Chicken Wire Buying Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Welcome to our chicken wire buying guide! This guide will provide you with all the information and advice you need before making your purchase. Chicken wire is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as fencing, protecting gardens from pests and animals, building enclosures, and creating decorative elements in crafts. To help you find the best product for your needs, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about chicken wire.

What is chicken wire?

Chicken wire, also called poultry netting, is a type of hexagonal mesh material made from galvanized steel or PVC-coated wire. It comes in various sizes and thicknesses, and is often used for fencing, enclosures, and agricultural applications. The hexagonal mesh pattern allows it to be strong yet flexible enough to conform to a variety of shapes.

What are the different types of chicken wire?

There are two main types of chicken wire: galvanized and PVC-coated. Galvanized chicken wire is made from steel wires that are coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. PVC-coated chicken wire is made from galvanized steel wires covered by a layer of plastic coating, which offers additional strength and protection against weathering.

What is the difference between hardware cloth and chicken wire?

Hardware cloth and chicken wire are both types of mesh material, but they’re designed for different purposes. Hardware cloth is a much tighter weave than chicken wire and is usually made from thicker metal wires. This makes it more rigid, so it’s better suited for applications where strength and rigidity are important, such as fencing or gutter guards. Chicken wire, on the other hand, has a looser weave and is much more flexible. It’s better suited for applications where flexibility and freedom of movement are important, such as enclosures or chicken coops.

What is the size of a standard roll of chicken wire?

The size of a standard roll of chicken wire depends on the type of material and the mesh size. For galvanized chicken wire, a standard roll is typically around 50 feet long and 2 or 3 feet wide. For PVC-coated chicken wire, a standard roll is usually around 25 feet long by 2 or 3 feet wide.

What are the most common applications for chicken wire?

Chicken wire is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of different applications. It’s often used for fencing, enclosures, and animal pens, such as chicken coops. It can also be used to protect gardens from pests or to create decorative elements in crafts.

What gauge chicken wire is best?

The gauge of chicken wire you should use depends on the application. For fencing, a heavier gauge such as 19 or 21 is best. For enclosures and animal pens, a lighter gauge such as 14 to 16 is usually sufficient.

What other materials are used with chicken wire?

Chicken wire can be combined with other materials to create more secure and durable structures. For example, it can be used in conjunction with wood or metal posts to create fences, or it can be combined with mesh fabric to create animal pens.

What are the advantages of using PVC-coated chicken wire over galvanized?

PVC-coated chicken wire offers several benefits over galvanized. It’s more resistant to weathering, making it a better choice for outdoor applications. It also offers additional strength and rigidity, so it’s better suited for heavy-duty applications such as fencing and animal pens.

How do I install chicken wire?

Installing chicken wire is relatively easy, but you should always use the appropriate safety equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, you’ll need to cut the chicken wire to size and attach it to posts or a frame using clips, staples, or ties.

Is chicken wire easy to work with?

Chicken wire is relatively easy to work with compared to other mesh materials. It’s flexible, so it can be bent and shaped to fit a variety of applications. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to transport and install.

What other types of mesh are available?

In addition to chicken wire, there are several other types of mesh available for various applications. Wire cloth is similar to chicken wire but has a much smaller mesh size, making it better suited for small insects or debris. Welded wire mesh is made from thicker wires that are welded together to create a rigid, sturdy material. Expanded metal is an open mesh material with diamond-shaped openings and can be used in applications such as security fencing or sifting screens.

Chicken wire is a versatile and easy-to-use mesh material that can be used for a variety of applications. It’s lightweight, flexible, and available in various gauges, making it well suited for fencing, enclosures, animal pens, and more. When combined with other materials such as wood or metal posts, it can create a secure structure that’s both attractive and durable. There are also several other types of mesh available for different applications, such as wire cloth, welded wire mesh, and expanded metal. No matter what your needs may be, chicken wire is an ideal choice for a wide range of projects.