Reviewed by Dan Hancock, Managing Director at Mesh Direct since 2010 - with over 15 years advising trade contractors, public sector, industrial sector, and DIY customers on wire mesh specification and fencing installation. Dan oversees Mesh Direct's technical guidance and product range development.
Contents
Why Wire Mesh Matters for Your Project
Types of Wire Mesh and Their Uses
Choosing the Right Wire Mesh: The Three Decision Criteria
Material Selection Depends Entirely on Environment
- Galvanised Steel
- Stainless Steel Grade 304 vs 316
- PVC-Coated Mesh
- Welded vs Woven: Rigidity Versus Flexibility
Wire Gauge Determines Strength and Application
Aperture Size is the Primary Selection Criterion
Decision Guidance: The Common Reasons People Need Mesh
What Wire Mesh is Good For and Where it Has Limits
Wire Mesh vs Other Fencing Materials: Which Is Right for Your Project?
- Is wire mesh stronger than timber?
Wire Mesh vs Solid Barriers (Concrete, Brick)
When does a solid barrier make more sense than wire mesh?
Installation Considerations for DIY and Trade
- DIY Installation: What to Expect
Why Buy Wire Mesh from Mesh Direct?
- Experience you can rely on
- Specialist product knowledge
- A record that speaks for itself
- Transparent, in stock, and ready to dispatch
- What's the difference between welded mesh and woven mesh, and which should I use?
- How do I choose the right aperture size for my specific problem?
- Will wire mesh stop rabbits, foxes, or squirrels from getting through?
- Can rats or mice actually chew through wire mesh?
- What's the difference between Grade 304 and Grade 316 stainless steel, and when do I need Grade 316?
- How long does wire mesh actually last outdoors in the UK?
- Can I use the same mesh for garden fencing as I would for keeping out rats or rabbits?
- What's the difference between square apertures like "13mm x 13mm" and rectangular ones like "13mm x 25mm"?
- Do you offer bulk discounts or special pricing for large orders?
- Is there a best time to install wire mesh, or does season matter?
- Do you offer cut-to-size mesh?
- What quality standards do your products meet?
What Is Wire Mesh?
Wire mesh is a material made from metal wires that are welded or woven together to create a grid pattern. It's manufactured in different materials, wire thicknesses, and hole sizes, each designed to suit specific levels of strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Wire mesh is widely used in fencing, construction, agriculture, pest control, and industrial applications.
At Mesh Direct, we've been supplying wire mesh and fencing solutions for over 70 years, supporting tradespeople, businesses, contractors, and homeowners across the UK. Wire mesh covers a wide range of products, from welded and woven mesh to galvanised, stainless steel, PVC coated, and fine filtration options, each suited to different environments and applications.
Over the years our clients have used mesh for traditional applications such as keeping pests out of the home, animal protection, boundary fencing and insect control, but we have also seen many unique uses of Wire Mesh - from the use of mesh to keep monkeys in, stop satellites from listening in on someone's home and even mesh being used under someone's mattress to stop static electricity!
With one of the UK's broadest ranges available for fast dispatch from stock kept in our own dedicated warehouse, we help you to choose the right mesh for everything from garden fencing and pest control to construction and industrial projects. Whether you're building an enclosure for animals, protecting crops, screening windows, handling industrial filtration, or trying to ensure your pet monkey doesn’t escape- wire mesh is a proven, cost-effective solution when the right specification is chosen.
Why Wire Mesh Matters For Your Project
Wire mesh solves a specific problem: you need a barrier that's strong, durable, and built to last in the UK climate. Whether you're keeping animals in, pests out, or demarking a boundary, the right wire mesh specification will do the job reliably for years.
The range available today is wider than most people realise. You can choose from galvanised steel for gardens, stainless steel for higher rust resistance, PVC-coated mesh for aesthetics, or precision woven mesh for industrial filtration. This breadth of choice means there's almost always a wire mesh solution for your application. The challenge isn't finding mesh; it's finding the right type, gauge, and aperture size for your specific need. Get that specification right, and wire mesh delivers outstanding value for money. Get it wrong, and you'll be replacing it within months, but that's not necessary because wire mesh wasn't the right solution, you just need to purchase the right type.
