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What Wire Gauges are Used in Welded & Woven Wire Mesh & Fence?

February 6, 2017 | by Debbie Page

First, a little background...

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines wire gauge as any of various systems consisting of a series of standard sizes used in describing the diameter of wire. It all starts with heavy coils of large diameter wire called rod made in a rolling mill. The rod is then shipped to a wire manufacturing mill. To make the wire used in wire fence and mesh, single strands are "drawn" through a series of increasingly smaller dies or plates and reduced to a specific gauge/diameter. The gauge is determined by the wire's final use - single strand wire, welded wire mesh or woven wire fence. Heating of the wire is not required in the drawing process.

In this article, we'll answer the following questions:

What is wire gauge?

What does it mean?

How is it used to describe wire?

Wire Gauges Over Time

There have been several different gauge designations since the process outlined in the introduction was innovated.

Numbers have been used to designate wire diameter since 1735. They originally referred to the number of draws used in the process. The first draw was called 1 gauge, the second 2 gauge, the third 3 gauge, on down to the final draw of the thinnest wire being made.

The amount of "draws" required in the process determines why thick wires have a lower gauge number compared to thin wires. 9 gauge wire is thicker than 14 gauge because it requires fewer "draws" than 14 gauge.

The Birmingham Wire Gauge, also known as the Stubs Iron Wire Gauge, was originally developed in early 19th-century England as a means of standardizing gauge sizes. It has been used in a medical setting (needles) since the early 20th century. In 1855, Brown and Sharpe established a formula-based progression of 39 steps - from 1 gauge through 40 gauge. This is now known as the American Wire Gauge and is used extensively in the United States.

Common Wire Gauges

The following values show in inches the most common gauges of wires used in welded and woven wire mesh and fence:

8.5 gauge - 0.155 inch
9 gauge - 0.1483 inch
10.5 gauge - 0.128 inch
11 gauge - 0.1205 inch
12.5 gauge - 0.099 inch
14 gauge - 0.080 inch
16 gauge - 0.0625 inch
18 gauge - 0.0475 inch
20 gauge - 0.0348 inch
21 gauge - 0.0317 inch
23 gauge - 0.0258 inch
27 gauge - 0.0173 inch

There are many different combinations of wire gauge and mesh size manufactured. You can select the right product for the requirements of your project.

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Topics: wire fence, welded wire fence, how to, wire gauges

What to Look for When Shopping for a Quality Welded Wire Fence

August 8, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Design, Materials, Construction

When you're thinking about fencing, you have many choices. You have a variety of materials, designs, and types of construction to consider. If you have decided to use metal fencing for your yard, farm or other property, there are several styles available. There are two main classifications of metal fencing, decorative and purely functional. Decorative fencing, usually made of aluminum or wrought iron, looks good and is functional as well. It is a good choice for yards, but it is expensive, and not commonly used to enclose large areas. When cost is a primary concern, wire-fencing styles such as chain-link, barbed wire or welded wire are better choices.

Welded wire fencing is similar in design to a chain-link fence, but, as the name implies, the wires making up the fence are welded together, making the fence stronger. If you want to install welded wire fencing on your property, there are several things to look for in a quality welded wire fence.

Manufacturer

First, look for fencing made by a good manufacturer. A history of making quality products and a reputation for good customer service are the indicators of the best manufacturers. Look for these characteristics when you are shopping for welded wire fencing.

Country of Origin

Building wire fencing is not too complex. Wires are assembled on a jig and welded together, often by machines. Because there is little labor involved, there is little advantage in choosing fencing manufactured overseas, where labor costs are lower. The price of shipping increases costs; to keep prices competitive, many overseas fencing companies must cut corners on materials. Choosing fence products made closer to home makes it more likely that you will end up with a quality product that will last for many years.

Wire Gauge

Gauge is a measurement of the diameter of a piece of wire. Originally, gauge referred to the number of drawing steps required to manufacture wire of a specific diameter; now, wire gauges are standardized to correspond to specific sizes. Lower numbers are thicker. Wire fencing is typically made from 12 to 16 gauge wire, with a diameter of 0.08 to 0.05 inches.

Wire Finish

Steel is a common metal used in making welded wire fencing, but it is susceptible to corrosion. To combat this, most welded wire fencing has some kind of protective finish. This finish could be paint, plastic, or zinc. Steel protected by a thin layer of zinc is called galvanized steel. Galvanization can be done before or after welding. Galvanizing before welding offers some protection, but galvanizing after welding gives steel a thicker, stronger zinc coat that is extremely durable and can withstand many years of harsh elements. A vinyl coating is also an option. Vinyl is often combined with galvanization, giving the fence the best of both protection and looks.

Welded wire fencing is a cost-effective material that is just as functional as chain-link fencing, but will not give your property quite the same industrial look. When you are shopping for welded wire fencing, look for the attributes discussed here to ensure that you purchase a high-quality product that will give you many years of service.

