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Advantages and disadvantages of gabion baskets
Gabion baskets are steel wire mesh baskets most commonly used to create retaining walls in order to stabilise slopes and banks and offer protection against erosion. Also known as gabions or gabion cages, gabion baskets can also be used for a variety of other landscaping applications, from unique outdoor seating to natural garden borders. These are often with gabion stone but can also be filled with other materials.
At Mainland Aggregates, we supply high-quality 3mm welded mesh gabion baskets that can be used for erosion control, low retaining walls and landscaping features. We stock a variety of sizes to suit different projects. So, whether you are considering purchasing a gabion basket for a DIY project, such as a gabion planter, or you need multiple high-quality gabion baskets to create a gabion retaining wall, browse our range today.
There are countless advantages to using gabions, from being easy to install to being beneficial to the environment. However, there are also some drawbacks.
Advantages.
Easy to assemble.
Gabion baskets are commonly sold in flat packs which are lightweight and easy to assemble. All there is required to do when assembling gabions is to prepare the ground, fasten the baskets together and fill the baskets with your desired material. If you want to create a tall retaining wall where you have to pile the baskets on top of each other, you might need an extra pair of hands and even some machinery. However, smaller projects can be easily achieved with less help and no machinery.
Create a strong structure.
When stacked together, gabions will create a strong and robust structure that can support a large amount of weight. This makes gabions ideal for stabilising sloping terrain and controlling water. Due to their strong bases, it makes it incredibly difficult for gabions to be dragged away by heavy downpours or vandals.
Allow drainage.
The space between the stones in gabion baskets allows for water to easily pass through. At the same time, gabions can absorb and decrease the water velocity, protecting areas at risk of erosion. So, not only do gabion baskets allow water to drain but these also work to reduce or prevent erosion.
Disadvantages.
Not attractive to everyone.
Even though we believe that gabion baskets are a beautiful addition to any outdoor space due to the varied choice of gabion stones, some people do not find gabions as aesthetically pleasing as we do. However, low-quality gabion baskets can start rusting quickly and become unsightly.
Not easily replaceable.
If you are replacing a gabion basket in the middle of a garden that should be an easy task. However, when replacing a gabion basket that is at the bottom of a gabion wall, you will have to remove a vast majority of them to replace that specific one, making the replacement of a gabion basket a more lengthy process.