Wire Mesh: A Guide to the Right Materials for DIY Projects

Wire mesh is a go-to for home improvement projects and DIYers with a creative spirit&#;but not all materials are created equal.

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TWP Inc. carries a substantial inventory of products, ranging from decorative mesh and malleable chicken wire to welded and galvanized hardware cloth. Learn more about each type of metal mesh and its uses below.

Decorative Wire Mesh

Good for: Cabinet door inserts, shelving, indoor partitions, fire screens, interior lighting

Decorative wire mesh is available in various patterns and materials, including stainless steel, shiny brass, antique brass, weathered bronze, and nickel-plated alloys.

These aesthetically pleasing wire mesh panels are semi-transparent, allowing light to pass through while partially obstructing views. They're often used for cabinet and wet bar door inserts, backing for open shelves, and interior partitions, such as room dividers or partial walls. The visually appealing metal grids can also be fastened into fireplace screens, candle sconces, and homemade light fixtures. In fact, TWP Inc. is the go-to decorative mesh supplier for craftspeople on Etsy!

Not sure what style to choose? Order a decorative mesh sample kit from TWP Inc.

Chicken Wire

Good for: Gardening, composting, outdoor pest control, sculptures, light fixtures, crafting

Sometimes called poultry netting or hex mesh on account of the hexagonal openings, chicken wire is fabricated from somewhat thin stainless steel wires. This uniquely flexible material is easily formed into various shapes, making it a top choice for many DIY applications.

Gardeners often choose chicken wire for tomato cages, cloches, outdoor composts, and a wide variety of other garden and landscape projects. It's also used to keep birds, moles, gophers, rabbits, pets, and other curious animals out of gardens or raised beds. Some people use this type of wire mesh to create sculptures to ornament their landscaping, as well as light fixtures and numerous craft projects.

Have questions about chicken wire and its uses? Get answers to FAQs in our blog.

Galvanized Wire Mesh

Good for: Fencing, gabions, pest control, concrete reinforcement, landscaping

Galvanized hardware cloth is dipped in molten zinc or plated (electro-galvanizing) to enhance its strength with a protective zinc coating. Ideal for outdoor applications, the steel-zinc alloy is exceedingly sturdy, waterproof, and resistant to extreme climates.

These heavy-duty metal mesh screens are often used for yard fences and gates, along with railings for balconies and back porches. The material is also suitable for farm fencing and livestock enclosures&#;chicken coops, for example.

Additionally, galvanized mesh is an excellent choice for pest control in both gardens and homes, like soffit screens, gutter guards, and foundation vents. Other uses include driveway reinforcement and landscaping, such as gabions, trellises, fire pits, and outdoor partitions.

Wondering if galvanized mesh rusts? Get the answer to this question and more.

Welded Mesh Wire

Good for: Pest control, fencing, ventilation, automotive, chimney caps, spark arrestors, food drying

Unlike the woven variety, welded mesh is made by connecting stainless steel wires through resistance welding. The result is a rigid metal grid with exceptional resistance to rust, corrosion, and abrasion.

Homeowners use this type of wire mesh for pest control, particularly rodent-proofing houses, sheds, and gardens. Other applications include chimney caps, spark arrestors, ventilation for attics and crawl spaces, car or tractor grills, and food drying. Like its galvanized counterpart, welded metal mesh is sometimes used for property fences and porch railings.

Woven Wire Mesh vs. Welded Wire Mesh: What's Right for You? See our blog for insight.

Finely Woven Mesh Screens

Good for: Door and window screens, gardening, pest control

Finely woven hardware cloth with very small openings is commonly used to make window and door screens. The semi-transparent material offers some privacy while allowing light and air to pass through and protecting homes from flying insects and birds.

Gardeners sometimes use finely woven copper mesh to repel snails, slugs, and other pests from roots, seedlings, and sprouts.

Learn about the four best wire mesh materials for insect screens.

Mesh Wire, Panels & Screens for DIY Projects & More

gaite are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

TWP Inc. has an extensive inventory of prefabricated metal mesh, in stock and ready to ship. Our women-owned company has been a leading supplier of industrial-grade products and a reliable resource for homeowners and DIYers for over five decades.

Pro tip: We can custom cut your materials to help you save time and money on your next project.

Browse and shop our selection today or contact us to discuss your next project. We&#;re happy to help!

Do you want your projects featured in our photo gallery? Share your designs on Instagram using the hashtag #TWPWireMesh.

Planning and budgeting alone for a fence can take time and can be intimidating. Factors such as fencing materials, design style, and square foot can also be taken into consideration.

In need of a fence? Our guys at Big Easy Fences can help you out. We offer fences ranging from wood to metal for every home in New Orleans.

Tips On How To Save Money on a Fence

If you don&#;t want to deal with the whole budget thing, you can call a fence contractor to help you out. The tips can be useful if you want to do the overall cost or want some ideas from an expert.

1. Reduce the Materials

Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that the fence needs to be the same height all around. Fence materials are prized for their dimensions, so the smaller they are, the cheaper they will be.

There are also certain wood types that are cheaper, such as treated pine, that are popular among homeowners. This is also the type of wood used in picket fences.

2. Plan Ahead

Think about your vision and the purpose of your fence installation. Come up with your own checklist such as:

The current state of your fence. Are you planning to replace it or get a new fence?

Fence type: wood fence, wrought iron fencing, or chain link fences. You can check out our list of fences.

