The material used to create them is stones not held together with mortar. This design is called gabions. If desired, it is very easy to build such a fence from stones. Gabions are used in the construction of windbreaks and hedges. Using such structures, it is possible to strengthen the shores of lakes and ponds, create original elements decor in the garden. In order to understand how to lay gabions with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the functions, types of structures, and the material used for their manufacture.

What functions do stone structures perform?

Gabion structures are successfully used in construction. Among the main functions it is worth highlighting:

• Protecting the area from winds.
• Strengthening the coastline of various water bodies.
• Using gabions, you can regulate the river bed and organize an embankment.
• Creation of hedges in areas of any size.
• Protection against the convergence of large masses of snow.
• Use for decorative purposes.

Advantages of gabions

The wide range of applications of gabions indicates the advantages of the design:

• During the installation of the frame, the gabions are bonded with galvanized wire, which makes it possible to talk about the strength of the structure, which can withstand heavy loads.
• In the process of absorption of various sediments by gabions, they are not destroyed. During erosion, the base of the structure is slightly deformed, while remaining strong.
• During the installation of the structure, there is no need for construction equipment and creation drainage device. It is enough to buy stones. Moreover, they do not need special treatment. Therefore, this method of strengthening significantly saves money.

Considering the shape of gabions, they are divided into box-shaped and cylindrical. Sometimes you can find flat rectangular-shaped products, the thickness of which reaches 30 cm. This type of structure is used to strengthen the coastline, during the construction of retaining walls.

Cylindrical structures are used to create underwater foundations from box-shaped gabions.

Making gabions

To complete the job you will need step by step instructions for the construction of the structure. Before you start building gabions, you need to choose a site for construction. The preparation stage includes compacting the soil.

Preparation of materials

It would be useful to make a foundation with a pillow. In this case, crushed stone and sand are used. You will also need a metal mesh. At the same time, it is important to correctly calculate the load level so that the structure does not collapse in the future.

An excellent option would be a mesh with PVC coating or stainless steel.

The color of the stone depends on individual preferences and ideas. The size of the material must be combined with the mesh cells. When choosing stones, it is worth considering their density and frost resistance. Particular attention should be paid to these parameters if the structure will be exposed to water. Most often used:

• granite;
• diorite;
• quartzite;
• basalt.

No less popular is sandstone, which is frost-resistant.

If you need to build a gabion above the surface of the water, it is important to choose a stone that is 30% larger than the cells in size. For underwater structures, stones that exceed the cell size by 50% are suitable.

Preparing and installing the frame

The mesh is cut to size and sewn together, adhering to the intended shape. For this purpose, welding or strong wire is suitable, the ends of which are inserted into the stone filler. If the gabion is long, you need to take care of the partitions. The structure should be filled gradually. Today on the market gabions can be purchased disassembled, so transporting them will be very easy.

Laying stone

• Once the structures are installed in the right place and interlocked with adjacent sections, they can be filled with stones.
• Bricks, flat pebbles and large stones are laid by hand.
• Small stones can be poured out and compacted.
• If the mesh reaches a height of 0.5 m, stones are laid on one third of it, then the front and back wall strong wire.
• Lay another layer of stones.
• Repeat the procedure for fastening the two walls.
• The last layer of stones is laid.

It is worth remembering that flat gabions can be filled immediately. If gabions are filled in layers, the bottom one must be filled with stone 5 cm above the container, taking into account shrinkage.

For structural strength, it can be reinforced with rods, which are installed inside the frame half a meter apart from each other.

How to build a fence

In a natural landscape, a gabion fence will be an ideal protection that will last a long time without special care. A feature of the construction of the structure is considered to be that its construction requires more space than a conventional fence.

Install stone wall directly on the ground, without a foundation. To securely fix it, it is necessary to install steel poles at regular intervals.

• First of all, you need to dig holes for the posts. The depth of the holes depends on the height of the future fence.
• The pillars are placed in holes with pre-filled concrete, which is subject to careful compaction. It is important to install the posts evenly. The plane of the fence depends on this.
• It is necessary to give time for the concrete to harden (three days).
• A wire frame is fixed around the fence into which the stone will be laid. The work is carried out using nuts, clamps and washers. For a low gabion, you can make a frame from a chain-link mesh.

