Decorative Wire Fence Systems

Attractive and versatile - a decorative wire fence system can be an excellent choice. With the right fence you can expect years of protection and value. But as with any investment, it pays to do your homework. Wire fence systems come in a range of colors, sizes and styles. Before you buy, spend a little time getting to know what's currently available. That way, you'll get the most value for your money and the right fence for your needs.
 

 

All Decorative Wire fence systems aren't the same
Decorative fence systems have four elements: mesh, framework, fittings and gates. How you combine them makes all the difference. Each of these components are available in a range of weights (gauges) and dual types of protective coatings. Providers can mix and match components in an effort to shave costs or differentiate their product. My minimum recommendations will typically be heavier than those made by other manufacturers. The most common coating is zinc (galvanized) with polyester color coatings applied. This color treatment enhances landscaping and blends naturally with trees, shrubs and bushes. It will also give you even more protection against corrosion or rust.
 

Some just can't handle wear and tear
A light decorative fence system can't take much abuse. The framework may bend easily, the fabric may distort and animals may easily damage it. Even common occurrences, such as a person climbing or sitting on the fence, a heavy wind blowing debris against it or a dog jumping on it may cause damage. Inferior coatings may also allow the components to rust prematurely. Consumers sometimes buy fencing like this because of its lower price, or because they don't understand that all fencing is not the same. The result-a "permanent installation" made from materials that weren't designed for longevity.
 

How to choose a decorative wire fence system mesh

Select your decorative mesh based on these three criteria: gauge of wire, size of mesh and type of protective coating.

Check the gauge
Gauge (ga.) or diameter of wire is one of the most important factors - it helps you how much steel is actually in the mesh. The smaller the gauge number, the more steel, the higher the quality and the stronger the wire. Common gauges are 9, 8, 6 and 4. I would recommend 6 and 4 gauge mesh as best suited for decorative wire fence systems.

Measure the mesh
Mesh size tells you how far apart the vertical wires are in the mesh. And that's another indication of how much steel is in the product. The smaller the vertical distance, the more steel is in the mesh. The largest is 4" and is typically used for residential and light commercial applications. The smaller mesh, 1-3/4" is designed to meet most pool codes and higher security applications.

Consider the coating
Dual surface treatments help protect and beautify decorative wire systems.

  • The first protective coating for decorative mesh is zinc. Zinc is a self-sacrificing element. In other words, it dissipates while protecting the steel. It also offers cathodic protection, which means that if the wire is cut, it "heals" the exposed surface by developing a white oxidation layer that prevents red rust. Typically, mesh has a 1-ounce per square foot of coating. The longevity of the protective coating is directly related to amount of zinc that is applied.
  • Polyester applied in addition to the zinc coating. This provides a second kind of corrosion protection and blends aesthetically with the environment.
Specification applying to the mesh of a decorative wire fence system:
  • ASTM A 641 Standard Specification Zinc-Coated Carbon Steel Wire
  • ASTM A 185 Standard Specification For Weld Wire Fabric

How to choose decorative wire fence system framework

Posts
As with the decorative mesh, you'll want to look at three things when deciding on the framework for your decorative wire fence system: gauge or thickness of the steel, diameter of the square tubing, and the type of protective coating.

Start with the gauge
Gauge (ga.) of the steel is an important factor as it's directly related to the strength of the framework. From lightest to heaviest, common gauges of residential and light commercial fences are 20, 19,18, 17, and 16. All residential and light commercial framework should be made from steel that has minimum yield strength of 45,000 pounds per square inch. Most people tend to ignore tensile strength and concentrate more on the gauge and diameter - but they shouldn't. Most domestic manufacturers comply with minimum tensile strengths; however, some product (typically import) does make its way into the marketplace. A low tensile strength 16 ga. post may not be as strong as a 17 ga. post with proper tensile strength.

Decide on the diameter
Diameter is the width of the square post. It's also a strength factor, because the wider the diameter the more steel is required. The typical diameter is 2" for residential and light commercial fences.

Rails
Most decorative wire fence systems use round tubing. I recommend a roll-formed rail, which is square tubing that provides additional strength compared to round tubing. The gauge of the tubing is also very important. I recommend a minimum of 16 gauge and prefer the roll-form because of the additional strength it provides.

Both square posts and roll-formed rails should have a G 90 galvanized coating and be polyester color-coated to match the mesh.

Application Component Medium Duty
4', 5', 6' High Roll Formed Rails 16 Gauge
  2" Square Line Posts 16 Gauge
  2" Square Terminal Posts 16 Gauge

Specification applying to the decorative wire fence system framework:

  • ASTM A 525 General Requirements for Sheet Steel, Zinc Coated

  • ASTM A 787 Standard Specification for Electric Resistance Welded Metallic Coated Carbon Steel Mechanical Tubing

Fittings hold it all together

You know a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The same applies to a decorative wire fence. All steel fittings such as brackets, nuts and bolts, and gate hardware must be galvanized to prevent corrosion with similar color coatings as the framework and mesh. An item such as the M-clips that attach the mesh inside the rail should also be made from stainless steel. Some manufacturers weld the mesh to their round rails. This means there are spaces between welds that the mesh is not attached to, nor is it inside of the rails. Gate hardware is very important since it affects the operation of the only moving part of the fence. The pintel in the post hinge and receiver of the gate frame hinge must be perfectly round so the gate hangs correctly and doesn't sag. Fittings must be designed for attractive form, good fit, and sound functioning. Some manufacturers of decorative wire fence systems use die cast aluminum fittings for caps and to attach the panels to posts. The result is that there are a lot of what I consider to be sub-standard fittings that are easily broken. Your best assurance is to look for a full system warranty from a reputable manufacturer. One small part rusting can cause unsightly staining on large areas of your fence.

 

Your gate should match your fence

For consistency, the mesh and framework of your gate should be the same as that in your fence. The best type of gate construction for decorative wire systems is galvanized steel ells that have been polyester color-coated to match the mesh and framework.

Steel Fencing - Product Info