How to Build a Gabion Wall (RETAINING & FREESTANDING)

Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to build a gabion wall, including both retaining and freestanding types.

Feel free to utilise the following information as a reference. If you have any uncertainties regarding the installation of your gabion wall, we advise reaching out to a Civil Engineer for guidance.

1.4m gabion retaining wall built from two rows of welded gabion baskets

Gabion Wall Design

These rules apply to all our gabion projects – walls, fences, steps, pillars and seating.

Installation Guidelines
Retaining Wall Design
Freestanding Wall Design

HEIGHT & LOADS
1.5m or Less & Low Loads X – Engineer required	A retaining wall does not require an engineer’s calculation when it meets the following criteria It is 1.5m tall or less It is retaining flat earth It is not retaining heavy loads such as roads or buildings The ground does not have a lot of groundwater
1.5m+ or Large Loads Y – Engineer required	A retaining wall does require an engineer’s calculation when it meets the following criteria It is taller than 1.5m It is retaining sloped earth It is retaining heavy loads such as roads or buildings The ground has a lot of groundwater
FOUNDATIONS
Basecourse	1m or less & low loads Can be placed straight onto firm, level ground with no heavy loads behind it. A compacted base gives the best long-term result. Our founder John’s garden bench has sat directly on the soil for a few years without moving Show Image A 45cm high gabion bench built by our team, standing directly on a lawn (photographed January 2024) Show Image Customer project: benches built by The Inverclyde Shed, placed directly on the ground Show Image 1.5m or less & low loads show image Remove softer top soils until you get to firmer subsoil Replace with 10-30 cm of type 1 basecourse Compact the basecourse 1.5m+ or large loads Show Image Foundations should be 500mm below ground to prevent slipping. Add a 30-50cm layer of type 1 basecourse Compact the basecourse using a plate compactor
STABILITY
Shape	1.5m or less & low loads Show Image Can be built without the step, as long as the ground is flat and it is not retaining a large amount of weight, such as a road or buildings 1.5m+ or large loads Show Image Usually requires a stepped shape. The depth of the bottom row is half of the height. Consult a Structural Engineer if you are planning a non-stepped shape
2:1 Ratio	1.5m or less & low loads Show Image The height should not be more than double the size of the base; otherwise, it will not be suitable for a retaining wall. 1.5m+ or large loads Show Image If you are planning to use a 2:1 ratio and your wall is over 1.5m, you will require a Structural Engineer to check the calculations
6 Degree Slope	1.5m or less & low loads show image The wall should be on a 6-degree slope leaning into the earth to improve the strength and stop slipping. 1.5m+ or large loads Show Image The wall should be on a 6-degree slope leaning into the earth to improve the strength and stop slipping.
DRAINAGE
Geotextile	1.5m or less & low loads show image Cover the back of the cages with a geotextile or weed mat to prevent soil and earth clogging up behind. Install a drainage pipe, then cover it with 10cm of gravel for drainage 1.5m+ or large loads Show Image Cover the back of the cages with a geotextile to prevent soil and earth clogging up behind. Install a drainage pipe, then cover the back of the wall with 20cm of gravel for drainage The drainage gravel should be installed within 15cm of the top

WALL HEIGHT	PRODUCTS REQUIRED
1m High Wall
	Use sizes 1x1x1m or 2x1x1m All wire diameters are suitable, but we suggest 4mm+ if you would like to prevent bulging Attach using helicoils Save money using backfilling panels Allow drainage using geotextile Show Image
2m High Wall
	Use 1x1x1m & 1.5x1x1m All wire diameters are suitable, but we suggest 4mm+ if you would like to prevent bulging Attach using helicoils Save money using backfilling panels Allow drainage using geotextile Show Image
3m High Wall
	Use 1x1x1m, 1.5x1x1 & 2x1x1m All wire diameters are suitable, but we suggest 4mm+ if you would like to prevent bulging Attach using helicoils Save money using backfilling panels Allow drainage using geotextile Show Image
4m High Wall
	Use 1x1x1m, 1.5x1x1 & 2x1x1m All wire diameters are suitable, but we suggest 4mm+ if you would like to prevent bulging Attach using helicoils Save money using backfilling panels Allow drainage using geotextile Show Image
5m High Wall
	Use 1x1x1m, 1.5x1x1 & 2x1x1m All wire diameters are suitable, but we suggest 4mm+ if you would like to prevent bulging Attach using helicoils Save money using backfilling panels Allow drainage using geotextile Show Image