• After installing the mesh, you should not forget about treating the wire with anti-corrosion agents.
• When laying out stones, it is advisable to connect the mesh with tension brackets. Fill the frame evenly. In this case, it is advisable to use multi-colored stones and rare materials. The main thing is that appearance the fence was not knocked out general style plot.

Fences in which stones alternate with layers of fertile soil and unpretentious plants planted in it look very original.

As you can see, many people can make a gabion, but in order for it to last as long as possible, it is important to adhere to the recommendations outlined in the article.

Video

Watch a short animated video that shows the process of creating gabions step by step:

In this video you can see a variety of gabion structures:

Photo

Mesh structures filled with stone (universal modules for solving many construction or landscaping problems. By making gabions with your own hands and filling them with inexpensive local raw materials, you can save significant money. Specialized retail outlets sell ready-made gabion boxes of various shapes and sizes, but making them from scratch is not will require special skills.

How to make gabions yourself: step-by-step instructions

Required materials:

• masonry welded mesh with large cells;
• steel wire;
• stones for filling;
• black film;
• reinforcing bars (for high gabions).
• Tools:
• metal scissors or wire cutters;
• pliers;
• hoe;
• shovel;
• building level;
• roulette.

Stage 1. Site preparation

Thoroughly level the site for installing boxes using a hoe. Loose soil can be removed by 15 cm and a gravel cushion can be made, carefully leveling the backfill.

The quality of leveling is checked with a long, even block or board, on which a building level is installed.

To prevent weeds from growing through gabion boxes, a narrow border is arranged along the border of the prepared area. guard groove 10-12 cm deep.

The area for gabions is covered black film for protection against weeds. Fill the groove with the edge of the film and press it against the side with a board.

Stage 2. Installation of boxes

Used as a mesh for gabions masonry welded mesh in sheets, purchasing material with the largest cells to save money.

DIY gabions step by step instructions. Photo

Advice: before starting production, determine what size stones you will fill the mesh with so that the cell dimensions do not turn out to be too large for small-sized aggregate.

The mesh is cut along the edges to create a box the right size. The intended bottom of the box is laid on a flat area, on four sides of it (side edges. The blanks are woven steel wire . The ends of the wire are carefully twisted with pliers to firmly fix the braid and prevent the edges from separating.

The side walls rise and weave together at the corners of the box.

In long boxes they are additionally installed cross panels to protect gabions from bursting. The panels are braided with wire with a bottom and side edges.

IN tall structures All internal corners At the junctions of the walls with each other and with the transverse panels, they are reinforced with 6-8 mm reinforcement rods.

Stage 3. Filling boxes

For internal filling different ones will do natural stone materials (rubble, cobblestone, pebbles, coarse crushed stone, quarry stone), as well as a mixture of several types. You can purposefully select a material that is contrasting in shape and color and, when filling, create an original composition.

how to make gabions with your own hands. Photo

When laying, the stones are selected so that they fit together as tightly as possible. To fill corners, it is better to select samples that have a straight or close to straight chip.

When laying, distribute large and small stones so as to fill the voids as much as possible.

Advice: if part of the stone ends up smaller size cells, lay it inside the gabion, and place large pieces near the walls. You can also hide ugly samples inside the box.

Stage 4. Making the second row

For tall retaining walls or fences, one row of boxes is usually not enough. In this case, a box is installed on top of the first level, mounted according to the principle described above, including the installation of transverse panels and reinforcing ties, and it is also filled with stone.

Tip: Gabions integrate perfectly with waterfalls, mailboxes, benches, country shower, foci. If you are planning them for additional functional use, then before filling the boxes, secure the necessary objects on the outside or lay them inside engineering communications V steel pipes that will not be crushed by stones.

how to make gabions step by step. Photo

Gabion fence. Photo

DIY gabions. Video

How to make a country pond with gabions

Summer residents have enough earthworks in the garden, and few are inspired to dig a bed for an artificial pond. But if you make a pond at your dacha with gabions, you will only have to dig 15 cm for a site whose diameter exceeds O.D. reservoir the width of the paved path. The site is pre-leveled.

pond with gabions. Step-by-step instructions

The shape of the decorative pond can be any, since the mesh is easy to cut and bend. In our example, the pond is round with an internal diameter of 146 cm, a height of 50-60 cm. Capacity (500 liters. Gabions are made of mesh with cells 100x25 mm. It took 270 kg of large and medium-fraction stones to fill

WaterproofingThe pond is made of black film, which lines the bottom and inner walls. Part of the film is wrapped inside the box and temporarily fixed with clothespins until the gabions are completely filled.

