Gabion Walls: Functional and Attractive

Stone-filled Gabion Wall projects have become increasingly popular with architects, designers and D.I.Y'ers for their strong structure and aesthetic appeal.  And it is no wonder why, as creativity meets functionality with this design spotlight!

What is a Gabion? Gabions are wire fabric containers, uniformly partitioned, of variable size, interconnected with other similar containers and filled with stone at the site of use, to form flexible, permeable, monolithic structures.  The word 'gabion' comes from the Italian word 'gabbione', which means "big cage".

Why use a Gabion? Gabion structures can be built with speed and economy in all circumstances.  They are highly permeable, acting as self-draining units which "bleed" off ground waters, relieving hydrostatic pressure.  The capacity of gabions to deform "flexibility" makes them preferable to a concrete wall which would crack and collapse under foundation and internal stress.  In addition to the distinct structural advantages over concrete and other non-porous gravity wall structures, the potential to vegetate a standard gabion basket or wire faced wall offer unique landscaping potential as well. Don't forget that a well constructed stone gabion just looks cool!

When should a Gabion be used?  Use for: retaining walls, decorative site walls, sea walls, channel linings, revetments and weirs for earth retention.

... The possibilities for Gabion Walls are endless and confined only by the designer's creativity.

Projects, large or small

Gabion baskets allow for flexibility in landscape design. They can be used in any project, large or small, residential or commercial. They can be used purely as a design element or as a functioning structural piece. In addition to this flexibility, gabions also save time and labor during the construction phase. So easy to handle and assemble, many do-it-yourself projects can be built by the homeowner. It is far easier to position and fill an empty basket with rocks than it is to move boulders and large rocks into place. Consider using welded wire gabions in your next project.