Gabions
Gabions and gabion baskets for fencing and landscaping
Gabions from Intergard are strong metal baskets designed to be filled with stone and used for garden fencing, screening and landscaping. Combining a robust metal structure with natural stone, gabions provide an attractive alternative to conventional fencing and garden walls.
Also known as gabion baskets, stone baskets, gabion cages or gabion fencing, these versatile structures can be used as a boundary fence, privacy screen, decorative garden wall, landscaping feature or, with a suitable construction, as seating and other garden features.
The appearance of a gabion can be customised by choosing different types, colours and sizes of stone. This makes gabion baskets suitable for contemporary gardens, traditional landscapes, commercial grounds and a wide variety of landscaping projects.
Looking for a more open type of metal fencing? Explore our complete range of metal fencing, including wire fencing, wire fence panels and concrete reinforcement mesh.
Why choose gabions?
- Strong construction: manufactured from robust welded wire
- Excellent privacy: stone-filled baskets create an effective visual barrier
- Versatile design: choose different stone types, colours and textures
- Low maintenance: no regular painting, staining or oiling required
- Weather resistant: designed for long-term outdoor applications
- Water permeable: rainwater can pass naturally between the stones
- Wide range of applications: fencing, screening, landscaping and decorative features
- Natural appearance: combines steel with the character of natural stone
Gabion baskets manufactured from strong Galfan wire
Our gabion baskets are manufactured from strong welded wire. Selected Intergard gabions use Galfan-coated wire, which has a zinc-aluminium protective layer designed to provide excellent resistance to corrosion and outdoor weather conditions.
This is particularly useful for gabion baskets because the wire can be subjected to mechanical loads while the baskets are being filled with stone.
Depending on the model, our gabion baskets are manufactured using wire with a diameter of approximately 4.5mm and a mesh size of approximately 50x50mm. Always check the individual product specifications for the exact dimensions and technical details.
What is a gabion?
A gabion is a strong wire basket or cage that is normally filled with stone. Individual baskets can be positioned separately or combined to create a longer gabion fence or gabion wall.
The steel cage provides the structure, while the stone filling adds weight, stability and the characteristic natural appearance. Gabions therefore combine the clean lines of a metal construction with the texture and colour of natural stone.
What can gabion baskets be used for?
Gabion baskets are highly versatile and can be used in private gardens, commercial landscaping and other outdoor environments. Common applications include:
- Gabion garden fencing
- Privacy screens and boundary fencing
- Decorative garden walls
- Separating different areas of a garden
- Landscaping around patios and seating areas
- Decorative architectural features
- Garden benches and seating structures
- Raised beds and planters
- Suitable engineered retaining structures
Gabion fencing for privacy
A gabion fence is an attractive alternative to traditional wooden or metal fencing. Once completely filled with suitable stones, the baskets form a substantial boundary that provides a high level of privacy.
Gabion fencing is particularly suitable around patios, seating areas and property boundaries where both privacy and appearance are important. Unlike timber fencing, the baskets themselves do not require regular painting, staining or oiling.
If you prefer a lighter and more open boundary, consider our wire fencing or wire fence panels.
Gabions or wire fence panels?
The best solution depends on the purpose of your fence. Stone-filled gabions create a solid-looking boundary with a high level of visual screening. Wire fence panels have a more open appearance, require less space and can be combined with climbing plants.
For garden projects where plants form an important part of the design, concrete reinforcement mesh can also be used to create strong structures for supporting suitable climbing plants.
Which stones can be used in gabion baskets?
A wide variety of weather-resistant and frost-resistant natural stones can be used to fill gabion baskets. The most important consideration is the size of the stone: the stones must be larger than the mesh openings so that they cannot fall through the wire.
Popular choices include:
- Granite
- Basalt
- Limestone
- Quartzite
- Large decorative aggregate
- Other suitable natural stone
The filling material has a major influence on the finished appearance. Dark basalt can create a contemporary look, while lighter natural stone can give the gabion wall a softer or more traditional appearance.
How much stone do I need for a gabion?
The amount of stone required depends on the internal volume of the gabion basket and the bulk density of the selected stone. First calculate the approximate volume:
Length x height x depth = volume in m³
The volume can then be converted into the approximate weight of stone required using the bulk density supplied by your stone supplier. Different types and sizes of stone have different densities, so there is no single conversion figure suitable for every gabion.
Are gabions suitable as privacy fencing?
Yes. A correctly filled gabion basket forms an almost completely opaque barrier, making gabion fencing particularly suitable where privacy is required around gardens, terraces, patios and property boundaries.
The required height, width and construction should always be selected according to the location, intended use and structural requirements.
Can gabions help reduce noise?