What Are The Different Types Of Wire Mesh And What Are They Used For?
Wire mesh comes in many forms. The table below defines each type, explains how it's constructed, and shows where it's typically used. Think of this as a reference guide to the full range available:
Type
About Mesh Type
Uses
Square-hole welded mesh with a zinc coating for rust protection. The most common starting point for buyers. Available in apertures from 6mm to 50mm and gauges from 22g to 10g.
General fencing
Animal enclosures
Garden borders
Security
Wires woven over and under each other without welding, available in grades 304 and 316. Offers the best rust resistance. Available in mesh counts from 2 Mesh to 500 Mesh.
Industrial filtration
Screening
Scientific applications
Marine environments
Food-grade environments
Decorative applications
Square-hole welded mesh made from stainless steel. Offers both welded strength and structure, and high corrosion resistance.
Structural applications
Outdoor enclosures needing longer-term durability
Rodent proofing
Galvanised welded mesh with a PVC coating in green or black. Adds visual appeal and an extra weather protection layer.
Used for garden fencing
Pet enclosures
Anywhere aesthetics matter alongside durability
Chicken Wire (Hexagonal)
Thin-gauge hexagonal-hole netting, typically from 13mm to 50mm holes. Low cost, flexible.
Used for poultry enclosures
Bird proofing
Rabbit proofing
Cost effective boundary fencing
Plant support
Not suitable for determined predators or rodents
Fine-aperture mesh in stainless steel, fibreglass, aluminium, or plastic.
Used for window and door screening
Soffit ventilation
Insect proofing
Pet-proof variants available for high-traffic areas
UV-stabilised plastic mesh available in green and black. Lightweight, flexible, low cost.
Used for garden applications
Tree guards
Bird netting
Windbreak and shade screens
What Do Wire Gauge, Aperture, and Galvanising Actually Mesh?
These concepts determine whether you buy the right product. Understanding them helps you specify mesh with confidence:
Term
What It Means
Wire Gauge
Describes the thickness of the wire. Counterintuitively, a higher gauge number means thinner wire. 19g is light and flexible; 10g is heavy and rigid. Heavier gauges are needed where animals push against the mesh or structural strength matters.
Aperture Size
The size of the holes in the mesh. This determines what the mesh will prevent from passing through it.
Galvanising
A zinc coating applied to steel wire to protect against rust. Standard galvanised suits most garden and agricultural uses. In coastal or marine environments, specify stainless steel.
Welded vs Woven
Welded mesh has wires fused at each intersection. Woven mesh has wires woven over and under each other, however they are not fused in place. Welded mesh is typically used for fencing, pest proofing and enclosures; woven is typically used for filtration, decorative applications, specialist stainless steel applications.
Grade 304 vs 316
Grade 304 suits general use. Grade 316 contains molybdenum for superior resistance to salt water and chlorides. Always specify 316 for coastal or marine use.
How Do I Choose The Right Mesh For My Project?
Choosing the right wire mesh isn’t a simple task, and unfortunately too many times people will purchase the wrong mesh and wonder why it doesn't work, or why it doesn't hold up in the conditions they expect it to. That's why choosing the correct wire mesh is one of the most important things you can do.
Selecting the correct mesh involves choosing the right aperture size, wire gauge and roll dimensions. For a quick breakdown of the types of mesh and their uses you can use our quick table, above!
Material Selection Depends Entirely on Environment
Galvanised Steel
Galvanized coating provides protection against rusting, and is the most common finish for wire mesh. There are two main types of galvanized coating, hot dipped galvanized and galvanized before welding. Traditionally, a hot dipped galvanized finish provides the most rust resistance as the mesh is submerged into a galvanizing solution after it has been welded which provides excellent galvanizing coverage. We would always recommend opting for a hot dipped galvanized coating when purchasing Chinese made material. For this reason, all of our Chinese made welded mesh is hot dipped galvanized after welding.
