Choosing between a gabion basket and a interlocking concrete block for your building needs may be easier than you though, there a variety of factors that display the effectiveness and reliability of interlocking concrete blocks.
In this blog, we will be showing you why you should choose interlocking concrete blocks over gabion baskets.
As an established and trusted concrete provider, PPC Concrete Products aim to provide solutions for people in the construction industry. Alongside interlocking concrete blocks, we also provide concrete barriers.
For any building project, knowing the options you can select when it comes to concrete solutions can be extremely helpful when it comes to protecting access to your project, building it, and possibly saving you money.
PPC Concrete Products is here to provide the answers you may be looking for whilst giving you an insight into the quality concrete options we supply.
The demand for construction is only increasing, on a private and industrial level. Whether your work is private, or industrial, we are here to help.
Interlocking concrete blocks explained

Interlocking Concrete Blocks are a unique form of pre-cast concrete blocks that are designed to hold together by using pre-measured studs and recesses. These concrete blocks are built with unique profiles and features, which allow them to fit perfectly into each other.
What are the advantages of interlocking concrete blocks?
- Longer lasting and more durable than a Gabion basket
- Quicker and less hassle to install
- No need for mortar, saving you money and time
- No need for steel reinforcement or shuttering
- Resistant to extreme weather conditions
- Fire-resistant properties, mitigating the spread of fire depending on structure
- Little maintenance required
- Often, no foundation is needed before installing
- Sound resistant
- Sustainable
- Ability to stack them upon each other
- Flexibility in sizes
- Appropriate for temporary and/or permanent buildings
- Unlikely to be displaced due to the interlocking function
- Can be moved with standard lifting equipment
Disadvantages of using interlocking concrete blocks
- Can’t be moved without machinery
- Can topple over if not placed on level ground
What are interlocking concrete blocks used for?
PPC Concrete Products supply interlocking concrete blocks, we can share with you what they are used for.
- Material Storage bays
- Blast walls
- Salt stores
- Crash protection
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
What is a Gabion Basket?
A gabion basket is a cage-like structure, generally designed to hold rocks to create a natural aesthetic within landscaping. The wires that create the basket are made from a zinc-aluminium alloy that prevents corrosion.
Generally, a gabion basket is filled with medium to large-sized rocks, giving the illusion of a natural structure. It serves as a way to maintain a landscape whilst not compromising on the natural look of nature.
What is the lifespan of a Gabion Basket?
The lifespan of a gabion basket is 10 to 75 years, subjective to the environment it is placed in. The mesh is free from corrosion, but movement in the environment may cause the rocks to wear against the basket’s wiring, resulting in gradual wear and tear which could eventually break the wiring, compromising the whole structure.
Why you should choose interlocking concrete block over gabion baskets

There are many factors that only serve to show the effectiveness of interlocking concrete blocks over gabion baskets, which we will share below. The main argument for gabion baskets over interlocking concrete blocks is their look, which seamlessly organises landscapes without compromising on the natural aesthetic.
Here is why you should choose interlocking concrete blocks over gabion baskets:
- Interlocking concrete blocks do not require foundations to be set before placing them in most instances. Whereas gabion baskets require this, resulting in more time and money spent.
- Interlocking concrete blocks are durable, and weather resistant. Gabion baskets have weather resistant properties but are prone to its wiring being damaged over time.
- A full gabion basket is much more difficult to move, getting purchase on it is difficult without possibly causing damage to the basket. Interlocking concrete blocks require regular lifting equipment, or in some cases, a forklift.
- Gabion baskets must be filled in order for them to serve their purpose, this is another effort of labour which is totally avoided when opting for interlocking concrete blocks.
- Interlocking concrete blocks can be a cheaper option out of the two.
Why would gabion baskets cost more than interlocking concrete blocks?
Generally, gabion baskets are the more expensive alternative due to the intricate work required, manipulating the wiring to your specified size and shape, placing the basket and filling the basket with the right size and amount of rocks, then sealing the basket together, not to mention transport and any other requests. Extra costs can also include making foundations for the baskets to be placed.
Interlocking concrete blocks are made from a pre-cast mould, you choose the size and amount you need, and it is delivered to you, interlocking concrete blocks are generally a cheaper option but again is completely subjective to the project you have in the works.
Do gabion baskets or interlocking concrete blocks need cement?
Neither of these options require cement. Interlocking concrete blocks have specific studs and recesses that provide connection and as a result a more sturdier structure.
Gabion baskets can be binded to each other through the use of additional wires, this is subject to the manufacturer and client.
How much do interlocking concrete blocks cost?
If you are considering the cost of our interlocking concrete blocks, we encourage you to get in touch. Having a solid idea of what you intend to use the blocks for, including the space they’re going into, and how much you need will make it easier for us to give you a quote.
Understandably, the cost will be dependent on the amount required, and the sizes of the individual blocks you require.
However, if you’re still deciding whether or not to use our blocks, and would like specific questions to be answered in relation to your project, we are happy to provide all the information you need once you get in contact.
How much do interlocking concrete blocks weigh?
In regard to the weight of the blocks, it will vary from size to size, and from the concrete being used. But as an example, 1800 x 600 x 600 concrete block can weigh 1560 kg, this can fluctuate as different types of concrete have different levels of density.
What is the cost of a gabion basket?
As we are not a provider of this option, it is difficult to tell you what other providers of gabion baskets would charge. At the same time, considerations must be made for the additional work required to make and place gabion baskets, which is why there would be a premium price to pay.
Order for interlocking concrete blocks today

As an established supplier all over the UK, PPC Concrete Products is always happy to help, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with any questions you may have or take a look at our FAQ.
In this article, we hope to have answered the question ‘Why you should choose interlocking concrete block over gabion baskets?’ Whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction and the benefits of our interlocking concrete blocks.
Take a read of our case studies to truly understand how we have provided solutions for business in the past with the use of our interlocking concrete blocks, and ultimately, how we can help you today.
Read our blog page for more insights into our passion, construction.
Address:
The Old Gasworks,
Higginshaw Lane,
Royton,
Oldham,
OL2 6HQ
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday – 8 AM til 4 PM
Tel: 01706 655245
Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk