Kumar IronUpdated
In this guide
Grid size and wire diameter
Welded mesh is described by two numbers: the opening (the grid spacing, such as 50 mm x 50 mm) and the wire diameter. A smaller opening with a thicker wire is harder to cut, climb or push through. A larger opening with a thin wire is lighter and cheaper, but gives less security.
Gauge numbers differ between suppliers and countries, so always ask for the wire diameter in mm. For reference, 12 SWG is about 2.64 mm, and 8 SWG is about 4.06 mm (see the GI wire gauge chart).
| Grid opening | Wire diameter seen in listings | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mm x 50 mm | about 2 mm (Indian listing, galvanised); about 3.9 mm (UK heavy 8 gauge) | Security panels, gates, window guards, poultry and dairy yards |
| 75 mm x 75 mm | about 2 mm (Indian listing, galvanised, 4 ft wide) | Boundaries, compounds, general fencing and light gates |
| 100 mm x 100 mm | not verified, check with supplier | Light fencing and open boundaries |
| Any grid, 12 SWG | 2.64 mm | Light to medium duty |
| Any grid, 8 SWG | about 4.06 mm | Heavy duty, gate panels and where strength is critical |
Panel and roll sizes
Indian listings for welded mesh commonly show rolls or sheets about 4 ft (1.22 m) wide. UK sheets are typically 1220 mm x 2440 mm (4 ft x 8 ft). Ask the store which width and length they carry, because a gate or window panel is easier to cut from a standard sheet.
Tell the supplier the opening size you want, the wire diameter and the finished width and height of the panel. Cut edges will need a light rub with a file and a coat of zinc paint to protect the exposed zinc.
Galvanised or black mesh
- Galvanised: zinc coated, so it resists rust outdoors and in damp or dairy areas. The usual choice for fencing, gates and poultry.
- Black (plain) mesh: cheaper, but it rusts quickly unless painted. Use it only for indoor or dry places, and paint it with a primer and enamel.
- PVC coated galvanised mesh: plastic over the zinc, neater and better in damp places. It costs more.
- Galvanised parts that are welded or cut lose their zinc at the joint. Repair the joint with zinc-rich paint after welding.
Fixing to gate and window frames
Mesh should be held flat and taut inside the frame, not loose. For a gate, use a steel angle or flat bar frame, and fix the mesh to the frame by tack welding at regular points, or by clamping it with flat strips and bolts. Nails and thin wire will pull out under wind and pushing.
For windows and jaali-style guards, make a small frame of flat bar, then fix the mesh inside it. Keep the frame square, and fix the frame to the wall with proper anchors. Paint the frame after fixing, so the joints are protected too. The frame size and steel section are a separate choice, so see the MS angle weight chart linked below.
- Keep mesh flat against the frame and avoid sharp bends at the edges.
- Fix the mesh at regular intervals around the edges, closer together on a gate that takes pushing. The fabricator should set the spacing.
- Let the frame take the weight, not the mesh alone.
Mesh for concrete vs fencing
Mesh used inside concrete for slabs and plaster is a different job, and it is covered by a separate standard, IS 1566 for hard drawn steel wire fabric. A supplier guide says IS 4948 covers general welded mesh, such as fencing. Check the current editions with the supplier before quoting the standard on a bill. The concrete mesh guide linked below covers slabs and plaster.
What to ask when buying
- The opening size, the wire diameter in mm, and the galvanising or PVC coating.
- The sheet or roll width and length, and the weight per sheet if you are transporting it.
- Whether the mesh is galvanised before or after welding, if your job needs maximum rust protection.
- A sample, if the job is large or the gate must be secure.
Tell us the job
Tell us the gate or window size, what it must keep out, and whether it is outdoor or indoor. We will suggest a grid and wire size. Prices of mesh change with the mill, so call or WhatsApp the store for the current rate.
Frequently asked questions
- Which mesh size is best for a gate?
- A 50 mm grid with a thicker wire, on a steel frame, is a common choice for security. Confirm with the supplier.
- What is the difference between 12 gauge and 8 gauge mesh?
- 12 SWG is about 2.64 mm, and 8 SWG is about 4.06 mm. The 8 gauge is heavier and stronger.
- Should I use galvanised or black mesh?
- Galvanised for outdoor, damp or dairy places. Black mesh is cheaper but needs paint and rusts sooner.
- How do I fix mesh to a gate frame?
- Keep it flat and taut, and tack weld or clamp it with flat strips and bolts. Do not rely on nails or thin wire.