A substantial, densely filled gabion wall has considerable mass and an irregular stone surface. Depending on its construction and position, this can help reduce some external noise.
The actual effect depends on factors including wall height, thickness, filling material, position and the source of the sound. A standard garden gabion should therefore not automatically be regarded as a certified acoustic barrier.
Are gabions water permeable?
Yes. Gaps remain between the individual stones, allowing rainwater to pass through the structure rather than creating a completely sealed surface.
For retaining walls and larger structural landscaping applications, however, correct drainage and professional construction remain important.
Do gabions need foundations?
Gabions should always be installed on a level, stable and sufficiently load-bearing base. The exact foundation requirements depend on the height, depth and total weight of the gabion, the ground conditions and its intended use.
A low decorative stone basket has very different structural requirements from a tall gabion wall or a structure designed to retain soil. For large or load-bearing structures, professional advice may be required.
How to install a gabion basket
- Measure the area: determine the required position, length and dimensions.
- Prepare the base: create a level, compact and sufficiently stable surface.
- Open the basket: unfold the pre-assembled gabion panels.
- Connect the sides: secure the panels using the supplied clips or connectors.
- Check alignment: make sure the basket is level and correctly positioned.
- Fit spacers: where supplied or required, use spacers to help prevent the sides from bulging.
- Add the stones: fill the basket gradually and distribute the material evenly.
- Arrange visible stones: position attractive stones by hand along visible faces for a neat finish.
- Close the basket: secure the top panel once the gabion has been completely filled.
- Check the construction: inspect the alignment, connections and overall stability.
Why are gabion spacers important?
Filling a gabion basket creates considerable outward pressure on the wire panels. Depending on the model, internal spacers or braces are used between the front and rear panels to help keep the sides parallel.
For the best result, fill the basket gradually in layers and distribute the stones evenly. This helps prevent excessive local pressure and reduces the risk of the panels bulging.
Gabions in modern garden design
Gabions work particularly well in contemporary gardens. Straight metal lines combined with natural stone create a strong contrast with timber, paving, ornamental grasses and other planting.
They can also be combined with other types of metal fencing to vary privacy, openness and texture along a garden boundary.
Gabions in natural garden designs
Although gabions are often associated with modern landscaping, they can also work well in natural and traditional gardens. Selecting local-looking natural stone and combining the baskets with grasses, shrubs and climbing plants can soften the appearance of the metal structure.
For an even more open garden boundary, explore our complete range of fence panels or use concrete reinforcement mesh as part of a planted garden design.
Gabions for professional landscaping projects
Gabions are suitable not only for domestic gardens but also for commercial grounds and professional landscaping projects. Their modular design makes them useful for creating boundaries, landscaping features, decorative walls and other outdoor structures.
Are you a reseller, landscaper or professional buyer looking to purchase gabion baskets by the pallet or full truckload? Send your requirements, quantities and delivery details to info@intergard.eu for a competitive quotation.
Buy gabions at Intergard
Looking to buy gabions for a garden fence, privacy screen or landscaping project? Explore our range of gabion baskets in different dimensions and designs.
For alternative boundary solutions, compare our metal fences, wire fencing, wire fence panels and railings.
Frequently asked questions about gabions
What is a gabion basket?
A gabion basket is a strong wire cage that is normally filled with natural stone and used for fencing, screening, landscaping or decorative garden features.
What size stone should I use for gabions?
The stone must be larger than the openings in the gabion mesh. For a basket with 50x50mm mesh, choose stone large enough that individual pieces cannot pass through the openings.
How do I calculate how much stone I need?
Multiply the internal length, height and depth of the basket to calculate its volume in cubic metres. Then use the bulk density of your chosen stone to estimate the required weight.
Can gabions be used as a garden fence?
Yes. Gabions are particularly suitable for garden boundaries and privacy fencing because a fully filled basket creates a strong and almost opaque barrier.
Do gabions require maintenance?
Gabion baskets require relatively little routine maintenance. It is advisable to periodically inspect the wire, connections, stone filling and overall stability.
Do I need a foundation for a gabion wall?
This depends on the size, weight, soil conditions and intended application. Every gabion needs a stable and level base, while taller or load-bearing walls may require a more substantial engineered foundation.
Can gabion baskets be used as retaining walls?
Gabions can be used in retaining applications when they are correctly designed for the expected soil pressure, drainage and ground conditions. For substantial retaining walls, structural or professional advice is recommended.
Can I grow plants around a gabion?
Yes. Gabions combine well with climbing plants, grasses, shrubs and other planting, making them suitable for both contemporary and natural garden designs.
What is the difference between gabions and wire fencing?
Gabions are filled with stone and therefore create a heavier, more private boundary. Wire fencing is slimmer and more open and can easily be combined with climbing plants or other screening.