If you’re thinking about upgrading your garden, one of the challenges often faced is creating effective retaining walls. It could be to claim back areas of your garden not being used, to create areas for different levels and interest or to stabilise the ground.
In commercial spaces, gabion baskets have long been used as a cost-effective, strong and beautiful way to create retaining walls. But what about in your garden? You may not have considered them, but gabion baskets for retaining walls might be just the thing you need.
Gabion baskets, or cages, are wire containers filled with stones. They are not only functional but also add a unique aesthetic touch to your outdoor space.
Why Choose Gabion Baskets for Retaining Walls?
1. Durability
Gabion walls are incredibly durable. The combination of the wire mesh and stones makes them sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring your retaining wall stands the test of time.
2. Easy to Install
Unlike some other retaining wall options, gabion baskets are relatively easy to install. You don’t need heavy machinery or special skills – just a bit of DIY spirit and some basic tools.
3. Natural Drainage
One of the biggest perks of gabion walls is their natural drainage. The gaps between the stones allow water to pass through, preventing water build-up and reducing pressure on the wall.
4. Eco-Friendly
Gabion walls can be filled with recycled materials like old bricks or concrete chunks and then just faced with the more attractive stone. This makes them an eco-friendly option for your garden.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
The rustic look of gabion baskets filled with stones can add a unique charm to your garden and works equally well in contemporary styles as they do in a more traditional garden. You can even get creative with the types of stones or materials you use to fill them.
How to Install Gabion Baskets for Retaining Walls
1. Plan Your Wall
Start by planning where you want your retaining wall. Measure the area and determine the height and length of the wall. This will help you calculate how many gabion baskets you’ll need.
You also need to decide on the gauge of wire you require. Ultimately this is determined by the final look of the basket. Terrock offers two wire thicknesses – 3mm, which will have a small amount of natural bulging and works if you want a rustic feel and 4mm which creates a sharper edge, suited to a more linear, contemporary style.
2. Prepare the Ground
Clear the area of any debris and level the ground where the wall will be installed. Remove any organic matter that could decay as this could undermine the integrity of the wall.
If the ground is uneven, dig out the higher parts to create a flat surface.
3. Lay the Foundation
For added stability, lay a foundation of compacted gravel or a concrete pad. This helps prevent the baskets from sinking into the ground over time.
For a 1m high wall, a sub-base of 100mm deep should suffice, for a 3m wall the sub-base should be at least 200mm deep.
A geotextile can also be installed between the gabion base and the sub-base.
4. Assemble the Gabion Baskets
To assemble the gabion baskets, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Connect the wire panels using the provided clips or coils.
5. Fill the Baskets
Once the baskets are assembled, start filling them with stones. Use a mix of large and small stones for better stability. Make sure the stones are packed tightly to prevent shifting.
Be aware of the side on show. You will need to build this face carefully with stone to ensure a good finish. Ensure that there are no large voids between the stones, which could affect the finished look.
Most baskets also require some type of bracing, in which wires and ties are used within the basket to connect the sides and prevent bulging.
6. Stack the Baskets
If your retaining wall requires multiple layers, stack the baskets on top of each other. Secure each layer to the one below using tie wires or clips.
7. Finish with a Capstone (Optional)
For a polished look, you can add a capstone on top of the final layer of gabion baskets. This can be a flat stone slab that provides a smooth surface and adds extra stability.
8. Regular Maintenance
While gabion walls are low-maintenance, it’s good to check them periodically for any signs of shifting or damage. Make any necessary repairs to keep your wall looking great.
Gabion baskets are a fantastic choice for retaining walls in your garden. They’re durable, easy to install, and offer excellent drainage. Plus, they can add a rustic and natural look to your outdoor space. So, grab your tools and get started on your gabion wall project – your garden will thank you!