Attached to the pond bed area 100x30 cm, 50-60 cm high. For the bed, a larger mesh with cells of 100x50 mm was used. To fill it, 190 kg of stone of the same fraction as for the body of the pond was needed. The gabion for the bench is made with a lid to lay the wooden plank evenly, hanging slightly over the pond.

A decorative pond with gabions at the dacha is intended for summer use; the water is drained for the winter. If you provide additional aeration or regular water changes, you can keep ornamental fish or plant aquatic plants in it.

Ideas for using gabions

The use of gabions is possible both functional and decorative, up to the creation of landscape sculptures complex shape. But if the latter option requires artistic abilities, then many useful ways use is simple and effective.

Gabion fences

The advantage of gabion fences is their massiveness, durability and the ability to create a fence, gradually increasing the height. You can complete the work in short steps, without specifically allocating entire days or weeks. And the availability large number cheap stone will reduce costs to a minimum

DIY gabion fence. Photo

Gates and wickets can be wooden or metal. Give original design fencing can be achieved by combining boxes with transparent metal sections or decorative top part made of wood, forged metal.

Tip: landscape lights can easily be integrated with a gabion fence, but you will need to first lay the cable inside the box in durable pipes.

Gabions in country house arrangement

For summer residents, mesh boxes with stones can save a lot of effort and time during arrangement. Self-made gabions are used as:

• bases for benches and deck chairs;
• fencing of any height for open areas;
• garden screens and zonal partitions;
• walls for the gazebo;
• supports for canopies;
• lawn fencing;
• stand for table top;
• base for barbecue or hearth;
• poles for landscape lights;
• basis for artificial fountain or a waterfall.

Some examples of implemented ideas are presented in the photo. In fact, any task that requires the construction of a powerful foundation or wall can be implemented using gabions

Strengthening slopes and banks with gabions

Owners of plots on a slope or along water bodies can strengthen the slopes and coastal line with retaining structures based on gabions. Adjoining stairs can also be made from gabion boxes. Since such structures are in active contact with water, we recommend choosing galvanized mesh for gabions, which better resists corrosion.

strengthening the shore with gabions with your own hands. Photo

Tip: to prevent the boxes from clogging with soil or sand, cover the side in contact with the ground with film or geotextile. Don't forget to make a drainage ditch behind the retaining wall.

Gabion flower beds

Landscaping (another area of ​​application for gabions. The ease of manufacturing meshes of any height and shape allows you to use mesh structures as a border for large flower beds, a kind of flowerpot for one large plant or several small ones, a stand for flower containers, a fence for a tree

DIY gabion flowerbed. Photo

Gabion flowerbeds easily integrate with benches, fences, and retaining walls. This allows you to effectively use the site, placing more useful areas in a limited area. And the mesh fence itself easily becomes a support for hanging plants planted nearby.

Tip: use self-made gabions to install high and warm beds to grow good harvest vegetables

The ease of manufacture and wide application possibilities of gabions have become the reason for their popularity among summer residents and private homeowners, who appreciate the versatility and economic benefits of arrangement with mesh structures.

But also the surrounding area. Its arrangement - important question, standing in front of the owners. The solution to this problem will be environmentally friendly, affordable and relatively inexpensive way design of the site - gabions, made by hand from available materials. Due to the fact that these designs are easy to implement and can solve many problems that arise for a private homeowner, they are very popular.

We make gabions with our own hands. A simple solution for arranging the local area

Garden and personal plots are, first of all, green spaces. Trees, bushes and flower beds placed in a certain order. There are special rules for their location. A modern garden is unthinkable without special designs- gabions, which together with green spaces form a single whole.

