CHAIN LINK FABRIC AND MESH
Chain Link Fabric and Mesh. Specify It Right from the Start.
Chain link fabric is the woven wire material that forms the principal surface of a chain link fence.
To select the correct product, identify the required height, mesh opening, wire diameter or gauge, finish, selvage and roll length.
CerKa Fence Supply helps contractors, fence installers, builders and property owners source chain link fabric for residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and institutional projects.
Already have a specification or material list?
What Is Chain Link Fabric?
Chain link fabric is manufactured by weaving steel wires into an interconnected diamond pattern.
Unlike a rigid welded wire panel, the wires are not welded at each intersection. The woven construction creates a flexible fabric that is stretched and secured to the supporting posts and framework.
Chain link fabric is also commonly described as:
- Chain link mesh
- Diamond mesh
- Wire mesh fencing
- Woven wire fence
- Chain wire fencing
- Chain link fence fabric
A complete chain link fence also requires posts, rail, tension components, fittings, ties, gates and any selected privacy or security accessories.
How to Specify Chain Link Fabric
A complete chain link fabric description should identify:
1. Fabric Height
The vertical height of the chain link fabric.
2. Mesh Opening
The dimensions of the diamond-shaped opening.
3. Wire Diameter or Gauge
The thickness of the wire used to weave the fabric.
4. Finish or Coating
The protective finish applied to the wire.
5. Selvage
The way the wire ends are finished at the top and bottom edges.
6. Roll Length
The amount of fabric supplied in each roll.
7. Quantity
The number of rolls or total linear footage required.
A recommended ordering format is:
[Height] × [Mesh Size] × [Wire Diameter or Gauge] × [Finish] × [Selvage] × [Roll Length]
Do not order fabric using only the fence height or total footage.
Understanding Mesh Size
Mesh size describes the opening formed by the woven wires.
It is generally identified by measuring the clear distance between parallel wires forming the diamond. The applicable manufacturer’s measurement method should always be confirmed.
Common industry mesh descriptions may include:
- 2-inch mesh
- 1 3/4-inch mesh
- 1 1/4-inch mesh
- 1-inch mesh
- 3/4-inch mesh
- 5/8-inch mesh
- 1/2-inch mesh
- Other project-specific openings
These examples are provided for general product education and do not represent guaranteed CerKa inventory.
Available mesh sizes must be confirmed when requesting a quotation.
How Mesh Size Affects the Fence
Larger Mesh Openings
Larger diamond openings are commonly associated with general residential and commercial chain link applications.
They may provide:
- Open visibility
- Lower fabric weight than some close-mesh configurations
- Compatibility with common chain link fittings
- Potential compatibility with selected privacy slats
Smaller Mesh Openings
Smaller openings may be considered when a project requires:
- Reduced opening size
- Different security characteristics
- Greater containment
- Project-specific recreational use
- Restricted passage of objects
- A particular specification
Smaller mesh may require different:
- Tension components
- Framework
- Gate infill
- Installation methods
- Wire specifications
- Project review
Mesh size alone does not determine the strength or security level of a chain link fence.
Understanding Wire Gauge
Wire gauge is a traditional way of describing wire thickness.
In many commonly used wire-gauge systems, a lower gauge number indicates a thicker wire. However, gauge terminology can vary according to the measurement system, coating and manufacturer.
A quotation may refer to:
- Core wire diameter
- Finished wire diameter
- Gauge before coating
- Gauge after coating
- Nominal wire diameter
- Actual measured wire diameter
When comparing products, confirm the actual wire diameter and applicable standard rather than relying only on the gauge number.
CerKa should not publish a gauge-to-diameter conversion unless it is supported by the applicable supplier’s technical documentation.
Core Wire vs. Finished Diameter
This distinction is especially important for coated chain link fabric.
Core Wire Diameter
The diameter of the steel wire before an additional polymer or colour coating is applied.
Finished Diameter
The total diameter of the wire after the coating is applied.
Two products described using the same finished diameter may not necessarily have the same steel core diameter.
When requesting coated chain link fabric, confirm:
- Steel core diameter
- Finished wire diameter
- Coating material
- Coating thickness
- Applicable specification
- Manufacturer documentation
Selecting Fabric for the Application
Residential Chain Link Fabric
Residential projects may prioritize:
- Property boundaries
- Pet containment
- Visibility
- Appearance
- Gate access
- Privacy compatibility
- Colour options
- Local requirements
Commercial Chain Link Fabric
Commercial properties may require:
- A different wire specification
- Greater fence height
- Specific mesh openings
- Matching commercial framework
- Vehicle gates
- Privacy products
- Security accessories
Industrial Chain Link Fabric
Industrial projects may specify:
- Heavier wire
- Smaller mesh
- Increased height
- Security selvage
- Security extensions
- Heavier framework
- Controlled-access gates
- Project documentation
Recreational and Institutional Fabric
Schools, parks, courts and sports facilities may require:
- Project-specific mesh
- Increased fence height
- Player and public safety considerations
- Impact considerations
- Specialized gates
- Backstop or overhead systems
A general chain link product should not be represented as suitable for a regulated, athletic or higher-security application without confirming the complete project specification.