WALL CONFIGURATION	PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS
Up to 1.5m & 2:1 Ratio
	To ensure stability, freestanding walls should not exceed 2:1 Customer Examples Example 1: H97.5cm x D97.5cm Example 2: H1.35 x D67.5cm
Exceeds 1.5m or 2:1 Ratio
	An internal support post is required if the wall exceeds a 2:1 ratio or 1.5m in height How To The strength of the post will depend on the height and weight of the wall. For medium sized walls use the equivalent of a scaffolding post The post should run at least two-thirds of the way up inside the gabion The post should be sunk into the ground approx 1/3 the height of the wall Attach the support post to the gabion with bracing wire If your pole is hollow, you will need to plug the gap at the top to prevent water from entering. Set the post into concrete Customer Examples Example 1: H5m x D2m Example 2: H3m x D1m Example 3: H3m x D1m Example 4: H2.6m x D1m
Foundation
	Up to 1.5m height Remove softer top soils until you get to firmer subsoil Replace with 10-30 cm of type 1 basecourse Compact the basecourse Most low-level and/or wide columns do not usually require a foundation. If your column is 1m+ or narrow you may need a concrete foundation for added stability 1.5m+ height Foundations should be 500mm below ground to prevent slipping. Add a 30-50cm layer of type 1 basecourse Compact the basecourse using a plate compactor
Configuration
	As long as the cages are installed next to each other and they are attached securely using helicoils or lacing wire you can use different configurations Customer Examples Example 1: H97.5cm x D97.5cm Example 2: H1.35 x D67.5cm Example 3: H5m x D2m Example 4: H3m x D1m Example 5: H3m x D1m Example 6: H2.6m x D1m

RETAINING WALL

Experience Required: Hard
Tools Required: Shovel, Hand tamper or plate compactor, Protective Gloves, Spray Paint, Tape Measure
Materials Required: It is important to use certified gabion baskets suitable for gabion wall construction to ensure they do not break, as well as 6G gabion stone, helicoils and geotextile, plus a perforated drainage pipe, gravel and type 1 basecourse.

These steps show a 1.4m retaining wall: a bottom row of 97.5cm cube baskets with a row of 97.5cm x 97.5cm x 45cm baskets on top. Walls up to 1.5m that retain flat ground with light loads can be built like this without stepping. If your wall is taller than 1.5m, or is retaining sloped earth, heavy loads (such as roads or buildings) or ground with a lot of groundwater, you will need a structural engineer’s design. See Gabion Wall Design above.

Step 1) Identify location

Mark the location where you plan to construct your structure by using spray paint, rocks or alternative materials.

Step 2) Dig

Dig out the soft topsoil until you reach firm subsoil, leaving enough depth for 10-30cm of basecourse.
This applies to walls of 1.5m or less with low loads, like the one in this guide. Low projects of 1m or less on firm, level ground, with no heavy loads behind them, can be placed straight onto the ground, though a compacted base gives the best long-term result.
Walls over 1.5m or with large loads need foundations about 500mm below ground to prevent slipping. Your engineer will confirm the depth.

Step 3) 6 Degree Slope

Shape the base with a 6-degree slope leaning back into the earth. This improves strength and stops the wall slipping.
Every retaining wall needs the 6-degree slope, whatever its height.

Step 4) Add Gravel

Add 10-30cm of type 1 basecourse on top of the firm subsoil.
For walls over 1.5m or with large loads, use 30-50cm, as specified by your engineer.

Step 5) Compact Gravel

Compact the basecourse firmly with a hand tamper or plate compactor.
Use a plate compactor for walls over 1.5m or with large loads.

Optional) Concrete foundation

Gabion walls of 1.5m or less with low loads don’t usually need a concrete foundation. The compacted basecourse is enough.
If you have a lot of groundwater or weak soil, ask a structural engineer whether you need one.

