Wire Mesh
Wire Mesh Size Chart & Selection Guide
Covers hex netting, chicken wire, and knitted wire mesh — dimensions, wire diameters, and which type fits which application.
Wire Mesh Types Compared
Three distinct constructions serve different load, opening, and flexibility requirements. Select the card that matches your end use.
Hex Netting
Hexagonal Wire Mesh
A rigid hexagonal pattern mesh manufactured from galvanized or PVC-coated wire. The geometric structure provides excellent dimensional stability and even load distribution across the mesh face.
- •Common openings: 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2"
- •Wire gauge: 20–27 ga depending on opening
- •Galvanized or PVC-coated finish
Best for
- ✓Insulation blanket hold-down
- ✓Mastic reinforcement
- ✓Small animal guard
- ✓Erosion control
- ✓Stucco reinforcement
Chicken Wire
Poultry Netting
A twisted hex weave constructed with lighter gauge wire than standard hex netting. The twisted intersections (not welded) give it flexibility and make it easy to handle, but less rigid than heavier hex netting.
- •Common openings: 1" and 2" hex
- •Wire gauge: 19 ga and 22 ga
- •Roll widths: 24", 36", 48", 60"
Best for
- ✓Garden fencing
- ✓Poultry enclosures
- ✓Light guards
- ✓Decorative projects
- ✓Temporary containment
Knitted Wire Mesh
Interlocked Loop Construction
Manufactured from interlocked wire loops rather than welded intersections. This gives knitted mesh exceptional flexibility and compressibility, along with a high void volume suited for filtration and vibration damping.
- •Mesh count: 3–10 mesh (or wire diameter 0.006"–0.020")
- •Materials: SS304, galvanized, monel
- •Highly flexible — conforms to curved surfaces
Best for
- ✓Vibration damping
- ✓Gas/liquid filtration
- ✓Insulation blanket inner liner
- ✓Industrial noise reduction
- ✓Mist eliminators
Hex Netting Size Reference
Standard galvanized hex netting dimensions. Custom gauges and coatings available on request.
| Hex Opening | Wire Gauge | Wire Diameter | Typical Roll Width | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 27 ga | 0.016" | 24", 36", 48" | Insulation blankets, fine guard |
| 3/4" | 25 ga | 0.020" | 36", 48", 60" | Mastic reinforcement, erosion |
| 1" | 22 ga | 0.028" | 36", 48", 60", 72" | General purpose, stucco lath |
| 1-1/2" | 20 ga | 0.035" | 48", 60", 72" | Animal guard, light containment |
| 2" | 20 ga | 0.035" | 48", 60", 72", 84" | Poultry, garden, trellis support |
Knitted Wire Mesh Reference
Knitted mesh is specified by mesh count (openings per inch) or wire diameter. Dimensions below are typical — exact specs vary by manufacturer lot.
| Mesh Count | Approx Opening | Wire Dia | Material Options | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4 mesh | 0.22"–0.31" | 0.020" | SS, galv | Coarse filtration, vibration damping |
| 6 mesh | 0.13" | 0.014"–0.016" | SS, monel | Mist eliminator, insulation liner |
| 8–10 mesh | 0.08"–0.10" | 0.011"–0.014" | SS304 | Fine filtration, lab, pharmaceutical |
How to Specify Wire Mesh
Three parameters are required to fully define a wire mesh product. Omitting any one often leads to the wrong product being quoted.
Opening Size
State the hex opening in fractional inches (e.g., 1/2", 1") for hex netting, or the mesh count per inch for knitted mesh (e.g., 6 mesh).
Wire Diameter
Specify gauge (e.g., 20 ga) or decimal diameter (e.g., 0.035"). Both are acceptable — decimal is preferred for precision applications.
Material / Coating
Galvanized (standard), PVC-coated, stainless steel 304/316, or monel. Material affects corrosion life, temperature rating, and food-grade suitability.
Roll width and cut length are additional variables not captured above. Standard stock widths are listed in the tables. Contact American Wire Works for custom cut lengths or non-standard widths.
Wire Mesh Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between hex netting and chicken wire?+
Hex netting is heavier gauge and more rigid, with wire that is firmly interlocked at the nodes. Chicken wire is a lighter twisted hex weave — the wire is twisted at the intersections rather than welded — making it better for containment and garden use than for structural or industrial applications.
What wire mesh is used for insulation blankets?+
Knitted stainless steel or galvanized mesh (6–8 mesh count, 0.011"–0.016" wire diameter) is used as the inner liner of insulation blankets. The exterior hold-down layer is typically 1/2" or 3/4" hex netting in galvanized or stainless steel.
What gauge is standard chicken wire?+
The most common chicken wire gauges are 19 ga (0.041" wire) and 22 ga (0.028" wire), available in 1" and 2" hex openings. 19 ga is the heavier option for more durable applications; 22 ga is the lighter economy choice for temporary or garden use.
Can I get wire mesh cut to custom lengths?+
Yes. American Wire Works supplies wire mesh in custom roll widths and cut lengths. Contact us to discuss your specific dimensions and we will confirm availability and lead time.
Need Wire Mesh for Your Project?
American Wire Works stocks hex netting, chicken wire, and knitted wire mesh. Tell us your opening size, gauge, and material — we will quote custom widths and lengths.