All kinds of fences, small fancy shapes, benches, as well as small ponds - this is not a complete list of structures installed on personal plots, based on mesh baskets.

What is a gabion?

The main condition for construction on sites is the ease of performing the work and the availability of materials. Making gabions with your own hands is a process that satisfies these requirements. And the ability to solve many landscaping problems with their help makes them universal.

A gabion is a large metal cage made of twisted wire. This design easy to manufacture and install anywhere on the site. And, most importantly, such a mesh “basket” will be cheap and reliable in operation. Its long-term use does not require additional special care.

We make gabions with our own hands. Required materials

Before purchasing blanks for a structure, its functions are determined. Depending on the operating conditions of the form being created, they plan the choice of material intended for its construction. You should also accurately determine the dimensions and location of the future structure, which will facilitate the acquisition of the necessary blanks. Massive structures, such as retaining walls or terraces, will require the use of stronger materials than simple and lightweight ones decorative forms.

Do-it-yourself gabions are made from metal mesh. Various designs They are made in the form of boxes equipped with an opening lid on top. Interior metal container is filled with massive and heavy filler. The mesh for gabions should have strength and anti-corrosion properties. It is quite difficult to make it with your own hands. Therefore, most often they purchase galvanized chain-link mesh with an anti-corrosion coating. In addition, a three-millimeter galvanized flexible wire is required for fastening. The rigidity of the box ribs is provided by eight-millimeter reinforcing bars. The structures are filled with stones of all shapes and sizes. Most often crushed stone or broken brick is used.

Features of box installation

Gabions are easy to assemble with your own hands. The manufacture of the structure begins with the assembly of the box. Depending on the type of gabion, a frame is formed. All existing irregularities on the workpiece are carefully leveled and a box is formed. Using wire, connect the side parts of the structure. The area intended for installation of the box should be leveled. A gabion does not require a special foundation.

The form placed on the site is secured with metal fastening rods, which are installed at the corners of the structure. Next, it is filled with stone in several stages. It must have the necessary strength, frost and water resistance. First fill one third of the box. Perform horizontal fixation with wire. Next, fill the rest of the gabion. This way the entire metal container is filled. At the same time, we should not forget that the filler should be laid in fairly dense layers. Secure the box lid first at the corners, and then along the entire length of the container. The structure is ready.

Variety of shapes

Quite often, gabions are installed in gardens and summer cottages with your own hands. The most common and quite popular are box-shaped structures, distinctive feature of which there will be a wide range of sizes. The ratio of the length and width of the mesh metal container is strictly observed, which is one to two. Rectangular containers serve as the foundation for small structures. They are also often used as such a box. This box is considered the basis for other variations of gabions.

Low boxes with a diaphragm are distinguished by reliable fastening. This type of mesh container is divided into small sections inside. This design reliably fixes the filler inside the container, which allows it to be used as a foundation for all kinds of household structures.

Cylindrical gabions look quite impressive. Lightweight structures with small cell sizes in the shape of columns are filled with finer filler.

On gentle slopes, gabions-mattresses are used to fix the soil. Resistance of this variety metal structure ensured by a low height and the use of more durable materials.

Application of gabions

In areas adjacent to private households, there is always a need to construct all kinds of structures and shapes. Before making gabions with your own hands, they plan all the necessary structures on the site. They are different in purpose. First of all, they start by fencing the areas. A fence made of gabions, built with my own hands, - great solution. It will be an excellent alternative to conventional fencing designs. This option is not only high noise protection and original design, but also accessibility and ease of installation. An addition to the fence will be mesh boxes used as gates or garden gates. The construction of fences and zonal fences is excellent.

Magnificent decorative forms will decorate the garden. You cannot do without gabions when creating an artificial reservoir or swimming pool. Making terraces and retaining walls, steps, small foundations for lamps and garden flowerpots - this is not a complete list of applications metal containers with filler. The advantage of such designs is the possibility of using them in combination with engineering systems. This will allow you to build a fountain or outdoor shower on the site.

Recently in landscape design You can find fences made from stones that are not held together with mortar. This design is called gabions. If desired, it is very easy to build such a fence from stones. Gabions are used in the construction of windbreaks and hedges. Using such structures, you can strengthen the shores of lakes and ponds and create original decorative elements in the garden. In order to understand how to lay gabions with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the functions, types of structures, and the material used for their manufacture.

