What Is Hardware Cloth?

What Is Hardware Cloth?

Hardware cloth is a mesh material that’s made of woven metal wire in a grid pattern. It’s often used to construct screens or to serve as a component in filtration and separation systems. It is available in many shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. It also comes in a variety of metals – including stainless steel, galvanized varieties, and even aluminum. Some versions are specialized for specific uses or environments.

Depending on the environment and the type of project, different kinds of hardware cloth will be best. For example, stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion than galvanized varieties and may last longer in harsh weather conditions. It’s also less expensive than galvanized steel and more flexible. It’s important to understand the differences between woven and welded versions as well. Woven hardware cloth is made from a weaving machine while welded metal has each intersection of the wires fused together using a welding process.

While some people use it to keep animals and plants in and out of the garden, hardware cloth is also very popular among DIYers. It’s a versatile material that can be used to make all sorts of repairs and projects around the house and in the garden. Some examples include a trellis, fence, and planter. It can even be shaped and bent to form baskets, which can then be filled with plants, tools, or other items.

The most common kind of hardware cloth is made from galvanized steel and can be found at most home improvement stores. It has a heavy zinc coating that makes it durable and resistant to corrosion. Some manufacturers produce specialized types of hardware cloth to suit specific situations or environments. For instance, stainless steel varieties are more resistant to rust and corrosion than galvanized metals and can last for 30 years or more in harsh conditions.

Aside from being durable, hardware cloth is easy to work with. It can be cut using a pair of wire cutters or snips to get the size you need. It can also be fastened with nails, glue, caulk, and other materials. It’s even possible to use zip ties on some types of hardware cloth.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when using hardware cloth is the fact that it must be properly secured. Having it loose can cause it to bend or break, and this can lead to accidents or injury. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to attach and secure it. Hardware cloth is a versatile and inexpensive material that has countless uses in both the home and garden. It’s also a great choice for building projects and reinforcement in concrete foundations. It can also be used to protect livestock and prevent pests from damaging plants or entering buildings. It’s even useful as a fence to keep rodents out of certain areas. However, it’s important to note that only some kinds of hardware cloth will keep mice away. The openings must be small enough to keep them out.