The Fence Post

Which One Shall I Choose?

There are many different wire fence products available from which to choose. And it can be difficult to know which one to buy. One of the decisions you will need to make is whether you want a galvanized fence or a mesh that is vinyl coated.

Some differences between galvanized and vinyl coated wire mesh and fence?

Galvanized fences and meshes are either welded or woven. There are Galvanized Before Weld or Weave (GBW) and Galvanized After Weld or Weave (GAW) meshes. The difference between these two types is explained in our blog "Galvanized Before vs Galvanized After Mesh & Fence". The most common and most readily available fence meshes are GBW. These are the commodity meshes sold by all the big box stores. GAW products are:

• harder to find
• they are higher quality
• more expensive 
• they will last years longer

Both share the same characteristic of having a galvanized finish. But GAW meshes are far superior.

Vinyl Coated (VC) fences are also available in either welded or woven meshes. They are different from galvanized products because they have a double layer of protection from rust and corrosion - vinyl coating over previously galvanized wire. This gives these meshes an even longer life. The highest quality and longest lasting products with the best rust protection are those that feature vinyl coating on top of GAW wire. These are the meshes used in such things as lobster pots and crawfish traps.

Why are vinyl coated meshes more expensive?

The cost of the vinyl applied to the wire adds to the cost of the final product. Additional handling and processing during the manufacturing process also add to the cost.

And vinyl coated fence, is it really worth the extra expense?                                                              Meshes and fences that have been vinyl coated have the longest lifetime due to the extra protection they have against rust and corrosion.

 

What about how it looks?

They are also more aesthetically pleasing. The black and green color stand out less than the brighter galvanized finish. In fact, black mesh tends to disappear into the background, becoming virtually invisible. You can see whatever is on the other side of the fence more clearly.

It is also important to remember that although the initial cost of a vinyl coated fence is higher, it may ultimately be less expensive. Don't forget the cost and aggravation of needing to replace a product with a shorter lifetime.

The choice between galvanized and vinyl coated fence

Think about how long you want the fence to last. How frequently will you want to replace it? If you want a fence that will last a long time and maintain its nice appearance, go with the vinyl coated mesh. If you only need the fence to last a few years, use a GBW mesh.

Again, consider aesthetics--

Think about how you want the fence to look. If the fence will be in a prominent place and you want it to look attractive, use a vinyl coated mesh. If the fence will be less visible and you don't mind a utilitarian appearance, use a GBW mesh. You can also use a GAW mesh if you want the fence to last longer.

And if you need further clarification, please don't hesitate to call us and ask questions--(866) 328-5018

 

Here's an Aussie instructional video showing you how to install a wood post and rail fence down under. Watch the video and learn how to avoid making common mistakes. You can attach welded wire mesh fence to this type of wood fence. The vinyl coated wire is both attractive and long-lasting. Smaller openings can keep small children and pets in your yard.

 

 

 

 

Keeping your pens safe--

Are you raising game birds, poultry or other birds as a business or a hobby? Then you want to make sure your birds are protected with a good netting for the tops of your flight pens.

Known variously as flight pen top netting, top rite netting, aviary netting and game bird netting, these woven and knotted products provide both the protection your birds need and the peace of mind you get from knowing your birds are safe.

This Strong Top Netting:

• is lightweight
• easy to work with and install
• can be fastened together and repaired with hog rings, safety ties or lacing cord
• large pieces are available for your convenience 
• no need to piece together smaller sizes in order to cover a large area
• will not rust
• resistant to mildew
• UV stabilized for protection from the sun
• flexible to prevent injury to your birds
• acts as a physical barrier to both keep your birds inside the pen and protect them from predators

Woven - Flight Pen Top Netting 

These are the netting products most commonly used. They are woven from multiple strands of black, UV stabilized polypropylene.

• Mesh sizes available: 1/2", 1", 1-1/2" and 2" hexagonal openings. 

• Weights available (based on tensile strengths): Light , Medium and Heavy.

• Widths available: 6', 6-1/2', 12', 12-1/2', 25', 50' and 100'.

• Lengths available: 50', 100'' and 150'

Knotted - Flight Pen Top Netting

These products are the strongest and heaviest nettings available. Strands of polyethylene cord are knotted in a diamond mesh pattern.

• Mesh sizes available: 1" and 2"

• Weight available: Extra Heavy

• Widths available: 26' and 52'

• Length available: 155'

With so many sizes to choose from, you can be sure that there is a flight pen top netting product that will work for you.

 

 

An Informed Decision

There are so many different types of welded and woven wire fences available today. Making an informed decision about which fence mesh you should use can be challenging. How do you choose the right fence?

During the process of making your decision, take the following into consideration:

• How long do you want the fence or mesh to last?

• Will the fence be permanent or temporary?

• Is the appearance of the fence or mesh important?

• How visible will the fence be?

• Will your fence be partially hidden by trees or foliage?

• What factors or requirements determine the mesh size that you want to use?

• Are there any zoning or code limitations?

• What factors will determine the height of your fence?

• Do you want a barrier to keep people or animals out of an area?

• Is it important that the fence safely contain children or pets?

• What environmental factors exist that could potentially shorten the lifetime of the wire?

• Will the fence be exposed to corrosive substances?

• Does your project require a lot of labor and expense that will need to be repeated more frequently if you use a less costly product and the wires rust through and need to be replaced?

• Will the appearance of rusting wires be objectionable?

• Does it make sense to use a more expensive product with a longer lifetime?

• Do you want a galvanized finish or a less intrusive vinyl coated finish?

These are only some of the questions you may want to answer before going ahead with your project. Louis Page can help with these questions and assist you in your search. A reputable and professional fence installer can also be a great help in guiding you to your final decision.

 

 

Going Coastal

Stainless steel is well known for its strong resistance to rust and corrosion. Often specified for use in areas with a high potential of exposure to corrosive elements, stainless steel welded wire mesh and fence will last for many years. It is an especially fine product to use in coastal locations where the exposure to salt water and spray can rapidly degrade less robust products. Or use it in animal cages where it will stand up to the caustic effects of urine and feces. The smaller meshes make excellent barriers for nuisance wildlife exclusion.

An Extra Long Life of Service

Although initially more expensive, stainless steel products may have a longer lifetime than other types of welded and woven wire meshes and fences. The expense, the labor, the time and the hassle of replacement can be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

Many specifications of welded stainless steel wire products are available in a variety of gauge, mesh and roll sizes. The most commonly used are listed below.

Type 304 - the most common grade, the classic 18/8 stainless steel with a composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

23 gauge 

•  1/4" x 1/4" mesh

21 gauge

• 1/3" x 1/3" mesh

19 gauge

• 1/2" x 1/2" mesh

18 gauge

• 1/3" x 1/3" mesh

16 gauge

• 1/2" x 1/2" mesh
• 1/2" x 1" mesh
• 1" x 1" mesh
• 2" x 2" mesh

14 gauge

• 1" x 1" mesh
• 1" x 2" mesh
• 2" x 2" mesh

Type 316 - the second most common grade with the addition of molybdenum.

18 gauge

• 1/2" x 1/2" mesh

This is not a complete listing of the stainless steel welded wire mesh and fence specifications. A variety of woven meshes are also available.