Why Steel Mesh Beats Chicken Wire

 

Starting a new project in your yard or fixing up a part of your home often means you need to keep things in or keep things out. You head to the hardware store and see big rolls of wire. It is easy to just grab the thin, flimsy stuff because it is cheap and light.

But after one season, it sags, it rusts, or animals just push right through it. There is a better way. For the best results, you need to choose the right material, and that material is steel mesh.

Strength you can count on:

Chicken wire is made from thin strands of metal that bend with hardly any effort. If you have a dog or if there are raccoons nearby, they will bend it too. Steel mesh is different. It is made from thicker wires that are welded together. This creates a solid sheet that holds its shape. It gives you the peace of mind that your fence or enclosure is actually secure.

Keeps small pests out for good:

The holes in chicken wire are big. They might keep chickens in, but they do little to stop smaller animals like snakes, rats, or weasels. These little pests can squeeze right through the gaps. Steel mesh can be made with much smaller holes. This creates a solid barrier that stops mice and other tiny intruders from getting into your garden or under your porch. It blocks the things that chicken wire lets in.

Lasts for years without rusting:

Chicken wire is often just coated with a thin layer of zinc. Leave it outside, and it will start to rust in a year or two. It becomes brittle and breaks apart. Steel mesh used for outdoor projects usually has a heavy duty coating. This protects it from rain and snow. It will look the same years from now as it does today. You put it up once, and you forget about it because you know it will last.

Looks clean and professional:

Let’s be honest, chicken wire looks messy. It sags and warps, and you can never get it to pull tight. It gives any project a temporary, unfinished look. Steel mesh is stiff and flat. You can install it so it looks straight and neat. If you are building a pen or a fence, you want it to look good. Steel mesh gives your work a clean, finished appearance that you can be proud of.