excluded.

Limestone fencing is easier to build because it is softer than other stones, but this material is not suitable for building fences in areas with a humid climate. Limestone (shell stone) does not hold up high humidity And low temperatures, and buildings made from it begin to quickly collapse. If you nevertheless took this stone as the basis for your construction, then to extend its service, try to process limestone special compounds- water repellents.

Durable material resistant to sub-zero temperatures - sandstone. It has been used by builders since ancient times for various works. The advantages of this material are its multifaceted color shades (stones of green-blue, yellow, red, brown colors are found on sale), which allows them to be used in accordance with design design the entire area. During construction, you can use sandstone with different surfaces - crushed or polished. Sandstone is often used even when laying a foundation, this is explained by its high strength.

Calculation of materials

Before you begin mathematical operations, you need to determine the entire list necessary materials(besides the stone itself):

  • waterproofing material;
  • reinforcement for poles;
  • reinforcing bars (d = 10–12 mm);
  • boards for formwork construction;
  • sand, gravel, cement.

On Internet resources you can find programs that allow you to calculate required amount materials.

The base of the fence consists of expanded areas for posts and “ribbons” between them, filled with concrete. Piles are used to strengthen this structure. An example of the calculation can be seen in the figure below. The calculation algorithm can be as follows:

  1. Calculation of the foundation area of ​​a support pillar - multiply the width, length and height.
  2. The total amount of concrete for the posts will be equal to the area of ​​the foundation of 1 pillar multiplied by the number of supports.
  3. The volume of concrete mixture for the base of the spans between the pillars is calculated by multiplying the length, width and height of this part of the fence.
  4. The number of spans multiplied by the number obtained in the previous paragraph gives the total volume of concrete to fill all spans.
  5. We repeat steps 3 and 4 to determine the amount of concrete mixture for the piles.
  6. Adding up all the volumes, we find the value total number concrete for the fence.

Necessary tool

In order for the work to progress and not stop, try to stock up on everything necessary for construction in advance. You will need:

  • shovels of different types (scoop, bayonet);
  • concrete mixer (or improvised means that replace it);
  • container sets various sizes(for concrete, water);
  • hammers, sledgehammers (for crushing stones, driving piles, etc.);
  • plumb line or level;
  • roulette;
  • a device for measuring angles (a regular large square will do);
  • screwdriver, nails, screws;
  • welding machine (can be replaced with wire) - for fastening reinforcement bars;
  • stakes and cord (for marking).

Stages of constructing a stone fence

After preparatory work You can begin to actually build the fence. This process is labor-intensive and not easy, so you should be patient and persistent.

Laying the foundation

The strip foundation is the basis and guarantee that the fence will last a long time. This structure must be continuous, even in those places where there will be openings (gates, wickets, etc.).

The sequence of actions when constructing the foundation of the fence is as follows:

  1. Using a cord and pegs, we mark the future fence. You can use the services of professionals to determine the boundaries and locations of fence support posts.

    Fence markings - necessary stage fencing construction

  2. In the marked area, we dig a trench, the width of which should be 8 centimeters greater than the width of the fence on each side. For example, the width of the fence is assumed to be 30 cm, which means that a trench needs to be dug 46 cm wide.
  3. Place a layer of sand at the bottom of the dug hole and compact it. From improvised wooden materials(boards, plywood, etc.) we construct formwork (slightly higher than expected strip foundation), we lay the reinforcement.
  4. Using a special shovel (screw), we make holes for the piles up to 70 cm deep and 15 cm wide. We also place sand at the bottom of these holes and compact them.
  5. We pour our gravel 10 cm thick on top of the sand.

    On the marked area we dig a trench, the width of which should be 8 centimeters greater than the width of the fence on each side.

  6. Then fill in concrete mixture trench with formwork and piles. The reinforcement must be covered with concrete by at least 20 mm. A mandatory action is to compact the concrete; for this, an internal vibrator is used. Concrete should be poured in a continuous flow, in one go, without allowing this process to be divided over several days. Hollow concrete cubes - foundation glasses - will help strengthen the entire fence structure. You can make them yourself, or you can buy them ready-made, but you will have to shell out a fairly large sum.
  7. After pouring, we leave it for more than a week, and it is advisable to build a blind area to protect the foundation. You can use sheets of roofing felt or thick polyethylene. Periodic moistening of the poured foundation will give the structure additional strength and protect it from cracking.
  8. After the concrete has hardened, remove the formwork and clean upper layer foundation from debris and dirt.

