When people hear the word gabion, the first image that comes to mind is that of retaining slopes, but over time, gabions have evolved from their original traditional use.
Today, rock gabions are being used for a variety of projects, from planters and garden walls to adding artistic flair to spaces.
They not only make durable and long-lasting structures, but they are also a great way to repurpose leftover construction material, and, of course, you can use them to control erosion.
We’ve compiled 20 exciting gabion projects you can use to transform your physical landscape.
Take a look!
1. Gabion Retaining Wall
Looking for a wall with incredible structural strength? Then a gabion is the perfect option for you.
They contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your home and are an excellent choice for simple yet functional landscaping projects.
In this design, the gabion blends seamlessly into the retaining wall, providing stability and enhancing the beauty of the space.
The wall also offers excellent structural support to the climbing plants that have been incorporated into the design.
2. Spiral Gabion wall
Traditional gabion walls are a bit bland, but this spiral design takes the concept of gabion walls to another level.
Here, the gabion wall is made at varying heights to create a spiral design with a large gabion pillar in the middle.
The space between the spiral gabion wall then doubles as a raised garden, which is the highlight of the design.
3. Gabion Barbecue Stand
Using a gabion for your barbecue stand is a visually appealing and creative way to create an outdoor cookout spot with a rustic charm.
The use of stones creates a seamless, natural element that blends with other natural elements in your outdoor space.
Here, the gabion wall creates a sturdy foundation for the stand, providing a great combination of functionality and design.
The gabion wall matches with the retaining wall, tying together the theme of the space.
4. Tried Gabion Edging Yet?
Gabions are one of the most efficient ways to define garden spaces; they can define borders, pathways, or gardens.
In this design, the gabion is used to edge the garden and define the space away from the external surroundings.
For a great degree of personalization, you can customize the size, shape, and choice of stones to match the style and theme of your garden.
5. Incorporate Some Art
Art can be a great way to add some character to your garden, and a gabion is the proper support structure for this.
In this design, the gabion column is used to support the giant rooster, which adds to the charm of the garden.
This provides a simple yet meticulous design that camouflages into the natural surroundings.
6. Gabion Raised Garden Bed
Gabion walls make an excellent choice for creating raised garden beds due to their porous nature; they provide excellent drainage, which prevents waterlogging in plants.
A raised garden bed like the one in this design minimizes the need for kneeling or bending, making gardening even more effortless.
The gabion wall makes the external structure for a framed raised garden, adding additional flair and preventing soil from slipping through the stones.
7. Seamless Gabion Planter
In an environment with unusual terrain, incorporating a gabion is the best way to create a planter without disturbing the soil.
In this design, the gabion provides a place to grow flowers and trees that match the lawn area.
The gabion is an extension of the retaining wall but with extra functionality.
8. Gabion Privacy Wall
A gabion privacy wall has remarkable similarities to a retaining wall, with the only difference being the construction method.
When making a gabion privacy wall, the fences used are thinner with large metal brackets that improve the structural strength of the wall.
This fence design uses a combination of gabions and a vining fence to create the perfect balance of greenery and earthy tones, which match the surroundings.
The gabion wall is wide enough to support itself without any corner support, hence the design.
9. Relax with a Gabion Bench
One of the ways to create a practical and attractive sitting area for your outdoor space is using gabion benches.
They are durable and provide a unique place for socializing and enjoying your yard.
Gabion benches also provide a stable and all-weather seating option, so you won’t have to worry about moving them.
10. Embrace Nature with a Gabion Planter
A gabion planter can be used to grow a variety of plants, from flowers, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables.
Gabion planters also provide excellent drainage, reducing the risk of waterlogging and ensuring healthy plant growth.
The choice of stones in this planter matches the surrounding flowers, contributing to the aesthetics of the yard.
11. Bring Tranquility with a Gabion Water Feature
This gabion water feature creates a unique natural and rustic aesthetic that blends well with your outdoor space.
You can make it in different shapes and designs to suit your specific needs or the outdoor space’s style.
The flowing water and the stone-filled basket create a striking contrast and focal point. This design creates a perfect relaxing atmosphere with the sound of flowing water.
12. Impress with Decorative Pillars
When used in landscaping, gabion pillars can add a decorative element with a dramatic vertical focal point.
In this design, the gabion pillars act as decorative features of the space and as planters for the succulent cactus.
13. Towers for Your Ferns
When looking to create a unique vertical garden, a gabion tower may be the way to go, especially if you’re looking to grow low-maintenance plants like ferns.
In this design, large gabion towers are used to hold the ferns growing in hydroponics.
Adding an automatic irrigation system to such a design eliminates the need for frequent watering, ensuring the plants are green all year through.
14. Gabions Japanese Archway
A gabion Japanese archway is visually striking and one of the most structurally sound archways you can make.
The natural look of the stones in this gabion provides a visual contrast with the wooden arch, adding an artistic rustic touch to the design.
The arch makes a beautiful entrance to the garden leading to the parking area.
The combination of the gabion archway and palm trees creates a visual balance in the space.
15. Gabion Fire Pits
Fire pits are crucial in adding warmth and ambiance to your outdoor sitting area, and by using stones as the fire pit material, you reduce the risk of flames spreading.
In this design, the fire pit is conveniently located next to the patio, providing warmth to any occupants in the space.
You can add a fire-resistant insert to reduce the risk of any fire hazards.
16. Gabion Steps
Gabion steps are an attractive and functional solution for elevation changes in an outdoor area. They can be used for terraces, pathways, or even as garden staircases.
Since these steps have excellent drainage, they prevent water from building up and minimize erosion from any elevated spot.
Additionally, stones are resistant to weathering and highly durable, making them the perfect solution for an outdoor space.
17. Unwind with a Gabion Jacuzzi
Looking for the perfect material for your outdoor jacuzzi? Why not try adding a gabion? A gabion will make the ideal holding material for your jacuzzi.
Plenty of spaces in between the stones ensure that no spillages will get to your pool, so you won’t need to drain it frequently.
Here, the design features a gabion wall all around the jacuzzi, ensuring proper drainage all around.
18. Gabion Outdoor Fireplace
Garden gatherings around the fireplace are always a great way of spending time with family and friends.
This stylish gabion fireplace adds warmth to the outdoor space, making it ideal for evening and social gatherings.
The design also incorporates a firewood storage place, making sure you are always ready to crack up the heat.
When designing such a fireplace, ensure you insulate the firewood storage area to reduce the risk of the fuel getting wet.
19. A Gabion Gate for a Rustic Feel
Gabion retaining walls and fences are excellent and practical, but a Gabion gate will elevate your outdoor space even further.
The key to creating a good gabion gate is balancing the weight in the stones so that the gabion isn’t too heavy to impact the movement of the gate.
This gabion gate design uses a mixture of rocks and pebbles to create the perfect gabion that balances weight and functionality.
20. Show Creativity with a Gabion Sculpture
A gabion sculpture will add simple yet beautiful, extraordinary splendor to your garden. With the uniqueness of the structure, it will easily be an eye-catcher and an easy topic of conversation.
Since it mainly uses natural materials, a gabion sculpture will complement the natural aesthetic of an outdoor space.
Here, the designer goes for a simple gabion sculpture. However, you can make the design as complex as possible to express yourself artistically.