3. Consider Cheaper Materials

The cheapest way to replace a fence is to opt for a chain link fence. Here&#;s how to upgrade your chain link fence to make it a bit less boring.

More materials include:

• • • • • Pallet fencing
          • • Split rail
• Bamboo
• Split rail and mesh
• Concrete
• Barbed wire
  • • • • • • Recycled materials
            • Lattice
            • Wattle

4. Secure Permits Yourself

Some fence contractors include securing city permits in their service. But if you want to save money, you can take care of the permits yourself.

5. Book in the Slow Season

Another trick that you can do is schedule your fencing activity in the off season. Try to avoid building during the spring and fall because the demand is at its peak during these months.

Additional Cost-Saving Tips for Buying a Fence: Comparing and Finding Cheap Fences

When it comes to buying a fence, the cost can be a major factor in the decision-making process. While a chain link fence is often considered the most cost-effective option, many homeowners prefer the look of a wooden fence for its style and privacy. However, buying a wooden fence can be more expensive than a chain link fence.

Additional tips for saving money when buying a fence:

• Compare chain link vs wood fence cost: Before making a decision, compare the cost of a chain link fence with a wooden fence. This will give you a good idea of the price range you&#;re looking at, and help you determine whether you want to spend more money on a wooden fence or opt for a more cost-effective chain link fence.
• Look for cheap fence wood: If you do decide to buy a wooden fence, look for a cheap source of wood. You can find inexpensive wood at your local home improvement store or lumberyard, or you can look for salvaged wood from a demolition site or old barn.
• Consider split rail fence: If you&#;re looking for a rustic, rural look, a split rail fence can be a great option. This style of fence is often less expensive than other types of wooden fences, and it can provide a unique look for your property.
• Reuse an existing fence: If you already have an existing fence, consider repairing or painting it instead of replacing it. This can be a cost-effective way to freshen up the look of your fence without having to buy a new one.
• Look for fence styles that offer privacy: If privacy is a concern, consider a wood privacy fence. This type of fence provides a solid barrier between you and your neighbors, and it is often more expensive than other styles of fence.
• Shop around for fence companies: There are many fence companies out there, so don&#;t settle for the first one you find. Shop around and compare prices, services, and quality before making a decision.
• Look for &#;inexpensive fence companies near me&#;: If you live in a densely populated area, there are likely many fence companies near you. Take advantage of this and look for inexpensive companies that can provide quality services.

Factors Affecting The Price of Fence

Fencing Material

The material of the fence that you will be using is one of the biggest factors that will affect the total price.

This can be attributed to how some materials can be more durable than others. Also, some of these can be harder to source due to the scarcity of the material. Both of these greatly affect the price of the fence.

• Wood&#; Wood is one of the most popular and most used fencing materials everywhere you go. Homeowners who use this material prefer its natural look. This would definitely match almost all types of landscaping or garden that you have on your property. However, this is pricier compared to your other options.
• Chain Link &#; A chain-link or sometimes called wire fence, can be the cheapest fence you can purchase. For $2-3 dollars per foot, you can already find some stores selling this material. The chain link is made out of woven coated steel.
• Aluminum &#; For easy installation and less maintenance, an aluminum fence is one of the better options. Here&#;s how to maintain an aluminum fence.
• Wrought Iron &#; Like the aluminum fence, the wrought iron fence is easy to install. This can be the most stylish and best designed compared to other materials. This is because wrought iron is very malleable and durable. However, you&#;ll be paying more for this.
• Stone or Concrete Fence &#; The concrete fence will give you the best privacy and even security because of being rock solid. Moreover, this can last for a very long time without requiring much maintenance.
• Vinyl &#; Despite the higher cost, a vinyl fence is very popular for many homeowners because of its sturdiness and flexibility. Many manufacturers also offer a range of vinyl fence colors to choose from, including classic white, tan, and gray, as well as more unique shades such as green and wood grain.

Other material options include bamboo, PVC, and plastic.

Related: A Beginner&#;s Guide to Fences

Size or Perimeter of Lot

Since most fence materials are measured and priced by the foot, the total size or perimeter of the property to be enclosed is a huge factor. The larger the size is, the costlier it will be. It will be your choice as a homeowner if you want to surround the whole house or property with a fence.

For full protection, doing so would be better. However, if you are opting for some picket fence to enhance your curb appeal, installing it on your front yard would suffice.

Height of Fence

Like the perimeter size, the height of the fence will also be a factor in. The taller it will be, the more you have to pay. In most cases, the height of the fence will depend on what you want. Maybe you can opt for a taller fence if you want more privacy and security. On the other hand, it can also depend on the prescribed length or height of the material you chose.

Labor Expenses

Labor costs can take up the biggest amount of your fencing budget. You can definitely install it on your own to save money if you have expertise in doing such an activity. But here can be a lot of problems and obstacles in installing the fence that you probably won&#;t even think about. First, the installation can take a long time if you are a beginner. Second, there can be challenges such as topography and the landscape of the yard.

Maintenance

In planning and buying a fence, maintenance can be considered already. Will the material of your choice require frequent painting and staining? Does it need to be treated like wood?

Make Fence Installation Easy

If the idea of getting a fence stresses you out, let our crew at Big Easy Fences help you out. We offer free estimates on all services to help you get the best fence for your home.

More from Big Easy Fences

Best Stains for Wood Fences

How to Clean a Wood Fence Without a Pressure Washer

Contact us to discuss your requirements of welded wire mesh supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.