The Fence Post

First, a little background...

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines wire gauge as any of various systems consisting of a series of standard sizes used in describing the diameter of wire. It all starts with heavy coils of large diameter wire called rod made in a rolling mill. The rod is then shipped to a wire manufacturing mill. To make the wire used in wire fence and mesh, single strands are "drawn" through a series of increasingly smaller dies or plates and reduced to a specific gauge/diameter. The gauge is determined by the wire's final use - single strand wire, welded wire mesh or woven wire fence. Heating of the wire is not required in the drawing process.

In this article, we'll answer the following questions:

• What is wire gauge?

• What does it mean?

• How is it used to describe wire?

Wire Gauges Over Time

There have been several different gauge designations since the process outlined in the introduction was innovated.

Numbers have been used to designate wire diameter since 1735. They originally referred to the number of draws used in the process. The first draw was called 1 gauge, the second 2 gauge, the third 3 gauge, on down to the final draw of the thinnest wire being made.

The amount of "draws" required in the process determines why thick wires have a lower gauge number compared to thin wires. 9 gauge wire is thicker than 14 gauge because it requires fewer "draws" than 14 gauge.

The Birmingham Wire Gauge, also known as the Stubs Iron Wire Gauge, was originally developed in early 19th-century England as a means of standardizing gauge sizes. It has been used in a medical setting (needles) since the early 20th century. In 1855, Brown and Sharpe established a formula-based progression of 39 steps - from 1 gauge through 40 gauge. This is now known as the American Wire Gauge and is used extensively in the United States.     

Common Wire Gauges 

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 size manufactured. You can select the right product for the requirements of your project.

>We offer expert advice on fencing free of charge for all of your fencing projects. Please feel free to call us at (866) 328-5018 or you can request a free quote by clicking the button. If you aren't quite ready to talk fencing yet, simply download our free catalog. 

Need some inspiration? Check out these recommended articles and more:

• Everything You Need to Know About Welded Wire Mesh Fence Panels
• Why You Should Use Steel Posts with Wire Fences

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Gabions Baskets: Function, Flexibility, and Good Looks

Gabion baskets are an earth-friendly solution to erosion and create a visually appealing landscape design. Many people live in areas where gabion baskets are needed but are unfamiliar with them. Contemporary gabion baskets are welded wire mesh panels held together with wire spirals or metal fasteners to make a wire mesh basket. The baskets are placed in the desired location and filled with rocks, stones, shells, wood, or earth--just about anything that weighs them down. This fill anchors the gabions down while allowing rain to seep through. They are completely permeable.

The numerous and varied uses include commercial applications, parks, zoos, and residential landscaping:

Gabions: Commercial Uses 

• Bridge abutments
• Retaining walls
• Land management
• Seashore protection
• Gully control
• Culverts
• Erosion control
• They don't require concrete foundations

I've even seen a restaurant using gabion baskets filled with seashells as a decorative wall.      

For Parks and Zoos

• Benches
• Pathway definition
• Climbing structures for children
• Partition walls
• Landscaping walls for plantings

And Why Choose Gabions?

• Durable for many decades
• Quick and easy installation
• Strength
• Environmentally aesthetic
• Use of on-site materials
• Varied ways of using gabions

Residential Applications

• Retaining walls
• Benches
• Erosion control
• Plantings of shrubs, vines, etc.
• Walls or benches around trees
• Firepits
• Partition walls

And They're Attractive

Since residential properties are usually on a smaller scale, you can choose different mesh openings and sizes. Many landscape designers plant greenery inside the baskets for a more earthy appeal. You can use baskets of many different sizes, thus creating interesting serpentine or angular pathways.

Some Important Details

The wire used for gabions is a zinc-coated welded wire. It is hot-dipped galvanized after the welding process which seals and protects the welds against corrosion. They also come in a black vinyl-coated finish. These are ideal for erosion control or to enhance the beauty of your property.

The standard size mesh for commercial use is 11 gauge, 3” x 3” opening size, 36” wide in galvanized or black vinyl coated finish. The baskets are shipped flat but partially assembled for easy installation. They are available in 3’ wide x 3’ high. They come in 3’, 6’, and 12’ lengths.  For residential use, you can use a 12.5 gauge wire with a smaller mesh opening size of 1.5” x 1.5” in either finish. They are also offered in a variety of heights, depending on your specifications.

Fight Erosion with Gabion Baskets

As you are considering your next outdoor project, whether it's a commercial establishment or a residence, gabion baskets are a great solution for stabilizing vast areas of possible erosion due to potential flooding conditions, providing definition to the landscape or just to have a sleek look on residential property.

A Very Brief History of Gabions

Gabions, originating from the Italian name gabbione, which means “big cage”, were used during the reign of the Egyptian Pharaohs and later in Europe during the Middle Ages. The Egyptians made them out of sedges--think bulrushes like Moses’ basket-- and filled them with sludge to stabilize the banks of the Nile River. The Europeans made gabions out of woven sticks and filled them with stones to fortify castles as well as for erosion control of river banks.

