2024 Fall Workshops

While many training sites have considerably raised their prices. We offer the best value for your money not to mention package discounts. We believe everyone should be able to afford to learn a new trade. Not to mention, our workshops allow you to work with regional stone...a bonus!

~ 11/15/2024 (Friday) Fundamental Workshop 1 day $250- (This is not a workshop where you will be building a stone wall!)

See Workshop Page for availability

Fundamental Learning Skills Workshop (This is not a workshop where you will be building a stone wall!) 1 Day Workshop 1-Day  8:30 am - 4:00 pm, All Levels, Homeowner -Contractor

NOTE: This workshop does not include hands on building a stone wall.  That workshop would be the Freestanding Wall Workshop. This workshop is 50/50 How To vs Hands On. Remember you can't learn it all in a day.

This is our most in demand workshop every year. We highly recommend this workshop to everyone even if you're a contractor. Learn all about different wall frames, how to use them, build them and why you need them. What is a batter and why. This workshop will be hands on how to build 2 styles of foundations with the best tools for the job. Basic overview of tools of the trade. How and when to best use them and with what types of stone. Last but not  least how to read stone and how to put it to the best use. Hands on sorting and palletizing material. 

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!!.... Assessing Space, Planning, and Wall terminology. Learning the Fundamentals are the starting point for any waller. A skill set which will be needed for any project regardless of size. 

I created this course because I believed you can't read this in a book and understand the most important parts of walling. "The Back End". Rockin Walls was the first to offer this workshop in 2016 in the US. - Why because you can't begin to spell words if you don't understand the alphabet. Don't belittle the basics. You'll be ready to rock at any future workshops. Accelerating learning is priceless. 

HIGHLY SUGGEST THIS WORKSHOP BEFORE TAKING ANY OTHER WALLING WORKSHOPS!!!! or even if you have.

• Foundation build with needed tools for the job

• How to build a wall frame

• Designing wall

• Stone types and volume needed for a project

• Tie and use string lines

• Reading stone by picking and sort bulk stone onto correct piles

• Overviews of tools

• Feather and Wedging

• Much Much More

~11/16-17/2024 (Saturday-Sunday) Freestanding Wall Workshop 2 day $475-

See Workshop Page for availability

Freestanding Wall Workshop 2 Day Workshop 
2-Day  8:30 am - 4:00 pm, All Levels, Homeowner - Contractor

Freestanding Wall Workshop is an introduction into the basic skills of Dry Laid Stone Construction. This workshop is one of the most commonly taught classes worldwide. Over two days we will cover the proper fundamental methods outlined by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain DSWA-GB. 

All workshops are a simple and easy pace with no heavy lifting, plenty of stone and a beautiful scenic environment with horses grazing in the background. 

What you will learn:

• Proper dry laid stone methods
• Strip out, organizing and rebuilding of existing wall section a your own "V" section both sides down to below tie stone. Keeping safe distance from those next to you. 
• Sorting and selecting the right stone for the right place
• Basic tools - overview & demonstration - Hammer and Chisels
• Feather and wedging overview & demonstration (great technique for making caps, tie stones, steps and much more)
• Walking Tour of on-site examples of dry laid stone walls (discussion) 
• Safety, tools, worksite, equipment
• Possible Demo & Operation of Mini Skid Steer (participation is optional)
• Foundation is not covered in this workshop at this time - suggest fundamental workshop.

Stone type: Flat bedded sandstone local to region. Wall stone including Laurel Mountain, Colonial Blue Stone and PA fieldstone to name a few.

This workshop is also great for those who are interested in Retaining Walls. A freestanding wall is the same fundamental principles. 

(Note: this workshop will be a strip out and rebuild of an existing wall. Some tools will be covered in this workshop.)

Combo Deals - Both Workshops $650

Limited spaces available

REFUND POLICY FOR WORKSHOPS

If Rockin Walls cancels a Workshop:

~ Full refund will be paid to all enrolled participants.

If a participant cancels Payment by check:

~ More than 21 days prior: 100% Refund.

~ 14-20 days prior: Full Refund less $25 cancellation fee.

~ 0-13 days prior: No Refund.

