1.  Decide on the location of your wall and mark the ends with stakes.  Attach a string to the stakes and make tight.  You can also attach a line level to the string  to help keep the wall level as you build.  It is also a good idea to use marking paint to establish the footprint of the wall.    Once your footprint has been established, remove sod, mulch or any loose organic material.  Approximately 4″ is a good depth.

2.   Once you have chosen the type of wallstone needed for the project, set aside the larger flat pieces first.  These stones will be used for the base and the cap stones.  Make different piles according size and thickness.  Use the largest stones -known as bond stones at the ends of the wall.  It is a good idea to have a small amount of stone dust to help your first course of stones. 

3.  As you lay the stones make sure that they are firm and do rock front to back or side to side.  If they do, use a little of the stone dust to stop the rocking. 

4.  Lay the front and back of the wall together as you work along the length of the wall.  Place bond stones every 5′ or so to help with strength and stability of the wall.  Keep the flat side of the stones facing outward.  Any voids in the wall can be filled with smaller stones.  You can measure down from your stringline to keep you wall level.

5.  Once you have finished your initial course, repeat step 4, but make sure to stagger the joints.  In places where there is 1 stone below, you might want to use 2 or 3 stones on top.  Where there are 2 or 3 stones below, it would be good to use 1 large stone on top.   Every 5′ use a stone that spans the width of the wall to ensure stability.  Try to use stones with square edges on the ends on the wall.  Continue to check for level.

6.  If you encounter a stone that does not stack firmly or has excessive jagged edges you can you a mason hammer and/or chisel to remove the unwanted parts of the stone.

7.  As you continue to build your wall, use smaller stones to help prop the inside stones and fill in the gaps.  Continue to check for level and make sure that the wall slopes inward slightly as you continue upward.  

8.  Once you reached the desired height, you can either mortar or dry lay your cap stones.  If you have a high traffic area it might be best to mortar the cap stones.  Spread approximately 1.5-2″ of mortar over the top of the wall and firmly press the cap into place.  Remove any excess mortar and enjoy your new wall!