Our Blog - The Fence Post (27)

What Fence Wire Gauge is Right for Me?

June 9, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Fence Wire Gauges: the Basics

The most important thing you need to know about welded wire fence wire gauge is:

a lower gauge number equals a thicker wire

When considering a new fence--determine how the fence is going to be used over time. Some important fence project questions to consider include:

Are large animals going to be running up against the fence?
What is the location of the fence?
How high does the fence need to be?
How far apart will the fence posts be located?
How long do I want the fence to last?

This is a short list of questions to consider when planning a fence project. Choosing the right wire gauge will give you the strength and durability you want. In addition to wire gauge, we recommend considering:

1. Wire type

2. Mesh opening

3. Fence height

If you want a stronger and more durable welded wire fence then you need to choose 11 over 27. Louis Page sells fencing in 11 - 27 wire gauges. Keep in mind, choosing the right wire gauge really depends on your project-- stronger isn't always better. Welded wire fences serve a variety of needs on farms, construction sites and at homes across the nation. Louis Page can counsel you as to what's appropriate and what's overkill. It's best to plan your project and then shop.

Very Common Wire Gauges

Sometimes it's helpful to think about gauge thickness in inches. The following values show, in inches, the most common gauges of wires used in welded and woven wire mesh and fence:

8.5 gauge - 0.155 inch

9 gauge - 0.1483 inch

10.5 gauge - 0.128 inch

11 gauge - 0.1205 inch

12.5 gauge - 0.099 inch

14 gauge - 0.080 inch

16 gauge - 0.0625 inch

18 gauge - 0.0475 inch

20 gauge - 0.0348 inch

21 gauge - 0.0317 inch

23 gauge - 0.0258 inch

27 gauge - 0.0173 inch

There are many different combinations of wire gauge and mesh sizes manufactured. You can select the right product for the requirements of your project by browsing our catalog. If you are unsure of what wire gauge is right for your fence project, then give us a call (866) 328-5018 and we will be happy to help you select the right products for your project and we can offer a free quote.

Topics: welded wire fence, wire gauges

4 Keys To Choose the Best Fence for Your Needs

May 26, 2017 | by Debbie Page

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.

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.

Topics: stainless steel, galvanized after, galvanized before, Fencing Tips, vinyl coated

Fence Projects You Can Accomplish in a Few Hours

May 19, 2017 | by Terry Struck

Projects with a Quick Return

If you're like us, you love a good garden and appreciate landscaping. A flourishing garden can take hours and hours of time. But some projects can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time. With some welded wire fencing you can protect plants, keep pets where you want them and even create an archway.

Check out our roundup of welded wire fence projects from across the internet that you can finish in 5 hours or less. These projects are great for the garden and in general, around the house. They may even work in your favorite public park!

Various Types of Welded Wire Mesh Fence

First, welded wire fence comes in rolls and most often looks like this:

Three Fence Finishes

It comes in various sizes (openings) and finishes including galvanized after weld, vinyl-coated and stainless steel:

1. Galvanized After Weld

2. Vinyl Coated

3. Stainless Steel

Hardware Cloth: Easy to Work With

The type of welded wire fence featured in this blog article is also known as hardware cloth. It has many uses around the house and in public settings.

Here is a break down of our recommended uses based on the finish of the welded wire fence:

1. Uses for Galvanized After Weld Wire Hardware Cloth:

• Beekeeping

• Gutter guard

• Soffit screens

• Compost bins

• Window guards

• Small animal cages

• Groundhog barriers

• Tree trunk protection

• Plaster and stucco lath

• Nuisance wildlife control

• Ferro cement boats and structures (1/2")

Generally, hardware cloth is easy to work with because it is flexible and people like the small openings. Openings can be as small as 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch.

2. Uses for Vinyl Coated Hardware Cloth:

• Beekeeping

• Gutter guard

• Soffit screens

• Craft projects

• Window guards

• Small animal cages

• Tree trunk protection

• Nuisance wildlife control

• Gopher, groundhog barriers

We recommend black vinyl coated hardware cloth because it blends in with the environment.