Photo credits:

Angled project: http://www.gabionbaskets.co.uk/

Serpentine project: http://www.minimalisti.com/

Welded Wire Mesh Fence Panels--a Variety of Purposes

Need to build a deck on your home, an animal enclosure, a boardwalk, or aquaculture related traps? It may be time to explore welded wire mesh panels. Welded wire mesh panels come in a variety of mesh configurations, gauges, and finishes. Many zoos use welded wire fence panels for their animal enclosures. Depending on the animal, a lighter or heavier gauge wire may be utilized. For decking purposes, you may choose a vinyl coated welded wire panel, or stainless steel is a long-lasting option. Nurseries use PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coated panels for greenhouse benches as well as aquaculture for the marine industry. There are many applications for welded wire mesh panels which may be suitable to your needs.

Choose your Gauge, and Proceed

Panels fabricated from previously manufactured rolls of wire are flattened and cut or sheared to size. As mentioned, welded wire mesh panels are offered in a variety of gauges (usually from 8 gauge to 16 gauge) depending on how strong the requirement or specification. Unlike a chain link fence, welded wire mesh panels can be offered to the measurements needed. Some wire mesh panels offered through Louis E. Page are custom fabricated and made-to-order, depending on the configuration and specifications. The vinyl coated welded wire mesh panels are coated with, as are the rolls of wire, weather resistant material, including UV.

Panels and Rolls
A quick note about the difference between panels and rolls.

• Panels are easy to install, especially when remodeling a deck on your home. They are custom made to your specifications, need minimal to no cutting and can typically be installed by one to two people. All these attributes make panels ideal for quick installs with minimal work crews.

• Wire fence rolls are perfect for jobs that have larger linear footage to cover which may require work crews and professional installers. There are also additional materials like posts, rings, pliers and everything else you need to install a fence. We have many different customers who use the wire mesh rolls for multi purposes like farming/agriculture, fencing, nurseries, and the like.

We offer many different varieties of wire rolls and panels, and we recommend discussing your projects with us. Don't hesitate to call us, we have the knowledge to provide the perfect solution.

Welded Wire Mesh Panels: Installation 

If the panels are going to be installed onto a wooden frame:

• Stapling the mesh to one side of the wood helps keep it in place
• It is recommended to staple it every few inches to keep it secure 
• It's best to use galvanized staples for weather resistance

The welded wire does not stretch like woven chain link fencing. Therefore, the panel size needs to be accurate when ordering.

Problem Solving

Depending on the wire gauge and the mesh opening of a panel, there may be a bow which may cause sagging. If this occurs and stapling isn't an option, a strand wire can be woven through the meshes to keep it upright and straight. The strand wire can be secured to a post and twisted as needed. Wire gauges and mesh openings play a significant role when determining what is best for an application.

T Posts--Length

It is important to understand that not all posts are the same. Steel T posts and U posts are offered as a solution when installing panels, as well as rolls of wire fencing. It is recommended using a post that is 2' (feet) longer or taller than the height of the finished fence height. For instance, if the height is going to be 5' tall, then 7' posts would be quite sufficient. You can use 6' posts, but over time may become loose or unstable in the ground.

Animals: Some Perspective

If you plan to enclose animals, please keep in mind that animals do grow and can outgrow their environment. Make sure the height of the panels or fence are large enough to keep them safe and to keep wild animals out. Also, consider the overall size of the enclosure carefully. The mesh openings and gauges play a significant role when making these decisions. Animals may have to walk on the wire so a smaller mesh opening would be more comfortable on their feet, but the sides of the cage/enclosure could have larger mesh openings to see in or out. 

Fence panels are large and require specific shipping logistics. We'll be happy to give you a free quote and help with the details. Unfortunately, panels cannot be ordered via our online shop at this time, but please give us a call.

Post and Wire

When you build a wire fence, the type of wire you use is very important. Using an inferior wire will lead the fence to rust quickly and need to be replaced. Instead, you should use vinyl coated, stainless steel, zinc aluminum with black paint (if available), or Class 3 galvanized (if available), which will stand up to the elements and last much longer. However, just as important as the type of wire you use are the type of posts that hold the wire up. These are often overlooked when it comes to fence building, but if you use the wrong type, it can weaken the structural integrity of your fence even faster than the wrong wire. That’s why it’s important, when building a Class 3 galvanized wire fence, to use galvanized posts as well.

• Galvanized: To galvanize something is to coat it in a protective layer of zinc. Zinc will stand up against water and the elements better than other types of metals, protecting against rust and making your metal last longer. Galvanization takes place either before (GBW) or after (GAW) the welding. GAW is the longest lasting of those two. Class 3 galvanized wire (if available). Class 1 galvanization uses only a very thin layer of zinc, which lasts 2 - 11 years before it rusts. In a coastal area, where salt water is a factor, it can last 2 years or less. Class 3 galvanization, on the other hand, is thicker and can last anywhere from 13 to 30 years. It’s a little more expensive, but it doesn’t have to be replaced nearly as often, saving you more money in the long run.

