Rough stone retaining wall & pillars

Howdy,

I've been doing some prep work for a rough stone retaining wall with pillars. The design is effectively a 1m tall retaining wall, with 2m tall (500mm x 500mm) pillars periodically spaced and set out from the wall 200mm.

Having gone through all the council approvals (which surprisingly wasn't painful, just lengthy), I've found all the tradies are quoting 4 - 5 month start times and almost double rates to my previous investigations. I guess their loyalty is to the builders and regular work.

I'm interested in exploring the DIY option - I've done brick work and concreting before. Just not experienced with rough stone!

Heres the questions I have:

1. Does anyone know any good stone suppliers in the Canberra -ish region?
2. What are the rough costs cubic metre for stone types?
3. Any good suggestions for estimating? I was approximating 2.5 -3 sqm of wall per cubic metre of stone
4. Cut stone or random stone?
5. I am toying with the idea of trying to get limestone or sandstone approved in stead...

Why rough stone? My area is all rough stone, 'scenic protection zone' and the council are somewhat strict on the topic.

I don't have many concerns about the wall component, but getting straight and neat pillars with rough stone is a bit of a worry (14 pillars).

Any help, suggestions - stone work classes!!! would be appreciated :)

Ben

Rough stone walls are one of my faves.... definately one of the hardest to do, but the natural characteristics of stone make it look stunning. It is because of this labour component, and lack of quality stonemasons, that you are looking at a long wait for start time. There are a couple of stoney's here in Melbourne that we used for commercial jobs that are 3rd or 4th generation in the trade. It is a hard skill, particularly with dry stacked walls where mortarless joints are used and each edge of the rock perfectly adjoins the next one.

If you get a reputable stoney, you will have no dramas with him getting the walls to look "flat" with rought stone. Be ready for the price though, it is very labour intensive and thus the price comes with it, plus the cost of stone and footings. Rock prices will depend on whats available in Canberra and how far away it is brought in from, expect $100/m3 and up, it does vary between basalt/sandstone/shale etc.

here are some good examples I just found- the Haddad Macedon house on this page is stunning
http://www.wtjones.com.au/housing.html

I can help you out with sandstone if you still need it. PM sent.

Will

Hey guys,

Just to let you know that my quotes are coming in around $190 - 250 sqm. Canberra is a strange market where demand and supply is constantly out of wack!

I should give up my computer work and do stone walls! There was a time that was a crazy suggestion.

Ben

Quote:

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I should give up my computer work and do stone walls! There was a time that was a crazy suggestion.

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Do your wall and if your happy, make the change :)
Your business expenses will go through the roof though.:)

That website has some wonderful jobs on it.

Love the random sandstone.:)