The 4 Main Types of Wire Mesh Fencing Materials - Louis E. Page, Inc.

Author: Jeremiah

Jun. 30, 2025

The 4 Main Types of Wire Mesh Fencing Materials - Louis E. Page, Inc.

Consider the Possibilities


When researching the type of wire fence you want to purchase, there are many things you want to consider before making a decision. Have you thought about the following?

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  • Aesthetic considerations - how important is appearance?                                                                                                                                                                      
  • Function is a significant factor - what do you want to keep in or out?                                                                                                                                    
  • Cost is important - should you buy the least expensive product or invest in fencing material that will last a long time and save on the future expenses and labor of early replacement?                                                                                            
  • Country of origin may be something you want to take into account - is there any connection between the quality of a fence and where it is made?                                                                                                                                                     
  • The topography of the site should be considered - are there irregularities on the ground's surface where the fence will be located?                                                                                                                                                                                     
  • Manufacturing method is important - is a welded product a better choice than a woven fence mesh?                                                                          

Finishes for Your Fence

When making a decision about which wire fencing material to use, one of the most important aspects to take into account is the type of "finish" the wire has. There are four basic types:

  1. GBW - Galvanized Before Weld and Galvanized Before Weave                                                                                                                                                
  2. GAW - Galvanized After Weld and Galvanized After Weave                                                                                                                                                      
  3. VC - Vinyl Coated welded and woven                                                                                                                                                                                   
  4. SS - Stainless Steel and other alloys.
A professional fence installer in your area can help you make an informed decision. Now, for some explanation.

GBW

Galvanized before weld wire fences can be either welded or woven. Galvanized wire is used to manufacture the mesh.

Welded products - the zinc coating is burnt off during the welding process. The welded points where the horizontal and vertical wires intersect are left unprotected and exposed to rust and corrosion. In wet weather, moisture tends to collect at the joint, hastening the process.

While it is true that zinc can "flow" from the areas adjacent to the burnt intersection, the weld spot never regains its full protection. These are the types you see in your local building supply store and garden center. Differences in gauge, mesh opening size and height are considerable. You can find a product that will meet your needs. It is important to keep in mind the fact that these items have a limited lifetime. Welded GBW fencing materials are relatively inexpensive and utilitarian.

Woven products - these do not have any welded areas and therefore do not have the same vulnerability. These range from lightweight hex netting up to field fence and heavy gauge woven high tensile deer and wildlife fence. The heavier fences have an extended lifetime, especially those with Class 3 galvanizing.

GAW

Galvanized after weld fencing materials are galvanized after the welding or weaving process. The mesh is drawn through a bath of molten zinc which thoroughly seals the wire, including the welded and woven areas. These products are heavily protected from rust and corrosion and have an extended lifetime that far exceeds the lifetime of the same products with GBW finish. You can tell if a product is galvanized after by looking at the welded and woven areas. You can actually see how the zinc seals the areas. GAW items are initially more expensive. However, when you consider the extra material and labor cost of replacement, the higher initial cost of GAW meshes are easily justified.

GAW fencing is more specialized and therefore are not as easy to find at retail stores. The welded meshes are often used in making animal cages. They are ideal to use in areas where there is constant moisture or exposure to corrosion. There is an even wider range of choices in wire gauge, mesh size and widths due to the more specialized end uses of these items. The GAW hex netting meshes are often used in saltwater applications and in building game bird pens - areas where long life is sought and appreciated.

VC

Vinyl coated fencing materials are coated with either polyester or PVC after the welding or weaving process. The most common colors are black and green. The black color is the most unobtrusive. It blends with the background, becoming virtually invisible. As with GAW products, the vinyl coating thoroughly coats the entire mesh, sealing it against rust and corrosion. The additional cost is offset by longer life expectancy and more attractive appearance. Many different specifications are widely available in retail stores. The vinyl makes them aesthetically pleasing.

