The Fence Post

Woven Mesh is Often Preferred

There are many different sizes of wire meshes that are available with small openings. Most often called hardware cloth, these meshes are usually welded using light gauge wire. After fabrication, the finished product is hot dipped in zinc. This Galvanized After process not only provides good protection against rust and corrosion, but also stiffens the welded fabric.

Until recently, Galvanized After woven meshes were as easy to obtain as the welded products. Woven mesh is not always exactly square due to the weaving process which can cause slight distortions resulting in a "wavy" mesh. Depending on the final application, woven products are often preferred over the welded meshes. They tend to be a bit heavier and stronger. They are also more costly.

Some Common Sizes

As the small opening wire mesh size gets smaller, so does the gauge or thickness of the wires. The more common sizes and wire gauges of square meshes are:

• 1/2" - also known as 2 x 2 and 2 mesh (2 squares per inch) 19 gauge wire
• 3/8" - also known as 3 x 3 and 3 mesh (approximately 3 squares per inch) 21 gauge wire
• 1/4" - also known as 4 x 4 and 4 mesh (4 squares per inch) 23 gauge wire
• 1/8" - also known as 8 x 8 and 8 mesh (8 squares per inch) 27 gauge wire
                                                                      

Galvanized After Mesh, Special Ordering                                                                                    There are many other Galvanized After mesh sizes and gauges available as well. These are often called industrial wire cloth. They are woven, heavier, more expensive, and often must be special ordered. The more common sizes are:

• 5/8" - 17 gauge wire
• 3/4" - 16 gauge wire

In addition to galvanized products, the 1/2", 19 gauge and 1/4", 23 gauge mesh styles are available with a black PVC coating over the Galvanized After core wire.

These excellent and long lasting meshes can meet the requirements of many different projects and Louis Page can help you think through the various mesh types and possibilities. Simply call us at (866) 328-5018.

Maintaining the Safety of your Chickens, Rabbits, Canaries, Ferrets and other Small Animals

Animals come in all shapes and sizes. So do the welded and woven wire fences and meshes used to enclose them. The kind of mesh you use makes a difference. The following recommendations can help you make the right choice.

Poultry: Your Pen Predator-proofed

Hexagonal netting, also known as hex net and chicken wire, is the ideal product to use. This fence is available in these finishes:

• GBW (galvanized before - 20 gauge)
• GAW (galvanized after - heavier 18 gauge), and black
• VC (vinyl coated - 20 gauge "core" wire) 

VC and GAW meshes are thoroughly protected from rust and corrosion and last the longest. Rolls are 150' long and come in 12", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" 72", 84" and 90" widths. The 1" hex opening makes a secure and predator-proof fence for your birds. The black vinyl coating is virtually invisible from a distance so you can easily see them.

And for Canaries

Canary cages can be built using 1/2" hexagonal woven netting. This lightweight 23 gauge GAW woven mesh is the recommended product to use. Rolls available are 48" wide and 25', 50' and 150' long. Small 1/2" mesh keeps the birds safe. The thin wire mesh lets you see the birds.

Rabbits, Ferrets, and Other Small Animals

Welded wire meshes are used to make rabbit cages and hutches. 16 gauge, 1/2" x 1" is the ideal mesh size to use for flooring. Widths available - 12", 15", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" and 72". GAW finish is recommended due to its ability to stand up to the corrosive effects of rabbit urine. 14 gauge, 1" x 2" mesh is the perfect size for the sides and top. GBW wire can be used for these panels. These products will keep your rabbits and other small animals safe and secure.

Other meshes are also available that can be used to make cages and pens for larger animals such as:

• Apron fence for beagle training pens
• Woven diamond mesh and 2" x 4" mesh for horses
• Woven deer and wildlife fence

Fences and meshes are available for any type of animal enclosure.

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.

Service for a Lifetime

Vinyl coated wire mesh and fencing is the longest lasting mesh you can buy. There are welded as well as woven meshes available. After the mesh is welded or woven, it passes through the coating process. The PVC is tightly bonded to the wire by a heat process. The mesh is completely covered, including those areas most likely to rust first - the spots that are welded or woven. The vinyl coating is impervious to moisture and corrosives. The wire is thoroughly protected from rust and corrosion. Standard colors are black and green. Other colors are available on special order.

Tightly Bonded Coating

A high quality vinyl coating is flexible and will not crack when bent. It gives the mesh a smooth finished look. There are no sharp edges. The PVC is not affected by extreme hot or cold temperatures. It is so well bonded to the wire that it stands up to scrapes and abrasions. Coated meshes are tough, long-lasting, weather and chemical resistant and attractive. Any mesh or fence that is vinyl coated will have the longest lifetime. Some meshes are available with double protection - GAW wire that is galvanized after being welded or woven and then covered with a thick layer of vinyl.

And a Variety of Uses-- 

• yard fence
• animal cages
• chicken coops
• crawfish traps
• boundary fence
• kennel flooring
• game bird pens
• deer fence barrier
• greenhouse benches
• children's play yards
• swimming pool fence
• lawn and garden fence
• nuisance animal exclusion
• backing for wood post and rail fence

Advantages of Vinyl Coated Fence and Mesh  

• durable
• longest lifetime
• resistant to rust and corrosion
• weather and chemical resistant
• welded and woven mesh and fence
• UV treated to protect against solar degradation