The Fence Post

A Impressive Array of Specifications

Welded wire mesh is a versatile product that can be used in many different applications with a wide variety of specifications from which to choose: wire gauge size, mesh size, and finish.

Wire Gauges 

• 27, 23, 21, 20, and 19 gauges - these lightweight gauges are generally used in welded wire products with small mesh openings such as hardware cloth. 
•  16, 14, and 12.5 gauges - the standard, most readily available heavier gauge wires used in welded wire meshes for fences, cages, and partitions.
• 11, 10.5, and 8.5 gauges - heavy-duty wire used in strong meshes suitable for lobster traps, railing safety panels, and other specialized applications.
• Other gauges are also available, both heavier and lighter, for more specialized applications.
  

Mesh Sizes 

• 1/8" x 1/8", 1/4" x 1/4", 1/3" x 1/3" and 1/2" x 1/2" - typical small mesh sizes for light gauge hardware cloth welded wire meshes.
• 1/2" x 1/2", 1/2" x 1", 1" x 1", and 2" x 3" - these welded wire meshes are usually made from 16 gauge wire.
• 1/2"x 3", 1" x 1", 1" x 2", 1.5" x 4", 2" x 2" and 2" x 4" - meshes available in 14 gauge wire.
• 1/2" x 3", 1" x 1", 1.5" x 1.5", 2" x 2" and 2 x 4" - 12.5, 11, 10.5 and 8.5 gauge wires are available in some of these mesh sizes.

And Finishes 

• Galvanized Before Weld - the most common and generic type of welded wire mesh found in most retail stores. Products are economical but have a limited lifetime. Galvanized wire is welded into the mesh configuration. The welding process burns the protective zinc coating off the wire, exposing it to rust and corrosion.                                                                                                                                                                                                   
• Galvanized After Weld - the welded wire meshes with superior rust and corrosion resistance. Use these products when you want the mesh to last. The initial higher cost is offset by a long lifetime, avoiding the need for frequent replacement. After the mesh is welded it is immersed in a bath of molten zinc, thoroughly protecting it against rust and corrosion.   
                                                                                                                                                  
• Vinyl Coated - combining the double rust and corrosion protection of zinc and vinyl, these welded wire meshes combine long life with an attractive appearance. Black and green are the usual colors. Look for a PVC-coated product. There are high-quality products available and there are less expensive inferior products on the market. You get what you pay for.
                                                                                                                                          
• Other types of wire, such as stainless steel, are also available in welded wire meshes.

What kind of welded wire mesh do you need? Are you having trouble finding the welded wire mesh that you want? Give us a call. (866) 328-5018  We know what's out there and can be helpful in the decision-making process.

Would you like more choices?

Galvanized - Built to Endure

Black vinyl-coated apron fence is a strong hexagonal netting fence that will last for years, eliminating the inconvenience and extra expense of frequent replacement. This 1½" hex mesh is woven in the USA by Keystone Steel & Wire in Peoria, Illinois. Heavy 17 gauge 100% U.S.-produced galvanized steel wire is used throughout. The high-quality rolls are then shipped to a different mill. Here they are prepped and custom-coated with a thick, flexible, durable coating of black PVC, the same material used on lobster trap wire. You can be assured of a superior product when you buy this vinyl-coated apron fence.

Vinyl coated apron fence is available in 150' rolls in two heights: 60" (48" with a 12" apron) and 72" (60" with a 12" apron). It is not necessary to use the apron. You can have a full 60" or 72" fence.

