Hardware Cloth

Hardware cloth is a welded or woven wire mesh used for pest exclusion, small animal enclosures, garden protection, soil erosion control, and light structural reinforcement; it’s commonly used to keep rodents out, protect plants, and build cages or barriers

Select mesh size based on the smallest pest or material to exclude (e.g., 1/4"–1/2" for mice, 1" for larger pests or general reinforcement) and choose a heavier gauge (lower gauge number) for greater strength and rigidity; typical gauges range from about 22 (thin) to 16 (stiff)

Measure the height and length of the area to cover, add overlap for seams and fastening (typically 2–6 inches per seam), and buy slightly more to allow for cuts and mistakes; for enclosures, account for vertical and horizontal panels separately

Use heavy-duty wire cutters, tin snips, or a metal-cutting shears to cut; fastening options include galvanized fencing staples, U-nails, screws with washers, hog rings, or zip ties depending on the backing material and whether you need corrosion-resistant fasteners

Keep it clean of debris, inspect periodically for rust or broken wires, repair small holes promptly by patching and fastening, and avoid direct soil contact for non-stainless materials or use concrete/stone barriers to reduce corrosion

Hardware cloth prices vary by material, gauge, and roll size; budget options are available for small or temporary jobs, while galvanized and stainless steel rolls cost more but offer longer service life—compare price per square foot and choose heavier gauges for durability on high-stress applications