7 ft black chain link fence

Gabion Retaining Wall

Introduction: Gabion Retaining Wall

As with any fencing project, it’s good to do your research first so here are a few tips about gabion retaining wall design and installation.

Step 1: Measure and Purchase Materials

Once you’ve measured out your fence and purchased the required wire mesh panels, rocks, and other materials you’re ready to begin.

Also, be aware that you may need a council permit to build a gabion wall, but that will depend on the size of the wall and your particular local council requirements.

Step 2: Choose Correct Wire Mesh Aperture

Obviously, you need to choose wire mesh apertures that are smaller than your chosen stones otherwise the rocks will fall out.

Step 3: Ensure Footings Are Level

Level concrete footings provide a solid base for a gabion wall where the soil is really soft clay or sand.

Step 4: Consider Drainage

However, concrete foundations can interfere with drainage and so may be counter-indicated in the case of retaining walls.

Step 5: Construct Wall by Joining Wire Panel Sections

Join your galvanised wire panels together with wire to form the base and sides of the boxes.

Hold each box in place by inserting wire down each corner of the box. This will hold the box shape while you fill the box with rocks.

Step 6: Consider Some Diagonal Bracing

Large size gabions may benefit from some diagonal bracing across the corners as well as horizontally at mid height.

You can save money by using old concrete blocks and cheaper stone in the middle of the gabion and saving the more expensive smart looking rocks for the visible outer parts.

Step 7: Gabion Wall Completed

Once you’ve got all the rocks in place simply wire the top panel on and you’re finished.