    Poured concrete is covered with roofing felt

Preparing the stone

While the foundation is going through the hardening stage, you can not waste time and prepare the stone. Sorting, cleaning and drying of material are mandatory manipulations during construction. If the stones are too convex, their surface is chipped using a hammer and other tools, trying to give them a flat shape.

Larger stones are set aside for installation support posts, small specimens are prepared for use in the construction of spans. You can also sort stones by color, dividing suitable color shades into groups.

Installation of pillars

The rigidity of the structure and its reliability largely depend on the supporting pillars. The racks are installed on concrete bowls that were built earlier. Support pillars can be built different ways. It is convenient for these purposes to use sliding formwork (a box made of boards required sizes, without bottom). This formwork is positioned so that the channel is in the middle, then the solution is poured.

The following manipulations are repeated for each row of stones:

  • picking up stones the right size;
  • lay them tightly against the walls of the formwork;
  • remove the laid stones;
  • prepare a solution;
  • lay stones and secure them with mortar.

Watch the solution carefully - it should not be too liquid. When the formwork is completely filled with rows of stones and mortar, you need to “increase” the formwork by placing a second wooden box without a bottom for the first one and fastening them with self-tapping screws. All steps are repeated until the second box is filled. Then you need to wait at least a day for the resulting part of the pillar to dry, and continue this process until the support is built to the desired height. The first part of the formwork must be removed, leaving the second, and the third level of support must be attached to it, etc. A solution must be added to the seams between the stones (cement - 1 part, sand - 3 parts). Excess solution and dirt should be removed with a foam sponge soaked in water.

Photo gallery: stages of installing fence support posts

The first stage of installing the pillars: the stones are placed in sliding formwork and filled with mortar After pouring the concrete and gaining strength, the formwork is dismantled and raised higher - so that its lower part covers the top of the already cast column by several centimeters The final stage: the pillar is cast to the required height

Laying stones

In parallel with the installation of pillars, you can carry out work on laying stones in the spans. Optimal size stones - 20–25 cm. The sequence of actions is as follows:

  1. Apply cement mortar (cement:sand = 1:3) to the foundation base.
  2. Lay out the first row of stones, turning them flat side up.
  3. Pour a solution between the stones into which you can add a certain color. To avoid hardening of the solution, these manipulations are carried out quickly, without rest.
  4. After laying one row, give it time to harden and only then continue laying stones.

Video: building a stone fence

Advice from experienced builders:

  1. When working with the solution, make sure that its particles do not fall on the front of the stones. If you notice mortar on the stones, it must be removed urgently, preventing it from hardening. If, nevertheless, areas of stones with hardened mortar have formed, use a metal brush attached to a drill to remove it.
  2. Start laying out the spans from the outer boundaries.
  3. Use a cord or rope stretched from the beginning to the end of the span to guide you in laying rows of stones so that the fence is smooth, without distortions.
  4. Use dressing - laying the stones of the top row with support on the stones of the second or third row below.
  5. To get a smooth edge of the fence, select stones of the same height for the last row. The same result can be achieved by using a cement screed.

There is an old way of laying stone that does not require mortar. At the same time, the building will not be fragile, as it may seem at first glance. If you are interested in this method, watch the video on this topic.

Video: laying stone without mortar

Completing the construction of a stone fence

In order for your structure to look neat and not look like a pile of stones, you need to give it a finished look. To do this, unstitching is done. The mortar is used to fill the seams between the stones to different depths, due to which you can achieve decorative look fence

The most convenient time for such manipulations is 3–4 hours after laying the stones; later it will be more difficult to do this, since the solution will become tight and less pliable. For jointing, use trowels, scrapers, a metal brush, foam rubber and a solution of hydrochloric acid (30%), do not forget about safety precautions and wear rubber gloves. To drain excess liquid, special caps are put on the posts.

Decorating a stone fence is a purely individual matter. Can add decorative elements made of wood, forged fragments, drawings from small stones, giving the fence special beauty and uniqueness.

Building a stone fence with your own hands is a long and labor-intensive process, but the result will please its creator and everyone around him. Try to build a stone fence yourself and you won’t regret it!

If when creating a fence around the house it is important protective functions equal to a respectable appearance, then it is better to give preference to stone. This is the oldest building material created by nature itself. A stone fence has many advantages and deserves to be discussed in more detail.

