Posted by Frank Langone on Mon, Dec 07, 2009
Want to do some projects before the holidays?
What kind of fence or mesh should you use?
Cages - for rabbits and other small animals
- 16 gauge, 1/2"x1" mesh - use Galvanized After Weld (GAW) for the bottom of cages
- 14 gauge, 1"x2" mesh - use Galvanized Before Weld (GBW) for the top and sides of cages.
Holiday Decorations- Hexagonal mesh netting, also known as poultry
fence
- Flexible - easy to work with and cut into shapes
- Galvanized - 1/2", 1" and 2" meshes
- Black vinyl coated - 1" mesh
- Small mesh hardware cloth
- 1/2"x1/2" and 1/4"x1/4" meshes
- galvanized and vinyl coated
Deer Exclusion Barriers- Protect your shrubs and plantings
- Heavy duty protection with woven galvanized deer and wildlife fence - height up to 10'
- Black vinyl coated 1" hexagonal netting blends into background - up to 7' height
- Unobtrusive, 7-1/2' light weight black extruded plastic 2"x1-3/4" mesh deer fencing
Bird Cages
- Galvanized and vinyl coated wire mesh
- 1/2" hexagonal mesh
- Galvanized After Weave (GAW)
- Excellent cage mesh for canaries and other small birds
- 48"x25', 50' and 150' rolls
Dog Kennel Flooring
- 1-1/2"x1-1/2" mesh
- Heavy 12.5 gauge GAW core wire
- Thick black or green PVC coating
- 36" and 48"x25' rolls are available (green only)
J Clip Pliers and Clips
- Excellent tool and fastener for building cages and other projects
- Connects and secures pieces of mesh
These items can be used year round as well.
Can you think of additional items?
Are there more uses for the products listed here?
Posted by Duncan Page on Wed, Oct 07, 2009
Watch this video and learn how to install vinyl coated welded wire garden fence. Keep rabbits and other looters from feasting on your plants.
Posted by Duncan Page on Mon, Jun 08, 2009
There are many different wire fence products available from which to choose. And it can be difficult to know which one to buy. One of the decisions you will need to make is whether you want a galvanized fence or a mesh that is vinyl coated.
What is the difference between galvanized and vinyl coated wire mesh and fence?
Galvanized fences and meshes are either welded or woven. There are
Galvanized Before Weld or Weave (GBW) and Galvanized After Weld or Weave (GAW) meshes. The difference between these two types is explained in our blog "Galvanized Before vs Galvanized After Mesh & Fence". The most common and most readily available fence meshes are GBW. These are the commodity meshes sold by all the big box stores. GAW products are harder to find. They are higher quality, more expensive and they will last years longer. Both share the same characteristic of having a galvanized finish. But GAW meshes are far superior.
Vinyl Coated (VC) fences are also available in either welded or woven meshes. They are different from galvanized products because they have a double layer of protection from rust and corrosion - vinyl coating over previously galvanized wire. This gives these meshes a longer life. The highest quality and longest lasting products with the best rust protection are those that feature vinyl coating on top of GAW wire. These are the meshes used in such things as lobster pots and crawfish traps.
Why are vinyl coated meshes more expensive?
The cost of the vinyl applied to the wire adds to the cost of the final product. Additional handling and processing during the manufacturing process also adds to the cost. 
Is vinyl coated fence really worth the extra expense?
Meshes and fences that have been vinyl coated have the longest lifetime due to the extra protection they have against rust and corrosion.
They are also more aesthetically pleasing. The black and green color stand out less than the brighter galvanized finish. In fact black mesh tends to disappear into the background, becoming virtually invisible. You can see whatever is on the other side of the fence more clearly.
It is also important to remember that although the initial cost of a vinyl coated fence is higher, it may ultimately be less expensive. Don't forget the cost and aggravation of needing to replace a product with a shorter lifetime.
How do you choose between galvanized and vinyl coated fence?
Think about how long you want the fence to last. How frequently will you want to replace it? If you want a fence that will last a long time and maintain its nice appearance, go with the vinyl coated mesh. If you only need the fence to last a few years, use a GBW mesh.