A galvanized before welding finish (also known as pre-galvanized) uses wire which is galvanized before the mesh has been fabricated. There are varying standards of pre-galvanized finish welded mesh available in the market, including mesh made with hot dipped galvanized wire, mesh made with electro-galvanized wire, Chinese made pre-galvanized wire mesh, and European made pre-galvanized wire mesh. Our experience tells us that a European made pre-galvanized mesh fabricated using hot dipped galvanized wire (where the wire itself is hot dipped galvanized before welding, rather than the cheaper electro-galvanized wire) is still an excellent choice for outdoor use, offering the same level of rust resistance as most hot dipped galvanized welded mesh available in the market. All of our pre-galvanized wire mesh is European made using hot dipped galvanized wire. One concern customers have about using pre-galvanized welded mesh is that the mesh will rust in the corners where the wires are welded together. When done properly by a quality European manufacturer, the welding process cauterizes the wires where they join therefore protecting the wire from rusting at the welding points.
Stainless Steel 304 vs 316
Grade 304 provides excellent corrosion resistance for most environments. We recommend it as the standard choice for food processing, industrial filtration, and general outdoor applications where galvanised steel is insufficient. In most environments, Grade 304 stainless steel will last for many years.
Grade 316 adds 2 to 3% molybdenum, which provides significantly better resistance to chlorides and salt. We recommend Grade 316 for marine environments, coastal locations,or for applications requiring an even longer lasting material than Grade 304 stainless steel. The cost premium over Grade 304 is roughly 30%, and over hot-dip galvanised it is approximately two to three times the price.
PVC-Coated Mesh
PVC coating over a galvanised steel core provides two layers of corrosion protection and eliminates potential sharp wire edges, which matters for playgrounds, school grounds, and public-facing installations. It is available in green for garden use and black for a more contemporary finish. The coating can add a 20 to 30% cost premium.
There are some limitations to be aware of with PVC coated mesh. The plastic coating can crack or peel over time, which exposes the bare metal underneath. It also makes it harder to inspect the condition of the wire itself. For this reason our PVC coated wire mesh is also galvanized underneath the plastic coating.
We recommend PVC-coated mesh for any residential, garden, or public-facing application where appearance matters alongside durability.
Welded vs Woven:
The wires in welded mesh are fused together at every intersection through the welding process. The result is a mesh which is dimensionally stable, maintaining a fixed structure under stress. It is the correct choice for security fencing, animal enclosures, and construction reinforcement where structural integrity is the priority.
Woven mesh interlaces warp and weft wires on industrial looms. The wires are woven over and under each other to create a much larger range of hole sizes. Depending on the aperture size and wire thickness, woven mesh can be extremely strong and rigid, for example a woven 2 Mesh with a 1.6mm wire thickness, or it can be extremely fine and cloth-like going down to an aperture size as small as 0.025mm (25 microns). For extremely fine mesh, the smaller hole sizes cannot be achieved through welding, making woven mesh the best option for fine filtration, insect screening, and precision sieving. Something to keep in mind with woven mesh is that the wires are not fixed in place like a welded mesh. This doesn’t mean that the mesh will fall apart, however it is possible to pull the wires on the edges of the mesh out of position. Therefore, woven mesh will often need to be framed or fixed in place using battens.
If the application needs a physical barrier or enclosure, welded mesh is almost always the correct choice. If it needs a very specific or smaller hole size then woven mesh is usually the answer.
Wire Gauge Determines Strength And Application
Wire gauge is specified using the Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) system in the UK. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker wire, which can often feel contradictory. Understanding gauge is critical because it determines the strength and rigidity of the mesh, and its suitability for your application.
The practical dividing line: 10 gauge and 12 gauge mesh is very strong and rigid, often used for security fencing or fencing for extra large dogs, 14 gauge and 16 gauge is a medium-weight mesh which is not flimsy and still has decent rigidity, ideal for dog fencing, cat fencing and boundaries, 19-gauge and lighter is much more bendable and can easily be cut with tin snips, it is often used for bird proofing, rabbit proofing, rodent proofing, or lightweight fencing applications but offers little resistance to determined predators or intruders.
Aperture Size Is The Primary Selection Criterion
The aperture (hole size) must be smaller than the object, animal, pest you are trying to keep from passing through the mesh. This, along with wire thickness, are the most important factors when selecting a mesh.
The critical measurements are:
Aperture Size
Aperture Size, Use & About
6mm (¼")
The gold standard for rodent-proofing. This is the mesh size British pest control services specify for air bricks, pipe entries, and vent covers. Blocks mice when combined with a 22 gauge wire, and rats when combined with either a thicker 21 gauge wire or stainless steel wire.
