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:
- 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.
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
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" 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.
