How to Install Gabion Baskets (WITH VIDEO)

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Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to install gabion baskets.

Experience Required: Low
Tools Required: Protective gloves, Wire cutter, Pliers
Materials Required: Gabion baskets, Helicoils, Gabion stone, Corner braces (optional)

PREPARATION

Step 0) Health & Safety Regulations

Gabion basket installation instructions are simple, but be sure to wear protective gloves to protect your hands.
Before starting, check all relevant construction, health, and safety guidelines.

Step 1) Stable Foundation

To create a stable foundation for cages, start by removing any organic material that might decompose over time.
Next, lay down a compacted sub-base of Type 1 stone to ensure long-lasting support.

Step 2) Delivered Flat Packed

Cages arrive flat-packed and pre-clipped with steel clips, along with complimentary coils of lacing/bracing wire.
Additional accessories like helicoils for faster setup, corner braces, geotextiles, and stone are also available upon request.

GABION BASKET ASSEMBLY

Step 3) Unfold the Gabion

In the process of how to install gabion baskets, unfold the cage and lay it flat on the ground.
Each cage is made up of 6 panels: the top, bottom, front, back, and two sides.

Step 4) Pre-Clipped

The base of the wire cage comes pre-clipped to all four sides, with the lid securely attached to the back panel.

INSTALLATION WITH LACING WIRE

Step 5) Measure & Cut Lacing Wire

Use a wire cutter to cut the lacing wire to size: for each meter of gabion length, you’ll need about 1.5 meters of wire.
Alternatively, you can estimate the required wire by doubling the length of each panel.

Step 6) Connect with Free Lacing Wire

To connect adjacent panels, use continuous wire.
Begin by wrapping the wire three times around the first mesh hole.
Then, weave it in and out along the edges, creating a double-loop around each hole to increase strength, pulling the wire tight as you go.

Step 7) Secure Wire at the Top

Finish by wrapping the wire three times around the final mesh hole to secure the connection tightly.

Step 8) Cut off Excess Wire

Once secured, use wire cutters to trim away any excess lacing wire.

INSTALLATION WITH HELICOILS

Step 5) Calculate Helicoils

To speed up assembly, use helicoils, each measuring 1 meter in length.
You’ll need 4 for the sides and 1 for the lid if you’re not using lacing wire.
For heights under 1m, cut the helicoils to size. For heights over 1m, use a full helicoil and a cut one.

Step 6) Join Panels

Secure the four corners by twisting the helicoil through the mesh.

Step 7) Cut Off Excess

Each helicoil measures 1 meter in length.
If your cage is shorter than 1 meter, trim the helicoil to the appropriate size using wire cutters.

Step 8) Fold the End of the Helicoil

At the top and bottom, use pliers to turn the last coil of the helicoil vertically by 90 degrees.
This step helps to secure the helicoil in place and prevent any movement.

FILLING & BRACING

Step 9) Use Corner Braces

To prevent gabion baskets from bulging, use corner braces to secure the corners.
Insert the end of the tie through the mesh at the upper corner, then twist it around the mesh to secure it.
Repeat for the other loop, and continue for each remaining corner.

Step 10) Choosing the Right Stone

Fill the wire cages with angular, interlocking gabion stones to reduce pressure on the sides.
The stones should be larger than the mesh openings, typically ranging from 75mm to 200mm in size.
Choose granite or limestone based on preference.

Step 11) Fill the Cage

Fill the cages slightly above the top edge to accommodate settlement.
The cages can be filled by machine; however, for optimal results and to minimize voids, they should be filled by hand.

CLOSING THE LID

Step 12) Close the Lid

Once the basket is filled, close the lid securely, making sure it fits snugly against the stones without any gaps.

Step 13A) Secure with Lacing Wire

Secure the top edges with lacing wire, just as you did before.
Cut any excess wire, as described in step 8.

Step 13B) Secure with Helicoils

Secure the top edges using a helicoil, following the same method as previously described.
Once secured, trim away any excess helicoil and you have successfully completed the gabion basket installation.

FURTHER TIPS & READING

Further Tips on How to Install Gabion Baskets

Working through the installation helped us identify both the strengths and the trickier parts of the process, which we’ve compiled into the list below to help make this guide more useful.

Wire diameter: Opt for a 4mm or 5mm wire for enhanced security, stability, and strength, which helps to minimize bulging.
Coating option: Consider PVC-coated wire cages for enhanced weather resistance.
Backfilling panels: Use them to fill the back compartment of the cage with inexpensive rubble, reducing the total cost.
Support panel: Cages longer than 150cm come with a central support panel for added security!
Geotextile: Place a geotextile layer between the cage and the base to improve durability and support.
Layering: Once the lower basket is filled, securely fasten its lid with wire, then assemble the next layer on top.
Walls: for a stable wall, lean it back about 6 degrees and build on a compacted type 1 basecourse. See our gabion wall rules for depths and heights.

VIDEOS

Written By

This blog was created by Timi with the help of Erno, Orsi and John. During multiple occasions installing gabion structures we compiled an extensive guide on how to assemble and fill a gabion. Check out some behind the scenes images and different gabion structures installed by us and our customers.

John installing a gabion basket for a local community garden.
Behind the scenes of Erno filming a guide video on how to lace gabions.
Behind the scenes of Orsi filming different installation videos of gabion baskets.
Gabion planter built by Orsi.
Gabion bench installed while creating a guide.
Gabion cages being installed and used in a very creative way to display art.
A customer project showcasing some beautifully installed gabions in a garden water feature.