What functions do stone structures perform?

Gabion structures are successfully used in construction. Among the main functions it is worth highlighting:

Protecting the area from winds.

Strengthening the coastline of various water bodies.

Using gabions, you can regulate the river bed and organize an embankment.

Creation of hedges in areas of any size.

Protection against the convergence of large masses of snow.

Use for decorative purposes.

Advantages of gabions

The wide range of applications of gabions indicates the advantages of the design:

During the installation of the frame, the gabions are bonded with galvanized wire, which makes it possible to talk about the strength of the structure, which can withstand heavy loads.

In the process of absorption of various sediments by gabions, they are not destroyed. During erosion, the base of the structure is slightly deformed, while remaining strong.

During the installation of the structure, there is no need for construction equipment and the creation of a drainage device. It is enough to buy stones. In addition, they do not require special processing. Therefore, this method of strengthening significantly saves money.

Types of designs

Considering the shape of gabions, they are divided into box-shaped and cylindrical. Sometimes you can find flat rectangular-shaped products, the thickness of which reaches 30 cm. This type of structure is used to strengthen the coastline, during the construction of retaining walls.

Cylindrical structures are used to create underwater foundations from box-shaped gabions.

DIY pool made of brick - construction features (15 photos)

Making gabions

To complete the work, you will need step-by-step instructions for constructing the structure. Before you start building gabions, you need to choose a site for construction. The preparation stage includes compacting the soil.

Preparation of materials

It would be useful to make a foundation with a pillow. In this case, crushed stone and sand are used. You will also need a metal mesh. At the same time, it is important to correctly calculate the load level so that the structure does not collapse in the future.

An excellent option would be a mesh with PVC coating or stainless steel.

The color of the stone depends on individual preferences and ideas. The size of the material must be combined with the mesh cells. When choosing stones, it is worth considering their density and frost resistance. Particular attention should be paid to these parameters if the structure will be exposed to water. Most often used:

No less popular is sandstone, which is frost-resistant.

If you need to build a gabion above the surface of the water, it is important to choose a stone that is 30% larger than the cells in size. For underwater structures, stones that exceed the cell size by 50% are suitable.

Preparing and installing the frame

The mesh is cut to size and sewn together, adhering to the intended shape. For this purpose, welding is suitable, which can be purchased by visiting the online store of welding equipment https://svarservice.by. If the gabion is long, you need to take care of the partitions. The structure should be filled gradually. Today on the market gabions can be purchased disassembled, so transporting them will be very easy.

Laying stone

Once the structures are installed in the right place and interlocked with adjacent sections, they can be filled with stones.

Bricks, flat pebbles and large stones are laid by hand.

Small stones can be poured out and compacted.

If the mesh reaches a height of 0.5 m, stones are laid on one third of it, then the front and back walls are fastened with strong wire.

Lay another layer of stones.

Repeat the procedure for fastening the two walls.

The last layer of stones is laid.

Finishing the bathhouse inside: creating it cozy area relaxation - HappyModern.RU (26 photos)

It is worth remembering that flat gabions can be filled immediately. If gabions are filled in layers, the bottom one must be filled with stone 5 cm above the container, taking into account shrinkage.

For structural strength, it can be reinforced with rods, which are installed inside the frame half a meter apart from each other.

How to build a fence

In a natural landscape, a gabion fence will be an ideal protection that will last a long time without special care. A feature of the construction of the structure is considered to be that its construction requires more space than a conventional fence.

Install a stone wall directly on the soil, without a foundation. To securely fix it, it is necessary to install steel poles at regular intervals.

First of all, you need to dig holes for the posts. The depth of the holes depends on the height of the future fence.

The pillars are placed in holes with pre-filled concrete, which is subject to careful compaction. It is important to install the posts evenly. The plane of the fence depends on this.

It is necessary to give time for the concrete to harden (three days).

A wire frame is fixed around the fence into which the stone will be laid. The work is carried out using nuts, clamps and washers. For a low gabion, you can make a frame from a chain-link mesh.

