Depending on the topography of the landscape around your home adding a wall may be a good option. There are many types of wall designs that blend into your landscape from rock to cement.
One style is called a “Gabion Wall”, which is a Latin term that means, “woven basket.” It uses rocks contained in wire baskets that are installed as modules with a rectangular shape. Filled with river or quarry stones, the baskets are aligned in a grid network. It is ideal for stabilizing and strengthening embankments and slopes. It is very durable and resistant to pressure; it is easy to install, requires little if any maintenance and is self-draining.
Advantages And Disadvantages To A Gabion Wall For A Garden
The wall design also enhances a landscape as a method for privacy and is a great barrier against noise and wind. It is cheap and a skilled do-it-yourselfer can construct one. Since it uses wire baskets, it can adapt to shifting ground.
Not only does the gaps between the rocks provide draining; they can be filled in with vegetation and silt, which enforces the wall.
Still, there are disadvantages of which you need to be aware. Many people do not think it is aesthetically pleasing because it appears austere. Moreover, moving water can damage the wire baskets resulting in rust, disintegration or algae.
Materials Suitable For Filling A Gabion Wall
Rocks and stones are the most commonly used item to fill the baskets of the wall. You can use various types of stones and rocks individually or combine them. It is suggested that you select stones that are frost-proof and resistant to moisture. This ensures the strength and reliability of the wall. It is also suggested that you consult a landscape architect to determine the proper load and stress levels of the wall.
Items you will need to construct a Gabion Wall
The items you will need to construct the wall include:
• Wooden Stakes
• Spade
• Hoe
• Prefabricated Gabion Wire Baskets or Wire Mesh, Chicken Wire or Construction Wire Mesh
• Rocks
• Gravel
• Spiral Joints, Hog Rings or U-Clips
• Stiffeners
Constructing A Gabion Wall
1. Use the stakes to mark the corners of the wall.
2. Use the spade to remove grass and plants in the area where the Gabion Wall will be located.
3. Evaluate the soil grade. If it is soft or slippery, it won’t be able to bear the load of the wall. Use the hoe to dig down about 150mm.
4. Replace the soil with gravel.
5. Level the ground with the hoe.
6. Unfold the prefabricated Gabion wire baskets and place in the location where you want the wall.
7. Use the spiral joints, hog rings or U-clips to connect the baskets end to end.
8. Fill the baskets with rocks. Place the flat sides of the rocks facing outward and the sharp rocks at the corners.
9. Cover and fasten the lid.
10. Place stiffeners every 3-inches to 6-inches of height
11. Assemble the next row of baskets on top. Create as many rows of baskets that you need for the wall.
(Sources: Deavita.net, and gabionbarriers.com)