Chain Link Fabric Finishes
The wire finish affects appearance, corrosion protection and compatibility with the rest of the fence system.
Galvanized Chain Link Fabric
Galvanized fabric uses a zinc coating to help protect the steel wire from corrosion.
Product documentation should identify, where applicable:
- Galvanizing method
- Zinc coating weight
- Core wire diameter
- Finished wire diameter
- Applicable specification
- Warranty
Terms such as galvanized before weaving or galvanized after weaving should only be used when confirmed by the supplier.
Colour-Coated Chain Link Fabric
Colour-coated fabric uses a protective coloured layer over the wire.
When specifying a coated fabric, confirm:
- Steel core diameter
- Finished wire diameter
- Coating material
- Colour
- Mesh size
- Fabric height
- Warranty
- Matching framework and fittings
Common industry colours may include black, green, brown and other manufacturer options.
CerKa should only display colours that can currently be supplied.
Other Metallic Coatings
Other project-specific metallic coating systems may be available from certain suppliers.
Their composition, coating weight, appearance and compatibility must be confirmed from technical documentation.
Coordinating Fabric and Framework Finishes
The chain link fabric, framework, fittings and gates should be selected as a coordinated system.
When matching finishes, consider:
- Fabric colour
- Post and rail finish
- Gate-frame finish
- Tension bar finish
- Band and fitting finish
- Tie-wire finish
- Fastener finish
- Environmental exposure
- Project appearance
Some small working parts or fasteners may have a different finish from the principal fabric and framework.
The final material list should clearly identify each component finish.
Understanding Chain Link Selvage
Selvage describes how the wire ends are finished along the top and bottom edges of the fabric.
Knuckle-Knuckle — KK
The wire ends are folded over into rounded knuckles at both the top and bottom.
This configuration may be considered where exposed wire points are not desired.
Knuckle-Twist — KT
One edge is finished with knuckles and the opposite edge uses twisted wire ends.
The required top and bottom orientation must be identified.
Twist-Twist — TT
Both edges use twisted wire ends.
Twisted ends create exposed wire points and may be considered for selected security applications.
The appropriate selvage depends on:
- Fence height
- Property type
- Public access
- Child and pet safety
- Security requirements
- Top-rail configuration
- Privacy products
- Project specification
Do not specify twisted selvage solely for appearance. Its safety and legal suitability must be reviewed.
Top and Bottom Orientation
When fabric uses different selvage treatments at each edge, the quotation and installation plan should identify which edge is installed at the top.
For example, a knuckle-twist fabric may be installed with:
- Knuckle at the bottom and twist at the top
- Another approved project-specific orientation
The proper orientation depends on:
- Fence height
- Safety requirements
- Security requirements
- Accessibility
- Project specifications
The installer must follow the approved product and project requirements.
Fabric Height
Chain link fabric is available in different heights depending on the manufacturer and product specification.
The required height should be determined according to:
- Property type
- Intended use
- Security requirements
- Privacy requirements
- Gate height
- Top and bottom clearances
- Terrain
- Local requirements
- Project specifications
The stated fabric height should not automatically be interpreted as the final installed fence height.
Ground clearance, top attachments, rail position and installation conditions can affect the finished system.
Roll Length and Packaging
Chain link fabric is typically supplied in rolls, but roll length, packaging and weight can vary.
Before ordering, confirm:
- Fabric height
- Roll length
- Fabric specification
- Quantity of rolls
- Approximate roll weight
- Packaging method
- Handling requirements
- Pickup or delivery requirements
A roll should not be described as a standard length until the specific supplier’s packaging has been confirmed.
Partial-roll availability must also be confirmed.
Fabric Tensioning Components
Chain link fabric must be correctly tensioned and connected to the framework.
Required components may include:
Tension Bars
A tension bar passes vertically through the final fabric diamonds at a terminal post.
Tension Bands
Tension bands connect the tension bar to the terminal post.
Fence Ties
Fence ties connect the fabric to line posts and top rail.
Bottom Tension Wire
Bottom tension wire supports the lower fabric edge.
Hog Rings
Hog rings may connect the fabric to bottom tension wire.
Brace Assemblies
Brace rail, brace bands and tension components help support terminal sections.
The quantities and sizes must match the fence height, fabric, framework and project layout.
Fabric for Gates
The fabric installed inside a gate frame should coordinate with the surrounding fence.