Check payable to:

Rockin Walls

3000 Rohrbaugh Road, Hampstead MD 21074

Your spot is secured if your check has cleared our bank account. We will not hold any spots without payment. WORKSHOP RELEASE FORMS

2024 Spring Workshops

While many training sites have considerably raised their prices. We offer the best value for your money not to mention package discounts. We believe everyone should be able to afford to learn a new trade. Not to mention, our workshops allow you to work with regional stone...a bonus!

~ 03/28/2024 (Thursday) Shaping Workshop 1 day $300-

See Workshop Page for availability

• Stone Shaping / Stone Dressing Workshop, All Levels, Homeowner - Contractor, 1-Day, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, All Levels, Homeowner -Contractor

This Workshop will help the participant look carefully at the stone before choosing it for a specific use. This helps increase productivity and the economy of effort.

• There are many ways in which we can mark stone, this will be described and demonstrated throughout the workshop.
• Which Hammer should I use? What is its purpose? When should I use it? Which one should I buy? All part of the workshop.
• Which Chisel should I use? What is its purpose? When should I use it? Which one should I buy? Again, all part of the workshop.
• Using Diamond Blade Saws and Diamond tipped Grinders, Do’s and Don'ts.
• Working on Banker Benches, design and ease of use and practicalities.
• Texturing Stone for a finished surface.
• Tips on Drilling Stone including Feather and Wedge...and so much more!

• Shaping workshop, Hand Tools, Power tools, feather wedging and so much more!
(Note: YOU MUST HAVE - PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) for this workshop.  Safety and use of this equipment is of paramount importance during the workshop.)

~ 03/29/2024 (Friday) Fundamental Workshop 1 day $250- (This is not a workshop where you will be building a stone wall!)

See Workshop Page for availability

Fundamental Learning Skills Workshop (This is not a workshop where you will be building a stone wall!) 1 Day Workshop 1-Day  8:30 am - 4:00 pm, All Levels, Homeowner -Contractor

NOTE: This workshop does not include hands on building a stone wall.  That workshop would be the Freestanding Wall Workshop. This workshop is 50/50 How To vs Hands On. Remember you can't learn it all in a day.

This is our most in demand workshop every year. We highly recommend this workshop to everyone even if you're a contractor. Learn all about different wall frames, how to use them, build them and why you need them. What is a batter and why. This workshop will be hands on how to build 2 styles of foundations with the best tools for the job. Basic overview of tools of the trade. How and when to best use them and with what types of stone. Last but not  least how to read stone and how to put it to the best use. Hands on sorting and palletizing material. 

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!!.... Assessing Space, Planning, and Wall terminology. Learning the Fundamentals are the starting point for any waller. A skill set which will be needed for any project regardless of size. 

I created this course because I believed you can't read this in a book and understand the most important parts of walling. "The Back End". Rockin Walls was the first to offer this workshop in 2016 in the US. - Why because you can't begin to spell words if you don't understand the alphabet. Don't belittle the basics. You'll be ready to rock at any future workshops. Accelerating learning is priceless. 

HIGHLY SUGGEST THIS WORKSHOP BEFORE TAKING ANY OTHER WALLING WORKSHOPS!!!! or even if you have.

• Foundation build with needed tools for the job

• How to build a wall frame

• Designing wall

• Stone types and volume needed for a project

• Tie and use string lines

• Reading stone by picking and sort bulk stone onto correct piles

• Overviews of tools

• Feather and Wedging

• Much Much More

~03/30-31/2024 (Saturday-Sunday) Freestanding Wall Workshop 2 day $475-

See Workshop Page for availability

Freestanding Wall Workshop 2 Day Workshop 
2-Day  8:30 am - 4:00 pm, All Levels, Homeowner - Contractor

Freestanding Wall Workshop is an introduction into the basic skills of Dry Laid Stone Construction. This workshop is one of the most commonly taught classes worldwide. Over two days we will cover the proper fundamental methods outlined by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain DSWA-GB. 

All workshops are a simple and easy pace with no heavy lifting, plenty of stone and a beautiful scenic environment with horses grazing in the background. 

