Article: Load-bearing dry stack walls should be started at the corners. Begin constructing corners by laying 1 stone in the corner of the trench. Then lay 3 stones extending out in each direction. This forms the corner joint. If the wall is more than 1 stone thick, lay more stones parallel to the first ones. Act as if each section represents one stone. Construction bricks are designed to interlock at corners. The 4 stones you laid from each direction forms the first layer of cornerstones. For the second layer, overlap the first stone by laying another on top of it. Continue interlocking the stones as you build upward, alternating which side lays over the other. The interlocking stone structure should look like a zipper going up. Stack 3 to 5 layers of stones at the corner before filling in the rest of the wall. Then if you need to go higher, stack more layers at the corners. After constructing the corners, extend outward from here and fill in the rest of the trench. Interlocking bricks have shapes cut into them that line up with the other bricks. Fit the bricks together as you lay them in place. Place the bricks in the trench all along the perimeter to form the first layer. Make sure each rock you place is secure. Push it down to lock it in place snugly. Pound them down gently with a rubber mallet if you have to. Always stack a complete layer around the whole perimeter before starting another layer. When starting a new layer, each rock should overlap the joint between the rocks below it. This helps make your wall more stable. Continue this pattern as you stack more layers. If your bricks are smaller and you need to use more than one to cover the width of the trench, make sure the stones nearby touch each other. Otherwise, the wall won't be able to support much weight. Part of the reason you need a stem wall is to keep ground moisture away from the structure you're building. Stacking the wall at least 1.5 feet (0.46m) above ground level helps keep your structure dry and avoids water damage. Do not build the stem wall higher than 8 feet (2.4m). A wall higher than this requires extra reinforcement. Many localities even ban stem walls higher than 4 feet (1.2m) for safety reasons.
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Lay a cornerstone in each corner. Construct the corners by interlocking stones. Lay the stones down for the first layer of your wall. Stagger the rocks as you start new layers. Stack your wall at least 1.5 feet (0.46m) above the ground level.