Confirm:
- Mesh size
- Wire diameter or gauge
- Finish
- Selvage or cut-edge treatment
- Gate height
- Frame dimensions
- Attachment method
- Security requirements
- Privacy products
The gate infill should not create uncontrolled openings or sharp wire ends.
Fabric and Privacy Slats
Privacy slats must match the chain link fabric’s:
- Mesh size
- Wire diameter
- Height
- Diamond dimensions
- Slat orientation
- Retaining system
Adding privacy products can increase wind loading on:
- Fabric
- Posts
- Top rail
- Fittings
- Gates
- Foundations
Identify privacy requirements before selecting the fabric and supporting framework.
Identifying Existing Chain Link Fabric
If you need replacement fabric or want to extend an existing fence, provide:
- Fence height
- Mesh opening
- Wire diameter
- Finish
- Colour
- Selvage
- Close-up photographs
- Overall fence photographs
- Post and rail dimensions
- Approximate age, if known
Use a tape measure in the photograph to show:
- Mesh opening
- Wire diameter
- Post outside diameter
- Rail outside diameter
Colour, coating and wire diameter may be difficult to identify accurately from photographs alone.
Chain Link Fabric vs. Welded Wire Panels
Chain Link Fabric
- Woven diamond-shaped mesh
- Supplied in rolls
- Flexible before tensioning
- Stretched between terminal posts
- Attached to framework using ties and tension components
Welded Wire Panels
- Horizontal and vertical wires welded at intersections
- Supplied as rigid panels
- Connected to posts using brackets or clamps
- Available in 3D, Victoria and Castle configurations
The systems use different posts, fittings, gates and installation methods.
Planning Fabric Quantities
The amount of fabric required depends on:
- Total fence length
- Gate openings
- Building connections
- Roll length
- Corners and termination points
- Waste
- Splices
- Partial-roll availability
- Grade changes
- Spare material requirements
Gate openings should normally be deducted from the continuous fence-fabric quantity, while separate fabric may be required for gate infill.
Final quantities must be verified by the purchaser or installer.
What to Include in a Fabric Quote Request
Provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Total linear footage
- Required fabric height
- Mesh size
- Wire diameter or gauge
- Core wire diameter, if specified
- Galvanized or colour-coated finish
- Preferred colour
- Selvage
- Required roll length
- Number and size of gates
- Privacy requirements
- Security requirements
- Residential, commercial or industrial application
- Project location
- Required material date
- Applicable specifications
- Photographs or drawings
If you do not know the technical details, describe the application and upload photographs or project documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chain Link Fabric the Same as Chain Link Fence?
The fabric is the woven wire mesh. A complete fence also requires posts, framework, fittings, tension components and gates.
How Is Mesh Size Measured?
Mesh size generally describes the clear opening between parallel wires forming the diamond. Confirm the applicable manufacturer’s measurement method.
Does a Lower Gauge Mean Thicker Wire?
Often yes, but gauge systems and coating descriptions can vary. Compare actual documented wire diameters.
What Is the Difference Between Core and Finished Diameter?
Core diameter measures the steel wire. Finished diameter includes any additional coating applied over the wire.
What Does KK Selvage Mean?
KK means knuckle-knuckle. Both fabric edges use folded wire ends.
What Does KT Selvage Mean?
KT means one edge is knuckled and the other uses twisted wire ends.
Is Twisted Selvage More Secure?
Twisted ends may be specified for selected security applications, but security depends on the complete system. Twisted wire may not be appropriate in publicly accessible locations.
Can Privacy Slats Fit Any Chain Link Mesh?
No. Slats must match the mesh dimensions, wire and product design.
Can I Buy Fabric Without Posts and Fittings?
Fabric can be quoted separately, but confirm that it is compatible with the existing or separately purchased framework.
Does CerKa Install Chain Link Fabric?
CerKa Fence Supply is a material distributor. Installation is not represented as part of the material supply unless specifically stated and contracted separately.
Are All Mesh Sizes and Colours in Stock?
Availability can change. Confirm current mesh, height, wire, finish, colour and roll options before ordering.
Important Fabric Information
Chain link fabric must be selected according to its complete specification.
Website images may represent a general chain link category and may not show the exact mesh, wire diameter, selvage, colour or coating included in a quotation.
Final specifications, quantities, finishes, compatibility and availability must be confirmed in the CerKa Fence Supply quotation.
The purchaser, designer and installer remain responsible for confirming:
- Field measurements
- Material quantities
- Fabric specification
- Framework compatibility
- Gate requirements
- Privacy-product compatibility
- Security requirements
- Applicable codes and regulations
Ready to Quote Your Chain Link Fabric?
Tell us the required height, mesh size, wire specification, finish, selvage, total footage and project location.
CerKa Fence Supply will help identify available fabric options for your material quotation.