13mm (½")
Blocks rats (not mice) when combined with a 16 gauge wire, and most wild bird species when combined with a 19 gauge wire. Standard for rat exclusion on walls and vents.
19mm (¾")
Also used for rat and squirrel exclusion when combined with a 16 gauge wire.
25mm (1")
General animal enclosures, squirrel exclusion (with 16g wire minimum), cat fencing and garden borders.
50mm (2")
Dog fencing, general garden/security fencing, chicken runs (only fox-proof at 14g or heavier).
1mm-2mm
Insect screening (16 mesh count per inch). Window and door screens require 16 mesh minimum for effective insect prevention.
0.026mm-11mm
Filtration applications, decorative / architectural applications, kitchen / catering applications.
A Note For DIYers: Chicken wire (hexagonal netting) is NOT fox-proof regardless of aperture size. Its light gauge (typically 19-22g) means predators tear through it easily. This is one of the most common and costly mistakes DIY buyers make.
Decision Guidance: The Common Reasons People Need Mesh
If you know your problem, this table helps you find the right mesh without needing to read further. Look at your situation, find your requirement, and follow the recommendation:
Your Situation
About Mesh Type
Galvanised welded mesh, 50mm x 50mm, minimum 1.6mm wire (14g or heavier).
6mm x 6mm welded mesh. Mice can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Anything larger than 6mm will not exclude them.
Grade 316 stainless steel. Standard galvanised mesh will rust faster in salt-air environments. Grade 316 contains molybdenum for superior salt resistance.
Woven stainless steel mesh, grade 304 or 316. Available from 0.026mm aperture up to larger apertures. Our experienced team can advise if you need help with the specification.
PVC-coated green mesh (blends with planting) or galvanised welded mesh (lower cost). 50mm or 25mm aperture is typical for garden borders.
25mm x 25mm, 16g minimum for cats. 50mm x 50mm, 14g minimum for medium to large dogs. For very large or strong breeds use 50mm x 50mm, 12g or 10g. See our dog fencing guide for more information.
13mm x 13mm welded mesh. Prevents birds from escaping.
What Can Happen When The Wrong Specification Of Wire Mesh Is Used?
Wire mesh is a very versatile product and is the ideal choice for hundreds of different applications, however there are situations where using the wrong specification of wire mesh can cause issues. That's why we've included a section on potential pit-falls below. It's honest advice: some specifications of wire mesh are not suitable for certain applications or environments. Our mesh is sourced from manufacturers we've trusted for years. When goods arrive at our Stoke-on-Trent warehouse, we undertake quality checks before dispatch. But no amount of quality control can force wire mesh to perform in applications where it simply isn't engineered to work.
Wire mesh is well suited to...
Wire mesh has limitations when...
Long-term outdoor use in most UK weather conditions: Galvanized coating on a wire mesh typically lasts a number of years. For example a typical welded mesh with a 16 gauge wire should last around 5 years before showing signs of corrosion, and much longer before the integrity of the mesh is compromised. Stainless steel and mesh specified with an even thicker coating of galvanizing has a much longer life-span.
Used in coastal or marine environments, without specifying Grade 316 stainless steel or a super prime hot dipped galvanised finish corrodes faster in salt air. You could see signs of rust within a few months. Also, thinner wire mesh such as chicken wire netting or 19 gauge welded mesh can show signs of rusting in a shorter time-frame due to the thinner coating of galvanized finish, typically within 3 to 5 years.
Security and containment: A physical barrier that works. When the right gauge and aperture are chosen, it provides strong and reliable protection.
Using too thin a wire for a security application doesn’t provide the rigidity or strength you need to keep threats out. As a minimum you should use either 12 gauge (2.5mm thick wire) or 10 gauge (3mm thick wire) for security applications.
Versatility - wide range of apertures, gauges, materials, and widths available.
Choosing a mesh with the wrong wire thickness, hole size, dimensions for the job. For example, a lightweight 19g mesh will deform and potentially break under pressure from a large dog or persistent predator. Larger animals need 14g wire or heavier to add sufficient strength and structure to the mesh.
