Gabionen

Fill gabions with natural stones and spacers

Gabions are a versatile and practical solution for landscaping. They serve not only as decorative elements but also as functional building blocks for fences, raised beds, or seating areas. A crucial step in assembling a gabion is filling it properly with natural stones and using spacers. In this article, you’ll learn how to do this and what tips to keep in mind to achieve the best results.

Why Natural Stone? Making the Right Choice

 

Natural stones are the preferred material for filling gabions. They not only provide stability but also have an attractive appearance that blends perfectly with any garden style. In Gabiona’s online store, you’ll find a wide selection of natural stones, including:

  • Limestone: Light, warm tones, ideal for Mediterranean designs.

  • North Sea pebbles: Round, smooth stones in natural colors.

  • Redder Gothenburg: A striking, reddish variety for accents.

  • Granite gravel: Durable and versatile.

In addition, the tiles can be arranged in creative combinations to form patterns or color gradients, adding a personal touch.

Spacers: Essential for Stability

Gabions

The use of spacers is an important step in ensuring that the gabion walls retain their shape even under high pressure from the stones. These elements, made of 4-mm-thick galvanized wire, ensure that the spacing between the walls remains constant and prevent bulging. As standard, 15 spacers are included per square meter of visible surface area. Additional spacers can easily be reordered if necessary.

The Correct Length of the Spacers

The length of the spacers depends on the depth of the gabion. The following options are available:

  • 10 cm for narrow gabions.

  • Up to 200 cm for large and deeper structures.

If you're unsure, you can use the dimensions of your stone basket as a guide or contact our customer service to select the right length.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Inserting Spacers and Filling the Gabion

1. Hook the spacers into the first position

Before filling the gabion, start by hooking in the first spacers. Place them at intervals of 20 to 30 cm, evenly spaced from front to back across the entire surface. Make sure the inner wires are hooked in correctly.

2. Protection of the spacers

To protect the spacers from damage caused by falling rocks, you can place square timbers or similar materials on top of them. These prevent the spacers from bending and thus losing their function.

3. Filling in layers

Fill the gabion with natural stones in layers. After each layer, remove the protective square timbers and insert the next row of spacers. Repeat this process until the gabion is completely filled.

4. Completion and Fixation

Once the gabion has been completely filled, secure the lid to the side walls, front wall, and back wall using wire coils. Your gabion is now ready for use and can serve as a decorative or functional element.

Creative Design Options

Filling them with natural stones is just the beginning. With a little creativity, gabions can also be designed using other materials or additional elements:

  • Glass chips: For vibrant color effects that really stand out when illuminated.

  • Log-shaped pieces: For a rustic look that blends in with nature-inspired designs.

  • Plants: Combine gabions with green plants or succulents to add vibrant accents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filling Gabions

How many spacers do I need per gabion? You should use 15 spacers per square meter of visible surface area. These are included in the delivery, but can also be reordered separately.

What is the optimal stone size? The ideal stone size depends on the mesh size of the gabion. Stones with a grain size between 60 and 120 mm are a common choice.

Can I set up the gabions on my own? Yes, the assembly process is designed so that one person can do it easily. However, for larger projects, it may be helpful to have a second person assist.

Conclusion: Secure, fast, private

Filling gabions is an exciting task that’s easy to do with the right preparation and materials. Thanks to the spacers, the structure remains stable and aesthetically pleasing, while the natural stones create a unique look. Whether as a privacy screen, raised garden bed, or decorative element—with gabions, you can design your garden safely, quickly, and with privacy. Visit our online store to find the right materials and accessories for your project!

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