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Gabion Stone
At Stone Warehouse we offer a great selection of Rockery & Boulders to be used as decorative aggregate, including Gabion Basket stone filling in a variety of colours and sizes.
Combine large landscaping rocks with garden boulders in contrasting colours to create an eye-catching feature Gabion wall.
Order before 1pm for Next Day delivery at an additional charge.
Frequently asked questions about Gabion stone
What stones are used in Gabions?
Gabions are wire mesh containers filled with stones used for various purposes, such as retaining walls or decorative features. When choosing stones to fill Gabions, it's important to consider their durability, stability, aesthetics, and availability.
Popular Gabion stones include granite, limestone, basalt, river rock, dolomite and quartzite. Please take a look at our Gabion basket stone collection on our product page.
What size stone is used for Gabion?
The size of stone used for Gabions can vary depending on the application and design requirements. Generally, a range of stone sizes is best to fill Gabions, allowing for a more stable structure.
The most commonly used stone size for Gabions is between 4 inches and 6 inches (10 cm to 15 cm) in diameter. This size provides a good balance between stability and ease of filling. It allows for proper compaction and interlocking of stones within the Gabion structure.
Using a graded range of stone sizes can be beneficial too. Using a graded range of stone sizes involves combining larger stones, such as 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter and smaller stones in the 2 to 4 inches (5 cm to 10 cm) range. The mix of sizes helps to ensure good stability.
What are the main benefits of using Gabion stone in landscaping projects?
Using Gabion stone offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for landscaping projects.
Gabion stone provides excellent structural strength and stability. The wire mesh cages filled with stone create a robust, secure structure that can withstand soil and water pressure. Gabion stone also allows for effective water drainage, reducing the risk of water accumulation and erosion.
The modular nature of Gabion cages allows for easy shape, size, and configuration customisation. You can design Gabions in different heights and lengths to suit the project's specific needs.
These benefits make Gabion stone a versatile and practical choice for retaining walls, garden walls, terracing, erosion control, and decorative features.
How is Gabion stone different from other types of decorative stones?
Gabion stone refers to stones used to fill wire mesh cages in Gabion structures. These stones are typically angular or irregular to ensure stability and interlocking when compacted within the Gabion baskets.
The stones are compacted and securely contained within the baskets, ensuring a stable and robust structure. In contrast, other decorative stones come in various shapes, such as rounded or smooth, and may not have the same interlocking characteristics.
Other decorative stones may be laid directly on the ground or used as beds or borders without containment within wire mesh cages.
Can Gabion stone be used for erosion control and slope stabilisation?
For effective erosion control, Gabion walls are a barrier against erosive forces, such as water currents, to prevent soil erosion. The stone-filled Gabions allow water to pass through while holding the soil in place, reducing the impact of flowing water.
Gabion retaining walls are also used to stabilise slopes. The wire mesh cages filled with Gabion stone create a structure that resists lateral earth pressure. The interlocking stones provide stability and prevent the slope from collapsing.
Sometimes, you can use Gabion stone with geotextiles for slope stabilisation. Place the geotextiles between layers of Gabion stone to enhance soil reinforcement and improve stability.
What are the recommended installation methods for Gabion stone walls?
Proper installation methods are crucial for the successful construction of Gabion stone walls. It's best to consult with someone experienced in Gabion wall construction to ensure you are using proper construction techniques. If you do decide to handle the construction yourself, here are a few steps to follow.
- Site Preparation: Clear the area of obstructions. Make sure you level and compact the ground.
- Layout and Marking: Mark the location of the wall using stakes and string lines.
- Excavation: Dig a trench along the marked line to accommodate the base of the wall. The trench should be wide enough to place the Gabion baskets and backfill material.
- Foundation Preparation: Level the bottom of the trench and compact the soil to create a stable foundation. Install a geotextile fabric at the base to prevent soil erosion if needed.
- Gabion Basket Assembly: Assemble the Gabion baskets according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the wire mesh panels are connected, and the baskets are aligned.
- Placement and Alignment: Position the Gabion baskets in the trench, aligning them with the string lines. Place the baskets end to end, ensuring a tight fit between adjacent baskets. Fasten the adjacent baskets together using wire fasteners or hog rings.
- Filling the Baskets: Fill the Gabion baskets with the selected Gabion stone, layer by layer. Compact each layer of stone to ensure stability and cut settlement.
- Gabion Lid Installation: Once the Gabion baskets are filled to the desired height, install the Gabion lid or top panel. Secure the lid with wire fasteners to prevent stone displacement.
- Connections and Reinforcement: Install bracing or tie wires between adjacent Gabion baskets to prevent bulging. This is especially important for taller or curved Gabion walls.
- Backfilling and Compaction: Backfill the space behind the Gabion wall with suitable soil or drainage aggregate. Compact the backfill material in layers to provide more support to the wall.
- Drainage Considerations: Use appropriate drainage measures, such as perforated pipes or drainage aggregates to ensure proper water management.
- Finishing Touches: Clean off any excess debris from the Gabion wall surface. Consider adding a decorative stone or vegetation layer along the face of the wall to enhance its visual appeal.
Is Gabion stone environmentally friendly and sustainable?
Gabion stone is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable for several reasons.
Gabion structures have a long lifespan and need minimal maintenance. They can withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs. This longevity reduces material waste and resource consumption over the structure's life.
These structures can also be removed and reused in different locations. This adaptability allows for relocating and repurposing the Gabion components, minimising waste.
While Gabion stone is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable, it's important to consider the entire project's impact. Proper design and responsible sourcing of materials are critical factors in ensuring the sustainability of Gabion installations.
What factors should be considered when selecting Gabion stone for a project?
When selecting Gabion stone for a project, a few factors must be considered to ensure the desired functionality, aesthetic appeal, and long-term performance.
Size and Gradation: The size and gradation of the Gabion stone are crucial for stability. The stone should be appropriate to fit within the wire mesh cages while allowing for adequate interlocking. A well-graded mix of stone sizes can enhance strength and structural integrity.
Durability and Strength: Choose Gabion stone that is durable and capable of withstanding the intended use and environmental conditions.
Compatibility with Design: Consider the stone's colour, texture, and appearance to ensure it blends well with the surrounding environment. Gabion stone is available in various colours, such as grey, brown, beige, or black.
Availability and Sourcing: Choose a locally-sourced stone to reduce transportation distances and associated carbon emissions. Local stones are often more cost-effective and can blend with the regional landscape.
Environmental Impact: Consider the potential for recycling or reusing the stone at the end of its useful life to minimise waste.
Compatibility with Project Requirements: Consult with professionals to ensure the selected Gabion stone meets your structural and functional needs.