Advantages and disadvantages

All the advantages of a fence made of stones around the house can be manifested when it is constructed according to the rules using high-quality cement mortar. The advantages of a stone fence are as follows:

  • practically unlimited service life;
  • environmental friendliness and safety of raw materials;
  • a wide range of stone prices, allowing everyone to choose an option that suits their budget;
  • absolute non-flammability, frost resistance, low water absorption and the ability to protect the area from street noise;
  • installation does not require the use of expensive equipment;
  • a stone fence around the house will easily fit into the design of the site, made in almost any style, and will look great against the background of the surrounding landscape.

Stone fencing also has disadvantages. There are few of them, but they are significant. Firstly, construction is a labor-intensive and lengthy process. Secondly, for the reason heavy weight, is mandatory for him strong foundation. This will make construction even more expensive and increase its time.

About the types of stone for a fence

The choice of material in this case is the main factor determining the price of the structure. When erecting a stone fence around the house you can use:

  1. Ordinary cobblestone. The cheapest, but very durable. You can find it literally under your feet, but in this case you will have to be content with the gloomy gray of its structure. It will cost a little more to buy a special red-brown cobblestone. It has more correct rounded shape and will add an attractive texture to your fence design.
  2. Pebbles are not used often because they are too small in size, and for this reason it is quite difficult to work with. Typically, coarse pebbles are used to build stone fences, and the corners and base of the fence around the house are laid out of brick. It will give the structure the necessary strength.
  3. Dolomite is a durable, but easily processed stone obtained by blasting. Next, the rock is polished, thanks to which the stone and buildings made from it acquire an elegant appearance. It perfectly complements the design of both the house and the site.
  4. Limestone. This type of stone attracts with its availability and ease of processing. But we must not forget about its shortcomings. It has a porous structure and easily absorbs moisture, which, freezing and thawing, will quickly destroy the fence. To prevent this from happening, the surface of the limestone is treated with water repellents.
  5. Sandstone is many-sided and varied; it can have a polished or hewn surface. Beautiful, durable, frost-resistant and practically non-absorbent material.
  6. Rubble stone is the name for fragments of a variety of rocks that differ in size. A fence made of rubble stone around the house will look especially neat from rubble stones measuring 20-40 cm.
  7. Flagstone is a variant of wild stone. This is also debris rocks, but, unlike buta, have a flat shape. Only an experienced craftsman can build a fence from this material, since it must be carefully sorted by size.
  8. Granite is the most durable, most beautiful and most expensive. Not only the material, but also the work with it will be expensive. The stones are usually large and have to be broken and then adjusted to fit the overall design of the fence.
  9. Marble competes with granite in cost, is not inferior to it in strength, but is easier to process. Marble rubble fences around the house are almost eternal structures that can last for several centuries, remaining just as elegant and durable.
  10. Fake diamond - great option for those whose wallet cannot support the purchase of natural stone. In essence, it is concrete, but in appearance and in terms of performance, it is no different from natural stone except for cost.

After choosing the material, construction should begin. Building a stone fence with your own hands is a long and difficult process. It will require both patience and knowledge of the main stages of construction.

Pouring the foundation and preparing the stone

First, the site is marked, in which the points where the corner posts will stand are determined and marked with pegs. Then twine is stretched between the pegs, and places for row posts are marked. The distance between them should not exceed 3 m.

Next, a trench is dug, the width and length of which is determined by the width and length of the future fence, from 50 to 70 cm deep. In the places where the pillars will be located, holes are dug to a depth below the freezing level of the soil. In them, they are installed and fixed vertically on a crushed stone cushion. metal pipes with a diameter of 4 to 10 cm - supports for future pillars.

The boards are used to create formwork into which reinforcement is placed. On both sides near it, stakes are driven in every 1-1.5 m and connected by transverse beams. They will protect the boards from deformation when pouring.

The foundation is poured with a concrete mixture the consistency of thick sour cream. It consists of cement M300 or M400 - 1 part; sand – 2 parts; crushed stone - 4 parts. The foundation should be slightly above ground level, otherwise water after rain and melting snow will accumulate along the fence, erode the soil and cause mold to appear on the stones!

After pouring, the concrete must be pierced, covered with PET film (for more uniform drying), and wait about 2 or 3 weeks. This is necessary for the mixture to harden and gain the required strength.

The stones are sorted by size and color, and large cobblestones are broken. The smoothest fragments and stones, the shape of which is close to rectangular, are put aside; they will be used for the construction of pillars. When the material has been sorted and the foundation has gained the required strength, then it’s time to proceed to the most important stage.