Pest control and exclusion when correctly specified. Wire mesh is one of the most effective ways to exclude rodents, birds, foxes, rabbits and insects.
Using the wrong hole size and wire thickness will allow pests to fit through or break through the mesh easily. For example, chicken wire netting is not strong enough to keep foxes out, you need to use a 50mm hole 14 gauge welded mesh. Mesh with a hole size larger than 6mm is too big to stop mice.
Industrial filtration of very fine particles: Woven stainless mesh is used in pharmaceuticals, food, aerospace. Precision-engineered and reliable.
Choosing the wrong mesh count or aperture size for woven mesh renders the material redundant for its purpose.
Wire Mesh vs Timber And Solid Barriers: Which Is Right For Your Project?
Wire mesh outperforms most common fencing alternatives on cost, maintenance, and practical performance, but only when it's correctly specified for the job.
Whether you're fencing a residential garden, securing a commercial perimeter, or specifying mesh for an agricultural or industrial project, the right choice comes down to four things: wire thickness, hole size, material finish, material dimensions.
At Mesh Direct, we stock a huge range of wire mesh products, and our expert team has years of experience to ensure that you choose the correct mesh for your project. But before buying, it's worth confirming that wire mesh is the right product type for your task. The comparisons below give you the real figures and honest guidance on where each material has the edge.
Wire Mesh vs Timber Fencing
Factor
Wire Mesh
Timber Fencing
Cost per linear metre
Approx. £15 - £23 including posts and fittings, dependent on height.
Approx. £22-£28 including concrete posts and gravel boards, dependent on height.
Expected lifespan
Approx. 15-20 years based on a 16 gauge wire or thicker.
Approx. 10-15 years.
Maintenance required
Near-zero, may require hammerite paint after 5-10 years if showing signs of rust.
Staining or painting every 2-3 years.
Storm resistance
Wind passes through; no sail effect, unlikely to be damaged by high winds.
Acts as a sail; higher risk of damage in high winds.
Fire risk
Non-combustible if not PVC / Epoxy coated.
Combustible
Privacy
No sightline blocking.
Full privacy with solid panels.
Verdict
Best for durability and low cost.
Best where privacy or traditional aesthetics matter.
Is wire mesh stronger than timber?
For most outdoor installations in the UK, yes, though what matters most is what you're asking the fence to do.
A welded wire mesh fence, correctly specified and fixed to steel or concrete posts, will outlast timber in almost every environment with minimal upkeep. Timber averages 10 to 15 years before replacement is needed, and that assumes it's been treated or stained regularly along the way.
Wind loading is another area where wire mesh performs consistently better. Because air passes through freely, a wire mesh fence doesn't catch the wind the way a solid timber panel does. Close-board fencing in exposed locations regularly fails in extreme weather conditions, particularly where the timber panels have not been maintained regularly. A properly installed wire mesh fence allows strong wind to pass through the mesh freely, and so it is unlikely to blow over.
One area where timber fencing has the advantage is privacy. A solid close-board fence blocks sightlines, whereas you can see through a wire mesh fence. If privacy is the main requirement, timber is the right call. But for durability, resistance to weather and rot, and lower long-term maintenance costs, wire mesh is the better choice in most situations.
Wire Mesh vs Solid Barriers (Concrete, Brick)
Factor
Wire Mesh
Solid Barriers
Cost per linear metre
Approx. £15 - £23 including posts and fittings, dependent on height.
Concrete: Approx. £35-£120 / Brick: Approx. £120-£250, dependent on height.
Visibility
Full visibility through the barrier.
None.
Airflow and light
Unrestricted.
Blocked entirely.
Footings
No specialist foundation needed.
May require footings / foundations.
Sloped terrain
Adapts easily.
Difficult and costly to adapt.
Privacy
None, unless in front of another barrier such as a hedge.
Complete.
Best use
Where visibility, airflow, or budget is the priority.
Where privacy or maximum security is needed.
When Does A Solid Barrier Make More Sense Than Wire Mesh?
Wire mesh handles the majority of outdoor fencing projects well, but there are situations where a solid barrier such as brick, concrete, or close-board timber is genuinely the better answer.