Step 6) Geotextile

Apply a geotextile or weed mat to the rear of the baskets to prevent soil and debris clogging up behind the structure.
Lay a perforated drainage pipe along the base, behind the wall.
As you build, backfill behind the baskets with 10cm of gravel (20cm for walls over 1.5m) up to within 15cm of the top. Finish with soil.

Step 7) Unfold the Baskets

Unfold the baskets, lifting the sides.

Step 8) Join the Cages

Assemble the baskets, following the instructions.
Join the cages with the free lacing wire supplied, or use helicoils (sold separately) for a quicker, neater finish.

Step 9) Fill with Stone

Use the stone of your choice to fill the cages.

Step 10) Close Lids

Close your baskets, folding down the lids.

Step 11) Add Second Row

Position the second row of 45cm high baskets on top of the first row, either in line or staggered (see In Line or Staggered? below), connecting them together using helicoils or lacing wire.

Step 12) Fill and Join

Fill the top baskets with rocks.
Enhance security by connecting the baskets with helicoils from front to back. You may need to cut some of them to fit the structure’s depth.

Step 13) Finished Project

Your 1.4m gabion retaining wall is finished!

FREESTANDING WALL

Experience Required: Medium
Tools Required: Protective gloves, Wire cutters, Tape measure, Spray paint, Shovel, Hand tamper or plate compactor
Materials Required: Gabion baskets, Helicoils or lacing wire, Gabion stone, Geotextile, Type 1 basecourse, Support posts and concrete (walls over 1.5m)

Step 1) Measure and Plan

Start by planning your freestanding structure and measuring the area.
Keep the wall no more than twice as tall as it is deep (2:1). If it will be taller than 1.5m or more than 2:1, plan for internal support posts. See Freestanding Wall Design above.

Step 2) Mark the Location

Mark the location where you plan to build with spray paint, stones or other materials.

Step 3) Dig a Base

Up to 1.5m high: dig out the soft topsoil until you reach firm subsoil. Low projects of 1m or less on firm, level ground can be placed straight onto the ground, though a compacted base gives the best long-term result.
Over 1.5m high: dig foundations about 500mm below ground to prevent slipping.

Step 4) Add Geotextile

Lay geotextile on the base to prevent weeds from growing up and through your baskets.

Step 5) Add Basecourse

Add 10-30cm of type 1 basecourse on top of the geotextile for walls up to 1.5m, or 30-50cm for walls over 1.5m.
Low or wide walls do not usually need a concrete foundation. If your wall is 1m+ or narrow, or the soil is weak, you may need a concrete foundation for added stability.

Step 6) Compact the Base

Compact the basecourse well using a hand tamper or a plate compactor. Use a plate compactor for walls over 1.5m.
If your wall needs support posts, set them in concrete now, sunk about a third of the wall height into the ground. Attach them to the baskets with bracing wire and plug the tops of hollow posts.

Step 7) Lay it Flat

Lay the basket flat on the ground.

Step 8) Assemble the First Basket

Unfold and lift up the sides of the basket.
Then, start assembling by securing the corners with helicoils, but leave the adjacent corners open for now.

Step 9) Repeat Assembling and Join Corners

Repeat the process for the other cages.
Use helicoils to secure each corner and where the corners connect.

Step 10) Fill with Stone

Fill the cages with stones.

Step 11) Close Lids

Fold the lids down to close the baskets.

Step 12) Secure Lids, in case of 1m Structures

For a 1m structure, you can secure the lids with helicoils to finish it.
For taller installations, leave them unsecured for now.

Step 13) Add a Second Layer

Place the second layer of 45cm high baskets on top of the first, either in line or staggered (see In Line or Staggered? below).
Connect them with helicoils at the front, sides, and back.

Step 14) Fill with Stone

Fill the top baskets with stones.

Step 15) Close and Secure the Lids

Then close the lids and secure them with helicoils.

Step 16) Finished Project

Your freestanding gabion wall is complete.

Foundation Guide

1m or less & low loads: can be placed straight onto firm, level ground. A compacted base gives the best long-term result.
1.5m or less & low loads: remove soft topsoil down to firm subsoil, then lay and compact 10-30cm of type 1 basecourse.
Over 1.5m or large loads: foundations about 500mm below ground, with 30-50cm of type 1 basecourse compacted with a plate compactor. Retaining walls of this size need a structural engineer’s design.

