GABION BENCH
Gabion benches are outdoor seating options that mix natural elements in their construction. They're made by starting with a sturdy mesh cage, which is the gabion. The mesh gabion is constructed of wire and filled with materials that support durability, stability, and the visual preferences for the project. A wooden plank or other seating surface is added to the top to make a bench.
Gabion benches are a sustainable form of seating and reflect modern aesthetics, making them a popular choice for landscapers, architects, and others involved in outdoor design. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of gabion seating and what applications they support.
Benefits of a Gabion Bench
Gabion benches are made with durable, heavy components, making them especially robust as outdoor seating options. Because the main components tend to be stone and treated wood, the benches withstand exposure to elements like wind, rain, and snow. They're also low maintenance compared to traditional seating options, which might include cushions that need cleaning or hardware that could rust.
While the concept of a gabion bench is simple, you can easily customize the design. A unique filler for the gabion basket or a different top material can completely change the look of the bench, and you can select from different shapes and sizes for seating.
Most gabion benches use natural materials, like rock and wood, for more eco-friendly and sustainable hardscaping. You can also choose to use recycled materials to fill a gabion basket.
Design Options for Gabion Benches
Some of the options you can choose from when customizing a gabion bench for your yard or exterior business space include:
- Classic gabion bench design. The classic design has one or more wire mesh baskets filled with stone and a wood seat. You can choose from different types of wood or unique finishes.
- Concrete or stone top. This option pairs the classic gabion basket foundation with a concrete or stone seating piece, making it heavier and more durable than classic designs.
- Backless or backed seating. You can choose seating that is backless or incorporate elements like backrests or bench arms for functionality.
- Freestanding or integrated seating. Gabion landscaping decisions include whether you want a freestanding bench or seating that's incorporated into other elements. You can have a bench coming out of a wall, for instance, or incorporate planters into the bench design to add greenery or flowers to your space.
Applications for Gabion Benches
Gabion benches work well in a variety of locations, including on residential patios, in backyards and gardens, and in urban spaces and parks. Commercial landscapers might include them in outdoor dining areas or common green spaces for office buildings or apartments, and they make ideal seating for rooftop gardens or courtyards.
How to Build a Gabion Bench
Building a gabion bench requires:
- Selecting the right gabion basket size. Decide how many baskets you need and what size. The height of the basket impacts the height of the bench.
- Choosing stone fill for the basket. Decide what stones you want to include in your gabion baskets. Consider durability and support as well as visual appeal.
- Adding a seating surface. Add a wooden or stone seating surface to the bench. You can make one yourself or buy a pre-fabricated option that's the right size.
- Securing the bench and ensuring a level installation. Finalize the installation by securing the bench and making sure the seat is level and comfortable to sit on.
Why Choose Gabion Supply for Gabion Benches
While you can DIY a basic gabion bench, you can also work with Gabion Supply to get a high-quality, customizable solution for your yard or landscaping project. We offer high-quality gabion baskets in multiple sizes and nationwide shipping and support. Choose Gabion Supply to get gabion baskets trusted by landscapers, homeowners, and contractors.