What you will learn:

• Proper dry laid stone methods
• Strip out, organizing and rebuilding of existing wall section a your own "V" section both sides down to below tie stone. Keeping safe distance from those next to you. 
• Sorting and selecting the right stone for the right place
• Basic tools - overview & demonstration - Hammer and Chisels
• Feather and wedging overview & demonstration (great technique for making caps, tie stones, steps and much more)
• Walking Tour of on-site examples of dry laid stone walls (discussion) 
• Safety, tools, worksite, equipment
• Possible Demo & Operation of Mini Skid Steer (participation is optional)
• Foundation is not covered in this workshop at this time - suggest fundamental workshop.

Stone type: Flat bedded sandstone local to region. Wall stone including Laurel Mountain, Colonial Blue Stone and PA fieldstone to name a few.

This workshop is also great for those who are interested in Retaining Walls. A freestanding wall is the same fundamental principles. 

(Note: this workshop will be a strip out and rebuild of an existing wall. Some tools will be covered in this workshop.)

~03/30-31/2024 (Saturday-Sunday) Cheekend Wall Workshop 2 day $475- 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
See Workshop Page for availability

(YOU MUST HAVE EITHER DSWA/DSC LEVEL 1 / TAKEN PRIOR WORKSHOPS OR PROFESSIONAL MASONRY SKILLS - to sign up for this Cheekend workshop)
(Note: you must have your own PPE, along with tools for shaping and dressing stone)

A cheekend / (wall head) is the most common way to end a wall.  Cheekends are one of the most important first features to learn. This two day workshop will cover strip out, rebuild and the proper method to finish off the end of a wall. In this workshop you will be partnered up with one other person to take on a traditional freestanding wall cheekend. You will learn how to tie the end back into the wall along with understanding how to pick, choose and make the stones you need to make it right! This workshop will also cover the setting up of a wall frame. This workshop is great for those gearing up for their Level 2 DSWA Certification. 

Combo Deals - Mix and Match

2 Workshops Deduct -$75

3 Workshops $925-  (you $ave $100)

Limited spaces available

REFUND POLICY FOR WORKSHOPS

If Rockin Walls cancels a Workshop:

~ Full refund will be paid to all enrolled participants.

If a participant cancels Payment by check:

~ More than 21 days prior: 100% Refund.

~ 14-20 days prior: Full Refund less $25 cancellation fee.

~ 0-13 days prior: No Refund.

Check payable to:

Rockin Walls

3000 Rohrbaugh Road, Hampstead MD 21074

Your spot is secured if your check has cleared our bank account. We will not hold any spots without payment. 

Fall Workshop 2023

 

~ 11/17/2023 (Friday) Fundamental Workshop 1 day $200- (This is not a workshop where you will be building a stone wall!)

6 ( out of 10) spots remain

~11/18-19/2023 (Saturday-Sunday) Freestanding Wall Workshop 2 day $450-

7 ( out of 10) spots remain

11/17-19/2023 Combo Deal $600-(Includes BOTH above workshops - Save $50)

6 ( out of 10) spots remain

Limited spaces available

REFUND POLICY FOR WORKSHOPS

If Rockin Walls cancels a Workshop:

~ Full refund will be paid to all enrolled participants.

If a participant cancels Payment by check:

~ More than 21 days prior: 100% Refund.

~ 14-20 days prior: Full Refund less $25 cancellation fee.

~ 0-13 days prior: No Refund.

Check payable to:

Rockin Walls

3000 Rohrbaugh Road, Hampstead MD 21074

Your spot is secured if your check has cleared our bank account. We will not hold any spots without payment. 

SPRING WORKSHOP 2023

Spring Workshops Are Back for 2023! 2022 has come and gone. We are excited to get back to our spring and fall workshops this coming year. While many training sites have considerably raised their prices, we have not and we offer the best value for your money. We believe everyone should be able to afford to learn a new trade. Not to mention, our workshops allow you to work with regional stone...a bonus!

~ March 31, 2023 Fundamental Workshop 1 day $200-* (This is not a workshop where you will be building a stone wall!)