3. Uses for Stainless Steel Hardware Cloth:

• Greenhouse benches

• Bird cages and feeders

• Industrial machine guards

• Nuisance animal exclusion

• Animal cages and enclosures

• Decorative architectural panels

• Railing safety mesh in-fill panels

• Long lasting home and garden fence

• Swimming pool fence near salt water

• Ground wire for bird and animal enclosures

• Anti-bird exclusion mesh in commercial buildings and structures

Specifically, stainless steel performs well over a long period and in harsh environments like those involving salt water.

Hardware Cloth: Project Round-Up

Gutter Gard

Bean Trellis

Animal Gate

Creating an Archway

(and for general landscaping, good design Ravenscourt!)

Protecting Your Plants...

Welded wire fencing is very useful around the garden and house. We like all of these projects and have even implemented some of them! We know figuring out the right type (galvanized after weld, vinyl coated or stainless steel) can be a difficult decision. Feel free to call us with your project ideas and we will be happy to help you order the product that is right for you. We will even give you a free quote.

Topics: hardware cloth, stainless steel, vinyl coated

The 4 Main Types of Wire Mesh Fencing Materials

April 21, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Consider the Possibilities

When researching the type of wire fence you want to purchase, there are many things you want to consider before making a decision. Have you thought about the following?

Aesthetic considerations - how important is appearance?
Function is a significant factor - what do you want to keep in or out?
Cost is important - should you buy the least expensive product or invest in fencing material that will last a long time and save on the future expenses and labor of early replacement?
Country of origin may be something you want to take into account - is there any connection between the quality of a fence and where it is made?
The topography of the site should be considered - are there irregularities on the ground's surface where the fence will be located?
Manufacturing method is important - is a welded product a better choice than a woven fence mesh?

Finishes for Your Fence

When making a decision about which wire fencing material to use, one of the most important aspects to take into account is the type of "finish" the wire has. There are four basic types:

GBW - Galvanized Before Weld and Galvanized Before Weave
GAW - Galvanized After Weld and Galvanized After Weave
VC - Vinyl Coated welded and woven
SS - Stainless Steel and other alloys.

A professional fence installer in your area can help you make an informed decision. Now, for some explanation.

GBW

Galvanized before weld wire fences can be either welded or woven. Galvanized wire is used to manufacture the mesh.

Welded products - the zinc coating is burnt off during the welding process. The welded points where the horizontal and vertical wires intersect are left unprotected and exposed to rust and corrosion. In wet weather, moisture tends to collect at the joint, hastening the process.

While it is true that zinc can "flow" from the areas adjacent to the burnt intersection, the weld spot never regains its full protection. These are the types you see in your local building supply store and garden center. Differences in gauge, mesh opening size and height are considerable. You can find a product that will meet your needs. It is important to keep in mind the fact that these items have a limited lifetime. Welded GBW fencing materials are relatively inexpensive and utilitarian.

Woven products - these do not have any welded areas and therefore do not have the same vulnerability. These range from lightweight hex netting up to field fence and heavy gauge woven high tensile deer and wildlife fence. The heavier fences have an extended lifetime, especially those with Class 3 galvanizing.

GAW

Galvanized after weld fencing materials are galvanized after the welding or weaving process. The mesh is drawn through a bath of molten zinc which thoroughly seals the wire, including the welded and woven areas. These products are heavily protected from rust and corrosion and have an extended lifetime that far exceeds the lifetime of the same products with GBW finish. You can tell if a product is galvanized after by looking at the welded and woven areas. You can actually see how the zinc seals the areas. GAW items are initially more expensive. However, when you consider the extra material and labor cost of replacement, the higher initial cost of GAW meshes are easily justified.

GAW fencing is more specialized and therefore are not as easy to find at retail stores. The welded meshes are often used in making animal cages. They are ideal to use in areas where there is constant moisture or exposure to corrosion. There is an even wider range of choices in wire gauge, mesh size and widths due to the more specialized end uses of these items. The GAW hex netting meshes are often used in saltwater applications and in building game bird pens - areas where long life is sought and appreciated.

