The Fence Post

Blocking those Bunnies

This video shows you how to protect your garden by installing a wire fence. This is a good example of a garden fence that will keep rabbits at bay, with your plants safe and secure for a long time.

Did you find this video helpful?  Here's another gardening blog that will help you protect your plantings.

Determining What's Best 

Are you overwhelmed by all the fence choices available today? It seems that every category of fencing materials is covered with a specialized fence made specifically for a particular job. Even though there are many fence choices, you can determine what's best for your project by looking closely at your specific requirements and the features that specific fence types offer. Remember, you can call Louis Page for help and chat with an expert!

Do you need something sturdy but temporary?

Do you want a temporary fence? Maybe one that will last for just one season? Think about a galvanized before welded - GBW - wire product. You will get good use for a short period of time as the wire tends to rust over time since the welds are not protected by extra galvanizing.

Or sturdy but longer-lasting?

If longer life is desired then galvanized after weld - GAW - is a good fence choice. In this case, the welds are protected with an extra coat of galvanizing and will last much longer than galvanized before welded wire.

Sturdy with Even More Protection

For the longest life consider vinyl coated wire made to give many years of service as well as add a good-looking appearance to your project. For example, you may choose vinyl to enclose your garden area this spring and summer. Your vinyl choice should be a smaller mesh wire to keep out the little critters that seem to get into the smallest openings. Once your fence is in place you can feel satisfied you have chosen both an appealing appearance and long wire life for your project. Vinyl lasts!

Still, overwhelmed by the many fence choices available? This fence and mesh guide will go over the various details you'll need to be able to choose the right fence. If you still have questions, we can advise you. 

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.

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?

Vinyl Coating  Questions and Answers

Q: What should you look for when you want to use a wire mesh to build a fence with superior qualities?

A: Vinyl-coated welded or woven wire mesh or fence.

Q: Why are these products superior?

A: Because they share the following four characteristics:

1. Vinyl-coated meshes are more durable.

• The vinyl coating gives extra rust protection, sealing the galvanized wire underneath
• Coated wire will last far longer than wire that is only galvanized

2. Vinyl-coated fences are more attractive.

• Color masks the utilitarian and commercial appearance of plain galvanized mesh
• A vinyl-coated wire fence will dress up your property
• Black color is virtually invisible from a distance and will not detract from your view

3. Vinyl-coated wire is safer.

• Vinyl cushions the wires
  
• Areas that may have sharp edges, like the top and bottom of the fence, are protected and sealed
  
• There is a lower risk of injury from contact with the fence--safer for animals

4. Vinyl-coated fencing is cost effective.

• Using vinyl-coated welded or woven fence reduces the need for frequent replacement
  
• The higher initial cost can be offset by the labor and material cost of more frequent repairs and replacement of galvanized material

Can you think of more reasons why or situations where it would be better to install a vinyl-coated fence instead of a galvanized fence?

Here's a look at the mesh in production: