Gabion Fence Installation

Below you will find a step by step guide on gabion fence installation. 

• Experience Required: Medium
• Tools Required: Protective gloves, String, Pegs, Shovel, Spirit level, Tape measure, Plate compactor
• Materials Required: 4mm or 5mm Gabion baskets, Stone, Helicals, Tying wire or Cable ties, Type 1 gravel, Geotextile, Supporting posts, Concrete

Step 1) Measure Area & Plan

• Begin by measuring your space: how long it is, how much space you have from front to back, and how high you want your diy gabion fence to be.
• This will help you figure out how many baskets you’ll need. 
• Also, remember to calculate how much stone you’ll need.

 

Step 2) Plan for Second Layer

• For a taller fence than 1m, think about adding another layer of baskets in your plan.

 

Step 3) Mark the Location

• Mark the fence line with a string and pegs, allowing an extra 10 cm on each side for better alignment and stability. 
• The string will ensure everything is straight.

 

Step 4) Prep the Foundation

• Use a shovel to dig a solid base, then level the ground and fill any gaps. 
• Ensuring the base is level is crucial for stability.

 

Step 5) Mark Support Post Location

• Remove the lid panels from the baskets and use them to mark the position of the support posts.
• Plan to place each post inside the basket, fitting them through a mesh hole, and space them about 1 meter apart.

 

Step 6) Add Supports

• Dig the posts to a depth of about one-third of the height of the gabion fencing. 
• Secure the support posts using concrete. 
• Note: Make sure the posts are sized to fit inside a mesh hole – otherwise, you’ll need to cut the wires to accommodate them.

 

Step 7) Check Support Post Location

• Verify the post locations using the same lid panels while the concrete sets. 
• Adjust them as needed to ensure they are in the correct positions.
• Use a spirit level to make sure the posts are straight.

 

Step 8) Add Basecourse

• Add a layer of Type 1 gravel:

  • For a 1m high fence, use 10cm of basecourse.
  • For a 2m high fence, use 20cm of basecourse.
  • For a 3m high fence or taller, use 30cm of basecourse.

 

Step 9) Compact Basecourse

• Compact the basecourse thoroughly for stability using either a plate compactor or a spade.
• Then, use a spirit level to check and adjust for straightness.

 

Step 10) Add Geotextile

• To prevent soil erosion and enable drainage, line the bottom of the structure with geotextile fabric. 
• Cut holes in the fabric for the posts, then position it properly over the basecourse.

 

Step 11) Pre-Assemble Baskets without Lids

• Fold up and secure the vertical corners of each gabion with two cable ties: one at the top and one at the bottom of each corner.

 

Step 12) Position Around Support Posts

• While positioning the baskets, thread the support posts through the mesh holes in the pre-determined spots.
• Ensure the adjoining corners are pushed as close together as possible.

 

Step 13) Attach Baskets Together

• To prevent any movement, secure the adjoining corners of the baskets with a helical. 
• One helical should connect the corners of two adjoining gabions.

 

Step 14) Cut Off Excess

• Trim any excess length of helical where necessary. 
• Use pliers to pinch each end to secure it and prevent it from slipping out.

 

Step 15) Fill with Stone

• Fill each basket with the calculated amount of stones.

 

Step 16) Attach Lid

• Close the lids by using tying wire both in the front and back.
• Ensure they sit comfortably on the stones and there are no gaps.

 

Step 17) Add Second Layer

• For a taller structure, place the new layer on top of the first layer of stone-filled gabion baskets, connecting the bottom and top of the two baskets. 
• Then, fill the second layer of baskets with stones and secure the lids.

 

Step 18) Hybrid Gabion Fence Installation Structures

• You can combine a column with a short wall or use timber elements in between them. 
• This provides many options for creating unique structures, such as walls, garden corners, or barriers.

 

TIPS

• It’s advisable to opt for 4mm or 5mm baskets over the 3mm ones to prevent bulging, thus ensuring structural stability and strength.
• Depth is usually small, so supporting posts are needed to ensure maximum stability and also reduce the risk of collapse. 
• You can play with the shape of your structure & create a unique gabion fence installation design by adding different elements like columns or timbering.
• You can calculate how much stone you’ll need using our stone calculator.

 

FURTHER READING

• How to Lace Gabion Baskets  – Instructions on how to lace baskets
• How to Fill Gabions – Learn how to fill cages using different methods
• Stone Quantity for Gabions – A guide showing you how to calculate the required stone quantity for baskets