Privacy is the most straightforward one. Wire mesh creates a physical barrier but does nothing to block sightlines. For residential boundaries where overlooking is a concern, or commercial sites where visual screening is part of the brief, a solid barrier does what wire mesh simply cannot. Although wire mesh doesn’t offer privacy on its own, it can still be a good boundary option when combined with a hedge i.e. the wire mesh can provide the security, whereas the hedge can offer a decent level of privacy.
On cost, the numbers are hard to argue with. Wire mesh is significantly cheaper to install than a solid concrete, brick or timber fence. For any long perimeter run, the economics favour wire mesh. In professional security installations, welded mesh combined with CCTV is often the preferred specification precisely because visibility through the fence is a practical advantage, as it doesn’t provide cover for potential intruders to hide behind.
The short version: if you need to block sightlines then a solid barrier earns its higher cost. If you need a durable, low-maintenance physical boundary, wire mesh will serve you better in most situations.
How Do You Install Wire Mesh Fencing? DIY And Professional Guidance
Installation: What to Expect
Planning: Survey the fence line and calculate your materials. Divide the perimeter by 2 metres to get the number of posts needed, then add one e.g. if you have a 10m boundary, you will require 6 posts. Mark post positions with spray paint. Check local planning rules before you start. Typically, boundaries next to a highway used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a highway) cannot exceed a height of 1 metre, other boundaries cannot exceed 2 metres.
Post installation: Set your posts in concrete at a depth of around a third of the total post length (ensuring that you leave sufficient post height above the ground). For a 1.8 metre high fence, that means posts buried around 55cm to 60cm. Allow sufficient time for the concrete to set, as shown on the post-crete instructions, before fixing your fence. Space intermediate posts at approximately 2 metre centres.
Tensioning: If required, run 2.5mm to 3mm diameter line wire along the top, middle and bottom of the fence line. Use either eyebolts or ferrule winders to tension the line wire. Although line wire offers additional support for the fencing, it is only really required for lighter-weight mesh fencing or Chain Link fencing. If you are using a welded mesh with at least a 14 gauge wire then you can skip this step.
Mesh attachment: If using line wire then fix the mesh to the tensioned wires using hog rings at approximately 30cm intervals. Alternatively, depending on the post type, wire mesh can be fixed in place using staples, tie wire, fence clips.
Dig-proofing: To deter pets or pests from digging under the fence, we recommend bending the bottom of the mesh into an L-shape to create a shelf. Bend the mesh 90 degrees to create a horizontal section extending approximately 30 to 45cm outward along the ground. Secure the mesh using heavy duty ground pegs and cover with soil. Alternatively, if you don’t wish to bend the mesh, you can lay a separate roll of chicken wire netting flat on the ground to create a mesh skirt to deter digging.
Safety: Always wear heavy-duty gloves, safety glasses, and long sleeves when handling or cutting wire.
What Are The Most Common Wire Mesh Mistakes And How Do You Avoid Them?
For 70+ years, we've advised customers on the best wire mesh to use for their projects. Here are a few of the common problems people run into, and how to solve them.
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We see this often: Customers choose the height and length of the mesh without considering the wire thickness and hole size.
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What happens: Unless the hole size and wire thickness is correct, the mesh isn't going to fulfil its purpose, whether that is to keep your pet safe, keep pests out, or provide security.
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How to avoid it: Start with the hole size and wire thickness, as this is the most critical specification. Once you are sure that the mesh is fit for purpose, then you can look at available roll sizes. Remember, the lower the gauge number the thicker the wire.
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We see this often: Chicken wire is used to keep foxes out of chicken enclosures.
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What happens: Chicken wire is only a lightweight mesh. Although the name suggests that it is suitable for chicken enclosures, a fox will tear through chicken netting in no time at all.
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How to avoid it: Choose a welded mesh with a 50mm x 50mm hole and 14 gauge wire. This is a much stronger material, and will prevent foxes from breaking through.
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We see this often: Buyers choose mesh by price alone without checking the specifications and weight.
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What happens: Some retailers offering wire mesh will apply large tolerances to the wire thicknesses and measurements e.g. the tolerance may be 15-20% less than the advertised specification. On the face of it, the mesh appears to be the same specification just at a cheaper price, however the wire thickness is often underweight.