Think about how you want the fence to look. If the fence will be in a prominent place and you want it to look attractive, use a vinyl coated mesh. If the fence will be less visible and you don't mind a utilitarian appearance, use a GBW mesh. You can also use a GAW mesh if you want the fence to last longer.
Posted by Duncan Page on Tue, Apr 21, 2009
There are many different wire meshes that make excellent garden fencing. Fences that will protect your gardens from the ravages of animals both large and small. Meshes that will help your garden grow.
Welded wire garden fences come in different combinations of mesh size and wire gauge. They are available in three finishes:
- Galvanized Before Weld (GBW) meshes are the least expensive and will not last as long as the other two. When the galvanized wire is welded, the rust resisting zinc is burned off where the wires intersect. Moisture will collect at these vulnerable points. Rust begins and the fence gradually weakens.
- Galvanized After Weld (GAW) meshes are more costly initially, but their long lifetime can eliminate the expense and hassle of replacement. Following the welding process, the fence is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The wire and the weld joints are thoroughly coated.
- Vinyl Coated (VC) meshes feature both long life and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Once the fence is welded, the PVC vinyl is tightly bonded to the wire as it passes through a heat process. Black is becoming the preferred color choice. It blends with the background, becoming virtually invisible. Your enclosed area can be clearly seen.
Meshes and gauges available:
1/4"x1/4" - 23 gauge - GAW and VC
1/2"x1/2" - 19 and 16 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC
1/2"x1" - 16 and 14 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC
1"X1" - 16, 14 and 12-1/2 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC
1"x2" - 14 gauge - GBW, GAW and VC
1-1/2"x1-1/2" -12-1/2 and 10-1/2 gauges - GAW and VC
3"x2" - 16 gauge - VC
1-1/2"x4" -14 gauge - VC
2"x4" - 14 and 12-1/2 gauges - GBW and VC
Woven wire garden fences are also available in the same three finishes. The characteristics of the GBW, GAW and VC finishes are identical to the welded meshes.
Meshes and gauges available:
1" hex netting chicken wire - 20 and 18 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC
1-1/2" hexagonal poultry wire - 17 gauge - Apron Fence - GBW and VC
2" hex netting - 20 gauge - GBW
2"x2" - 16 gauge - GBW
2"x4" - 12-1/2 gauge - GBW
Garden/Deer & Orchard (graduated openings - 1"x6 to 4"x6") - 14-1/2 gauge - GBW
Deer & Wildlife Fence (graduated openings) - 12-1/2 and 14 gauges - GBW
This is a general look at what is available for welded and woven wire meshes to fence in your garden. The type you choose depends on the needs of your particular project. And there is a product for every use.
Posted by Duncan Page on Tue, Jan 27, 2009
Vinyl coated wire mesh and fencing is the longest lasting mesh you can buy. There are welded as well as woven meshes available. After the mesh is welded or woven, it passes through the coating process. The PVC is tightly bonded to the wire by a heat process. The mesh is completely covered, including those areas most likely to rust first - the spots that are welded or woven. The vinyl coating is impervious to moisture and corrosives. The wire is thoroughly protected from rust and corrosion. Standard colors are black and green. Other colors are available on special order.
A high quality vinyl coating is flexible and will not crack when bent. It gives the mesh a smooth finished look. There are no sharp edges. The PVC is not affected by extreme hot or cold temperatures. It is so well bonded to the wire that it stands up to scrapes and abrasions. Coated meshes are tough, long-lasting, weather and chemical resistant and attractive. Any mesh or fence that is vinyl coated will have the longest lifetime. Some meshes are available with double protection - GAW wire that is galvanized after being welded or woven and then covered with a thick layer of vinyl.
VC fence and mesh uses -
- yard fence
- animal cages
- chicken coops
- crawfish traps
- boundary fence
- kennel flooring
- game bird pens
- deer fence barrier
- greenhouse benches
- children's play yards
- swimming pool fence
- lawn and garden fence
- nuisance animal exclusion
- backing for wood post and rail fence
VC fence and mesh characteristics -
- durable
- longest lifetime
- resistant to rust and corrosion
- weather and chemical resistant
- welded and woven mesh and fence
- UV treated to protect against solar degradation