For A Very Effective Barrier

• Made and finished by two of the leading US mills
• Tight quality control during both phases of production - weaving and coating
• Double protection against rust and corrosion by zinc and PVC
• This thick coating is tightly bonded to the wire
• PVC is flexible - will not crack or peel 
• PVC is treated to resist UV degradation
• Heavy, strong 17 gauge wire before coating - over twice as thick as the light 20 gauge wire used in regular hex netting
• Unique design - the bottom 12" of the fence can be bent to form an apron
• No need to dig a trench to bury the wire when you want to keep small critters either in or out of an area
• Lay the 12" on top of the ground for an effective barrier
• Black color blends with the background, becoming virtually invisible
• Hence, a black vinyl-coated apron fence is less distracting to your view

Vinyl coated apron fence is a great choice for:

• Gardens
• Tennis courts
• Beagle training pens
• Deer exclusion fence
• Chicken, poultry, and game bird pens

How could you use this fence?

A vinyl-coated apron fence is a high-quality product and a fine investment for your property's protection.

Do your plans include wire mesh, plastic fence, or netting this season?

What are you needing to keep out?

• Deer
• Rabbits
• Coyotes 
• Gophers
• Sparrows
• Predatory birds
• Nuisance wildlife

Or to keep in?

• Deer
• Dogs
• Goats
• Sheep
• Cattle

Or to protect your:

• Lawn
• House
• Garden
• Poultry
• Game birds
• Swimming pool
• Trees and shrubs

Do the job right the first time

• Research - be sure the fence or mesh product you choose is right for your project
• Ask an expert for advice
• Note: fences and meshes are not created equal
• Cheaper is not always better - you usually get what you pay for
  
• A more expensive, higher quality product can save you money in the long run
• Galvanization and PVC coating make a big difference
• The best solution may not be available from your local retailer or big box store

We will talk to you about your current fence and mesh needs. (866) 328-5018

We're here to help with some fairly involved decision-making. 

 All the best, 

Making Sense of Mesh for Zoos

Zoo New England operates Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA. Both of these zoos use vinyl-coated welded wire meshes and fencing in quite a variety of applications.

Vinyl-Coated Mesh

In the picture above, both 1" x 2" and 2" x 4" vinyl-coated welded wire meshes are attached to rail fences and wooden posts to create an attractive and durable barrier around this display area.

• The tough, securely bonded vinyl coating resists abrasion and is ideal to use in heavy traffic areas
• The black coating is less distracting to the eye 
• This wire fence will last a long time, reducing both the frequency of replacement and the cost of repairs

Preventing Corrosion

Here, two different sizes of vinyl coated welded wire meshes cover the top of a box holding a duck undergoing medical attention. The vinyl coating protects the wire from corrosion, an important feature in areas exposed to constant moisture.

Zinc Coating Makes a Difference

Galvanized 16 gauge ½" x 1" wire mesh encloses this cockatoo display. The attractive zinc coating protects the wire underneath from corrosion. The surface is tough, though softer than bare wire. Or for a truly rugged and long-lasting cage, stainless steel mesh is the answer.

Avoid Costly Replacements

Small, lightweight vinyl coated welded wire mesh makes excellent netting to block off the top of an aviary. This mesh is very durable and longer-lasting than plastic netting. The cost of replacement is reduced.

Safe Enclosures

Heavy 1½" x 1½" vinyl coated mesh is used as a fence along with stainless steel netting, making a strong enclosure for this display.

Standing Up to Wear and Tear

Vinyl-coated 1" x 2" welded wire mesh (turned on its side) makes a secure airlock-type transition between two display areas. Mesh is fastened to a wood frame. Coated mesh really stands up for use in high-traffic areas.

For even more security...

Heavy gauge vinyl coated fences are attached to both sides of a wood post and rail fence. Small hands cannot reach into the display and the fence cannot be climbed. Vinyl coated welded wire meshes come in a wide variety of gauges and mesh sizes. Something suitable is available for every application.

Can you think of other uses for these meshes in other locations - around the farm or home?

Road Safety, Controlling Drifts, and Field Management

Using research done in Wyoming, here are some videos from the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service explaining the benefits and functionality of snow fences.

Have you ever seen these snow fences in operation? Would snow fences be appropriate for your situation? Is the scale of these snow fences too big?