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How to avoid it: Ask the retailer to confirm the wire thickness using a micrometer, or to confirm the overall weight of the roll, then check this against the advertised specification table. An honest retailer will be more than happy to do this. Remember, if the price is too good to be true then it probably is!
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We see this often: Choosing a Chinese made welded mesh when installing onto a precise framework.
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What happens: Although Chinese made welded mesh can be amongst the best out there for fencing applications, our experience is that it doesn’t run as straight as European made mesh. This can be a problem when fitting wire mesh to a fixed framework, for example when building a catio or other animal enclosure.
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How to avoid it: Choose European made welded mesh when fixing the material to a framework, as this will usually run straighter making the installation process easier.
Why Buy Wire Mesh From Mesh Direct?
We've been supplying wire mesh to UK tradespeople, homeowners, companies, and contractors for over 70 years. That experience shapes every product decision we make, every piece of advice we give, and the way we help customers avoid the specification mistakes we've seen cost people time and money. This page has been reviewed by Dan Hancock, Managing Director at Mesh Direct since 2010, to ensure every recommendation reflects how we actually advise customers day to day.
Experience You Can Rely On
Our team advises customers daily on mesh selection, wire gauge, aperture size, and installation by phone, live chat, and email. When you contact us via live chat, you're talking to a real person. We typically respond within a few seconds. No bots, no queues, no copy-paste answers.
That day-to-day advisory experience is what built our Product Finder Tool: a resource developed entirely from first-hand knowledge of how customers choose the wrong mesh and what questions they actually ask. The same experience shaped our decision to stock European welded mesh alongside our standard range. Customer feedback told us that mesh manufactured to stricter tolerances would make it easier to fix onto precise frameworks, saving hours of labour. We sourced a European alternative that fulfilled that requirement. It's important for us to take into consideration our customers' opinions and adapt our range to their needs.
We've supplied wire mesh to NHS hospitals, UK universities, schools, councils, registered charities, major contractors, and some of the country's most recognisable organisations across healthcare, conservation, and construction. We're proud to have donated material for the construction of a new lynx enclosure at the Wildwood Trust, a registered conservation charity. We don't name individual clients as a matter of data protection, but the breadth of the organisations that trust us to get the specification right is a reflection of the expertise behind every order we dispatch.
In 70+ years, our team has been asked to supply mesh for almost every application imaginable. From conservation enclosures to film and TV productions, race car teams, premier league football clubs, and zoos. We've even been asked for mesh to keep a monkey in, to prevent satellite signal interference, and even to eliminate static electricity under a mattress! We've seen it all, and that depth of real-world experience means there are very few problems we haven't encountered before.
Specialist Product Knowledge
As a BSSA (British Stainless Steel Association) member, our stainless steel expertise backed up by an industry leading advisory service. We stock woven stainless steel mesh from 2 mesh to 500 mesh count, a range that requires genuine technical knowledge to advise on correctly. Our team understands the practical difference between Grade 304 and Grade 316, knows when galvanised mesh is sufficient and when only stainless will do, and can specify the right aperture and gauge combination for applications from rodent exclusion to industrial filtration.
Our key suppliers are manufacturers we have worked with for many years. We know the quality of their products because we've been working closely with them for a very long time (perhaps longer than we would like to admit). When goods arrive at our Stoke-on-Trent warehouse, our team carries out quality checks before anything is dispatched to ensure quality. Our woven stainless steel manufacturer, our chain-link fencing and post manufacturer, and our European mesh manufacturer all conform to specific ISO standards.
Cut-to-size orders are handled by our experienced cutting room team, who bring a level of precision and care to every cut piece. If you need exact dimensions, we are happy to quote for bespoke cutting jobs.
A Record That Speaks For Itself
Our Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award (2026) is the highest tier of recognition Feefo awards. We have over 2,100 independently verified customer reviews, over 2,000 of which are five-star. That's not a figure we've curated. It's a publicly accessible, independently verified record of how we treat customers and how reliably we deliver.
Transparent, In Stock, And Ready To Dispatch
If it's listed on our website, it's in our warehouse in Stoke-on-Trent, ready to dispatch. We don't drop-ship. We don't take orders on products we don't hold. Free delivery on orders over £60 to most England and Wales postcodes. We dispatch from our own warehouse quickly, and our standard and express delivery timeframes are published clearly on the site.