As with any products, there are different quality grades available. The least expensive products do not bond the vinyl securely to the wire. The vinyl is easily cut and can then be peeled off the wire with your fingers. The higher quality grades have a vinyl coating that is tightly bonded to the wire and resists scraping, even with a knife. And there are products available that have the double protection of GAW wire under the coating. These offer the longest lasting meshes available. As always, higher quality means higher cost. You get what you pay for. Higher initial cost can save you money over the life of the mesh.

In addition to the regular generic retail items, there is a wide range of gauge and mesh opening size specialty items not available in stores. There are welded meshes used in lobster traps, safety mesh in railings, animal cages and other unique applications. Woven hex meshes are used in such things as bird pens and deer fence.

SS and other alloys

Wire Mesh Cut to Size Saves DIYers Money - TWP Inc.

While some types of mesh are relatively easy to cut with tin snips or heavy-duty scissors, buying wire mesh cut to size can save DIYers time and money on their projects.

TWP Inc. offers in-stock products in various sizes, as well as custom wire mesh measured and laser cut in the exact dimensions and quantity you need. Here's what to know.

What Size Does Wire Mesh Come In?

Prefabricated wire mesh comes in many sizes as well as in sheets, rolls, and panels. That said, sizing refers to not only the overall dimensions but also wire diameter, opening size, and mesh count.

Wire Diameter: Sometimes called gauge, wire diameter is the thickness of a round wire.

For more hexagonal wire nettinginformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Opening Size: The size of the square or hexagonal holes is measured by the distance between the closest two parallel wires.

Mesh Count: This is the number of openings (holes) per linear inch on a sheet of metal mesh.

Check out our 101 Guide to Industrial Wire Cloth Terminology to explore more key terms.

Prefabricated Wire Mesh Panels, Sheets & Rolls

TWP Inc. carries an extensive selection of pre-cut wire mesh. When you browse our offerings, you'll find panels, sheets, and rolls of varying sizes, gauges, and counts, all in stock and ready to ship.

Not sure what type you need? You can shop by project and explore wire mesh suited for everything from pest control and fireplace safety to gardening and decorative applications.

Our blog offers a deep dive into using Decorative Wire Mesh for DIY Projects.

Customized Wire Mesh Services

Need a specific size or quantity? TWP Inc. quickly fulfills custom orders to precise specifications. The materials are often delivered faster than DIYers would have completed the measuring and cutting process on their own.

Though you might think a custom order is outside your budget, you'll be pleasantly surprised about our reasonably priced in-house services. There are no tooling charges or other hidden fees. What's more, getting the exact dimensions you need saves you money by eliminating the need to purchase extra material.

Expert Laser Cutting Services for Wire Mesh

With an ISO certification for laser-cut mesh fabric fabrication, you can expect quality workmanship with every order.

Our laser cutting technique guarantees:

  • Custom sizes and shapes in precise specifications with tight tolerance
  • Cutting through any metal mesh material (stainless steel, bronze, brass, copper, etc.)
  • Cutting through extra-thick wires and rigid panels
  • Industrial-grade finishes with minimal metal discoloration
  • Reduced sharpness on wire mesh edges

Beyond minimizing wasted materials, ordering custom mesh fabric with a tight tolerance (dimensional accuracy) can save you money by preventing damage during the installation process.

This is a terrific benefit in a wide variety of DIY projects, from automotive grills and cabinet door inserts to fireplace and insect screens.

Learn more about the Benefits of Laser Cutting Wire Mesh.

Get Quality Wire Mesh Cut to Size at TWP Inc.

TWP Inc. is committed to saving customers time and money by providing high-quality materials for every application. As a leading supplier of wire mesh for a wide array of DIY projects, homeowners, hobbyists, and crafters alike rely on our products and services.

Founded in in Berkeley, California, our woman-owned business has been fabricating metal mesh and hardware cloth for over 50 years. Whether you purchase pre-cut materials or request a custom order, you can count on quick turnarounds and fast, reliable shipping. 

Are you interested in learning more about balcony mesh screen? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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