Our Blog - The Fence Post | Duncan Page (10)

Duncan Page

Fences, Welded or Woven?

February 28, 2011 | by Duncan Page

What are your goals for your fence?

Fences are available for every conceivable use and purpose. There are basically two types of manufactured wire fences: welded and woven. Read on for the benefits of these two very important types of wire...

Welded Wire Fence Characteristics

Welded wire products used as fences can be made in many different gauges - from heavy 4 gauge to lightweight 20 gauge. Lighter gauges and smaller meshes are available but are not recommended to be used as fencing by themselves
Mesh sizes can run from ½" to 6"
Most welded meshes made from steel are galvanized before weld (GBW), galvanized after weld (GAW), or vinyl coated (VC)
Fences are rigid and square
Mesh openings are uniform and consistent in shape and size throughout the roll or panel - ideal for cages
Welded products can be harder to install over uneven ground

Woven Wire Fence Characteristics

Woven wire products used as fences can vary between 9 gauge and 23 gauge
Mesh sizes can run from ½" to 8"
Wire finishes of woven meshes are similar to those that are welded: galvanized before weld (GBW), galvanized after weld (GAW), or vinyl coated (VC)
Fences that are woven are more flexible than welded products
Mesh openings are generally uniform and consistent in shape and size throughout the roll
Woven meshes are easier to install over uneven ground. They can be "racked" to conform to the ups and downs
Many of the fences used to enclose or exclude livestock are woven construction: deer, horses, poultry, and game birds

Which style of fence will work best in your next project? Feel free to give us a ring if you want to ask about particulars. Call us toll-free (866) 328-5018

What kind of experiences have you had with either or both types of fences?

Topics: welded wire mesh, woven wire mesh

Fence Jumping Gone Wrong - Videos

February 22, 2011 | by Duncan Page

That's Gotta Hurt

Have you ever been tempted to jump a fence? Make sure you know what you're doing before you make a fool of yourself. Here are a couple of examples of how not to jump a fence.

Have a little respect for the fence! Here's another:

Now, How to Master Fence Jumping

Now! Here is a series of rigorous tutorials on how to get over a fence safely!

Please, be careful out there!

Topics: garden fence, video, fence choices

Fences For Your Garden

February 16, 2011 | by Duncan Page

What Kind of Garden Fence Do You Need?

Will you build a new garden fence this year?

Are you wondering what kind of fences will work well in your garden?

There are several different types of fences available that are excellent for gardens.

Welded Wire

These fences offer the most choices. They're available in a wide variety of:

gauges - 16, 14 and 12½
mesh sizes - ½" x ½", ½" x 1", 1" x 1", 1" x 2", 2" x 2" and 2" x 4"
finishes - galvanized before weld (GBW), galvanized after weld (GAW) and vinyl coated (VC)

In addition to the standard specifications listed above, there are other styles of fences that are designed for use in and around the garden. Some of these have smaller mesh openings at the bottom of the fence to keep out small animals.

Black Vinyl-Coated Hexagonal Netting - Effective, Long-Lasting

Lighter in weight than welded wire products.

gauges - 20 and 18 gauges
mesh sizes - 1" and 2"
finishes - GBW, GAW, and VC

There are vinyl-coated rolls available in extra tall heights of 84" and 90". The black vinyl-coated fences are most effective. It looks great--the black wire blends with the background becoming virtually invisible. When used as deer fence, the black color discourages deer from jumping.

The All-Important Deer Fence

Designed specifically to prevent deer from entering an area and eating trees, plants, and shrubs.

gauges - 14.5 and 12½
mesh sizes - 1" x 6" through 7" x 12"
finishes - galvanized, zinc/aluminum, and black-painted

These are the heavier gauge woven fences that feature graduated openings between horizontal wires. The openings at the bottom of the fence are smaller to prevent small animals from entering the garden. All styles are rust and corrosion-resistant.

Apron Fence - A Very Strategic Barrier

These fences have a 12" apron at the bottom of the roll. Lay this on top of the ground to form a barrier. Animals cannot dig under the fence and enter your garden.

gauge - 17
mesh size - 1½"
finishes - GBW and VC

These fences are labor savers. There is no need to dig a trench and bury the wire. Vegetation grows up through the apron, securely attaching it to the ground. The animals trying to dig into your garden will not realize that they must start their digging 12" away from the fence.

Hardware cloth - Strong and Durable

Vinyl-coated 19 gauge wire welded into ½" x ½" mesh will discourage the smallest animals
The vinyl coating extends the lifetime of the fence
Rolls are 100' in length
Three heights are available: 24", 36" and 48"

What kinds of fences have you used to protect your garden? Are you considering all the different types of fences that are available before making your choice? Do you prefer one type over another?

Topics: apron fence, garden fence, hex netting, deer fence, welded wire fence

Dogs Climbing Tall Fences - Videos

February 10, 2011 | by Duncan Page

It's Best Not to Underestimate a Desperate Dog

Dog scales a 7 foot welded wire panel fence. The first of 3 videos.

Clever dog climbs a tall welded wire fence.

"Houdini" dog and an amazing escape.

Have you ever had a dog that could climb a fence and escape your yard? What do you think is the best way to solve this problem?

Topics: dog climbing fence

Heavy Chicken Wire Fence

February 4, 2011 | by Duncan Page

Chicken Wire Options

Have you ever needed a truly heavy gauge chicken wire?

Do you want something stronger than 20 gauge galvanized before weave chicken wire fencing?

Are you frustrated by how quickly GBW hex mesh rusts and needs to be replaced? There's an alternative:

Galvanized After Weave Chicken Wire Fence: 18 gauge, 1" Hexagonal Mesh

Made by Keystone Steel and Wire in Peoria, Illinois, this "saltwater netting" is woven from heavy 18 gauge wire. 18 gauge wire is more than 30% heavier than the 20 gauge chicken wire available in your local retail store. After the wire is woven into a hexagonal mesh with 1" openings, it is passed through a bath of molten zinc. It emerges with thick, durable rust and corrosion-resistant galvanized after weave (GAW) finish. The wires are thoroughly coated, including the twisted areas that tend to hold moisture.

Heavy chicken wire fence is available in 150' rolls. Widths are 36", 48" and 72". This mesh, designed for use in saltwater, will last for many, many years.

Excellent for: