Find out how to estimate how much material is needed with our
Post Hole Concrete Calculator and Project Estimator.

Selecting a Chain-Link Fabric

Select your chain-link fence fabric 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 tells you how much steel is actually in the fabric. The smaller the gauge number, the more steel, the higher the quality and the stronger the wire. 6 gauge is typically for heavy industrial or specialized uses and the lighter gauges are best suited for temporary fencing.

Measure the mesh Mesh size tells you how far apart the parallel wires are in the mesh. And that's another indication of how much steel is in the product. The smaller the diamond, the more steel is in the fabric. Smaller meshes such as 1-3/4" for tennis courts, 1-1/4” for pools and high-security mini meshes of 5/8", 1/2" and 3/8" are also available.

Consider the coating Several types of surface treatments help protect and beautify steel chain-link fabric.

The most common protective coating for chain-link fabric 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.

You'll also find aluminum-coated (aluminized) wire on the market. Aluminum differs from zinc in that it is a barrier coating rather than a sacrificial coating and as a result cut ends, scratches, or other imperfections are prone to red rusting in a short period of time. Aluminized is best suited where esthetics is less important than structural integrity.

Polyvinyl chloride applied in addition to the zinc coating will add colour to your fence. This provides a second kind of corrosion protection and blends aesthetically with the environment.