Welded vs Chain-Link vs Woven Fencing
The three dominant fencing constructions suit different priorities. Welded mesh is rigid and neat, giving a panel-like appearance ideal for security and ornamental garden use. Chain-link (diamond mesh) is flexible, economical and forgiving over uneven ground, making it the default for large boundaries and sports enclosures. Woven stock and field fence (often hinge-joint or high-tensile) is the agricultural choice for containing livestock. See our welded vs woven comparison for the trade-offs.
| Type | Best for | Rigidity | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welded mesh panel | Security, garden, ornamental | High (rigid panels) | Medium |
| Chain-link | Boundaries, sports, large runs | Low (flexible) | Low |
| Woven field/stock | Livestock, agricultural | Medium | Low–medium |
Coatings: Galvanised vs PVC-Coated
Bare mild steel rusts quickly outdoors, so fencing mesh is almost always protected. Hot-dip galvanised gives a durable zinc layer suitable for most environments. PVC-coated mesh (galvanised then plastic-coated, commonly green or black) adds corrosion resistance and a softer finish for gardens and animal contact. For coastal or aggressive sites, consider stainless. Our galvanised vs PVC-coated guide covers lifespan trade-offs.
Typical Aperture & Wire Gauge by Use
Aperture (hole size) controls what the fence keeps out, while wire gauge controls strength and rigidity. The values below are common industry conventions, not vendor-specific. Use our spec converter to translate gauge to millimetres.
| Use case | Typical aperture | Typical wire gauge | Common coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden / boundary | 25–50mm | 16–14 SWG (1.6–2.0mm) | PVC or galvanised |
| Security perimeter | 12.5–50mm | 12–8 SWG (2.6–4.0mm) | Galvanised |
| Agricultural / stock | 100–200mm | 12.5 HT–8 SWG | Galvanised |
| Chain-link boundary | 50mm diamond | 12–10 SWG (2.5–3.2mm) | Galvanised / PVC |
Gauge to Millimetre Reference (SWG)
Fencing wire is still widely specified in Standard Wire Gauge (SWG). Because gauge numbers run inversely to thickness, a lower number means thicker, stronger wire. The conversions below are standard SWG values.
| SWG | Diameter (mm) | Typical fencing use |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4.06 | Heavy security / framing |
| 10 | 3.25 | Chain-link, robust panels |
| 12 | 2.64 | General welded panel |
| 14 | 2.03 | Garden / light mesh |
| 16 | 1.63 | Light decorative / aviary |
Choosing the Right Fence
- Match aperture to the smallest thing you must contain or exclude (children's fingers, small pets, livestock).
- Pick gauge for the load: climbing animals and impact need thicker wire.
- Choose coating for the environment: PVC for gardens and animal contact, hot-dip galvanised for general outdoor, stainless near coasts.
- Allow for posts and tensioning — flexible meshes need straining wire and corner bracing.
- Check total weight for transport and fixing using our weight calculator.
For child- and pet-safe fencing, a 50mm welded aperture stops most animals while a sub-25mm aperture prevents small paws and fingers passing through. Smaller apertures cost more per square metre.