The Fence Post

Do You Know What Kind of Mesh to Use?

There are galvanized before weld (GBW) wire fencing materials that will keep your pets and children in the yard. For a longer-lasting and more durable product, you can use either galvanized after weld (GAW) or stainless steel fence. Vinyl-coated welded wire fences make an attractive and long-lasting garden fence. Choose from an extensive variety of wire gauges and mesh sizes. Smaller meshes are ideal for animal cages and wildlife exclusion barriers. Welded wire fences are both versatile and practical.

The Characteristics of Your Fence 

A fence made from woven wire can be strong and heavy enough to contain wildlife and livestock. There are different styles, heights, and mesh opening sizes designed for specific types of animals - from tall deer and wildlife fences to short hog wire fences. Flexibility and strength are two important characteristics of woven wire fences. Chicken wire or hexagonal mesh is woven from lighter gauge wire. Black PVC coating ensures both durability and an attractive appearance, providing protection for your poultry and fowl as well as your garden.

Often there's a poor selection at the big box stores. Best to look further.   

Which type of wire fence is best for you? Think about its intended use, its appearance, and how long you want it to last before you make a decision. And remember there are many more possible choices than what's on display at your local big box store...most often their limited selection is just expedient and relying on the typical foreign suppliers.

Building it Yourself

This helpful video shows you one way of building a chicken wire run.

Chicken Wire Pulled Tight  

Stop Replacing Wire 

You can use black vinyl coated 1" hexagonal chicken wire for the added benefits of a longer-lasting product--reducing the cost, frequency, and hassle of replacement--plus a more attractive pen. The black coating of the wire makes the fence virtually invisible. You can see your birds through the fence more easily.

Do you have other ideas or suggestions about building a chicken run using chicken wire?

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?