What is a gabion retaining wall?
Gabion is derived from the Italian ‘gabbione’, which means big cage - which is exactly what a gabion retaining wall is. It consists of a system of wire mesh "cages" that hold rocks or stones in place.
Do you need to stabilise a slope or contain erosion on your property?
Then a retaining wall or, more specifically, a gabion retaining wall should be on your list of solutions to research. Retaining walls are effective at reducing the pitch of a slope and can also improve the appearance of an area. You can even use them to create casual seating, a planter bed, a feature wall or even a water feature. Choose from different colour stones and you can even customise it to match other design elements in your backyard.
Read on to find out what you need to know about building a gabion retaining wall on your property.
Gabion is derived from the Italian ‘gabbione’, which means big cage - which is exactly what a gabion retaining wall is.
It consists of a system of wire mesh "cages" that hold rocks or stones in place. You start with level reinforced concrete footings upon which the wall is built. The wire baskets are held together with steel wiring. Gabion walls are widely used in commercial applications because they are efficient and long-lasting, preventing soil erosion and diverting floodwaters, so are a good long term investment. On a smaller scale, a gabion wall can make an ideal residential retaining wall in your backyard.
There are many factors that make a gabion retaining wall a good option. Some of the benefits include:
Regulations vary from council to council, so it is best to check before you start your project.
Generally speaking, if the height of your gabion retaining wall approaches one metre, you will need a structural engineer to design your project. In some areas of the country, this is only 60cm, so it's worthwhile checking your retaining wall ideas are okay.
The reasoning behind this is simple: the higher your retaining wall the more safety becomes an issue.
The height of a retaining wall isn't the only consideration. Where you are building it could also be crucial. If it is near a building or the boundary of your property, usually within 1.5m, you may need to get council permission regardless of its height.
Building a gabion retaining wall is a job best left to a professional as most states require retaining wall builders to be licensed. Depending on where you live this could be a builder, landscaper, bricklayer or stonemason. As mentioned, you may also need to consult a structural engineer.
There are times when you may be able to build a gabion retaining wall yourself. The main steps are:
Before you get started, you need to know how big your retaining wall is going to be. You'll need to know the length, width and height so you can get the right retaining wall materials.
Armed with measurements, you can then make or buy the material for your retaining wall. Buying them is the easier and quicker option, and there's plenty of options with what sizes and shapes you can buy.
You also need to source stones or rocks to fill the cages. If you're buying rock filling, they're normally sold by metres cubed. To calculate the volume of your wall, multiple the height, width and depth of each cage.
When buying filler, make sure the stones are larger than the holes in the basket otherwise you'll risk them escaping and falling out into your garden.
Before you build your gabion retaining wall, it's important that you have a flat and sturdy base to build it on. Depending on the size of your wall, you may be able to do this with a rake and spade or you may need to hire larger machinery.
Place the first row of gabion baskets and tie them together with steel wire to ensure they stay flush. If you are adding more rows, make sure to tie the new layer of cages onto the filled row before you start filling those.
A number of factors will influence the cost of your gabion retaining wall, specifically:
Of these, gabion retaining wall costs depend on two main factors – the stones you use and the size and complexity of the wall. Bear in mind that building a gabion retaining wall is a labour intensive exercise, so factor this into your budget. The type of stones will also have an impact on the final cost, as will the gabion retaining wall design: a curved design tends to cost more than a straight one.
Expect to pay:
Look for hot dipped galvanised steel mesh for maximum durability.
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