Do I Need a Foundation for a Gabion Wall?

A gabion is a welded wire cage or box filled with materials such as stone, concrete, sand or soil. A gabion is therefore a partially flexible block structure used for slope stability and erosion protection in construction. Various types of gabions are constructed and used in different engineering constructions. Sometimes live rooted branches can be placed between baskets filled with rocks to increase the durability and stability of the gabions.

What is Gabion Mesh?

Gabion fencing and gabion walls work in almost exactly the same way, only for different purposes.

In most cases, gabion walls are used as retaining walls. This means that if you have a garden or any landscape which is divided into different levels, a gabion wall will help to retain the soil or cobbles so that it does not spill over into the lower levels.

However, gabion fencing is not used to keep higher levels, but as a divider between one space and another.

Gabion fences are more difficult to build than walls. The weight of the material alone can make it dangerous and easy to topple over. For this reason, make sure you are consulting a professional builder or structural engineer with experience in working with this particular material.

 Gabion Wall

Do I need a foundation for a gabion wall?

1. Soil and Site Conditions

The stability of a gabion wall depends largely on the soil and site conditions. On soft or uneven ground, such as peat or loose sand, removing the topsoil and replacing it with compacted stone or gravel helps prevent settling or tilting. Walls built on solid bedrock may only require a thin subgrade layer of about 25 mm. For larger structures or sites with variable soil, using a wider bottom gabion basket can distribute the weight more evenly. Professional assessment of soil bearing capacity is recommended for high or heavy walls.

2. Wall Height, Weight, and Load Considerations

The height of the wall and the weight of infill materials affect the need for base support. Small garden walls filled with lightweight stone may remain stable with minimal subgrade preparation. However, taller retaining walls or riverbank protection walls require additional measures, such as double-width bottom baskets or compacted foundation layers, to resist lateral soil pressure. Heavier infill materials, like cobbles or concrete, increase the load on the base, making proper preparation essential for long-term stability.

3. Installation Best Practices

Successful gabion wall construction begins with careful site preparation. Level and compact the soil or add a layer of crushed stone or gravel. Position the bottom baskets carefully, ensuring they are level and aligned. Gradually stack additional baskets, maintaining slight tilt where necessary to press against the soil. Even if a concrete base is not required, proper base preparation prevents movement and enhances durability over time.

 Gabion Basket  

Cost per metre of gabion wall

The cost of installing a gabion wall varies greatly. Much will depend on the materials you use to build it. Even without considering stone fill, you can see that the price per metre of gabion basket varies between £15 and £125.

The reason for this wide variation is the wide variety of baskets available. Wire gauge, weight and material all affect the overall pricing. 50 mm thick standard galvanised steel mesh costs around £30 - £35 per metre.

You then have to consider the cost of stones, bricks, cobbles or whatever you want to add. Gabion structures can be relatively expensive compared to other retaining wall options, but their unique appearance and relative ease of use make them a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers.

Choosing a Reliable Supplier

Using high-quality gabion materials can simplify installation and improve wall stability. Hebei Zhenlu founded in 2012, is a professional manufacturer and exporter of gabion mesh, fence mesh, and protective mesh. With advanced production equipment and strict quality control, the company provides durable and reliable gabion products suitable for slope protection, river engineering, and landscaping projects. Their experience and global service ensure that engineers and landscapers receive high-quality materials and professional support, making construction safer and more efficient.