How to build a beautiful and reliable gabion fence with your own hands
Reliable fencing around a country house is an important element in protecting private property. It is not surprising why many people build a fence from gabions with their own hands, using natural materials. The famous Leonardo da Vinci was the first to suggest filling mesh structures with stones. Later, this technology was used by builders when laying the foundation of the Cathedral of San Marco in Italy. For a long time, mesh fences were erected on the battlefields. They were also used to fortify coastal areas and slopes to protect cities and villages from hurricane-induced flooding.
Pros and types of structures
Depending on preference, use:
- a rock;
- wood cuts;
- broken brick;
- glass blocks;
- pieces of tile or slate.
When building a fence from gabions with your own hands, they use various technologies. Thanks to this, they receive an original and stylish decoration of the suburban area. There are a number of advantages to mesh stone construction.
Here are just a few factors.:
- high level of strength;
- low cost;
- speed and ease of construction;
- durability;
- resistance to temperature and humidity changes.
In addition, the fence is erected without pouring the foundation. Sections are installed at any angle, so the fence is ideal for relief terrain. The design fits wonderfully into any landscape design of the territory.
Depending on the configuration of the stone fencing in the mesh there are:
- horizontal (Reno mattresses ");
- vertical ("Jumbo boxes");
- cylindrical.
For the construction of fences, of course, vertical boxes are used. They are made from pieces of wire that are welded together. The cylindrical version of the gabion serves as a decorative element of the entire fence. It is usually used for the construction of intermediate supports. Another advantage of a gabion fence is the ability to arrange niches in it for garden furniture... If desired, the upper tier of the structure is covered with fertile soil. Flowers and dwarf shrubs wonderfully take root on it.
The mesh for the structure is made of welded reinforcement or twisted hexagonal wire.
We build a fence from gabions with our own hands
A clear understanding of the work scheme is the key to the success of any project. Preparing the necessary tools and materials is paramount.
For the construction of a fence from gabions you will need:
- roulette;
- cord for marking;
- shovel;
- hammer;
- mount;
- level;
- pliers or pliers;
- scissors for metal;
- wire staples;
- steel pins for fixing the structure;
- geotextile.
In addition, work shoes and gloves are required. If desired, you can prepare a welding machine to connect the sections. However, thanks to the usual brackets, the structure acquires the required degree of plasticity.
Grid
When the set of tools is assembled, proceed to the selection of sectional elements. Ready-made gabion fencing nets are freely sold in specialized stores. If there is a desire and opportunity, they are made independently. This will require a welded or twisted mesh with and without coating.The thickness of the rods should be from 2 to 8 mm, and the mesh size should be 20% less than the filling material.
All welded elements should preferably be treated with oil paint to protect the structure from corrosion.
Filler
To create a stylish fence, materials of various colors, sizes and shapes are used. It helps to get creative and give free rein to your imagination. Particular attention is paid to the texture of the filler elements and the climatic conditions of the place of residence.
Suitable for dry regions:
- shell rock;
- gypsum;
- limestone;
- sandstone;
- a rock.
In wetter areas, it is better to use marble, basalt, granite, crushed stone. These materials are resistant to the vagaries of nature. Even after decades, they retain their natural characteristics.
Installation work
Before you start building a stone fence in a grid with your own hands, prepare the site. It is carefully cleared of debris and leveled. If trees or shrubs are encountered on the way, they are removed along with the root system. On the received territory, markings of the future structure are made. To do this, use a fishing line or a thin string.
At the next stage, part of the fertile soil is removed and trenches are dug, about 10 cm deep. The bottom and part of the surface are covered with geotextiles. Thanks to this, the fence is protected from the germination of weeds.
Next, proceed to the installation of the mounting posts. They are placed at a distance of 2 m from each other. About a third of the support is buried in the ground. From above it is poured with concrete and left for at least 2 days. But how to properly install gabions so that they reliably protect the territory of a country house?
Adhering to the step-by-step instructions:
- The main parts of the future fence are measured and cut out.
- Pull the mesh onto vertical supports.
- The elements are fixed with a zinc fastener.
- The finished mesh is treated with an anti-corrosion agent.
When the structure dries up, they start filling it. The selected material is laid in dense layers. If the box is too wide, then the inside is covered with sand or fine gravel.
To prevent the structure from expanding, an internal tie of mesh "containers" is installed every 25 cm. A holding shield is placed on the front side of the structure.
The outer walls are lined with large filler elements. The top ball of the gabion is covered with a net. For a high fence, boxes made of twisted mesh are used. Small sections are installed in tiers, placing them on top of each other. As a result, the base for the next "floor" will be the "roof" of the previous section.
Inside the gabions, various communications are carried out to supply electricity or water.
Style and aesthetic beauty
The main feature of the mesh-stone fences is the maximum protection of the territory from the "flood". It is installed even near natural or artificial reservoirs. The flexible structure of the structure makes it possible to create various design forms.
Gardeners use gabions to build fences for fruit trees and flowers. In hilly areas they arrange fountains, alleys or steps. And the territory with a steep slope is turned into cozy terraces. If necessary, gabions are erected to fix flower beds. Thanks to this, the backyard area always has a stylish look. In addition, having cut the mesh into parts, they make all kinds of sculptures. They are filled with broken glass or colored stones.
With the help of slots and niches, a simple fence turns into an architectural "ensemble" with benches and tables. It is also used for zoning the site. In one part, they make a playground. And in the other, a corner for receiving guests and barbecuing.
So, we looked at how to create a gabion fence with your own hands, following a simple scheme. First, a set of tools and a site are prepared. Then mesh boxes and filler are selected.At the next stage, solid supports are installed, the nets are pulled, the selected material is applied. If desired, create a stylish landscape design.