Perth Rock Wall Builders

Perth rock wall builders understand the processes that they have to go through to make a sturdy wall. If you hire a group, it makes sense that you also have an idea of what happens during the construction process. It will allow you to be in sync with what they are currently doing, and you can be in tune with how they execute the plan.

Today, we at Australian Construction will show you a bird’s eye view of what happens when we build a rock wall. We will also tell you how to hire the right wall builder so you can make an informed decision upon hiring.

What is the rock wall for?

The first part of the process is to understand the purpose of the rock wall. Most rock walls are used as garden retaining walls. They use the rocks to prevent the soil from eroding. Some, however, put up rock walls for decorative reasons, especially in resorts.

When building a rock wall, one must know that it is not just about dumping rocks. The footing and foundation, along with the depth and width of the trench must be done right, and this all boils down to how the rock wall is to be used.

Along with this part of the process, the engineer or contractor has to determine the best kind of rock for the project. The most common types used are sandstone, bluestone, and bush rock.

Calculating the perimeter

Once the purpose and type of rock are identified, the next step is to calculate the perimeter covered by the wall. This is the area that will receive the boulders of rocks. During this process, we mark the area with a string.

A string is imperative, as it helps us keep on track. The last thing that we want to happen is to stray away from the actual location of where the wall should be.

Digging the footing

The next step is to dig the footing. This is where our expertise as excavators come in. What we do is to dig at least 20 centimetres deep. We also ensure that this trench is wide enough to accommodate the rocks.

Compacting the soil

Once the digging is over, we do not pile the rocks right away. We have to compact the soil to ensure that it has no air pockets. Air pockets make the soil weak, and susceptible to erosion. It is in this part of the construction that we spread coarse gravel evenly on top of the soil.

Placing the rocks

Once the soil is compacted, we will place the first row of rocks and boulders along the trench. This first row is the foundation, and we rotate them, making sure that the top is as flat as possible.

This is one of the most challenging things in building a rock wall. No two rocks are alike, and you have to be patient in finding the right placement for each of them. Unlike concrete slabs, the top surface of the rocks is not always flat.  

Placing the second layer

Once we are satisfied with the first layer, it is time to put the next layer and the next. This is another difficult aspect of the job, as we have to keep on building the layers according to the slope of the wall.

To make sure that the rocks stay in place, we can either use mud or concrete. The easiest method is concrete, but some projects we did in the past required mud—the same kind used in brick walls in ancient times.  

Backfilling the soil

Once the rocks are in place, the last step is to backfill the soil. Here, we will use the same soil we dug, and we will also add some coarse stones. Once the area has been backfilled, the next critical step is to compact it again.

While the process seems straightforward, it requires a lot of work. This is where the specialty of the contractor comes in. You have to hire a contractor who has done this in the past—someone who also have the right equipment to get the job done.

How to Hire the right Perth rock wall builders

Now that you know what happens behind the rock wall building process, we would like to share some tips on how you can hire the best rock wall builders.

The first thing you have to look for is a license. A licensed contractor is one that has passed the stringent requirements of the government. They understand the building code and are expected to abide by it. If they don’t, they will be held liable.

Some other things you need to look for are bond and insurance. The bond protects you financially in case the contractor does not finish the work. The insurance keeps you safe from financial liabilities.

Once all of these are checked, you have to investigate what kind of experience the contractor has had in the past. Do not work with contractors who have never built a wall like this, or your project is going to e an experiment.

Ask your friends and family members if they know a contractor who does this line of work, and whether or not the contractors did a good job of it or not. You can also check online and investigate what kind of reputation a particular contractor has.

Summary: Perth Rock Wall Builders

Now that you know the processes involved, you are armed with what questions to ask a contractor if ever you plan to build a rock wall. We have also shown you several important things to look for when hiring a contractor. Use these qualifications as a checklist when selecting who to work with.

Or, you can give us a call now at Australian Construction. One of our engineers will speak with you about your project. We will schedule an ocular visit to your site, and this is going to give an idea of how we should go about the project.