Inert material for gabions
What is inert material when it comes to gabions? Generally speaking, aggregate is the filling that is placed in the gabion cells themselves. It can consist of any kind of natural or synthetic materials – stone, wood, plastic or glass forms. Most often, stone pieces with a fraction (size) suitable for the facility are used.
How to choose a suitable inert material?
The most important thing when choosing an inert material is that it should be in accordance with the following factors:
Structure function – Stabilizing, fencing or purely decorative
When we are looking for resistance and strength, it is recommended to use natural stone with a larger fraction. The weight of the pieces of rock mass make the gabions extremely strong and resistant to external influences. For example, if we are building a retaining wall from woven gabions, it is important that it be stable, but at the same time flexible, so that it lies as much as possible on the ground, but also water permeable. In this case, the inert material must be heavy, but ecologically clean, in order to avoid the release of chemical substances and the corresponding pollution of the environment. When we have chosen to build a gabion fence system, we must again bear in mind that it must have strength and resistance. Here again, a natural stone option is recommended, as it can be combined with elements of decorative glass stone. With decorative gabion systems, we can afford more freedom, especially if we have decided to build them indoors, where the chance of the aggregate being damaged is minimal. Under such circumstances, everything is a matter of imagination.
Atmospheric conditions
When we build gabion systems outdoors, we must take into account the atmospheric conditions to which they will be exposed – sun, wind, rain, snow, large temperature amplitudes. In such situations, it relies on sustainable and natural materials that can withstand these factors without lowering their qualities and properties. We recommend using natural stone and glass materials. If, however, we decide to build gabion systems at home or indoors (columns, decorations, furniture), we can freely let our imagination run wild and rely on a variety of materials of different origins and types.
Combination with other materials
When we decide that we want to combine different types of aggregate, we need to think about how they would affect each other. For example, if we want our gabions to have contact with plants (for example, for a gabion-pot), we must be sure that the inert material will not harm the quality of the soil, that is, the filling must necessarily be of natural origin. But if we go for a wooden decoration in the gabion, we must keep in mind that if it has contact with water, the wood will rot over time. In cases where we want to combine stone and glass, it is recommended that the glass pieces be in the higher parts of the structure so that they do not break due to the weight of the stone. Another option is to provide a barrier that can protect the more fragile material from the stronger one.
Size – so obvious that sometimes we forget about it
When choosing a filling for our gabions, we must consider the grid size of the cell itself. Accordingly, if you want gabions with finer stones, you must place an order in advance for electrowelded gabions with a finer square, because otherwise the inert material may fall out between the cells. If you want to bet on large pieces of stone, you should keep in mind that the gabions will need to be made of thicker wires to avoid deformation, swelling or even breaking of the metal grids.
Available budget
In an age where everything is a click away, inspiration can be found anywhere. Gabion structures are becoming increasingly popular due to their stylish appearance, durability and flexibility in project budgeting.
Very often, however, it turns out that the desired inert material can be more expensive than the gabion structure itself. Our advice is, before you make a firm decision about the look of your gabions, first consult with our “Trade” managers, who will advise you on the options for suitable aggregate material according to your needs and budget.
Types of filling for gabions
Natural crushed stone
Crushed stone is our customers’ most common aggregate choice. It has an edge shape that allows for the ultimate “shaggy” arrangement option. It can be of different colors depending on the area from which it is extracted. You can choose between gray, reddish and slightly yellow colors. According to your desired gabion product, they are available in different fractions, which allows them to fit any fence, decoration or system made of both woven gabions and electro-welded gabions. This is also the most budget option we offer. When making a gabion system, you can choose one color or combine different colors of crushed stone. Recently, however, the tendency to combine natural stone with glass has become stronger, and different types of installations are often woven into it.
River stone
Unlike rubble, river stone has a smooth, oval shape. With it, the colors and sizes can also vary according to your wishes. Our range includes both darker and lighter, yellow and reddish chunks. The biggest charm of this material is that its color can change to bright when wet, especially in its darker colors. It is good to keep in mind that the larger the stones of this type, the greater the need to arrange them one by one in the gabion to match in shape and size. This increases the execution time, but the end result is always excellent.
Decorative stone
The decorative stone material is distinguished by its bright colors, shiny particles and various shapes. The most often preferred decorative stone is white, but depending on your furniture, taste and ideas, we can provide you with different colors and sizes. A large part of our customers who rely on decorative stone as an inert material for their gabion systems combine it with other parts of their garden furniture, for example covering the soil areas around flowers and trees, decoration around paths or parking lots.
Stacked stones
Recently, more and more customers are relying on stone slabs and blocks as an alternative to traditional stones when it comes to inert material for gabion systems. They look stylish and tidy as each slab or block stacks up against the others. The end result always shows great attention to detail, and the best news is that the plates retain their integrity and can be reused over the years. Arranged horizontally, they are the ultimate infill solution when building a combined wooden slatted fence system.
Glass stone
Glass stone has all the properties and qualities of natural stone, but impresses with its color variations and transparent texture. It can be both crushed and oval and is extremely suitable both for independent use and for combination with some of the other types of aggregate. Due to its transparent appearance, it is often combined with lighting systems, which allows the creation of luminous areas or entire elements. In the portfolio of Smart Metal Group you can find many examples of such luminous or hydro installations, but don’t let your imagination stop there…
According to the idea of the client...
We at Smart Metal Group are open to any idea. Loan that gabions are a product that can be adapted to any taste and we are ready to cooperate with all our forces. Share your ideas with us and we will do our best to make them a reality. Our team is made up of professionals who will immediately be able to give you feedback and advise you on the best course of action. We can assist in providing any type of inert material – stone, glass, metal, wood, plastic, ceramics and much more at affordable prices.