Why galvanised mesh is ideal for installing artificial foliage panels

When installing the artificial foliage panels onto brick walls we advise using a galvanised mesh, but what is that and where can you get it?

Why use Galvanised mesh

We would advise using a strong, heavy duty galvanised mesh for some projects such as when greeting a framework to secure your hedge tiles to, when securing to a garage wall, outdoor brick wall.

There are many sizes of mesh that can be used, one that we would recommend in using is a 1/4" - 6mm Hole Galvanised Welded Wire Mesh which can be bought from B&Q or most local hardware stores in large sheets or rolls. This type of metal mesh is incredibly strong and will hold its form for many years to come. Importantly it will not rust and it can support the weight of multiple hedge tiles without sagging.

You can use galvanised mesh with larger or smaller holes, this does not impact its use for this purpose. The important point is that it is a heavy duty galvanised mesh. What is important is that you can still fit cable ties to it when securing the foliage panels to the mesh.

Although it is a higher price point to chicken wire it will stand the test of time, ensuring your outdoor green wall lasts. Using a lesser mesh could mean you end up replacing the mesh sooner.

When cutting this mesh to sizes you will need strong metal cutting clippers or a hand held circular saw. The metal mesh can be bought in sheets often cut to size when sourcing online from metal fabricators, or bought from B&Q and local hardware stores as large sheets or on large rolls. It does have some flexibility but not a large amount, so it is very hard to 'bend' into shape.

Why not use Chicken Wire

Chicken wire, which is also readily available from stores like B&Q or local hardware stores is not something we would advise using. For the simple reason being that it is very lightweight and thin.

Chicken wire is a cheaper product to purchase, however it will not suitably support having foliage wall panels secured to it. The weight of the panels against the thin wire will cause it to sag and in some cases snap. Its advantage is that it is very flexible and can be bent into shapes and around objects. Yet it is the strength and robustness that is required for the foliage products which is why galvanised mesh is strongly recommended.