How to Build a Gabion Fence Step by Step

How to Build a Gabion Fence Step by Step

A Practical Builder’s Guide

A gabion fence combines aesthetics with durability, making it an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. Gabions — steel baskets filled with stones — effectively reduce noise, look modern, and require no maintenance. Most importantly, you can build them yourself. This guide will show you how to make a gabion fence step by step — from planning to the finished result.

Step 1: Planning the Fence

Before you start, carefully plan where and how the fence will run. Measure the area, determine the length and height of the fence. The most common basket dimensions are 1–1.5 meters high and about 30 cm wide. Check whether the ground is level — if not, plan for leveling it.

It’s also worth sketching a simple plan on paper with dimensions and post locations. This will make it easier to calculate how many baskets and stones you’ll need. Remember that fences up to 2.2 m in height don’t require a building permit, but always check local regulations to be sure.

Step 2: Choosing Materials

Good materials are the foundation of a durable fence. You will need:

• Gabion baskets made of galvanized steel wire,

• Stones for filling (granite, basalt, pebbles),

• Binding wire or connecting spirals,

• Steel posts or anchors,

• And concrete, if you plan to build a foundation.

Avoid the cheapest baskets — thin wire rusts quickly. Choose baskets with wire thickness of at least 4–5 mm. It’s an investment that will last for years.

Step 3: Preparing the Ground

The base must be stable and level. You have two options:

With a foundation: Dig a trench about 40 cm deep, place reinforcement, and pour concrete. Install the posts at appropriate intervals.

Without a foundation: Level the ground, add crushed stone, compact it, and place the baskets directly on the sub-base.

In both cases, accurate leveling is crucial — it determines the final appearance of the fence.

Step 4: Assembling the Gabion Baskets

Once the base is ready, you can start assembling the fence.

Set up the first basket, check its vertical alignment with a spirit level, and then attach the next ones. Connect the baskets using binding wire or spirals according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Install spacers inside to keep the walls properly aligned. Every few meters, fasten the baskets to the posts to ensure the structure is rigid and stable.

Step 5: Filling the Baskets with Stone

This is the most enjoyable part — filling the baskets. Fill them layer by layer. On the outer walls, place larger, more attractive stones by hand — they’ll be visible. The inside can be filled with smaller or cheaper stones.

Use stones with a size of 60–120 mm — smaller ones may fall out through the mesh. Every few layers, check the fence’s vertical and horizontal alignment.

Step 6: Finishing Touches and the Final Effect

After filling all the baskets, close the top covers and secure them well. Level the area around the fence and remove leftover materials.

Now you can enjoy a solid, stylish, and modern fence that requires no painting or maintenance.

Why Choose a Gabion Fence?

A gabion fence offers not only great looks but also functionality. It provides excellent sound insulation, withstands wind, frost, and rain, and requires no upkeep. It also offers endless design possibilities — you can combine different colors and types of stones to suit your style.

Summary

Building a gabion fence is simple but requires precision. If you plan each step carefully and use quality materials, the result will last for many years. And if you prefer, you can always entrust the installation to professionals.