Gabion walls are, in their simplest form, an amalgamation of rock and wire. Simplistic in nature and construction, gabion walls are essentially when a large wall is created from rocks that are piled on top of one another. With tiles, broken bricks and pebbles often used in the construction of gabion retaining walls, all materials used should be assessed based on size and strength to ensure optimal integrity.
Having been used for thousands of years, gabion retaining walls are a tried and tested structure that can be both aesthetic and practical additions to urban spaces and redevelopment projects.
Until you considered getting a Gabion wall, you’ve probably never heard of one. But you’re sure to have seen them around. They offer a multitude of advantages, from price to convenience.
But how much does a Gabion wall cost, and how long do they last? What exactly can you use them for practically? Just keep reading, and we’ll break down everything you need to know to help you decide if what you need is a Gabion wall!
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Are gabion walls expensive?
When assessing the cost-effectiveness of gabion walls, much of this depends on material and scope. The cost can vary quite drastically depending on the scale of your project, with standard steel mesh costing approximately £40 / $35 per metre. Though this isn’t a price that’s entirely consistent across the board (you may find some areas with discounts or gouged pricing in place), this should be the rough ballpark for the cost of steel mesh.
The cost of the stones, pebbles or other materials that you may use will also vary. Gabion retaining walls may be slightly more expensive than their competitors, but their attractive look and easy set-up makes them appealing to landscapers far and wide.
So, how much does a gabion wall cost?
Gabion walls are incredibly cost-effective. If you’re looking to transform the look of your yard or garden, it’s hard to do it for less than the cost of a Gabion wall. They offer a high-end look without the high-end price tag – making them an excellent choice for most applications.
Cost per square foot/square meter
Most Gabion walls cost between 10 and 15 dollars per square foot. In fact, for a cubic meter (3.3 feet), you can expect the cost to be around £40 / $35. However, this is mostly dependent on the type of stones or rocks your plan uses inside your mesh – the more expensive the stone, the more expensive the wall.
However, if you can access the stones or get them for cheap, you can reasonably expect to lower your wall’s cost further.
So, how much does a Gabion wall cost? The answer depends on how much your filler material will cost because the wire mesh basket is insanely cheap.
Do gabion walls need foundations?
Do Gabion Walls Need Foundations?
Not normally! Gabion walls are cheap, long-lasting, and easy to install! While there are a few instances where a Gabion wall might need a foundation, most Gabion walls don’t need any sort of foundation. All you need to do is build the baskets and fill them with your stones or other filler materials. Put the wall where you want it, then call it a day!
While Gabion walls don’t need traditional foundations, you still should level out the area you will be installing your wall to ensure a level wall. Failure to level out the area can lead to a lopsided wall that will shift over time.
Regardless of the material used for your gabion wall, you should ensure that any unstable subsoil is removed to prevent a rickety structure. If you’re building a smaller gabion wall, you’re unlikely to require extensive soil testing due to the significantly decreased load on the subsoil. However, if you’re looking to build a larger wall, it may be worth having an expert check the soil for suitability before investing in materials.
How long do gabion walls last and what is their lifespan?
Though longevity may vary based upon the materials used and the initial skill of construction, galvanized gabions can last anywhere from 5-10 years, whilst gabions with galfan coating can last up to 100 years due to the material’s corrosion-resistant features.
Not only are Gabion walls cheap, but they also last a long time. These two factors combined make them one of the most economical solutions available.
How long does a gabion wall last?
Gabion walls last as long as the mesh wiring holding them together. While you can reasonably expect any of these structures to last a significant amount of time, some of the wirings can last as long as 60 years!
Even better, you seldom need to worry about the filler material falling apart. So, if you are looking at replacing an existing Gabion wall, you can do it for a fraction of the cost by reusing your filler material.
What are gabion walls used for?
