Choosing a fence for security, visibility and durability is not always straightforward. Chainwire, also called cyclone or chain mesh fencing, stands out for its strength, low maintenance and flexibility, but the details, what gauge to use, which coating suits your area, how it performs for pets, raise plenty of questions. Here are the ones we hear most.
What is chainwire fencing?
Chainwire is made from steel wires woven and interlocked into a diamond-shaped mesh. The wires are bent into a zig-zag so each hooks with its neighbours, which is what forms the diamond pattern, no welding involved. It is used across residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial properties, and the wire can be galvanised or coated in plastic for extra protection. Common heights run from around 900mm up to 3600mm, so it suits everything from a small animal enclosure to a high-security perimeter.
What wire gauges are available?
Gauge is the wire thickness, and a lower number means thicker wire. Common options:
- 6 gauge (about 4.11mm) for commercial security or large-animal enclosures
- 10 gauge (about 3.25mm) for medium-security or robust general use
- 12 gauge (about 2.64mm) for household use or smaller animals
- 14 gauge (about 2.03mm) and lighter for lightweight or temporary use
The heavier the gauge, the stronger the fence and the harder it is to cut or force.
What is selvage and why does it matter?
Selvage is how the top and bottom edges of the mesh are finished.
- Knuckle selvage folds the wire into a rounded edge, the safer choice for homes, schools and animal enclosures.
- Barbed selvage leaves sharp points exposed, used where extra deterrence is wanted on commercial or high-security sites.
Which coating should I choose?
The coating protects the steel from corrosion, and the right one depends on your environment.
- Galvanised. Standard zinc coating in light, medium or heavy. Good for farms, orchards and general use.
- Powder coated (PVC). A plastic coating in a range of colours, suited to pool areas and coastal regions where looks and corrosion resistance both matter.
- Zinc-aluminium (ZA). Stronger corrosion resistance than basic galvanising, for humid or salty spots.
- ZA plus powder coating. Adds colour and a double protective layer for sites exposed to both weather and chemicals.
- Stainless steel. Highest corrosion resistance and longest life, for harsh or coastal environments. The dearest option.
There is a fuller explanation in our chainwire coatings guide.
How much maintenance does it need?
Very little. To clean it, use a wire brush with detergent and warm water to lift dirt and buildup. Beyond that, check periodically for:
- tree roots or branches pushing into the fence
- soil shifting or water pooling around the posts
- rust at joins or fasteners where a coating has been damaged
Is chainwire safe for animals?
Yes, it is widely used on farms, in kennels and at home. Built with the right height, spacing and gauge, it keeps pets in and larger predators out. For small animals like rabbits or chickens, use a tighter mesh with smaller gaps. For bigger animals like dogs or goats, choose a heavier gauge and stronger posts. PVC coatings give a smoother surface where animals brush against the mesh and help resist damage from digging.
Can I customise the fence?
Chainwire is highly customisable. You can adjust the mesh height, the wire gauge, the colour (if powder coated), the post type and spacing, and add security features like barbed or razor tops and extended-height panels. You can also set it on a concrete plinth for animals or sloped ground, mount it to a concrete wall, or combine it with other fencing styles on a mixed-use site.
Is it a good option for security?
Yes. The open mesh makes it easy to see both sides of the fence, and a heavier gauge with height and a barbed top is a strong deterrent. It is used at warehouses, utility stations, car yards, schools, construction sites and council properties. Add-ons like anti-climb brackets, sensor cabling and lockable gates lift protection further where needed.
Can it be used on sloped or uneven ground?
Yes. Chainwire follows the contour of the land with angled mesh and stepped posts. On steep ground, the mesh is cut and overlapped between panels to avoid gaps underneath, which suits rural land, sports ovals and irregular boundaries. A concrete plinth or mesh extended below ground level stops animals digging under.
How long will it last?
A well-installed chainwire fence with a proper coating lasts around 15 to 30 years, depending on the environment, maintenance and the quality of the installation. Galvanised fences inland can run for decades comfortably, while coastal or chemical-exposed sites do better with zinc-aluminium or stainless finishes.
How is it installed?
In short: the posts are set into concrete footings, the mesh is stretched taut between them, and tensioning clips and top rails lock it all in place. Chainwire can stretch slightly over time, which needs allowing for during measurement. It is heavy, awkward work for one person, so most people have a fencer do it rather than fight it themselves.
Choosing the right fence
The right chainwire fence depends on what you need it to do: keep animals in, keep people out, or stand up to the weather without constant attention. The wrong gauge or coating leads to early wear and extra repairs. We have installed fencing for homes, councils and commercial sites across New South Wales since 2004, so if you tell us what the fence is for and where it is going, we will help you land on the right height, mesh and coating for the job. For the full spec breakdown, see choosing the right chainwire fencing.