CLOSED

~April 1-2, 2023 Freestanding Wall Workshop 2 day $450-*

CLOSED

Combo Deal $600-* (Includes BOTH above workshops)(Save $50)

* NOTE these workshop prices are a NON-REFUNDABLE PURCHASE

CLOSED

FALL WORKSHOPS CANCELED

 All workshops currently canceled due to the on going Pandemic

We hope to be back open come Spring 2022

June 27th 2020 Flatwork/Patio Workshop

Rockin Walls Training Center hosted the second Sold Out - reschedule spring workshop June 27th. This workshop was the Flatwork Patio. Great group with the owner Robert Lehnhoff's and 4 of his lead team members along with the Pearson Brothers, Tyler and Luke. Who for the last 2 days were busy moving Luke out of NY to PA. On a Hot high 80's everyone really put in some hard work. Many thanks to all. A big thanks goes out to certified waller Adam Fisher from Baltimore helping with instructing. Adam does a great deal with Bluestone sheet stock making some amazing patios, walls, steps... check him out. https://www.pescatorestone.com/

I'd also like to thank all our sponsors, Balducci Stone Yard, PaveTech, Swanson Level, PAW Wheelbarrow, Spartan Tools, Trow & Holden Tools VT just to name those tools we used this past weekend. Rockin Walls Training Center is the only training center with "Try Before You Buy" tools. See our full line up of sponsors: http://rwtrainingcenter.blogspot.com/p/sponsors.html

We started the day off with edging options and setting patterned blue stone called squares and recs. The Lehnhoff's team jumped right in on the 3/8th angular washed stone bed.

While the Pearson brothers started out on the concrete sand bedding. No time was wasting looking for all the right sizes. After making some great progress we took a slideshow break at the request of Robert Lehnhoff's to see how Adam and I work with large sheets of bluestone to make our patios. We also had the opportunity to show off other edge examples

Later in the day Nick Balducci owner of 2 bluestone quarries in New York. Stopped by to give some great wisdom about Bluestone quarries. Everyone had the chance to ask some very good questions. Nick offered any one who would like to see more to contact Greg at Balducci Stone Yard located at Maryland Line. 

Many thanks Nick for taking the time to swing over to the training site. 

After lunch we jumped right into demonstrating and teaching feather and wedging. This is another great way at a low investment on tools to be able to custom split large stones for caps, curves, tie stones... Robert Lehnhoff wasted no time eagure to see just how this would stack up compared to traditional methods used such as a 14" Concrete Saw. The first straight cut was just to easy for him. 

He wasted no time making a curve to see just how well it would split on a 3"thick bluestone. 

SUCCESS! Next the question came up would you and or how could you dress out the drill marks? Adam and I grabbed our go to chisels and showed the quick and easy way to clean things up. Normally this is not always necessary since this is a traditional method for splitting stone. 

It wasn't long before Robert was up to just one more thing! Making the R for Rockin Walls Logo. This is truly one owner who is hands on all the way! Just like they say lead by example. Now the "R" was to small and did not work out as hoped. A for effort - Robert, can't say you didn't try to push the envelope on that one. 

Once finished we moved right into stand up or also called flag, irregular. Now the biggest thing about this workshop was to cover all the basics. 1 day is not enough time to cover grades, base, compacting, so many other key topics when building a patio. While we touch base we really wanted to have the hands on with all the stone. Show off all the tools we use and last but least the tricks that have worked well for me and Adam creating for our clients. 

Adam showing the over top cutting and scoring method of two stones

Next he demonstrated my method of angle cutting the side for 4 reasons. 1) giving the look that it is tight to the next stone. 2) hiding the saw cut sides 3) minimizing gravel snow plowing in the joints when setting, lifting...moving 3) the ease of chiseling the edge if the stone was cut to tight that it doesn't quite fit correctly.

Then once again Robert took all the stones we had just cut and give a spin in the PAW Battery assisted wheelbarrow. No joke this thing is a game changer for moving things around a jobsite any day! These stone would have taken 3 guys/gals to move. 

The end of the day everything was cleaned up except for the remains of the irregular flagstone. Everyone did a great job keeping safe distance. JC from Lehnhoff's did an amazing job following up with sanitizing all the tools all day - many thanks. We had 2 wash/sanitize stations along with 2 tool sanitize stations, and 1 spray station by the ice cold water served all day. It was a hot one but we rocked it out. 

