How To Build a Gabion

[Dan574]

I was wondering if its possible to build my own gabion basket retaining wall, I only want it to be 2 to 3 feet wide by about 3 to 4 feet high and varying lengths. I can get hold of rocks for free but I want to know what type of wire to use etc.

 

[ngneer]

check out maccaferri's website. gabions are labor intensive, but once familiar with tying procedures the schedule should hasten. design gabion wall as typical with any retaining wall, although advantages that no weep holes are required. also, if aesthetics are important, face rocks at exterior surface. good luck

 

[Dan574]

Labour intensive is fine but would you say they are relatively cheap to build.

 

[cvg]

you can buy the baskets pre-fabricated from any number of sources, including Maccaferri. You can also use other types of wire, such as welded wire fabric and chicken wire. Expect that chicken wire won't be as strong and may break. welded wire is fairly stiff and harder to bend into baskets.

Recommended galvanizedwire sizes (diameter) are as follows:

Mesh Wire 0.120
Selvage Wire 0.150
Lacing Wire or Internal Connecting Wire 0.087

 

[caudill]

I have built many gabion walls in various locations and conditions. If you have a free rock source, you should be able to build a wall for about 10 to 15 bucks a foot. You need to buy a pre-fabbed gabion. It would be hard to build a gabion and get the same quality as in a bought gabion. Try Terra-aqua or maccaferri they are around 50 bucks for a 3x3x12 gabion. Hope this helps.

 

[dicksewerrat]

If you rally want to do this, use heavy cyclone fencing and aluminum ties. make sure you go to your Dr. and get a tetanus shot first. you will get cut, scraped and bruised.