Gabions FAQ - Questions about structure, stones and installation

The right size of stone depends on the mesh size of the gabion and the depth of the basket. As a general rule, the stones should always be larger than the mesh size so that they do not fall out of the grid.

Typical combinations are:

• Mesh size 5 × 5 cm → Stones approx. 32-56 mm
  
• Mesh size 5 × 10 cm → stones approx. 45-125 mm
  
• Mesh size 10 × 10 cm → Stones approx. 80-120 mm

Smaller stones can also be used for raised beds or gabions with a shallow depth. The smaller the stones, the easier it is to achieve an even filling pattern.

For one cubic meter of gabion filling, an average of about 1.65 tons of natural stones is required. The actual amount depends on several factors, such as the stone density, the stone shape and the voids between the stones.

If the stones are carefully layered, the required quantity may be slightly lower. Since these factors vary, no exact guarantee can be given for the calculated stone quantity.

As filled gabions weigh a lot, the substrate must be stable and well compacted. In many cases, a compacted gravel or crushed stone bed is sufficient.

A complete concrete foundation is not always necessary. However, the gabion should be aligned horizontally. If tilt protection is planned, the corresponding posts should be set in concrete before the gabion is erected.

As a practical measure, it is also advisable to place a garden fleece under the gabion to prevent grass or weeds from growing into the stone basket.

After inserting the spacers, the gabion is gradually filled with stones. For a uniform appearance, it is advisable to place the visible stones by hand on the outer surfaces.

A practical tip from the field:

First place wooden slats or strips on the inserted spacers. This protects the spacers from falling stones during filling and prevents them from bending. As soon as a layer of stones is placed on the wooden spacers, they can be pulled out again.

Larger stones are usually inserted by hand, while smaller stones can be filled into the gabion using a bucket or pipe, for example. The spacers ensure that the side walls do not bulge outwards due to the weight of the stones.

Which gabion is the right choice depends on the intended use. Gabion fences are often used for privacy screens or property boundaries. Gabion columns or gabion raised beds, for example, are suitable for decorative design elements.

If standard sizes do not fit, gabions can also be madeto measure so that the length, height and depth can be adapted exactly to the respective project.

Spacers connect the opposite side walls of a gabion. This prevents the grids from bulging outwards due to the weight of the stones during filling.

By hanging the spacers between the side grids, the load of the stones is evenly distributed. The spacers are hung from front to back. The spacers should be distributed evenly across the visible surface, usually at a distance of around 15 to 25 cm.

As a guide, we calculate with around 15 spacers per square meter of visible surface.

Our round gabion columns often do not require spacers. For square columns, spacers are only required from a cross-section of around 32 × 32 cm.

Gabion grids can be shortened if necessary. However, as the grids are provided with corrosion protection, heat-generating cutting methods such as flexing or sawing should be avoided as far as possible, as these can damage the protection.

A bolt cutter is best suited, as the galvanized coating extends over the cut edge during the shearing process and offers a certain degree of protection.

If a hot-dip galvanized gabion mesh is cut, the cut surfaces should then be treated with zinc spray to restore the corrosion protection.

During the production of gabion grids, dark spots or slight traces of soot sometimes appear at the welding points during welding and galvanizing. These are purely visual and have no effect on stability or corrosion protection.

White, powdery residues may also occur on freshly galvanized grilles. These production-related deposits are harmless and are usually washed off by rain over time.

We recommend a anti-tilt device from a height of around 100 cm or for gabions with a depth of less than 30 cm.

The posts are usually set in concrete 60 to 80 cm deep in load-bearing soil. If a foundation already exists, post shoes can be used as an alternative, which are attached to the foundation.

The gabion is then placed over the posts. The posts should protrude at least two thirds into the gabion. By filling them with stones, they are concealed and at the same time ensure a stable, tilt-proof construction.

For individual elements, at least two posts should be used, for longer gabions in combination, approximately one post per running meter.

Gabions do not necessarily require a concrete foundation. In many cases, a compacted gravel or crushed stone bed is sufficient. The decisive factor is that the ground is stable and level. For higher gabions or gabion fences, however, it is advisable to secure them against tipping with posts set in concrete.

High-quality galvanized steel gabions are very durable and can last for several decades. The service life depends primarily on the quality of the galvanizing and the environmental conditions.

Gabion posts should generally be set in concrete 60 to 80 cm deep in the ground. This ensures sufficient stability and the gabion remains secure even under heavy loads.

The construction of a gabion takes place in several steps: First, the ground is prepared and, if necessary, an anti-tilt device is installed. The stone basket is then installed and stabilized with spacers. The gabion can then be gradually filled with stones. You can find detailed step-by-step instructions in our Assembly instructions for gabions.