Construction of pillars

When using processed rectangular stone, the fence is laid using the same technology as brickwork. This is the so-called plank masonry. There is also an improved plank masonry, for which it is used perfect shape material. But more often, home craftsmen use unprocessed stone, the shape of which is far from perfect. Rubble or “wild” masonry is used for it.

The simplest is the sliding formwork method. It allows you to create smooth, beautiful pillars With minimal costs time. In this case, two modules assembled from boards in the shape of a hollow parallelepiped are used as formwork for the supports of a fence made of stones. Inner dimensions it is equal to the parameters of the future pillar, and the height is no more than 50 cm. The modules should be easy to disassemble, so it is better to use self-tapping screws for fastening.

Prepare concrete mortar from the following ingredients: cement - 1/3 of a bucket; sand – ½ bucket; gravel ½ bucket. Add enough water to obtain a thick mixture that holds its shape well.

One of the modules is installed strictly horizontally so that the support pipe is in its center, and stones are laid around the perimeter. In this case, you must try to place them so that the gaps between them and inner surface the formwork was minimal, and the stone itself was laid as tightly as possible.

Now secure the second module to the first module with self-tapping screws, check that it is horizontal and continue working. A day later, when the concrete has hardened, the lower formwork is disassembled, removed, reassembled, attached to the upper edge of the second module, and so on until the very top of the column.

Do not forget about the mortgages to which the sections will subsequently be attached.

While the solution is hardening on the upper sections of the support of the fence made of stones, below you can already begin finishing works. For them you will need a stiff brush, a piece of foam rubber and a scraper - metal tool having a sharp tooth at the end. The work itself is as follows:

  • existing voids are filled with cement;
  • when the cement hardens, use a brush to clean the material from excess solution;
  • the seams are cleaned, and they are jointed with a scraper, that is, grooves of the required depth (about 1 cm) are made, which will give the pillar relief and a more attractive appearance;
  • Using a piece of foam rubber, the stone is finally washed off.

Don't put off unstitching too long! Over time, the solution will harden and it will be difficult to do it.

After the pillar is completely ready, its top must be covered with a metal cap, tiles, decorative stone- any material that can provide the pillar with protection from moisture.

Installation of sections

There are options here. Experienced craftsmen they stretch twine between the pillars, which serves as a guide for them. Place a layer of cement on the foundation and lay out the first layer of stones, trying to place them with the even side facing out, then fill them with concrete. When it hardens, apply the second and subsequent layers.

If there is not enough experience, then it is better to build sections in the same way as pillars - with the preliminary construction of formwork. The process is the same, only now it is not necessary to try to lay the stone close to the boards. Small unevenness in the laying of spans of stone fences is quite acceptable. Consider some nuances:

  • if round stones are used, then formwork, alas, will not help, and the work will have to be done “by eye”;
  • concrete is poured in layers, each layer should harden depending on the weather from one to two days;
  • do not make high formwork right away - you will not be able to pierce the concrete well - it is better to build it up gradually;
  • do not forget to check the verticality and horizontality of the structure;
  • so that all sections have the same height, on last stages laying sections, measure them with a tape measure and select stones of the desired size;
  • immediately unstitch the seams, as when constructing pillars.
  • Be sure to cover the top of the section with a gable metal roofing or tiles for waterproofing.

Now all that remains is to concrete the area along the fence at a slightly inclined angle so that water does not accumulate there, and look with pride at the work of your hands.

A little imagination

Today you can build a fence from fashionable torn stone, highlighting the design of the space around the house and bringing it closer to natural style. To make it from ordinary cobblestones, just split the stones with the edge of a sledgehammer. The result is a flat, easy-to-install material with a beautiful design.

You can build a gabion. This French word literally translates as “stone in a net.” That is what he is. Simply create a mesh of the desired configuration and pour it into it natural material the right size. This type of fence is easy to create, original design, practicality and low maintenance in the future.

For those who would like to build a fence around their house exclusive design, you can create entire pictures on your fence.

Stone fence looks more impressive and solid than other types of fencing. Structures made from natural materials are characterized by high levels of strength and reliability.

However, natural stone fences are much less common than, for example, wooden or metal fences for a summer cottage with brick pillars. This is due to the fact that natural materials and work on the construction of exclusive structures are more expensive.

Another important factor is high time costs. Even a team of professionals will need it a large number of time to erect the fence.

The process can be speeded up by making a fence from stone panels and blocks. The resulting structure imitates natural materials. But the design will only seem natural from afar. Up close, stone panels and blocks for fence posts will immediately give the appearance of “hack work.”

