Gabion fence: design features

It is rather difficult to imagine any private house or summer cottage without a proper fence, since it performs a lot of useful functions. The fence does not always act as a reliable fence of a private territory, because very often it is installed for decorative purposes. Gabion fences require special attention to themselves, since they have a lot of advantages and features compared to other options.

A gabion fence is a relatively new type of decorative hedges, which is very popular in the modern world. He is especially liked by lovers of everything unusual. In simple and understandable language, this fence is a grid, inside which there are various kinds of stones. Fences of this type are considered universal; they can easily diversify a modern cottage within the city or a summer cottage in the countryside.

A stone fence with a grid has not yet bored many residents, as a result of which every year it becomes more and more popular and in demand. In addition, its creation will not require huge expenditures, very often they are engaged in its construction and installation on their own. On average, it takes a week.

If you still have not decided whether this type of fence is suitable for your site or not, then we recommend paying attention to its following advantages:

• A stone fence of this type will last for many years due to the fact that only wear-resistant building materials are used in its creation;
• Even over time, a stone hedge or a large gabion fence will not lose its attractive appearance and will not deteriorate under the influence of external factors;
• The gabion fence serves not only as a decorative decoration of the site, but also as a full-fledged fence, which can ensure the complete safety of the territory;

• According to the estimates of many experts, a stone fence of this type can last up to a hundred years. In addition, it will not deteriorate under the influence of climatic factors and unexpected precipitation;
• A properly built gabion fence will help protect the site from strong winds and unnecessary noise;
• A fence made of decorative stones of different sizes can be in perfect harmony with landscape design, and also be its ideal complement;
• The design of the fence is considered to be quite simple, but very durable and stable. Gabion fences are ideal for individuals who do not want to spend a lot of money on quality fences.

An integral part of the gabion fence is the mesh, which should be chosen very carefully so that the future structure will serve for many years. Today, among the huge assortment of building materials, you can find quite a few different mesh options.

For the construction of a fence of this type, a chain-link is considered a very popular mesh. This type of mesh is familiar to many, it can be sectional or tension. Its cells can be semicircular, square, or have other shapes.

Ready-made mesh boxes can also be purchased at many home improvement stores.If you have free time, then you can create them yourself, however, this can take a lot of effort.

This is necessary to keep your fence free from rust and corrosion.

The joints of the mesh boxes must be made of high quality wire, preferably with a galvanized coating.

If you have already chosen a suitable mesh, then the second important point in construction will be the correct selection of high-quality filler for the future structure.

This type of fencing mesh is most often filled with:

• Sandstone;
• Granite;
• Cobblestone;
• Rubble;
• Quartz;
• Pebbles;
• Brick;
• Some other types of stones and minerals, including artificial stones. Often the net is filled with wood and bottles.

To make the right choice in favor of one or another filler for the mesh, the following points should be taken into account:

• The size of the future stones, bricks or any minerals;
• One should not forget about the shape, since stones or chipped bricks can have completely different outlines. Here you can use oval, rounded, and rectangular options. Everything will depend on the design that you want to bring to life;
• It is very important to pay attention to the strength of the stones and their frost resistance, since the composition of the stones should correspond to the weather conditions as much as possible and over time should not be destroyed by their influence;
• It is equally important to consider the appearance of the stones, namely, how they will look in the finished structure;
• Granite can be radioactive, so its selection should be carried out as carefully as possible.

Most often, stone is used as a filler, since it ideally meets all the criteria for selecting a filler for erecting a fence from a mesh. The stone filler is intended to be used to fill metal "cages", which are the basis of the gabion fence.

According to many experts, with at least basic skills in construction, any person can independently engage in the construction of a fence of this type.

To build a quality fence for centuries, you will need the following materials:

• Metal bars or cages. They can be made by yourself or made to order. You can also purchase ready-made options;
• Wire staples;
• Geofabric;
• Filler made of stones, minerals or wood;
• Metal spirals;
• Cement, sand, nails;
• Pins. The best option would be metal products;
• Wire ropes;
• A complete set of tools for installation, and it is also desirable that you have a preliminary drawing on which all measurements of the site will be recorded.

Of course, this list of materials is approximate, it will vary depending on many criteria, as well as the skills and abilities of the builder.

More details on how and with what to fasten the components of gabion structures, described in the next video.

Before you start installing the fence, you must carefully clear the area where the future structure will be located.

The construction of a gabion fence is carried out in the following order:

• Before installing the fence, be sure to check the strength of the soil, since the future structure will weigh quite a lot, and over time it should not collapse from its own weight;
• At the first stage, you should make a high-quality marking of the territory using instruments. The easiest way is to correctly pull a special thread;
• After completing all measurements, some calculations should be performed that will help you calculate the amount of material needed for construction;

• The second step is to install the pillars. Since the markings are already ready, special holes should be dug to accommodate them. Do not forget to place small stone or brick in them as drainage. For an approximately 2-meter fence, the pit should not be more than 1.3 m. The pole should be installed evenly in the pit using temporary supports, and the entire base should be filled with cement;

• Next, the mesh should be correctly attached to the posts using special clamps. They can be bolted onto, for example. For the greatest strength of the future structure, special screeds should be used. Do not forget that it is better not to make too great a distance between the posts, so as not to increase the pressure on the net;

• If you install fences from separate sections - the so-called "cages", then make sure that the fasteners between them are as strong and reliable as possible. The most correct solution for fastening gabions is the use of spiral twists or ties.

• At the third stage, the finished mesh structures should be filled with the filler of your choice. Most often, stones are laid by hand and do not cause any particular problems;
• After the gabions are completely formed, the structures are closed with pre-prepared mesh covers. The covers can be secured with special metal twists or even with locks.

If the structure of the fence is very narrow, then it is best to lay stones or any other filler in layers. As for very wide structures, they should not be completely filled with stone or brick.

To diversify the finished structure of a fence made of gabions, you can use a tree as a sheathing or plant climbing plants and shrubs nearby.

A fence made of gabions in combination with a hedge of evergreen shrubs looks very beautiful and unusual.

Gabion construction can be made even in unusual shapesthat can decorate your home. Round gabions with stones are very often used for a variety of landscape designs.

To create an amazing fence made of stones, you do not need any special technologies, since you can build a high-quality fence without using the most expensive building materials and tools. Do not be afraid to turn on your imagination and bring to life the most daring designs of beautiful stone hedges.

You can see some more interesting and beautiful gabion fences in the next video.