Black Vinyl Coated Hardware Cloth (also known as Black Hardware Cloth) is a robust wire mesh featuring a uniform PVC (vinyl) or epoxy coating applied over a galvanized steel core.
Black Vinyl Coated Hardware Cloth (also known as Black Hardware Cloth) is a robust wire mesh featuring a uniform PVC (vinyl) or epoxy coating applied over a galvanized steel core. This dual-layer construction delivers exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, and a low-profile aesthetic, making it ideal for light fencing, screening, gardening, construction, and industrial applications.
Features:
Superior Corrosion Resistance: Dual-layer protection is key:
Galvanized Steel Core: Base zinc protection (electro-galvanized or hot-dipped).
Thick PVC/Vinyl Coating: Impermeable barrier against moisture, chemicals, salt, soil acids, and weather. Vastly outperforms plain galvanized mesh in harsh environments.
Enhanced Durability & Longevity: PVC coating adds significant abrasion resistance, protecting against scratches and wear during handling, installation, and use. Sunlight proof (UV resistant) coating resists cracking, chipping, fading, and weathering due to its tight bond to the wire.
Aesthetic Appeal & Discreetness: Matte black finish offers a clean, professional look that blends into landscapes, gardens, and architecture (most popular vinyl coating color).
Strength & Rigidity: Retains the inherent strength of the underlying woven or welded steel wire mesh.
Safety: Coating covers sharp cut wire ends, reducing injury risk (gloves still recommended).
Long Service Life: Engineered for extended performance in demanding conditions.
Specifications:
Material & Construction:
Core Wire: Galvanized Steel Wire (Electro-Galvanized or Hot-Dipped Galvanized)
Coating: Durable PVC (Vinyl) or Epoxy Polymer Coating (Black Standard)
Mesh Types: Woven Wire / Twisted Mesh or Welded Wire Fabric
Opening Shapes: Primarily Square or Rectangular (Hexagonal also available)
Standard Specifications (Welded Mesh Common Examples):
Mesh Opening | Wire Gauge (BWG) | Common Applications |
1/4" x 1/4" | 23 | Fine screening, pest exclusion |
3/8" x 3/8" | 19, 20, 21, 22 | Small animal cages, finer screening |
1/2" x 1/2" | 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 | Very Common: Gardens (gopher proofing), compost, general screening |
3/4" x 3/4" | 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 | Rabbit fencing, larger compost bins |
1" x 1/2" | 16, 17, 18, 19 | Common: Trellising, fencing |
1" x 1" | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 | Very Common: General fencing, animal pens, stucco lath, machine guards |
1" x 2" | 14, 15, 16 | Common: Fencing, partitions, tree protection |
2" x 2" | 14, 15, 16, 18 | Common: Fencing, tree cages, larger enclosures |
1-1/2" x 4" / 2" x 4" | 14 | Heavy-duty fencing, barriers |
Gauge Note: Lower BWG number = Thicker wire. E.g., BWG 14 is thicker than BWG 16.
Common Workhorse Gauges:
16 Gauge: Very frequently used for 1/2"x1/2", 1/2"x1", and 1"x1" mesh.
14 Gauge: Commonly used for 1"x1", 1"x2", 2"x2", 1-1/2"x4", and 2"x4" mesh (offers higher strength).
Customization & Supply:
Available Forms: Supplied in rolls or cut-to-size pieces.
Customization Options:
Coating Color (Black standard, others available)
Wire Gauge (BWG)
Mesh Opening Size & Shape (Square, Rectangular, Hexagonal)
Roll Dimensions (Length & Width)
Piece/Cut Sizes
Samples: Cut strips/pieces available for most products. Full-sized samples available upon request for special types.
Applications:
Gardening & Landscaping: Plant supports/trellises, compost bins, root barriers, soil sifting, bulb/root protection.
Pest & Animal Exclusion: Rodent proofing vents/foundations, under-deck skirting, chicken coops/animal pens, beehive fencing.
Construction & Building: Stucco netting/lath (over foam), gutter guards, reinforcement.
Industrial & Utility: Machine guards, safety barriers, screens, filters, partitions, enclosures.
Light Fencing & Screening: Decorative fencing, privacy screens, room dividers.
Crafts & DIY Projects: Sculpture armatures, custom screens.
Black Vinyl Coated Hardware Cloth combines galvanized steel strength with exceptional PVC protection for superior corrosion resistance, durability, safety, and a discreet black finish. Its versatility spans gardening, pest control, animal husbandry, construction (especially stucco lath), light fencing, screening, and industrial uses. Available in standard sizes (like the popular 16 Gauge welded mesh with 1/2"x1/2", 1/2"x1", and 1"x1" openings) or fully customized, it's the optimal solution for long-term performance in demanding environments where both function and aesthetics matter.