The Fence Post

A Wide Range of Styles

Hardware cloth is available in many different styles. This wire cloth's most common standard specifications, available at most retail stores, are usually welded. As domestic production has declined, woven wire mesh hardware cloth has become challenging to find.

The most readily available types of hardware cloth, available in 50' and 100' rolls, are:

• 19 gauge with 1/2" x 1/2" openings 
  • also called 2 x 2 or 2 mesh - two squares to the inch
  • available in 24", 36" and 48" widths                                                                                                                                                     
• 23 gauge with 1/4" x 1/4' openings
  
  • sometimes referred to as 4 x 4 or 4 mesh - four squares to the inch
  • available in 24", 36" and 48" widths
  • available in 5', 10', 50', or 100' rolls

Less common styles are more difficult to find at the retail level:

• 21 gauge with 3/8" x 3/8" openings 
  • sometimes called 3 x 3 or 3 mesh - three squares to the inch
  • available in 24", 36" and 48" widths   
  • available in 100' rolls only                                                                                                                                                
• 27 gauge with 1/8" x 1/8" openings 
  • also referred to as 8 x 8 or 8 mesh - eight squares to the inch
  • available in 24", 36" and 48" widths

As the mesh's opening size decreases, so does the gauge or thickness of the wire used to decrease.

Welded wire cloth meshes for many different applications, including:

• aviaries
• window guards
• screen door reinforcement
• exclusion screens for nuisance wildlife
• small animal cages
• shrub and tree protection
• sieves and strainers
• stucco mesh
• ferro-cement boats
• sculptures and other structures

Can you think of other possible uses for hardware cloth?

Have you used hardware wire cloth for an exciting or unusual project?

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.

Woven, Galvanized, Flexible

Stay-Tuff Sheep & Goat Fence is made right here in the USA. This strong wire fence features galvanized 12-1/2 gauge high tensile class 3 wires woven into a 4"x 4" mesh. Vertical and horizontal wires are joined by strong stiff stay knots. Woven construction gives the fence some flexibility, making it easier to erect on uneven ground.  

Containment and Protection from Predators

Sheep and goat fence is strong enough to safely contain your animals. It also provides protection from predators. There are no sharp edges anywhere on this fence to cut animals or people. Galvanized finish resists weathering, has a long life and is available in the heavier class 3 finish, and is an economical choice, lasting much longer than the standard farm fence. The 4"x 4" squares are the perfect size for containing sheep and goats. The strong mesh design provides safe confinement and discourages animals from putting their heads through the openings. It is said that if a goat can fit its head through an opening, the rest of it will follow.  The fence is flexible and minimizes the potential for injury by flexing on impact.

Standing up to Heavy Use

Goats use fences. As a goat sheds its thick winter coat, a fence is used to rub off that fur--repeatedly. And let us not forget that a goat will assist with trimming all of your garden back so a fence is mandatory to protect the rest of your garden. As for your seemingly lethargic sheep, don't underestimate their ability to find their way past your enclosure. They are can be destructive and determined, so an appropriate fence is imperative.   

And About Size?

Rolls come 48"x 330'. Sheep and goat fence can be stapled to wood posts or hung on studded T posts. It can also be used for dog runs as well as yard and boundary fences. 

To finish, here's something for the those who are romantic about keeping goats.

A Protected Garden makes for a Happy Gardener

There are many different wire meshes that make excellent garden fencing. Fences that will protect your gardens from the ravages of animals both large and small. Meshes that will help your garden grow.

Welded wire garden fences come in different combinations of mesh size and wire gauge. They are available in three finishes:

1. Galvanized Before Weld (GBW) meshes are the least expensive and will not last as long as the other two. When the galvanized wire is welded, the rust resisting zinc is burned off where the wires intersect. Moisture will collect at these vulnerable points. Rust begins and the fence gradually weakens.
2. Galvanized After Weld (GAW) meshes are more costly initially, but their long lifetime can eliminate the expense and hassle of replacement. Following the welding process, the fence is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The wire and the weld joints are thoroughly coated.
3. Vinyl Coated (VC) meshes feature both long life and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Once the fence is welded, the PVC vinyl is tightly bonded to the wire as it passes through a heat process. Black is becoming the preferred color choice. It blends with the background, becoming virtually invisible. Your enclosed area can be clearly seen.

A variety of meshes and gauges available:

1/4" x 1/4" - 23 gauge - GAW and VC 

1/2" x 1/2" - 19 and 16 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC

1/2" x 1" - 16 and 14 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC

1" x 1" - 16, 14 and 12-1/2 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC

1" x 2" - 14 gauge - GBW, GAW and VC

1-1/2" x 1-1/2" -12-1/2 and 10-1/2 gauges - GAW and VC

3" x 2" - 16 gauge - VC

1-1/2" x 4" -14 gauge - VC

2" x 4" - 14 and 12-1/2 gauges - GBW and VC

Meshes and gauges available:

1" hex netting chicken wire - 20 and 18 gauges - GBW, GAW and VC

1-1/2" hexagonal poultry wire - 17 gauge - Apron Fence - GBW and VC

2" hex netting - 20 gauge - GBW

2" x 2" - 16 gauge - GBW

2" x 4" - 12-1/2 gauge - GBW

Garden/Deer & Orchard (graduated openings - 1" x 6 to 4" x 6") - 14-1/2 gauge - GBW

Deer & Wildlife Fence (graduated openings) - 12-1/2 and 14 gauges - GBW

This is a general look at what is available for welded and woven wire meshes to fence in your garden. The type you choose depends on the needs of your particular project. And there is a product for every use.