VC

Vinyl coated fencing materials are coated with either polyester or PVC after the welding or weaving process. The most common colors are black and green. The black color is the most unobtrusive. It blends with the background, becoming virtually invisible. As with GAW products, the vinyl coating thoroughly coats the entire mesh, sealing it against rust and corrosion. The additional cost is offset by longer life expectancy and more attractive appearance. Many different specifications are widely available in retail stores. The vinyl makes them aesthetically pleasing.

As with any products, there are different quality grades available. The least expensive products do not bond the vinyl securely to the wire. The vinyl is easily cut and can then be peeled off the wire with your fingers. The higher quality grades have a vinyl coating that is tightly bonded to the wire and resists scraping, even with a knife. And there are products available that have the double protection of GAW wire under the coating. These offer the longest lasting meshes available. As always, higher quality means higher cost. You get what you pay for. Higher initial cost can save you money over the life of the mesh.

In addition to the regular generic retail items, there is a wide range of gauge and mesh opening size specialty items not available in stores. There are welded meshes used in lobster traps, safety mesh in railings, animal cages and other unique applications. Woven hex meshes are used in such things as bird pens and deer fence.

SS and other alloys

Stainless steel fencing materials are perhaps the most specialized type available. They have the advantage of being resistant to rust, corrosion, and other environmental stressors. Stainless steel welded wire meshes have often been used as fences in coastal areas. They are quite expensive and can be difficult to impossible to obtain at retail stores. Their appearance is more utilitarian than attractive. These items have an extended lifetime. Other alloys such as copper are also available in a variety of gauges, mesh sizes, and weaving styles.

Topics: fencing materials, vinyl coated wire, galvanized after, GAW

Chicken Wire Arts and Crafts: A Pictorial Gallery

April 14, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Chicken Wire with a Twist

Sculpture by Susan Nichols

At Louis Page, we love chicken wire art and crafts and we love the work of Susan Nichols. Another chicken wire artist we came across is Australian Ivan Lovett. We highlighted him in this blog post and it is wildly popular, and we continue to receive many questions about the various uses of chicken wire. Today, we are sharing some of our favorite photos of chicken wire arts and crafts. The possibilities of effect are numerous and impressive. First, we'll look at some projects for around the house and then some contemporary chicken wire art. After the montage, look at the specifications below if you'd like more details.

To begin, here are some crafty home décor projects that we found on the web.

Source: Crafty Sisters

Source: Shades of Light

Source: toocraft.com

Source: The Painted Parlor

Captivating Pieces by Contemporary Artists

Such as this beautifully displayed piece by the artist, Derek Kenzett

Here is a gallery piece by the artist, Benedetta Mori Ubaldini

And this lighted piece by Cédric Le Borgne

"Floating Mountains, Singing Clouds" by Mei-ling Hom

Finally, this fun sculpture of chickens by Susan Nichols

Details

The most common specifications of chicken wire available are made using 20 gauge wire woven into 1" or 2" hexagonal mesh. Other types available are 1/2" x 22 gauge, 1" x 18 gauge and 1-1/2 x 17 gauge.

An Array of Finishes

Finishes available are: galvanized before weave (GBW), galvanized after weave (GAW) and PVC vinyl coated (VC). Not all specifications are available in all finishes.

Extremely Useful

This fencing material is ideal for use around the home, farm, and in industrial applications - any place where a lighter weight mesh can be used. Conventional uses include:

deer fence
craft projects
stucco netting
window guards
game bird flight pens
garden perimeter fence
tree and shrub protection
holding insulation in place
exclusion barriers for birds
chicken runs and poultry houses
trellis for climbing plants & flowers
backing mesh for post and rail fence
framework for sculpture and float decorations

We have highlighted some of our favorites sculptures and DIY projects from across the web. Perhaps you have a favorite chicken wire artist? Or maybe, you take the DIY approach and have created a sculpture of your own? Whatever the case, we want you to know, we love a good chicken wire sculpture or homestead project and sell hexagonal wire aka chicken wire (GBW, GAW, and Vinyl-Coated) check it out our products here.