Those steep gardens dotting the North Downs around Sevenoaks need more than standard retaining walls. Gabion structures offer the perfect marriage of industrial strength and natural aesthetics, particularly suited to the chalky slopes common across TN14 and TN15.
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Traditional brick retaining walls often clash with Sevenoaks' leafy character, while timber solutions struggle against our clay-heavy soil movement. Gabion walls bring something different to the table - wire cages filled with locally-sourced ragstone or flint create structures that actually improve with age. The drainage properties alone make them ideal for properties backing onto the Greensand Ridge, where water management remains a constant challenge.
Building gabions requires understanding both engineering principles and local geology. Each cage gets precisely positioned to handle specific soil pressures, with foundations dug deep enough to reach stable ground beneath Sevenoaks' notorious shrinkable clay. Stone selection matters too - angular rocks lock together better than rounded ones, creating walls that shift and settle naturally without compromising stability. The result looks effortlessly organic whilst providing decades of reliable earth retention.
Twenty years installing gabions across Kent taught us which approaches work where. From compact courtyards in central Sevenoaks to sprawling gardens near Knole Park, every project demands site-specific solutions that respect both the landscape and your vision.
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Basic gabion installations start around £180-220 per square metre, though complex terracing or curved designs push costs toward £300. Most Sevenoaks gardens require 15-30 square metres of walling, putting typical projects between £3,500-8,000 including groundwork.
Regular gabion installations happen throughout TN13 near Riverhead, TN14 covering Dunton Green to Shoreham, and TN15 from Seal through to Ightham. Larger commercial projects occasionally take us toward Tonbridge or Orpington borders.
Straightforward residential gabions typically take 4-7 working days from excavation to completion. Larger terracing projects or those requiring significant ground preparation might stretch to two weeks, weather permitting.
Every gabion structure includes decade-long coverage against settlement or cage failure. The galvanised steel cages themselves last 50+ years, while the stone fill essentially lasts forever - making warranty claims exceptionally rare.
Gabion walls integrate beautifully with water features - their drainage properties prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup. The modular nature means working around established trees, existing paving, or underground services without major disruption to cherished garden elements.
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