If built correctly, a stone wall should last forever.  To ensure that it's built correctly you need to hire a mason.  Much like a mattress, it's impossible to see whats inside of a stone wall. The back side and inside of a stone wall are as important as the face and the cap. Before hiring anyone to build a stone wall at your home ask to see examples of their work in person and ask about their methods.  We take pride in what we do and build everything as if it were at our own homes. If you're interested in quality you need to call Mike Bennett Masonry.