After installing the mesh, you should not forget about treating the wire with anti-corrosion agents.

When laying out stones, it is advisable to connect the mesh with tension brackets. Fill the frame evenly. In this case, it is advisable to use multi-colored stones and rare materials. The main thing is that the appearance of the fence does not deviate from the general style of the site.

Fences in which stones alternate with layers of fertile soil and unpretentious plants planted in it look very original.

As you can see, many people can make a gabion, but in order for it to last as long as possible, it is important to adhere to the recommendations outlined in the article.

Almonds (3 photos)

Video

Watch a short animated video that shows the process of creating gabions step by step:

In this video you can see a variety of gabion structures:

Photo

You can decorate your site in an original way or make a reliable fence, support for the building using stones that are filled into metal mesh. Such structures are called gabions; the simplicity of the technology allows you to make them yourself - you will find the corresponding step-by-step instructions in this article.

What is a gabion and what is it for?

The word "gabion" French origin and literally translates as “big cage”. This is the name given to metal mesh, which is made from twisted wire. Typically, the shape of a gabion really resembles a cage, although you can make more shaped options that can be used to decorate the design of your site in an original way. Various stones are poured into the nets, which create an attractive, neat appearance for the fence.

In domestic terminology, in accordance with GOST R 51285-99, gabions are also called gabion mesh products (GSI). Requirements regulatory documents involve the use of metal cells that are a regular hexagon. However, in landscape design you can use absolutely different options, since GOST contains instructions for the use of products in the economic sphere.

Gabions are used in various fields:

Thus, if initially gabions were used for purely practical, protective purposes, now they are becoming one of modern means design.

What advantages do gabions provide?

The reason for the popularity of gabions lies in the advantages that they provide in comparison with other stone products:

1. Gabions are much cheaper than monolithic stone slabs and can be delivered to the right place much simpler.
2. Gabions are easier to work with than slabs.
3. Gabions allow you to express so much more creative imagination, since the stone slab has a pre-prepared shape, and the grid can be built of any size and type, tailored specifically to your site.
4. Due to the fact that metal mesh bends very well, the gabion will naturally take the shape of the surface on which it is placed. As a result, even during the flood and rainy season, the structure will stand quite steadily without additional supports.
5. The gabion itself is very durable: stones and metal practically do not deteriorate from moisture and temperature changes. In addition, special drainage system there is no need to do anything to drain water - as a result, time and money are saved during installation.
6. Such structures are also undemanding in terms of maintenance - you just need to keep an eye on external cleanliness.
7. Gabions, used as fencing, absorb noise well and retain dust from the road, which settles on the uneven, embossed surface of stones.
8. Gabions can well strengthen the soil on a site if structures are laid out along its perimeter - stones are more reliable than textile fiber, sand and other drainage protect against erosion.
9. Finally, a fence, support or figure made of gabion is a truly safe product from an environmental point of view: stone and metal do not pose any health hazard and do not pollute the site.

Thus, gabions are metal meshes that are filled with stones (sometimes with other available materials). You can assemble gabions with your own hands - the step-by-step instructions are quite simple.

The only disadvantage of these products is their fairly heavy weight. If small gabions can be removed manually, then for more capital options you need to carefully consider the placement location - moving them without damaging the mesh is almost impossible.

THIS IS INTERESTING Over time, the cells of the gabions will begin to be filled with earth, sand and plant seeds, which will begin to germinate right between the stones. Oddly enough, this gives the structure additional strength due to the fact that the space between the cobblestones is filled, and the entire gabion acquires a monolithic structure.

Gabion device

A typical gabion consists of twisted metal wire filled with stones or (less commonly) other types of improvised materials. There are certain requirements for wire and filler.

Wire for gabions

Double torsion technology is usually used for reinforcement. The requirements for the metal base are obvious in this case:

• strength;
• elasticity;
• corrosion resistance (especially for underwater gabions).

To make a gabion with your own hands according to step-by-step instructions, you should use galvanized steel mesh, since it is most resistant to moisture, precipitation, air humidity and temperature changes.

