Building Garden Walls

We asked Dublin landscaper Ross Farrell for advice for anyone thinking of building or enhancing a garden wall. What can be achieved for different budgets? What questions should you ask the contractor? When should payment be received? Ross's own wall likes and dislikes?

Budget

First of all, we asked what type of wall the owner of a typical Dublin garden could expect for their budget.

"The basic block wall is very common in Dublin gardens. Depending on budget or taste, there are several ways to enhance it. For a standard garden, people should budget anywhere between 800€ and 9000€ depending on what type of wall they want. I'll start at the less expensive budget options and work up!

• Plaster And Paint
  The least expensive option is to plaster and paint or colour render a basic block wall. The wall is then capped to protect the plaster.

• Wood Cladding
  The next option is to clad a block wall with hardwood or softwood timber.

• Brick
  After that, you are getting into brick. The existing block wall is faced with brick which is tied to the block wall.

• Stone
  With a larger budget you could face the wall with natural stone - granite or limstone. Again, this is tied to the block wall and then pointed.

• Dry Stone Wall
  And the most expensive option is a dry stone wall. It costs more because the stonework is time consuming and skilled work." Ross Farrell
  

Top Questions To Ask?

What questions should customers ask before hiring a company to build a wall?

• Portfolio
  "Ask to see photos of other jobs they've done. Or go to see them yourself. If the wall is pointed, pay attention to the quality of the finish. " Ross Farrell
  

• Ask For Details
  "The most important part is getting the foundation right. Ask what depth and width that will be. Can they explain in detail how they will build the wall. " Ross Farrell
  

• Is It Built Against A Bank?
  "If the wall is built against a bank, it will need drainage i.e. drain pipes at intervals along the bottom of the wall. " Ross Farrell
  

When Should Contractor Be Paid?

When should contractor be paid?

"In my case, I ask for 30% up front as a confirmation and to cover materials. Another 30% is paid half way through. And the balance is paid on completion." Ross Farrell

Garden Wall Likes and Dislikes?

What are your personal wall likes and dislikes?

"A lot depends on the site and the house. For example, brick wall may suit a red brick house. Likewise, stone will suit a stone-faced house." Ross Farrell

I like dry stone walls. And I like a mix of brick and stone - it adds interest and looks well. Ross Farrell