Frequently asked questions about gabions

Gabions are becoming increasingly popular, both in gardening and landscaping. These stone baskets are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also have a wide range of uses. However, questions often arise about the installation, care and maintenance of gabions. In this blog article, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about gabions to give you a comprehensive overview. 

1. What are gabions and what are they used for?

Gabions are wire baskets that are filled with stones or other filling materials. They are often used to create retaining walls, privacy screens or decorative accents in the garden. Thanks to their robustness and flexibility, they are suitable for both private and commercial use. Depending on their size and shape, gabions can be designed in a variety of ways and integrated into almost any landscape. 

2. How long do gabions last?

The durability of gabions depends on the quality of the material used. High-quality gabions are made of robust wires with high tensile strength and corrosion-resistant coatings. Our gabions have a tensile strength of over 450 N/mm² and are regularly tested by independent laboratories. The salt spray test according to DIN EN 150 9227 guarantees a durability of over 3000 hours ( FAQ 12). 

3. What distinguishes your gabions from imported products?

The quality of our gabions is significantly higher than that of many imported products. In addition to greater individuality and shear strength of the welding points, our gabions also have increased tensile strength. The thickness of the coating is at least 275 g/m². This high quality ensures that you can enjoy the gabions for longer ​( FAQ 12). 

4. Can I shorten my gabion grids?

Yes, it is possible to shorten the gabion mesh. However, you should make sure that you use a cutting method without heat in order not to damage the corrosion protection. The best method for shortening the mesh is to use a bolt cutter. When using hot-dip galvanized mesh, the cut surfaces should be treated with zinc spray to ensure corrosion protection ​( FAQ 14). 

5. How do I fill my raised bed correctly?

When filling a raised bed, you should work in layers. Our raised beds contain an inner basket that is lined with fleece to prevent soil from being washed into the stones. Make sure that large stones do not get into the inner area to avoid deformation. Layer soil and stones alternately and fix the fleece to the grids with cable ties to ensure stability ​( FAQ 11). 

6. Can I exchange or return my gabion?

Gabions from our standard range can be returned or exchanged without any problem. However, custom-made items cannot be exchanged ( FAQ 16). 

7. There are dark spots on the grids of my gabion. What is that?

Dark spots on gabion mesh are often caused by soot and sweat residues that can occur during production. These spots are harmless and disappear on their own after the first rain showers. White, powdery residues that can sometimes be seen are also normal and are washed away by the rain ( FAQ 15). 

8. How long is the delivery time for hot-dip galvanized baskets?

The delivery time for hot-dip galvanized gabion baskets is about one week for standard sizes. If the baskets are made especially for you, the delivery time can be up to 21 working days ( FAQ 13). 

9. What should I consider when cutting gabions?

If you want to cut your gabion mesh yourself, you should make sure that you do not use a heat-generating cutting method such as grinding or sawing. These methods can damage the corrosion protection. Instead, you should use a bolt cutter, which shortens the mesh mechanically and leaves the corrosion protection intact. With hot-dip galvanized mesh, it is advisable to treat the cuts with zinc spray afterwards to maintain the protection ​( FAQ 14). 

10. What advantages do gabions offer over conventional walls?

Gabions offer numerous advantages over traditional walls. Not only are they easier and quicker to install, but they are also more durable and flexible in design. The ability to use different filling materials means that gabions can be customized. They are also environmentally friendly as they blend well into the natural environment and do not require concrete foundations. 

11. Are gabions environmentally friendly?

Yes, gabions are environmentally friendly. Since they do not require concrete foundations, they leave a smaller ecological footprint than traditional walls. They also provide a habitat for small animals and plants, thus promoting biodiversity in your garden. 

12. Can I install gabions myself?

Installing gabions is relatively easy and can be done without professional help. However, it is important to ensure that the subsoil is stable and level. For taller gabion walls, it may be advisable to use additional support posts to ensure stability. 

13. How do I care for gabions?

Gabions require little maintenance. It is usually sufficient to occasionally remove dirt and leaves from the baskets. If algae or moss settle on the stones over time, these can be easily removed with water and a brush. Thanks to the corrosion-resistant coating, our gabions are particularly durable and weatherproof ​( FAQ 14) ​( FAQ 15). 

14. Are gabions protected against rust?

Yes, our gabions are protected against rust thanks to the special galvanic coating. This coating offers effective protection against corrosion and ensures that the gabions last for a long time, even in adverse weather conditions ( FAQ 14). 

15. What happens if the gabion mesh is damaged?

If the gabion mesh is damaged, this can affect the corrosion protection. Small damages can be treated with zinc spray to renew the protection. In the case of major damage, we recommend replacing the affected mesh parts to ensure the stability and longevity of the gabions ​( FAQ 14) ​( FAQ 15). 

Conclusion

Gabions are an excellent choice for use in gardening and landscaping. Not only are they flexible and durable, but they are also environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. Their versatility means they can be adapted to almost any environment and offer an aesthetically pleasing yet functional solution for walls, fences and flower beds. With the answers to these frequently asked questions, we hope we have helped you to decide in favor of gabions.