The following types of wires are used:

• with zinc coating (layer density from 250 g/m2);
• with anti-corrosion alloy coating (zinc 90% and aluminum 5%);
• With PVC coated– a fairly new variety: the coating consists of artificial organic polymers, which, due to chemical inertness, do not interact with moisture, air and other components environment; in addition, polymers are resistant to low, high temperatures and temperature changes.

Along with twisted wire, specially designed for weaving mesh, gabion structures often use knitting wire, which attaches the main wire to the frame. Since in in this case The binding wire serves as a fastening material and is subject to special requirements:

1. Wire breaks are not allowed.
2. All ends must be connected by twisting or extending.
3. In this case, the twist length should be 2 cm or more.
4. The main requirement is to accurately follow the ratio of dimensions (diameter and length) of the wire, edge and bundle of elements. A certain relationship between these parameters has been empirically derived - the corresponding data is presented in the table.

Technology for forming a gabion from mesh

The technology for creating a single structure from a sheet of metal mesh comes in two types:

• Frame: gabions are made of mesh with regular cells in the form of regular hexagons. The mesh is fixed to a frame, which is also made of metal.
• Welded: Wire or steel rods are intertwined and welded together into a box or cylinder (depending on the project).

It is welded structures that have the greatest strength: welding allows you to solder the rods as tightly as possible and keep them in this state, despite the strong tension from protruding stones. In addition, welded gabions look more attractive, and unlike frame ones, they can be wrapped, turning them into original figures or flower beds, so they are used most often in landscape design.

Stones and other fillers for gabions

You can make a gabion with your own hands - for this you will need simple equipment and available materials (detailed step-by-step instructions are in the corresponding section). At the same time, it is important to pay special attention filler, because the aesthetic appeal of the structure depends on it.

Usually these are stones, but often waste and used materials are used:

• logs, logs;
• tiles;
• bricks;
• pipe cuttings, etc.

Despite the fact that they are used in literally waste, such products will find their application in landscape design thanks to unusual style and warm orange-brown tones.

Specific technical requirements to the stones are the following:

• heaviness – with a specific gravity of stones from 18 kN/m3;
• mechanical strength from 400;
• water absorption no more than 0.6%
• resistance to low temperatures more than MP350;
• softening coefficient (from water absorption) from 0.9.

Such requirements are largely intended for construction complex structures, designed for heavy loads (bridge supports, foundations, protection of banks from erosion by water, etc.). IN living conditions There are essentially two main requirements for stones:

• They must be substantially more parameters cells.
• In terms of colors, it is better to choose light gray or warm shades that contrast well against the background of the lawn or soil. However, in each specific case, you should focus on your taste and the characteristics of your site.

The relationship between the diameter of the mesh cell and the size of the stones has been experimentally established: the stones should be 1.2-1.5 times larger in diameter compared to the mesh holes. It is this parameter that ensures the most uniform arrangement of the pile throughout the entire volume.

According to various step-by-step instructions, the following types of stones are used to make gabions with your own hands:

• simple cobblestones;
• pebbles of different sizes;
• crushed stone;
• granite and basalt;
• quarry stone (the most affordable);
• about;
• diorite;
• quartzite.

Different design options use both torn stones (with sharp, uneven stones) and rounded stones (river pebbles). As a rule, in designs with large meshes it is appropriate to use the latter option - large uneven cobblestones do not look so attractive.

Although in cases with fences, massive barriers, it is large stones They style the wall well like a stone one, giving it an ancient, rich look.

You can see the different design texture options in more detail here.

Types of gabion structures

If exclusively rectangular gabions are used to protect the river bed and coast from erosion, then you can use different types, which can mainly be reduced to 3 groups:

Separately, there are welded and mesh structures, which differ in production technology: mesh structures are made by winding and fixing onto a frame, and welded ones are made by welding different parts metal mesh.

Finally, there is a separate category - the so-called Jumbo gabions (from the English jumbo - huge). These are rectangular, box-shaped products, which are particularly large in size:

• length from 3 to 6 meters;
• width 2 meters (standard);
• height 0.5 meters.

The use of large structures allows, on the one hand, to significantly reduce the cost of production technology, and on the other, to use them for construction purposes:

• strengthening supports;
• additional support for foundations under buildings;
• barriers to avalanches and landslides.

