Filling stone baskets with natural stones and spacers

Gabions are a versatile and practical solution for garden design. They not only serve as decorative elements, but also as functional building blocks for fences, raised beds or seating areas. A crucial step in the construction of a gabion is the correct filling with natural stones and the use of spacers. In this article, you will learn how to do this and what tips to follow to achieve optimum results.

Why natural stones? Making the right choice

Natural stones are the preferred material for filling gabions. They not only offer stability, but also an attractive appearance that blends in perfectly with any garden style. In the Gabiona online store you will find a large selection of natural stones, including

• Limestone: Light, warm tones, ideal for Mediterranean designs.

• North Sea pebbles: Round, smooth stones in natural colors.

• Reddish Gothenburg: An eye-catching, reddish variant for accents.

• Granite gravel: Robust and versatile.

In addition, the stones can be arranged in creative combinations to form patterns or color gradients to create an individual touch.

Spacers: essential for stability

The use of spacers is an important step in ensuring that the gabion walls retain their shape even under high pressure from the stones. Made from 4 mm thick galvanized wire, these elements ensure that the distance between the walls remains constant and bulging is prevented. 15 spacers per square meter of visible surface are included as standard. Additional spacers can easily be ordered if required.

The right length of spacers

The length of the spacers depends on the depth of the stone basket. The following options are available:

• 10 cm for narrow gabions.

• Up to 200 cm for large and deeper constructions.

If in doubt, you can use the dimensions of your stone basket as a guide or contact our customer service team to select the right length.

Step-by-step instructions: Inserting spacers and filling gabions

1. Hook in the first layer of spacers

Before you fill the gabion, start by attaching the first spacers. Place them at a distance of 20 to 30 cm evenly from front to back over the entire surface. Make sure that the inner wires are hooked in correctly.

2. Protecting the spacers

To protect the spacers from damage caused by falling stones, you can place squared timber or similar materials on top of them. These ensure that the holders are not bent and thus lose their function.

3. Filling in layers

Fill the gabion with natural stones in layers. After each layer, remove the protective squared timbers and insert the next row of spacers. Repeat this process until the gabion is completely filled.

4. Finishing and fixing

Once the gabion has been completely filled, attach the cover to the side, front and rear walls using spirals. Your gabion is now ready for use and can be used as a decorative or functional element.

Creative design options

Filling with natural stones is just the beginning. With a little creativity, gabions can also be designed with other materials or additional elements:

• Glass chunks: For luminous color effects that are particularly effective when illuminated.

• Logs: For a rustic look that blends in with nature-inspired designs.

• Plants: Combine gabions with green plants or succulents to create vibrant accents.

Frequently asked questions about filling gabions

How many spacers do I need per gabion? You should use 15 spacers per square meter of visible surface. These are included in the scope of delivery, but can also be ordered separately.

What is the ideal stone size? The ideal stone size depends on the mesh size of the gabion. Stones with a grain size between 60 and 120 mm are a common choice.

Can I build gabions on my own? Yes, the construction is designed in such a way that it can easily be carried out by one person. However, for larger projects, the help of a second person may be useful.

Conclusion: Safe, fast, private

Filling stone baskets is an exciting task that is easy to do with the right preparation and the right materials. Thanks to the spacers, the construction remains stable and attractive, while the natural stones create a unique look. Whether as a privacy screen, raised bed or decorative element - with gabions you can design your garden safely, quickly and privately. Visit our online store to find the right materials and accessories for your project!