The Temple and its enclosure walls were built of limestone. As the enclosure measured 300 x 480 m, and had high supportive walls on all sides, an enormous quantity of stone was needed for this magnificent edifice. Stone is an abundant commodity in the Jerusalem area, and indeed, the remains of numerous quarries can be found in the vicinity of the Old City. Two large quarries - one north of the Damascus Gate, the other known as Solomon's Quarries - are located north of the Old City, where thick layers of Meleke limestone are found.

Freeing the stones from the bedrock called for a series of operations: Wide grooves were chiseled with metal tools around the required stone block. The stone was then released from the quarry by driving metal wedges into the grooves. The initial dressing of the stone was probably conducted at the site. Many of the stones were of large size, most weighing between two to five tons. Immense effort was thus required, both to cut the stones and then to transport them. The largest stone found measures 12 m in length and 3 m high, and it weighed of course hundreds of tons! Transporting these huge stones to the building site was enabled by using a number of devices, including wheels and sleds (See Hoisting and Transporting Massive Stones).

Once deposited at the Temple site the stones were finely chiseled and then hauled into place using ramps, cranes and crow bars (See Hoisting and Transporting Massive Stones). The stones were laid in dry courses, mostly about 1 m high without the use of mortar. Each course was set 3-5 cm back from the course below. Final dressing and adjustments were conducted once the stones were set in place (See The Herodian Building Blocks).