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel welded wire mesh is strong and long-lasting. By its very nature, stainless steel wire needs no additional finish, such as galvanizing or PVC, to protect it. The wire itself is extremely resistant to rust, corrosion, and harsh chemicals. If you need a welded mesh or fence in an area with prolonged exposure to corrosives, stainless steel products will meet the demands. Type 316 is recommended for saltwater environments since it has a higher resistance to corrosion than Type 304.

• Vinyl Coated - VC: Welded wire fencing and meshes are both long lasting and attractive. Galvanized welded mesh is coated with a thick layer of PVC which is tightly bonded to the wire by a heat process. The coating is flexible and will not crack when the wire is bent. It is stable over a wide temperature range, maintaining its qualities in extremes of both hot and cold temperatures. UV inhibitors are in the vinyl to retard degradation from sunlight. The coating is also very resistant to scraping and abrasion. Vinyl coated welded wire mesh and fence sometimes referred to as plastic coated wire products, are very strong and durable. They are long lasting and rust resistant. They have double protection. Not only does the vinyl coating seal the wire from water and other corrosive elements, but the underlying mesh is also protected by a zinc coating.

• Zinc Aluminum - ZA: A new, zinc-coated aluminum hybrid coating. It lasts more than twice as long as Class 1 but uses less coating then Class 3, which saves you money.

• ZA with Black paint: Lasts more than twice as long as Class 3 and is painted black. It will last 13 to 30 until rust in non-coastal environments.

The Benefits of Steel Posts
The wire isn’t the only part of your fence that’s subject to the elements. The posts are as well. You can have the best wire on the market, but if the posts fail first, you’ll still have to replace your fence sooner than intended. A lot of wire fences use wood posts. They’re strong and sturdy, but they can rot over time, or be eaten away by termites and other bugs. It’s much better to use metal posts. The best posts are the steel T-posts because they are galvanized. They are made with studs every 2 1/8" down the length of the post, allowing you to customize the height of your fence easily and prevent the fence from riding up and down the post.

Galvanization: An Essential

Of course, metal posts are subject to the same issues as metal wires are. If you’re not careful, they can rust. Therefore, just as it’s important to use the choices mentioned above for your fence, it’s also essential to use galvanized posts. Galvanization will guard your posts against the elements so that they don’t rust as quickly.

Your posts are what hold your fence together, so it’s important that they be strong, sturdy, and long-lasting. A high-quality wire on a cheap, low-quality post will cause problems and likely need to be replaced within a few years. But if you use strong, metal, galvanized posts, with top quality wire, then your wire fence can last you for decades.

The Sad End of Harambe 

It was an incident that shocked the entire world, with both animal lovers and parents everywhere flabbergasted by the outcome of something that could have been easily prevented. The Cincinnati gorilla killing occurred on May 28, 2016, when a 3-year-old child managed to climb through and fall into a herbivorous ape’s enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo, overlooked by the eyes of his mother. Despite her negligence in failing to monitor her son’s behavior, the mother was not charged and instead, Harambe the gorilla was shot dead. To add an even bigger element of shock to the tragedy, footage released after his death exhibited the ape’s seeming protective behavior towards the young boy. 

Reconsidering Enclosures 

Following the death of 450-pound Harambe, who had celebrated his 17th birthday just the day before he was killed, investigations were demanded by animal rights groups, including Stop Animal Exploitation Now. Aside from the animal’s unfair end to life and the mother’s failure to know her son’s whereabouts, zoos everywhere are now wondering just how they can prevent future disasters such as this. So, what's the answer? To make sure structures are completely childproof.

Creating Enclosures: Finding the Right Fence, Hardware, Mesh, and Netting

Here are some ideas zoos may want to consider to ensure the health and safety of visitors at your wildlife park or zoological garden:

• Fences – There are so many fence designs and styles to choose from for safety purposes, including class 1 galvanized fences that are coated with a layer of zinc and class 3 galvanized, which are stronger due to their thicker coating. Heavy duty fences and vinyl coated fences will also do the trick.

• Hardware – Once fences have been installed, they can be strengthened with hardware in the form of earth anchors and ground staples. Consider this if the animals in your zoo are of a heavy weight or possess good climbing capability.

• Mesh and Netting – The options really are endless when it comes to selecting mesh and netting. For superior safety and rust resistance, hexagonal wire netting will be a worthwhile investment, whereas lightweight sparrow netting will work best for zoo enclosures with small animals, such as birds. Keep in mind that mesh can also be used to reinforce concrete structures.

• Welded Wire – Stainless steel, vinyl coated, galvanized before (GBW), or galvanized after (GAW) – the choice really is yours. Used widely for the containment of large animals, welded wire offers security that is impenetrable, making it ideal for childproofing purposes.

Barrier Strategy  

Being a zoo owner/supporter means that you are responsible for ensuring that both adults and young ones are safe in their surroundings. Making a decision about which childproof structure would be best for your zoo depends on what animals you house in your enclosures. For example, tall structures should be strategically placed to prevent children from being able to climb over the obstruction. Chain link mesh barriers would be best suited to keep smaller animals in their designated territory, as would net enclosures. Speaking to a professional who can provide you with bespoke solutions will guarantee that your structures are childproof for the long haul.     

Here's a video which describes the incident above in detail: