Woven Wire vs. Welded Wire: Differences, Types, and Uses - WhyFarmIt.com (2023)

When it comes to wire mesh, you have two options: woven wire or, if you're looking for a heavy-duty mesh, welded wire. Each has its own applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

What is the difference between woven wire and welded wire?Stranded wire consists of interlocking pieces of wire to create a flexible mesh that you can use to fence pastures intended for large livestock. Welded wire is a strong mesh that is welded across cross sections, making it stronger and more durable than woven wire.

When deciding between flexible mesh wire and high tensile welding wire, the choice is not always clear cut. Read more to find out when to use what type of chicken wire and the best way to use it.

Braided cable

Stranded wire, as the name suggests, is a series of metallic wires twisted in a specific pattern to create a mesh sheet with a specific opening size, weave pattern, and wire diameter.

The braided wire is easy to adjust to different needs during the weaving process.

What is a woven wire fence?

Stranded wire fence is a fence made of twisted wire. It is quite flexible and is easy to bend, reshape, twist and pull.

The fence will not collapse under pressure and will withstand high winds or rushing water without breaking. This makes it ideal for filtration and gardening processes.

It is also suitable wire fencing to use in pastures to contain livestock.

Types of stranded wire

Despite the many designs and weave patterns available on the market, woven wire fencing can be divided into these three broad categories.

• Plain chicken wire:One of the simplest twisted wire fences. It follows a basic weaving pattern of warp wires and tubular wires that weave over and under. The end result is a fence with a smooth look and finish.
• Lock-Crimp-Maschendraht:This woven wire follows the same top and bottom weave design that is similar to plain wire mesh but with a twist. At each crossing, the upper wire is hooked around the lower wire to form a latch. These small protrusions make the fence more rigid and secure.
• Intercrimp-Maschendraht:This braid is based on the locking crimp wire braid locking system with an added bulge between the crossings. These strips not only make the fence more stable, but also give it a more attractive appearance.

Woven Wire Gauges

Stranded wire gauges are used to determine the size and diameter of the fence wire.It is a technical categorization system used by industrial workers and those who routinely work with fences and wire.

Indicators use whole numbers like 1, 2, 3, etc. The lower the indicator number, the higher thethicker the wire.For example, 7 gauge measures 0.1770 inches and 14 gauge measures 0.080 inches.

However, there are systems with four wire gauges. These are British, Stubs, American Wire Gauge, and Washburn & Moen. Each system has a different dimension for each gauge.

What is the twisted wire used for?

You can use stranded wire in large pastures or in small gardens and farms.

It is ideal for the control of livestock and large animals, since it is highly visible and presents little risk to the animals themselves.

There is hardly any danger of tripping over it or trying to get out of the case.

You can also use it on small farms for smaller animals like chickens, rabbits, and goats. The flexible mesh allows you to reshape and bend it however you like without breaking it.

Advantages of using stranded wire

The two main benefits of stranded wire are strength and durability. It does not break easily as the locking cables can easily move against wind, water currents or other physical stresses.

It is also very flexible, which is useful when you want to create a secure electric fence or install a temporary protective fence for small plants.

Disadvantages of stranded wire

Stranded wire is quite expensive compared to other types of mesh. The intricate weaving and interlacing comes at a price.

Another disadvantage is the need for a level floor for installation. If the ground is not level, the trellis fence will have gaps that allow small predators to easily enter and exit.

welded wire

Welded wire is a steel wire mesh made by welding the intersections of pieces of wire. There is no flex in the wire openings and welded wire sheet is stronger than its woven wire counterpart.

What is a welded wire fence?

Welded wire fencing uses sheets of welded wire to create strong, rigid fencing. It's a more affordable option for smaller spaces like dog parks, chicken coops, and pet cages.

Welded Wire Types

Welded wire comes in three main types.

• PVC Welded Wire Mesh:This welded wire mesh is PVC powder coated. This protects the fabric from erosion and rust. It also gives the mesh a different color.
• Galvanized Welded Wire Mesh:This fabric is dipped in molten zinc to seal the surface and protect against corrosion. Could beGalvanizedeither before (GBW) or after GAW welding).
• Welded Stainless Steel Wire Mesh:This stainless steel mesh is more durable and has a uniform appearance. It is also the most expensive of the three types of welded mesh.

Welded Wire Gauges

Welded wire gauges are similar to woven wire gauges. Commonly used gauges range from 8.5 to 27.

What is welded wire used for?

Welded wire is a strong and inexpensive way to fence gardens and other similar areas. It is also ideal for building chicken coops and housing for small animals such as rabbits.

It won't come off if some wires break and it can withstand strong wind.

Advantages of using welded wire

Many people prefer to use welded wire over woven wire. Woven wire mesh is easily ripped or weakened when one or more wires in the mesh break.

However, the welded wire retains its integrity and is easy to re-weld if some wires are damaged.

Disadvantages of welded wire

Welded wire fencing is not easy to shape or bend compared to stranded wire. They are solid, which can make them a bit more difficult to bend into certain shapes.

The best applications for wire mesh

You can use wire mesh to fence fields and pastures. It can be easily stretched between fence posts and is ideal for securing large animals.

It can be used to fence gardens, but large openings in the wire are not very effective at keeping out small critters like rabbits.

Best applications for welded wire

Although less flexible and not easier to form, welded wire has many uses in various industries.

It is used in poultry and livestock farming, mining, building protection, agriculture, security housing, decoration, construction and transportation, among others.

Related questions:

How long does a braided wire fence last?

A properly installed, good quality chain link fence can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance and care.

Although chain link fence is made of metal, it is subject to deterioration and damage, which can shorten its lifespan.

How tall should cattle fences be?

Due to their size, cattle and other animals require a fence that isat least4 feet high The bottom of the fence should not be higher than 18 inches from the ground.

Conclution

When it comes to fencing, both woven wire mesh and welded wire mesh have their advantages.

Welded wire fences are cheaper and more stable. They maintain their integrity even if a few wires break.

However, braided wire netting is more malleable and is ideal for fencing pastures.