We recently used 4m of 60*60*60 gabions, backfilled with white boulders in a project. Talking to the client yesterday, they would like them turned into a 'seat' or 'bench'. We mocked it up using some old floorboards they had to see if it would work and potentionally look good.
I have considered using smooth hardwood decking planks (5 widths) screwed into decking cross braces underneath every 60cm and just allowing the cross braces to act as 'pads' for the decking to simply sit on top of the gabions.
Anyone have any experience, if;
a/ they would stay flat / not warp as there is no "frame" attached
b/ there is any other means we could fix them ?
Assumption is that it stay in place by virture of it's own weight
Any other ideas ?
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Hi Gary,
Check out gabion seats
http://www.stones3.co.uk/ideas.php
Obvious issue is the 4m length but may help you get some ideas together...
Craig
Craig,
Fantastic. Just what I needed to see. I like the idea of the pre-made 60*60 decking tiles that just sit on top.
Oh joy :-0)
Craig McGibbon said:
Loving these - however I want to add a stone slab to the top of our gabions. We have 21m of gabions encircling a very large Brazilian blue slate patio. We want to add large flag stones to the top of the stone filled gabion baskets. Anyone had any experience with this and feel like sharing? I'm thinking I'm going to have to make a prefabbed construction to encompass the gabion mesh lid and then affix the slab to that...?
Even when filled there is a certain flexibility in the construction, so l'm not sure how successful putting a slab on top would. If any gaps were pointed l suspect over time the flexing would break it loose.
Having said this l have a vague recollection that maybe Kerry Jackson did something along those lines maybe with rammed earth... not sure... maybe check out his pictures and posts!
Similar problems maybe encountered with putting a flat wooden lid on because when filled you don't get a perfect level flat top. You may need a structure inside the gabion to create a flat top.
I know we often see gabion seats but with my limited experience with gabions there are a lot of sharp ends of the wire mesh basket and the securing coils. These are likely to snag clothing, especially a dresses or flowing skirts... l would make sure your client is aware of this is a potential drawback if creating a seating area from them.
Anyway good luck - post your ideas and solutions....