Topics: welded wire fence, galvanized after, fence choices

Wire Fencing 101: Welded vs. Woven Wire Fences

April 29, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Comparing Welded and Woven Wire

When it comes to the subject of “welded versus woven wire” fences, it may be more helpful to consider it more of a comparison, as both certainly have various merits in their favor. The first aspect to consider is the structure of each. Welded mesh fencing is created by laying wires in a simple horizontal and vertical latticework, with either square or rectangular spaces. The intersections of these wires are spot-welded to create a sheet. However, woven fences are created through a process that is quite different and much more complicated. Using machinery, the wire is loosely twisted into a gentle spiral, with each overlapping at the ends. With a quick twist, the link is made permanent and the distinctive zigzag diamond shape is formed. In modern machinery, this process takes half the time thanks to a “double helix” process.

Helpful and Not-so Helpful Designs

By understanding their basic structures, it is easy to see their functional merits. A woven wire fence's linked yet loose structure allows for a large amount of bend, twist and pull without breaking -- a perfect design if you have grazing livestock to contain. In some styles of woven agricultural fence, the vertical wires are one continuous strand. This makes a very strong and secure mesh that will hold together well when under pressure. Another type of woven mesh is “chain-link” fence and it has an unfortunate disadvantage--this fencing is only fully effective so long as every link remains strong. Once cut, it’s only a matter of time before this form of fence will become untangled and inefficient.

Welded Wire: If Weight is Applied...

Welded wire fencing, which has a structure that is solid and inflexible, is ideal for a firm and definite barrier. When cut, the wires will not begin to unravel from one another. The disadvantages of this fencing type can be seen in situations when pressure is introduced, such as livestock in need of a leaning post or any sort of vehicular crash. If weight is applied, it’s difficult for a welded wire fence to spring back to shape. It will likely deform permanently and need replacing.

Need some more advice? Louis E. Page has over 120 years of experience in the fencing business and would love to help you out. Feel free to contact us for all your fencing needs. Family-owned and operated since 1893, we’d love the opportunity to help you find what you need.

Topics: wire mesh, woven wire, welded wire fence

What Does Wire Fence Quality Mean to You?

December 4, 2012 | by Don Hillis

A Lesson Learned

I had a project installing a few hundred feet of fencing and only had four days before the weather got worse. I’d done my homework and purchased quality fencing for the install. Suddenly on the last day, the rain fell in buckets. I needed to work in the rain so I went to the home improvement store and bought a rain suit that cost less than the “Made in America” brand. Happy with my purchase, I rushed home to finish my project. After changing I walked outside in my suit, bent over to retrieve a post and the bottoms ripped out. The seams gave way and I was exposed to the elements while finishing the remaining fence line. I learned that cheap is not always a good thing and that quality is worth the extra outlay. Lesson learned--true story.

Standards of Quality

The definition of quality is the general standard or grade of something. Excellence, class, value, and worth also refer to quality. What does quality mean to you? Quality means fulfilling the requirements and expectations one has at all times. Quality standards are set to meet minimum legal requirements. However, an individual’s requirements are usually higher than the legal ones set by authorities. There is a variance in quality or the perceived quality of materials such as wire and cable.

Quality Verification

UL (Underwriters Laboratory) is a company that evaluates wire and cable products under more than 70 different product categories, using more than 30 Standards for Safety. Their Verification programs cover safety, performance, quality assurance, unannounced factory follow-up inspection, and follow-up testing at UL. Their program helps consumers, distributors, and manufacturers identify wire and cabling products that meet nationally recognized safety requirements as well as industry specifications for performance and quality. Users rely on the safety of products that carry the UL Mark.

How low will I go?

Some wire mesh made in China is less expensive than mesh manufactured in the United States. This can be due to fewer restrictions, regulations, and government oversight that are a reality in the U.S. However Chinese products are not necessarily inferior but are produced under different standards. Wire mesh made in China is usually less expensive and is suitable for applications where an elevated standard of quality is not essential.

The question to ask yourself before purchasing wire mesh is “What requirements do I need to be fulfilled and what are my expectations of the product?" This is a good starting point. Next, educate yourself about wire gauges because this is necessary to select the right thickness of wire. Is the thickness of wire measured by the actual gauge of the wire or including the coating as well?

Remember that all wire mesh is not the same and there are different standards of quality. Lesson learned.

Which is more important to you - quality or price?

Topics: fencing materials, woven wire, welded wire fence, wire gauges

What Kind of Wire Fence Will You Need this Year?

January 3, 2012 | by Duncan Page

Making a Plan

Are you thinking ahead and planning for the new year? Will you need to put up a fence? What kind of wire fence will you need to use? Will a welded wire fence work best for you? Or would a woven wire fence perform better in your situation?

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.

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