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The Fence Post

What Kind of Wire Mesh or Fence Should You Use?

February 24, 2010 | by Frank Langone

field fence and cattle

First, what does your landscape require?

As the seasons change, are you contemplating any projects that will require fencing - a play area for children, lawn and garden fence, pet fencing, swimming pool? Planning now can save you a lot of time and legwork when you are ready to start the work.

There are many varieties of wire fencing and meshes to be considered and evaluated before you can narrow it down to your final selection. What are the specific needs and requirements of your project? 

And some questions to think about--

  • Do you want an economical fence?
  • Should your fence last a long time or is it temporary?
  • Do you want the practicality and utility of a galvanized wire fence?
  • Is the durability, longer lifetime and attractive appearance of vinyl coated mesh important?
  • Why do you need a fence?
  • How many feet of fencing are required?
  • Are there specific requirements that determine the size of the mesh openings?
  • What are the height requirements for the fence?
  • If this is a DIY project, do you have the knowledge and information necessary to do the job properly?
  • How many posts will you need?
  • Do you want to use steel or wood posts?
  • Will you need a gate?
  • Are there any special tools you will need for installation?
  • Is the fence line cleared?
  • Will you need to clear or prepare the enclosed area?

Once you have answers to these questions, you will have made a great start on your project.

Do you have any more specific questions you need to be answered? Call us and we'll listen.

4 Keys to Choose the Best Fence for Your Needs

pony looking over fence

 

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Topics: wire mesh, wire fence

Welded & Woven Wire Mesh For Pet & Animal Containment

January 13, 2010 | by Frank Langone

vinyl coated welded wire mesh

What do your animals need?

Are you planning to get some animals that will need cages or pens?

Do you already have animals and need to upgrade, enlarge or improve their containment?

From hamsters to horses, birds to buffalo - there is a welded or woven wire mesh fencing available to do the job right.

Small Animal Enclosures

There are galvanized before, galvanized after, and vinyl-coated meshes available.

  • Cages for canaries, for example, can be made using light weight galvanized after weave 1/2" hex netting
  • For larger birds, welded meshes such as 1/2" x 1", 1" x 1", 1" x 2" and 1/2" x 3" can be used to make cages
  • Chicken, turkeys and game birds require larger pens; galvanized after weave and vinyl coated hex netting works well for the sides and you can use welded wire meshes for ground wire; the extra galvanizing and vinyl coating extend the life of the wire
  • Cages for rabbits, hamsters and the like can be made using 1/2" x 1"and 1" x 2" welded meshes; galvanized after weld products, when used, will last longest

bunny behind mesh

Larger Animal Enclosures

Stronger meshes made from heavier gauge wire are required, and the opening size of the mesh can be larger.

  • Dogs - smaller dogs can be contained with 16 gauge 2" x 2" woven or 2" x 3" welded wire mesh; for large dogs, 2" x 4" mesh works well; this is available in woven 12.5 gauge and welded 14, 12.5 and 11 gauge galvanized before, galvanized after and vinyl coated
  • Horse corrals can be made with 12.5 gauge flexible woven horse fence in a 2" x 4" or diamond mesh pattern
  • Secure enclosures for sheep and goats can be made using 12.5 gauge 4" x 4" woven mesh
  • For ostrich & emu pens use 12.5 gauge 2" x 4" woven mesh
  • Use field fence for cow pastures; there are different choices of 1047 style available
  • Extra tall (up to 10') woven fences are excellent for deer and wildlife containment or exclusion
 
steer-and-sow-3-1337218-640x480
 
Whatever size and type of animal you have, there is welded or woven wire fencing mesh that will keep them safe and secure.

Care to share your own experiences?
 
Galvanized Welded Wire Mesh
 
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Topics: wire fence, woven wire, welded wire, cages, horse fence

Out Of My Garden!  Which Fence Keeps Which Animal Out?

August 11, 2009 | by Duncan Page

Grey Short Coat Animal Laying on Grey Wooden Panel 

Which Fence for Which Animal Out?

  • The National Gardening Association Editors report that, on a long term basis, fencing is the best way to keep domestic and wild animals out of your garden. They offer the following suggestions and tips:
  • Fences are most effective when the animal can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings of your garden. 
  • Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences, but they will not give protection from all animals.
  • Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would-be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are not likely to test the fence more than once.
Build the fence that pertains to the animals you want to keep out of your garden:                             
        Deer
A tall fence is necessary. A mesh, solid or an electric fence can be effective. There are many design options available. Be sure to anchor the fence to the ground. Deer will also go under a fence if given the option.                                                                                                                                    
Cats and dogs
Build a 3-foot high wire fence - buy a 5-foot roll and bend 24" at the bottom of the fence to the outside of the garden to form an apron. This will discourage digging.
Rabbits  
A 2-foot high chicken wire fence with 1" hexagonal mesh openings is recommended. Buy a 3-foot high roll and bend a 12" apron of the fence mesh to the outside of the garden. Bury it several inches deep to prevent digging.
Woodchucks                                                                                       
A 4-foot high fence with a 24" buried apron works well. They suggest leaving the top 18" of the fence unattached to posts. This will challenge the animals' climbing ability. You can also string an electrified wire along the top. Placing electric fencing a few inches outside the other fence is even more effective. To protect prized plants from these tunneling pests, bury a protective wire mesh basket two to three feet underground. 
Raccoons & Opossums 
You need fencing that provides an underground barrier and is difficult to climb. Use a 60" to 72" fence. Bury a 24" horizontal apron several inches underground on the outside of your garden. Leave the top 18" of the 36" or 48" high fence unattached. This will bend over as the animal climbs, preventing it from getting over the top. If you have difficulty finding 60" or 72" high fence, the apron and vertical parts can be two different rolls. Be sure to fasten the two edges together with hog rings or tie wire. For further security, electric fence wire can be run along the top. Spreading light weight netting on the ground around your garden may discourage these animals from approaching the fence.                                                                                                       
Coyotes 
An electric fence in combination with a strong 48" fence mesh, such as sheep and goat fence, works well. Place one electrified wire 8" off the ground, 6" to 18"away from the mesh fence. An additional wire strung along the top of the fence will discourage jumping.                                         
Bears 
They can be discouraged from entering an area by using electric fence. Bait, such as bacon strips or pork rind, should be attached to the wires. Bears will approach the bait, touch it with a wet nose or tongue and learn the characteristics of the fence. They will want to avoid it in the future. If the fence is not baited, a bear is likely to crash through the fence, paying no more attention to the shock than it would a bee sting. A 36" to 48" roll of chicken wire secured to the ground with ground staples can also be used as an effective barrier. Be sure to keep the area mowed.

Do the solutions the editors suggest sound good to you?

Do you have other suggestions to share based on your own experience?

deer fence

Fences are most effective when animals can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings from your garden. 
Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences. But they will not give protection from all animals.

  • Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would-be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are unlikely to test the fence more than once.                 
  • Be certain to check your local ordinances before installing a fence.
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Topics: wire fence, garden fence, hex netting, deer fence

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