The Fence Post

Big box stores just don't stock what's actually out there--

There are so many different types of plastic and wire meshes and fences available that making the correct choice for your project can be difficult. And the limited choices available at most retail stores may not meet your requirements. The big box stores have no interest in stocking anything more than the basic commodity items and its a crapshoot as to the kind of counsel they might offer. There are many specifications that just aren't available - wire or plastic mesh and fence that may be just what you need. 

• Why do I need or want a fence?
• What do I hope to accomplish with this fence?
• Will the fence solve the problem or satisfy the need?
• Will the fence serve multiple purposes?
• Do I want the fence or mesh to last a long time?
• Are there any requirements that determine the mesh size that I want to use?
• Should the fence act as a barrier to keep something in or keep something out of an area?
• Where can I go and how do I get answers to my questions about the right product to use?
• When is it better to use a woven instead of a welded wire fence or mesh?
• Are there unique environmental factors that could potentially shorten the lifetime of the fence?
• Would it be better for me to use plastic or wire mesh or fence?
• Does my project require a lot of labor and expense that I will need to repeat if I use a less costly product with a shorter lifetime?             
• Does it make more sense for me to use a more expensive product with a longer lifetime?
• Is the appearance of the fence or mesh an important consideration?
• Is a plastic mesh really strong enough to use?
• Is one product more difficult to install than another?
• How tall a fence do I need?
• Are some fences easier to install if the ground is not level but has dips and rises?
• Are there any local codes or ordinances that put restrictions on my fence?
• Do I want the fence to blend into the background as much as possible?

Why is vinyl coated wire mesh and fence so desirable?

Welded and woven wire meshes that are vinyl coated will last a long time. This is especially true for fences with a thick coating of PVC bonded to the wire by a heat process. Though more expensive initially, the extended lifetime and the reduced hassle and frequency of replacement and repair of these meshes can make them more cost-effective in the long run. Good quality vinyl coated products have the following characteristics:

• The vinyl is tough, flexible and abrasion resistant.
• The coating will not crack when the wire is bent.
• It retains these qualities across a wide temperature range.
• If the PVC has UV inhibitors, the coating will resist degradation from sunlight.
• The vinyl gives meshes and fences superior resistance to weathering and chemical  exposure.
• There are no sharp or rough edges to cut people or animals.
• Vinyl coated wire fences are attractive and easy on the eyes.
• The black color is virtually invisible when installed - your fence won't block your view.

These products can be used for...

Vinyl coated wire meshes and fences are available in many different gauges and mesh sizes. The lighter gauges and smaller meshes are available in rolls. They can be used for:

• aviaries and small animal cages
• crawfish traps and crab pots
• barriers to prevent nuisance wildlife from gaining entrance to your house
• ground wire to keep burrowing animals out of your garden and lawn areas

Heavier gauges and larger meshes come in rolls. In some cases, they can be special ordered in panels. These meshes can be used for:

• attractive strong fences for your yard and garden
• play yards for children
• long lasting flooring for dog kennels
• greenhouse benches
• lobster traps
• tennis courts
• pet containment
• turtle barrier fences
• wire panel inserts for deck railings
• swimming pool fences that meet safety codes
• heavy duty security fences

When should you consider using vinyl coated wire mesh and fence?

• When you need a product that looks attractive.
• When you want it to last for years.
• When you need a mesh that will be resistant to harsh chemicals.
• When you want a superior product.

 

 

Your Precious Crops Require Effective Netting

Each year millions of dollars worth of crops are lost to birds. Fruits and vegetables are both at risk. Blueberry and raspberry bushes are particularly attractive sites for birds to wreak their havoc. There are two types of polypropylene netting you can use to secure your garden.

Ornex Bird Barrier Netting

Black polypropylene is extruded into strong square meshes with small openings. These products are specifically designed to protect your vegetables, flowers, plants, fruits, trees, gardens, ponds and other areas from invasion by nuisance birds. The netting can also be used for other purposes such as effective erosion control on newly seeded slopes and keeping leaf piles in place on windy days.

Ornex, made by Tenax, is available in two mesh sizes: 3/4" x 3/4" and 3/8" x 3/8". This bird barrier netting is lightweight and easy to handle and install. It's inexpensive, rot and rust proof, and resistant to both UV rays and chemical agents. Large size rolls are available for bigger gardens and operations. The larger rolls eliminate the frustration of having to join several pieces together.

Ornex - 3/4" x 3/4" mesh - black

• Roll sizes available - 14' x 100', 14' x 500', 14' x 1,000', 14' x 5,000' and 15-1/2' x 700'

Ornex - 3/8"x3/8" mesh - black

• Roll size available: 13' x 820'

S-31 - a stronger, longer lasting mesh with the same features as Ornex. Designed for the commercial grower. Available in 5/8" x 3/4" mesh.

• Roll sizes available: 14' x 5,000' and 17' x 5,000'

Woven Crop Protective Mesh Netting

Multiple strands of UV stabilized black polypropylene yarns are woven into a flexible and long-lasting hexagonal shaped mesh. This soft, knitted small mesh netting is ideal for protecting berries and fruits. It creates a physical barrier between the birds and your valuable crops. Larger size rolls will make the installation job easier for you. You won't have to piece several smaller pieces together.

• 1/2" mesh - 25' x 100' rolls 
• 3/4" mesh - 25' x 100', 50' x 150' and 50' x 200' rolls
• 1" mesh - 12' x 100', 25' x 100' and 50' x 150' rolls

Never Underestimate Your Canine Friends

What is it about some dogs? They're smart. They're determined. And they can climb! Can your dog climb a tall fence like this?

A Protected Garden makes for a Happy Gardener

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

A variety of meshes and gauges available:

1/4" x 1/4" - 23 gauge - GAW and VC 

1/2" x 1/2" - 19 and 16 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC

1/2" x 1" - 16 and 14 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC

1" x 1" - 16, 14 and 12-1/2 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC

1" x 2" - 14 gauge - GBW, GAW and VC

1-1/2" x 1-1/2" -12-1/2 and 10-1/2 gauges - GAW and VC

3" x 2" - 16 gauge - VC

1-1/2" x 4" -14 gauge - VC

2" x 4" - 14 and 12-1/2 gauges - GBW and VC

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" x 2" - 16 gauge - GBW

2" x 4" - 12-1/2 gauge - GBW

Garden/Deer & Orchard (graduated openings - 1" x 6 to 4" x 6") - 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.