In Line or Staggered? How to Stack Gabion Layers

When your wall is more than one basket high, you can stack the layers in line or staggered. Both layouts are used, and our wall builder lets you design either.

Diagram comparing in-line gabion stacking, where the vertical joints line up, with staggered stacking, where the joints are offset by half a basket

Staggered (running bond): the vertical joints are offset between layers, like brickwork. Some engineers specify this for retaining walls, as it spreads the load across neighbouring baskets. Use a shorter basket at each end of every other layer to keep the ends square.
In line (stack bond): baskets sit directly on top of each other for clean vertical lines. Many engineer-designed gabion walls are built this way, and it’s popular for garden walls, feature walls and cladding.

Whichever layout you choose:

Fill the baskets with angular stone that locks together.
Join every basket securely to the ones above, below and beside it with helicoils or lacing wire, as BBA Certificate 05/4215 requires.
For retaining walls, lean the wall back into the slope at about 6°, as shown in the steps above.
If your wall needs an engineer (over 1.5m, sloping ground, heavy loads or a lot of groundwater), follow their drawings for the layout.

Walls built in line

Large four tier retaining wall — J Hayne’s garden wall (August 2023): two layers built in line from our gabion cages, photographed during the build. From J Hayne’s customer review.

Two-tier garden gabion retaining wall built in line by our customer Lisa, using 4mm custom gabions filled with limestone — Lisa’s garden retaining wall (May 2023): a two-tier wall built in line from our 4mm made-to-measure gabions, filled with limestone. See Lisa’s case study.

Two-layer gabion retaining wall built in line at a home in Castletown Way, Sunderland, with a timber fence on top — Castletown Way, Sunderland (2021): a three-layer garden retaining wall built in line, with a timber fence above. Project by Enviromesh, our partner company, using the same welded gabions we supply. See the case study.

2.45m engineer-designed gabion retaining wall built in line at Eastville Medical Centre, Bristol — Eastville Medical Centre, Bristol (2015): a 2.45m mass gravity retaining wall built in line, designed by Enviromesh using 4mm BBA-certified welded gabions filled with limestone. Project by Enviromesh, our partner company, using the same welded gabions we supply. See Enviromesh’s case study.

Gabion mass gravity retaining wall built in line beside the Midland Main Line railway at Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire — Network Rail, Sharnbrook Embankment, Bedfordshire (2007): about 262 metres of mass gravity retaining walls beside the Midland Main Line, built in line to a design by Corus Rail Consultancy. Project by Enviromesh, our partner company, using the same welded gabions we supply. See Enviromesh’s case study.

Gabion mass gravity retaining wall built in line at The Farmyard, Longcroft House, Yeovil — The Farmyard, Longcroft House, Yeovil (2007): a mass gravity retaining wall built in line, designed by Enviromesh. Project by Enviromesh, our partner company, using the same welded gabions we supply. See Enviromesh’s case study.

Freestanding gabion wall built in line at the Premier Inn, Riverside Way, Uxbridge — Premier Inn, Uxbridge (2015): a freestanding gabion screen wall built in line, filled with granite. Project by Enviromesh, our partner company, using the same welded gabions we supply. See Enviromesh’s case study.

Walls built staggered

Three-layer gabion retaining wall with staggered joints, built by Questmore Construction Ltd in front of an old brick boundary wall — Questmore Construction Ltd (July 2025): a three-layer retaining wall with staggered joints, built from 97 of our 1m welded gabions on a reinforced concrete foundation, in front of an old brick boundary wall. See the case study.

Gabion retaining wall with staggered joints between layers — A gabion retaining wall with the joints staggered between layers.

Tips and Tricks

Before starting your gabion wall project, it’s important to plan carefully and consider a few key factors. The points below are based on our team’s experience designing and installing gabion structures.

Before beginning the process of how to build a gabion wall, ensure you have a detailed plan. Sketch out your structure’s dimensions and layout, ensuring it fits within your space and meets your needs.
Opt for high-quality baskets and durable stones. This will enhance the longevity and stability of your retaining construction.
Check the stability of the soil where you plan to build. If the soil is loose or unstable, consider consulting a professional for advice on additional reinforcements.
Adequate drainage behind a retaining wall is crucial to prevent water buildup and potential damage. Always include a drainage pipe and gravel backfill.
Periodically check your gabion wall for any signs of wear or damage. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent more significant problems in the future.
You can compact the basecourse using a hand tamper or a plate compactor as well.
You can fill your baskets with different types of stones, or vary them, as long as they are larger than the 75mm x 75mm mesh holes. We recommend 80mm and up.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

Ensure the gravel base is well-compacted to provide a solid foundation for your gabion structure.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions when assembling the baskets to ensure structural integrity.
Apply geotextile fabric behind the structure to prevent soil erosion and maintain the structure’s stability.

Don’ts

Don’t skip the 6-degree slope on any retaining wall. It helps with stability.
Avoid overfilling baskets, as this can cause bulging and instability. Fill them evenly and securely.
Don’t neglect a concrete foundation if your site has poor soil conditions or significant groundwater. It’s crucial for structure stability.
Building a retaining structure requires time and precision. Don’t rush through the steps, as hasty construction can lead to structural issues.

VIDEO

Written By

This blog was created by our Technical Illustrator, Timi and reviewed by our Founder, John.

Below you’ll find examples of our real-life gabion wall builds, along with customer projects. We’ve opted for technical illustrations for the instructions found in this blog because they provide better clarity on mesh placement and structural details that can get lost in real-life photography.

This is a L4m x D1m x H2m freestanding gabion wall built by John and Erno outside our old warehouse
This customer project shows our gabion retaining wall guide brought to life in a real build.
Another angle of the same customer project.
A one-tier retaining wall installed by a customer, built using the same retaining wall principles.
A garden retaining wall brought to life with the help of our Customer Support Specialist, Erno.
A finished retaining wall customer project.

4 comments

Sungreen says:

15/07/2024 at 09:36
You should know that building a gabion retaining wall involves filling wire mesh containers with stones. What are the key benefits of using gabion retaining walls in landscaping?
1. Erno says:
  
  15/07/2024 at 12:12
  Hi Sungreen,
  
  Thanks for your comment and question.
  
  Gabion retaining walls offer several key benefits in landscaping, including:
  
  Durability and Strength: The combination of wire mesh and stones creates a sturdy structure that can withstand significant pressure and environmental factors, making gabion walls highly durable and long-lasting.
  
  Flexibility: Gabions can adapt to ground movement without losing their structural integrity. This flexibility makes them ideal for areas prone to erosion or unstable ground conditions.
  
  Permeability: Gabion walls allow water to pass through, reducing hydrostatic pressure and improving drainage. This permeability helps prevent water build-up and erosion behind the wall.
  
  Environmental Friendliness: Gabions can be filled with locally sourced stones, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Additionally, they blend well with natural surroundings and can promote vegetation growth, enhancing the ecological value of the landscape.
  
  Cost-Effectiveness: Gabion walls are relatively easy to construct and require minimal maintenance. Their materials are often more affordable compared to traditional retaining wall options, resulting in cost savings.
  
  Aesthetic Versatility: The natural appearance of stones can complement various landscape designs. Gabions can be customized in terms of shape, size, and stone type to fit specific aesthetic preferences.
  
  Erosion Control: By stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion, gabion walls contribute to landscape sustainability. Their structure effectively holds back soil while allowing water to filter through.
  
  These benefits make gabion retaining walls a practical and attractive choice for many landscaping projects.
JACOB ARUMA WANI says:

04/11/2024 at 01:41
Hello there, I am trying to build a 50m long by 20 m high retaining stone wall to prevent part of my land slipping away. At the bottom is a small creek that is 10 meters from the possbile stone wall area. There will be flooding during high rainfalls, which will flood on to the wall by the creek.
1. Erno says:
  
  04/11/2024 at 06:46
  Hi Jacob,
  
  Many thanks for your comment!
  
  This would be a very large project and gabion wall, so we definitely recommend consulting a civil engineer and have them assess the ground situation as the gabion wall design plan might change based on that.
  
  Since our guide is for wall up to 5 meters, anything that’s above that needs to be assessed and checked by a licensed engineer as ground condition might influence the overall stability and design of the wall.
  
  Hope this is helpful and we wish you good luck with your project!
  
  Kind regards,
  
  Erno