Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Metal Welded Wire Fence
14 gauge black PVC coated welded wire (1.5-inch x 4-inch)
Metal welded wire fencing serves multiple purposes, including deer and rodent exclusion, securing pets and children, pool safety, and livestock containment. We offer a wide selection of black PVC-coated welded wire fences in various heights (2 ft to 8 ft), gauges, and grid patterns.
Our fences are made from galvanized welded wire with a protective black PVC coating, ensuring durability and longevity. Designed for strength and reliability, they are also virtually invisible, blending seamlessly into landscapes.
What Are the Benefits of a Metal Deer Fence?
Strong & Durable: Tear-resistant and chew-proof for unmatched protection.
Long-Lasting: Galvanized and PVC-coated for rust resistance, lasting 20–30 years.
Low Visibility: Blends into surroundings, becoming nearly invisible from a distance.
Versatile Installation: Adapts to hills, trees, and rock walls with ease.
Minimal Maintenance: Remains taut with tension cables and requires little upkeep.
Aesthetic Appeal: Provides a clean, professional look with a simple post-and-sleeve design.
What Is Galvanized Metal Fencing?
Galvanization involves applying a protective zinc coating to metal fencing, shielding it from moisture and rust.
Types of Galvanization:
Hot-Dip Galvanization: A thick, durable coating for outdoor fencing.
Electro-Galvanization: A thinner coating suitable for lighter applications.
Key Benefits:
Long-term corrosion resistance
Self-healing properties for minor scratches
Low maintenance with no chipping or peeling
Enhanced durability with optional PVC coating
What is Welded Wire Fencing?
Welded wire fencing consists of steel wires arranged in a grid and welded at intersections.
Advantages:
Rigid, sag-resistant structure
Various grid sizes and gauges for different applications
High visibility with black PVC coating
Easy installation with tensioning systems
Common Uses:
Deer and garden protection
Pet and livestock enclosures
Pool safety barriers
Security fencing
Why Is the Fence PVC-Coated?
PVC coating extends the life of metal fencing by adding:
Corrosion Resistance: Protects against rust and moisture.
Impact Absorption: Withstands animal impact and falling debris.
Temperature Resistance: Durable in extreme weather conditions.
Smooth Finish: Safe for animals and people.
What Is Gauge?
Gauge measures wire thickness—the lower the number, the thicker the wire.
Gauge is a measurement of thickness, commonly used to describe the thickness of wire, tension cable, and pipe walls in fencing materials. The lower number, the thicker and stronger the material.
For example, our 14-gauge fence is our strongest, with a thick wire core. Once coated, its total thickness increases to 12 gauge. By comparison, our 19-gauge welded wire is thinner, and after coating, it measures 17 gauge. You can see the difference in the photos below.
Recommended Fence Gauges for Deer Fencing:
14-gauge welded wire is the strongest and most durable for long-term deer exclusion.
19-gauge welded wire is lighter and more flexible but still effective for garden protection and lower-pressure areas.
Another way to visualize gauge is with the chart below. The thickest wire is on the left, corresponding to the smallest number. As the numbers get higher, the wire gets thinner.
How Do You Maintain a Metal Deer Fence?
Minimal upkeep is required, thanks to the fence’s durability and weather resistance.
Routine Maintenance Tips:
Clear Vegetation: Remove overgrowth to reduce strain on the fence.
Inspect for Damage: Check posts and bracing and patch or replace and damaged fence sections if needed.
Check Hardware: Replace old zip ties and keep tension cables tight.
Prevent Rust: Apply a sealant to any exposed metal.
Maintain Gates: Check gates are in tack. Lubricate hinges and ensure smooth operation.
Maintenance Checklist:
✔ Remove overgrowth & debris
✔ Tighten tension cables
✔ Inspect posts & zip ties
✔ Ensure fence is flush with ground
✔ Apply rust sealant if needed
✔ Check gates for smooth operation
What Are the Best Uses for Metal Fencing?
Metal fencing is a durable solution for a range of applications.
Vacation home on a lake in New York with a metal deer fence, installed by The Benner Deer Fence Co.
1. Deer Exclusion
Ideal for high-traffic deer areas, vacation homes, and locations with rodent populations.
Recommended for areas near roads, trails, or properties with dogs.
New England summer garden protected by Benner Deer Fence Company, installed by homeowners.
2. Garden & Rodent Protection
Works alone or in combination with hardware cloth or poly fencing.
Check out our blog on our favorite garden fences:
Chew guard fence (1” x 1” black PVC coated welded wire) used for deer and rodent protection in small garden with a wooden frame, installed by homeowner.
3. Chew Guard Protection
19 gauge, 1” x 1” welded wire prevents rodent damage to poly fences.
Install on the outside and flare outward to deter digging.
Ben and Maxey, enjoying their freedom inside in their metal dog fence.
4. Dog Fencing
Best Options:
2” x 4” Welded Wire: Strong, chew-resistant, high visibility.
1” x 1” Welded Wire: Ideal for small dogs.
Combo Fence (Metal + Poly): Metal base with poly top for added height and a climbing deterrent.
Lockable Gates: Consider keeping gates locked.
📌 Installation Tips:
Keep fencing taut and use tension cables.
Bury or flare fencing 6–12 inches to prevent digging.
Install fence on the inside of posts for added strength.
Happy hens enjoys their spacious Benner Deer Fence Co. metal chicken run, complete with a cozy coop.
5. Chicken Pens & Livestock Containment
Protects animals from predators with strong, chew-proof barriers.
Best Options:
1” x 1” or 1/2” x 1/2” Welded Wire: For coop walls and lower fencing.
2” x 4” Welded Wire: Great for larger chicken runs.
Hardware Cloth: Ideal for windows, vents, and to secure lower sections.
📌 Installation Tips:
Bury fencing 6–12 inches to block burrowing predators.
Cover the top to deter aerial threats.
Is Metal Fencing Easy to Install?
Yes! Our welded wire fencing can be installed by one or two people without heavy machinery.
Installation Methods:
One Single Fence for the Full-Height Fence: Install a single fence that reaches the desired height to prevent deer and other animals from jumping over.
Flared Bottom: Install a taller fence than the height of the posts and extend the bottom outward to prevent digging and fence lifting.
Poly & Metal Combo: Use a full-height polypropylene fence and add metal chew guard fencing along the bottom, flaring it out. This method provides extra protection against small animals with the added benefit of a smaller grid opening to prevent intrusion.
Trenching Chew Guard: Buried chew guard or hardware cloth stops burrowing animals. This is particularly effective for garden fences but can be applied to other situations.
Add Horizontal Tension Cable Above the Fence: Install taller posts than the fence height and run horizontal tension cables above the fence for added protection. This is useful for locations where additional height is needed in some sections but not the entire perimeter.
📌 Pro Tips:
Follow natural terrain by cutting and refastening fencing on slopes.
On hills, keep post spacing tighter and allow extra fence material for each cut to create overlap for reattachment. We recommend running sections of 8 to 30 feet between cuts—flatter areas can accommodate longer sections, while uneven terrain requires closer post spacings. This technique enhances overall fence strength, simplifies maintenance or replacement, and ensures your installation remains secure even on challenging landscapes.
In high-wind or snow-prone areas, add bracing for extra stability.
Checkout our detailed instructions + videos online, plus a downloadable, printable guide.
By choosing our high-quality metal welded wire fencing, you’re investing in a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for securing your property, protecting animals, and maintaining aesthetic appeal. Contact us for expert guidance on selecting the best fence for your needs!