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