The craft of dry stone walling has been used in various forms of construction all over the world for centuries. One of the oldest known examples is on Orkney Island in Scotland where you can find the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Occupied between 3150 BC - 2500 BC, examples of dry stone walls can be seen standing to this day.
There are also many heritage dry stone walls and structures here in Canada. Our Eastern provinces are home to walls built by the earliest European settlers. One of the oldest examples is close to 400 years old and found at the National Historic Site the “Colony of Avalon” in Ferryland, Newfoundland.
Ontario’s dry stone heritage is spread throughout the province mostly in the form of field boundary walls with fantastic examples still standing from the early 1800’s.
The reason why dry stone walls can last for so long in our Canadian climate is because they are not held together with binders and adhesives (such as mortar), which crack and allow the structure to break apart. When time-tested techniques are applied by a skilled hand, the structure is able to move freely with the ground below while keeping its form and function.
Unlike many modern landscape materials, natural stone never goes out of style, can immediately look at home in its surrounding, and gets better as it ages. Dry stone walls can easily be customized and many options exist depending on materials and desired look, whether old-world rustic or clean and modern. But it doesn’t stop at walls – dry stone features can be used in many different applications. Think water features, sculptures, archways, outdoor bars, showers, kitchens, and much more.
Did you know that for each pound of concrete, close to a pound (0.9 lbs) of carbon is emitted? Choosing natural stone over concrete products contributes to reducing the carbon in our atmosphere. If any repairs are needed, the original stone can be reused, keeping materials out of landfills and reducing the necessity to manufacture and purchase new materials. Finally, dry stone features often become ecosystems and can even be planted with mosses and sedums. For these reasons, dry stone is the eco-friendly choice.