For the most-part, gabion walls are used for slope stability and erosion protection. One of the things that makes these walls so popular, is that they can be built to look attractive whilst providing flexible reinforcement. Sometimes used to absorb the force of flowing water, they are also often used to bolster riverbanks under threat of erosion and prevent landscape damage.
Are gabion walls strong?
With the ability to withstand a great deal of pressure, their rustic look makes gabions a practical and eye-catching feature should you wish to use them in your landscaping ventures. Furthermore, as time passes, these walls tend to become more structurally sound due to the vegetation and silt buildup that occurs over time. With strong bases that prevent them from being damaged during heavy rainfall, they are an excellent, hardy choice for retention.
What materials are in a gabion wall?
Manufacturers make Gabion walls from a wide array of materials depending on the application of the wall. Whether you’re looking for a landscaping aide or a permanent fixture for your garden, there are different materials that you can use to suit your needs.
What is a gabion wall made from?
Typically manufacturers make the gabion basket mesh from galvanized steel. Another popular option is a PVC coated wire. Finally, while it’s not as common, you can find Gabion wall mesh made from rust colored steel to give it more of a rustic appearance.
What materials can you fill a gabion wall with?
While manufacturers almost always make the mesh of the basket from galvanized steel or PVC coated wire, the materials you fill them with has a little more diversity.
Most people make their walls from either rock, stone, or concrete – and sometimes a mixture of the three. The vital thing to consider when using rocks or stones is that they need to be larger than the wire openings; otherwise, they’ll fall straight out!
Finally, if you’re using a Gabion wall for landscaping or other industrial purposes, you might want to consider using sand or soil as your wall filler. However, people don’t commonly use sand or soil as fillers for walls in yards or gardens.
What should you use a gabion wall for?
The options for Gabion walls truly are endless. You can use them as retaining walls, decorative walls, seating walls, accent walls, and more! Your imagination only limits the possibilities for Gabion walls.
Are gabion walls load bearing?
No! While Gabion walls have a wide range of applications, no rigorous studies have been used to determine if you can use Gabion walls in a load-bearing capacity. But just because research hasn’t shown that it doesn’t work doesn’t mean that you should give it a try! If you need a load-bearing wall, don’t take the risk and stick with a more conventional wall that works.
Can you use a gabion wall as a seat?
Absolutely! The wall’s comfort will depend on what you fill it with, but Gabion walls are excellent choices for seat walls. They are incredibly durable and heavy, meaning that they are almost impossible to damage by sitting or standing on them.
However, Gabion walls last as long as the mesh holding them together, not the underlying materials. So, while Gabion walls are excellent choices for seat walls, using them in this way will reduce the overall lifespan of the wall – but not enough to be detrimental to the wall’s life.
Do you need drainage behind a gabion wall?
Yes! While Gabion walls have tons of advantages and perks, they are similar to other retaining walls in that they need drainage. Without proper draining, you’ll get standing water, cracks, and deterioration.
Because of this, planning out a draining path behind your Gabion wall is just as important as the construction of the wall itself. Make sure that your wall is going to last by ensuring adequate drainage from day one.
How high can you build a gabion wall?
If you’re looking to build a Gabion wall in your yard or garden, it can go much higher than you’ll need. That’s because if you construct your Gabion wall properly, it can go as high as 30 feet. That’s as high as a two-story building!
Most Gabion walls aren’t that high, and you’ll need to make sure that you build your wall wide enough to support the wall’s height without compromising its stability.
Gabion walls come in virtually any size and are easily customizable. Moreover, this makes them the perfect option to give your home or garden a pristine custom look without busting your budget.
Summary
If you’re looking to transform the look of your home, yard, or garden, a Gabion wall might be what you’ve been looking for all this time! Compared to other retaining walls, they are incredibly cheap and offer a unique customization level that lets them match your style and décor with ease.
Even better, they last for years and are relatively maintenance-free. Whether you’re looking for a temporary fix or a stylish way to spruce up the look of your home or garden, Gabion walls are a great choice.