We accept payment by PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and card. Orders under £500 can be placed over the phone if you'd prefer to speak to someone, our sales team number is 01782 820 970. For larger orders, we can issue a pro-forma for BACS payment. Our full company details are published on the site: Hanscan Ltd, Co. Reg. 01196789, Unit A2 Fraylings Business Park, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 4LN. Experienced staff, a real physical address, and a team that answers the phone. That's what 70 years of trading looks like.
FAQs About Wire Mesh
What's the difference between welded mesh and woven mesh, and which should I use?
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How do I choose the right aperture size for my specific problem?
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Will wire mesh stop rabbits, foxes, or squirrels from getting through?
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Can rats or mice actually chew through wire mesh?
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What's the difference between Grade 304 and Grade 316 stainless steel, and when do I need Grade 316?
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How long does wire mesh actually last outdoors in the UK?
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Can I use the same mesh for garden fencing as I would for keeping out rats or rabbits?
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What's the difference between square apertures like "13mm x 13mm" and rectangular ones like "13mm x 25mm"?
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Do you offer bulk discounts or special pricing for large orders?
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Is there a best time to install wire mesh, or does season matter?
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Do you offer cut-to-size mesh?
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What quality standards do your products meet?
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What you'll find there
Green PVC-coated welded mesh, hexagonal netting, arch-top border fencing, and complete kits with drive-in posts. Available in light, medium, and heavy wire gauges. Green finish blends in with the garden.
Welded mesh specified by size and strength of dog. 14g for medium to large dogs, 12g for very large or strong breeds.
25mm x 25mm, 16g European welded mesh for catios and cat enclosures. Plastic mesh option for fence-top deterrence with brackets. Pet-proof insect mesh for windows and doors.
Galvanised and green-coated hexagonal netting in 13mm, 25mm, 31mm and 50mm apertures. For poultry enclosures, plant support, rabbit proofing and bird control.
6mm x 6mm welded mesh for rodent exclusion from air bricks, vents, pipe entries, and building perimeters. The only aperture size that reliably excludes mice.
Grade 304 and 316 stainless steel welded mesh in apertures from 6mm to 50mm. For rodent proofing, louvres, security, food-grade environments, and corrosive environments where galvanised mesh is insufficient.
Precision woven stainless steel mesh from 2 mesh to 500 mesh count. Apertures from 0.026mm to 11mm. For industrial filtration, sieving, screening, and specialist applications.
Stainless steel, fibreglass, aluminium, and plastic insect screens for windows, doors, soffits, and vents. Includes pet-proof and heavy-duty options for high-traffic areas.
UV-stabilised plastic mesh for gardens, tree guards, bird control, and windbreak applications. Includes high-tensile and knitted bird netting, butterfly netting, and shade screen.
Staple tackers, hog ring pliers, wire cutters, gabion tools, and fencing pliers for DIY and trade mesh installation. Matched to wire gauge and mesh type.
All categories link to in-stock products dispatched from our Stoke-on-Trent warehouse. If it's on the site, it's in the warehouse.
About the author...
Dan is the owner and Managing Director at Mesh Direct, and has extensive knowledge of the mesh industry having advised on mesh and fencing products for over 15 years.
After graduating from Cambridge University in 2003, Dan went on to become a corporate lawyer specialising in commercial litigation at an international law firm. In 2010, Dan joined Mesh Direct, the e-commerce division of his family business originally established in 1952 as a corn, seed and animal housing supplier. Dan’s key areas of expertise include product technical advice, product sourcing, logistics, and B2B / B2C e-commerce.
Dan Hancock, Managing Director
Mesh Direct | LinkedIn
About the author...
Dan is the owner and Managing Director at Mesh Direct, and has extensive knowledge of the mesh industry having advised on mesh and fencing products for over 15 years.
After graduating from Cambridge University in 2003, Dan went on to become a corporate lawyer specialising in commercial litigation at an international law firm. In 2010, Dan joined Mesh Direct, the e-commerce division of his family business originally established in 1952 as a corn, seed and animal housing supplier. Dan’s key areas of expertise include product technical advice, product sourcing, logistics, and B2B / B2C e-commerce.