In this article we will look at the features of constructing natural stone fences. You will learn what materials are used to make supports and sections and how professionals work. If you wish, you can build such a fence yourself.

Types of stone fences. Popular combinations

There are various options for stone fences. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Fences made only of stone are rare.

Photo No. 1: stone fence

The construction of such fences requires a lot of time and money. Combinations of stone pillars and sections made of wood or metal are more popular. Such structures are cheaper and erected much faster.

Wooden fence with stone pillars

Wooden fence with stone pillars- this is the beauty and environmental friendliness of natural materials. With proper care, the sections will last a long time. Wood will require periodic processing protective compounds and paint and varnish materials.

Photo #2: wooden fence with stone pillars

Metal fences with stone pillars

Metal fences with stone pillars are reliable and durable. The buildings look impressive and perfectly protect the territory. The structures last for decades without the need for maintenance or repair.

Most often, sections are installed from Euro picket fences, corrugated sheets and forged elements. There are some very interesting combinations.

Photo No. 3: metal fence with stone pillars

Stone fence posts. Selection of materials

Stone fence posts are made from different varieties this natural material.

  • Granite. Durable and expensive stone. It is difficult to process and is used mainly for finishing. Granite will effectively complement a metal or wooden fence with brick pillars.

Photo No. 4: fence with granite finishing

  • Cobblestone. The most popular material. Advantages - prevalence and low cost. Most often, gray and red-brown cobblestones are used when constructing fences. The results are reliable and beautiful designs.

Photo No. 5: gray cobblestone fence

  • Gravel and pebbles. Due to the fine fraction, these materials are used mainly for finishing. Large stones You can put it in the net. The result is an inexpensive and interesting fence.

Photo No. 6: fence made of stones and mesh

  • Dolomite. The material is flat stones of yellowish, white, gray or Brown. Dolomite is used both for the construction of pillars and sections, and for finishing.

Photo No. 7: dolomite fence

These varieties are the most popular. In addition to them, when constructing fences and finishing pillars and sections, limestone, sandstone, rubble stone and artificial analogues natural materials.

How to make a stone fence

Construction of a stone fence is a complex and time-consuming job that requires knowledge and experience. Even a team of several people will require an enormous amount of time to erect a fence. However, if you still want to do the installation yourself, please read the instructions below.

The construction process is divided into several stages.

1. Marking the territory

This stage involves stretching the rope around the perimeter of the fence. Mark the installation locations of the pillars.

2. Foundation construction

You will find detailed information about the construction of a monolithic strip foundation on our website.

The most suitable base width is 30 cm. In the places where the pillars will be, install metal profile pipes.

3. Preparatory work

While the foundation is hardening, sort the purchased stones by size. This will speed up the process of erecting the fence.

4. Laying stone fences (pillars)

Laying stone fences involves the use of floating formwork. To speed up the construction process, all pillars are erected simultaneously.

Make the required number of collapsible formworks from boards and self-tapping screws (2 pieces for each pillar). Internal dimensions - 30*30 (according to the width of the foundation).

Once the frames are ready, follow the instructions below.

  1. Install the formwork.
  2. Lay the first layer of stones. They should fit as closely as possible to each other and to the formwork.

Photo No. 8: laying the first row of stones

  1. Pour in a thick solution so that it fills all the voids.

Repeat steps 1-3 for all fence posts. After this, secure the second formwork to each support with self-tapping screws and lay the next rows of stones in the same way.

Photo No. 9: laying the second row

After a day, the lower parts of the formwork can be removed and the construction of the next layers can begin.

Note.

  1. In places where the joists are attached, it is necessary to release metal corners. They need to be welded to the pipes.
  2. Immediately after removing the formwork, fill any voids found with mortar. Expand the dried seams with a drill and a wire brush.

Photo No. 9: support at the stage of construction of the 8th row

After all the pillars are formed, take care to protect them from precipitation. Perfect option- metal or plastic caps.

According to rough estimates (if all the pillars are erected at the same time), installing such supports for a stone fence will take 19–20 days.

DIY stone fence. Installation of spans.

You can build a stone fence with your own hands in different ways. There are three options for performing spans:

  1. sections without plinths;
  2. stone plinths+ sections made of wood, corrugated board or other materials;
  3. masonry.

The last two options involve the use of formwork, the height of which is equal to 1/3 of the future height of the plinths or spans.

The stones are laid in layers. Each row should dry for at least a day.

During the filling process, the formwork remains in place. It is moved higher only a day after laying the top layer.