 Clay and clay-sand in soils or stream deposits were accessed by digging large pits, then mixing mortar in the pits and carrying the mix to the construction site in baskets.Water is scarce in Chaco Canyon and construction probably took place primarily during the late summer and early fall rainy season, when it was more readily available.Water was also collected from small reservoirs in the slick rock and deep wells in the bed of Chaco Wash.

Only the most highly skilled Chacoans shaped and set stone; others carried supplies and mixed mortar.