Choosing Welded Mesh Rolls or Wire Mesh Sheets

There are many advantages and benefits to using both weld mesh rolls and wire mesh sheets for a number of purposes. They are manufactured from by electronically welding bright mild steel wire at each intersection to BS1052 standards. As both welded mesh rolls and sheets are finished with flush edges, they are smooth and safe to use for many purposes, including building runs for chickens and other small animals.

Wire mesh sheets and welded rolls are usually stocked in a number of apertures so that they can be used for a number of different circumstances. For example, a larger aperture such as a 2” square is perfectly acceptable for keeping out dogs, people, or predators such as foxes or badgers. However, a 2” square aperture is far too larger to be able to keep out rodents or small birds. If you are planning to use welded mesh rolls to build a chicken run, it is suggested that you use as small an aperture as possible; to keep out the smallest of rodents or other vermin, a ½ x ½” aperture should be sufficient.

If you are building using wire mesh, and you need a flatter finish, galvanised wire mesh sheets are more advantageous, as rolls are understandably likely to stay in a more curved shape due to being rolled up in storage. Mesh sheets are also easier to use if you will not be fixing them from both sides. Wire mesh sheets are also manufactured from thicker wires, so they are sturdier and more likely to keep their flat shape.

The main benefit of weld mesh rolls is that they are generally better value than mesh sheets. If you need to use larger amounts of welded mesh, rolls understandably come in larger quantities and it is cheaper to buy a roll rather than the equivalent in sheeting. If you need to manipulate your mesh, as welded mesh rolls are only available in under 3mm thicknesses, they make the better option. Mesh sheeting is much harder to bend, hence why it stays flat.

Both welded mesh rolls and sheets are available in numerous finishes in order for them to be suitable for different environments. For mesh that is likely to be in an environment with corrosive elements, stainless steel is better, however, if your main concern is that your wire mesh looks good and will have good longevity, fencing green or black PVC coated wire mesh is more suitable.

For more information on welded mesh rolls, sheeting and other products, you can take a look at the Fine MeshMetals website.