Next workshop SOLD OUT July 11-12 2020 Freestanding wall workshop with visiting instructor from UK/TN Martin Beevers.

If you like to be on the mailing list for fall workshops please contact Mark@RockinWalls.com

2019 Fall Newsletter - Stones teach life lessons. Are you listening?

CLICK HERE for Mailchimp Newsletter Fall 2019

Not on our mailing list? Sign up today - Email Mark@RockinWalls.com

Stones teach life lessons. Are you listening?

We are pleased to announce our last freestanding wall workshop for 2019. Limited space! Don't delay - sign up today! http://rwtrainingcenter.blogspot.com/p/workshops.html Oct 19-20, 2019 - 2 day (Saturday/Sunday) Freestanding Wall Workshop $450 All Levels, Homeowner - Contractor, 2-Day 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Freestanding Wall Workshop is an introduction into the basic skills of Dry Laid Stone Construction. This workshop is one of the most commonly taught classes worldwide. Over two days we will cover the proper fundamental methods outlined by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain DSWA-GB. Are you considering the path of certification? Understand why you should in the video below by Brian Post DSWA Examiner Master Craftsman.  The freestanding wall workshop is the place to start your journey.  You will learn the proper process of what is involved in a DSWA level 1 test by strip out and rebuild of a freestanding wall. (DSWA Level 1 6'L x 4'.5" H wall stripped out and rebuilt in 7 hours.)  A workshop is a great place to work at a comfortable pace learning the steps for success. All workshops are a simple and easy pace with no heavy lifting, plenty of stone and a beautiful scenic environment with horses grazing in the background. What you will learn: • Proper dry laid stone methods • Strip out, organizing and rebuilding of existing wall • Sorting and selecting the right stone for the right place • Basic tools - overview & demonstration - Hammer and Chisels • Feather and wedging overview & demonstration (great technique for making caps, tie stones, steps and        much more) • Walking Tour of on-site examples of dry laid stone walls (discussion) • Safety, tools, worksite, equipment • Demo - Operate - Mini Skid Steer Ditch Witch SK850 (participation is optional) • Possible Slideshow presentation Saturday end of day (Dependent on interest level) Stone type: Flat bedded sandstone local to region. Wall stone including Laurel Mountain, Colonial Blue Stone and PA fieldstone to name a few. This workshop is also great for those who are interested in Retaining Walls. A freestanding wall is the same fundamental principles.  (Note: this workshop will be a strip out and rebuild of an existing wall. Some tools will be covered in this workshop.) With the year coming to an end, we would like to ask you to consider Giving. Help us help others One Stone @ A Time. Rockin Walls Training Center a 501c3  With the Community Foundation of Carroll County Please consider a Tax Deductible Donation Today!  CLICK HERE Rockin Walls Training Center is a proud supporter of The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain DSWA-GB. Our training site is committed to both training and certification. In 2018 we offered our first Level 1 & Level 2 certification. Stay tuned as we prepare to announce another Level 1, 2 & 3 certification test date in October of 2020.  If you wish to reserve a space, Contact Mark@RockinWalls.com Subject 2020 DSWA Certification reservation. If you would like to understand why Certification is Key - Please take the time to watch the YouTube Video below. Brian Post explains in depth the value and importance of the DSWA Certification. We highly encourage all those interested in Level 1 to sign up for a Freestanding Wall Workshop. Hands on over and over will help you gain the confidence and understanding. Read more about the 4 levels of DSWA certification: CLICK HERE DSWA Mastercraftsman/Examiner Brian Post (Vermont) explains the benefits of certification Rockin Walls Training Center - The only Sponsored center in North America by the leaders in the masonry industry. Offering "Try Before You Buy Tools" Please Support & Thank:  BonTool • Trow & Holden Company • Kraft Tool Co. • Swanson Tool Co. • Pave Tech • Block Shear • Balducci Stone Yard • Micon Products (Rebit Chisels) • Spartan Tools • Zip Level -Technidea Corporation • PRO Power Assist WheelBarrow