Jumbo is also used to create underwater supports. In this case, the service life becomes almost unlimited due to the fact that silt constantly gets into the space between the stones, which is compressed over time, due to which the entire structure acquires additional strength. Even if the metal mesh completely disintegrates due to corrosion, the gabion itself continues to stand as a single unit.

DIY gabions: step-by-step instructions and video

The materials needed to create a gabion are as follows:

• metal mesh;
• fastening staples;
• steel pins for the frame;
• metal spirals;
• pliers;
• hammer;
• wire stapler;
• digging tools;
• geotextiles - drainage (needed for additional preservation of stones from destruction by water);
• actual stones or other filler.

Installation of boxes

Here are step-by-step instructions for installing a gabion with your own hands using the example of the most common box-shaped structure:

PLEASE NOTE. If gabions are installed in 2 or more rows, but they are placed closely with their front parts or “backs”. The “face-to-back” arrangement reduces the strength of the entire structure.

The whole process can be seen more clearly here.

Installation of cylindrical structures

Cylindrical gabions have their own specifics - in this case, the step-by-step instructions for assembling the structure with your own hands will be different:

Installation of mattress gabions

In this case, the installation technology is as follows:

Gabions in landscape design: photo gallery with description

Along with the fact that gabions can be created with your own hands according to the step-by-step instructions provided, they can be used not only as fences, but also as full-fledged decorations on the site. Undoubted dignity Such structures are a combination of practicality (fencing, soil protection from erosion), durability and aesthetic appeal.

The use of these products in garden design is limited only by the user’s imagination, since there are options large number- from traditional to unusual. Here are some ideas and photos for inspiration.

Gabion fences

A fence made from such structures is classic designs, which reliably protect the house and area from dust and noise. Such fences are created both from gabions themselves and in combination with wood materials.

Gabion fencing

From similar structures you can make small fences that organize the space inside the site. They will give the entire area a neater, more attractive look.

You can start with the fact that gabions are great for decorating an entrance area or terrace. If the house is located on a high enough hill, then the entire area next to the stairs can also be designed in the form of steps.

Gabions can thus be used not only as fencing, but also as a basis for wooden fence. Moreover, if the height is quite high (from half a meter), then it is better to further strengthen the structures with concrete columns and finish the top with wood or slabs.

Classic options are creating internal borders along the path. If you put basalt tiles or plywood on top, you get a full-fledged bench.

Gabion benches

Finally, such structures can be made into full-fledged seats as shown in the photo.

If you style the entire recreation area as walking area, highlight it, it turns out to be an interesting and quite interesting option.

Lights and wiring are laid directly into the stones during construction.

Benches are also created using wooden slabs.

It is interesting that such products even penetrate into the design of premises - if you want to diversify the furniture and interior of your apartment, you can try to start an experiment with gabions.

Gabion flower beds

Gabions, unlike tires and other materials, will serve excellent option for floral and decorative flower beds, since the soil lying among the stones is not subject to any erosion (destruction) - neither from moisture nor from the wind. For flower beds, it is best to use stones of lighter shades, against which the greenery and flowers themselves will contrast especially well and decorate the garden area.

The labyrinth design deserves special attention. This is really beautiful flower bed, which can enliven a space. As a rule, they are located in the center or in the corners of the garden, maintaining symmetry.

An interesting option is portable structures that will serve as full-fledged flowerpots. Thanks to their originality, they will serve as a kind of business card. garden plot– directly above the stones you can place a layer of soil in which to plant flowers or ornamental plants.

To make these types of gabions with your own hands, you can use the technology given above in the step-by-step instructions, and take, for example, this drawing as a basis.

By modifying the shape, you can achieve designs of various types.

PAY ATTENTION Gabion beds are especially suitable for flowers that do not like excess moisture - the liquid will flow over the stones, as a result of which the soil will not receive excess moisture.

Gabion structures are a new direction in landscape design. They combine practicality, reliability and visual appeal. In addition, such products are cheaper than conventional fences due to the fact that all components (stones and mesh) are inexpensive. That is why gabions are becoming increasingly popular among owners of country houses.

And finally, a video selection of additional options for using gabions on the site.