Gabion walls have been used for over 7,000 years to protect the banks of the Nile in ancient Egypt. Today, civil engineers around the world continue to rely on them as strong and efficient retaining walls. If you’re looking to safeguard your backyard against soil erosion, gabion walls can be a great solution.

So, what is a gabion wall? The term “gabion” comes from the Italian word “gabbione,” which means “big cage.” This describes a gabion retaining wall perfectly, as it’s a structure that’s filled with materials such as stone, brick, or concrete, forming a solid wall.

In the past, gabions were typically made from wicker cages. Today, they are made from durable galvanized steel wire mesh. Gabion cages are filled with whatever materials that you have available, typically rock, stone, and/or gravel.

The Benefits of Gabion Walls

• Appearance: The clean, modern look of a gabion wall’s metal cage can be enhanced with your choice of fill material or paired with rustic stone for an appealing blend of styles. Using local stone also highlights beautiful regional materials.
• Erosion control: Gabion retaining walls help to protect delicate areas of your landscape from damage caused by drainage and water flow.
• Simple installation: Constructing gabion walls is straightforward and can be easily learned. They usually don’t require digging into the ground since their own weight keeps them in place. Expert design and installation can be custom built to accommodate any layout.
• Environmental benefits: Choosing your fill material means you can use recycled or local resources, reducing shipping expenses. You can utilize stones from your property, leftover materials, or pieces of concrete that can be repurposed.
• Durability: Gabions are remarkably durable and become stronger over time. As the fill settles and fills gaps with silt, plants, and debris, the wall’s strength increases. They also withstand shifts in the earth during freeze cycles without damage.

Gabion Walls Permit Drainage

Gabion walls effectively enable water drainage. Water can pass through the rocks gently, preventing puddling at the upper elevation.

Gabion Walls are Relatively Inexpensive

The cost of steel mesh gabion wall construction is relatively low compared to other retaining wall systems. You can select your own fill material as well, allowing you to control costs and use affordable or even free options for your gabion wall design.

See our projects: Gabion Wall image gallery