---
title: 4 Keys To Choose the Best Fence for Your Needs
description: Vinyl-coated and stainless steel fences offer maximum endurance; an ideal choice for harsh environments and applications where longevity is a must.
image: https://www.louispage.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.31.34%20AM.png
---

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# The Fence Post

## 4 Keys To Choose the Best Fence for Your Needs

 May 26, 2017 | by [Debbie Page](https://www.louispage.com/blog/author/debbie-page)

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**Important Considerations**

Buying fencing without seeing it can be difficult but we are here to help you. We have pulled together our top 4 key considerations to help you choose the best fence for your needs.

[![Louis Page's Illustration of the 4 Keys to Choosing a Fence](https://www.louispage.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.31.34%20AM.png?width=892&name=Screenshot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.31.34%20AM.png "Louis Page's Illustration of the 4 Keys to Choosing a Fence")](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/vinyl-coated-vc)

#### *1.*  The Type of Wire Determines a Fence's Durability and Use

For example, vinyl-coated and stainless steel fences offer maximum durability, making them ideal choices for harsh environments and applications where longevity is a must.

We provide four unique types of welded wire to address any durability and budget needs**:**

**Galvanized Before Weld (GBW)**

GBW mesh is made from strands of galvanized wire welded together. During the welding process, the rust preventing galvanizing is burned off at the weld points where the wires intersect. These meshes are economical but have a limited lifetime. A general purpose mesh, ideal for low-cost fencing, kennels, cages, and a variety of other uses.

**Galvanized After Weld (GAW)**

GAW mesh is made by dipping previously welded mesh into a bath of molten zinc. The entire mesh, including the welded areas, is thoroughly sealed and protected against rust. This wire is particularly useful for animal enclosures or other applications where rust prevention and long life is desired. Ideally suited for use as ground wire for bird enclosures and animal enclosures. (ZA (zinc aluminum for agricultural fences (one step between GAW & Vinyl Coated).

**Vinyl Coated (VC)**

VC mesh is made by coating either galvanized before or galvanized after welded mesh with a thick layer of black or green PVC fused to the wire by a heat process, creating an attractive, tough, long-lasting, weather and chemical-resistant mesh. Vinyl coated meshes have the longest lifetime in any application. This 12½" gauge mesh with 1½" x 1½" openings makes a particularly excellent floor for dog kennels.

**Stainless Steel**

SS welded wire mesh, strong and long-lasting, needs no additional finish to protect it. The wire itself is extremely resistant to rust, corrosion, and harsh chemicals. Use stainless mesh or fence in areas with prolonged exposure to salt and other corrosives.

#### *2.*  Wire Gauge: a Fence that Endures

- Wire gauge also determines durability and use. The lower the gauge number the thicker the wire, making low gauge fencing ideal for applications where strength and durability are required.
- Along with the wire type, wire gauge determines how tough and long-lasting your fence will be. Louis Page sells welded wire in 10.5, 11, 12.5, 14, 16, 19, and 23 gauge thicknesses.
- Remember, the lower the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the wire will be.
- Thicker wire is more resistant to the elements and tougher for critters to chew through. A sharp beak can make short work of a thin gauge wire. No such luck with a thicker gauge!
- For these reasons, wire gauge is an important factor in determining both how long your fence will last and the use for which it is best suited.

#### *3.*  Mesh Openings: a Wide Variety of Uses

Smaller mesh opening is important for fencing in or out smaller animals, which could slip through a larger opening. Smaller openings also make for more rigid panels, making durability a secondary consideration.

Mesh opening is a very important factor to consider based on what you’re planning to fence in or out.

For example, a small mesh opening would be required for fencing in baby rabbits or birds, while a larger mesh opening would be better for fencing in goats and other livestock.

- Louis Page sells welded wire fence in a variety of mesh opening sizes from ⅛” x ⅛” to 3” x 3”. In addition to different sizes, mesh openings also come in a variety of shapes including square, rectangular and hexagonal.

Durability is also a secondary consideration with mesh opening, as smaller meshes create more rigid, durable fencing.

#### *4.*  Fence Height - Animals Test the Boundaries

Quite simply, taller fencing is required to fence in and out larger animals, and animals that can jump high. Fence height is very important factor based on what you’re planning to fence in or out. Simply put, taller fencing is required to fence in and out larger animals, as well as animals that can jump high. For example, shorter fences are ideal for uses like chicken enclosures, rabbit cages, and puppy kennels. A taller fence is required for enclosing large farm animals like cows and goats and fencing out deer.

- A taller fence is required when safety and the security of people is the goal, such as in the case of a pool fence or at places like construction sites, zoos, or public parks.

**Our experts are ready and waiting by the phone to answer your questions and help you choose the right fence for your project.**

 

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 Topics: [stainless steel](https://www.louispage.com/blog/topic/stainless-steel), [galvanized after](https://www.louispage.com/blog/topic/galvanized-after), [galvanized before](https://www.louispage.com/blog/topic/galvanized-before), [Fencing Tips](https://www.louispage.com/blog/topic/fencing-tips), [vinyl coated](https://www.louispage.com/blog/topic/vinyl-coated)

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Louis E. Page, Inc. is a family owned business. For three generations we've been dedicated to serving the needs of our customers. Our goal is to give you prompt and informative service at fair prices. Since 1893, we've taken great pride in our commitment to be a one-source distributor specializing in mesh and fencing. We keep an extensive inventory and we can special order items from many different mills. Let us help you find what you need.

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Congratulations on this milestone! When our clients request mesh or welded wire, you are our go-to source! Thanks for being a leader in the industry & one we can reliably count on!

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Thank you, we received the fence and appreciate the good service from Louis Page. We will call next time we need fence!

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I have been dealing with Louis E. Page, Inc. for over 20 years. I build shooting preserves. We will be purchasing all of the Bird Pen materials from you. I just want to thank you for the years of great service. Your products are all High Quality and you always have what I need to complete my projects.

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