MESH MADE IN ORANGE NSW
How to read hinged joint mesh codes: 8/90/15 explained
The three numbers on a mesh roll are a compact description—not the whole specification. Once you know what each number means, comparing rolls gets much easier.
The short answer
Read 8/90/15 as eight horizontal line wires, 90cm nominal mesh height and 15cm vertical stay spacing. Roll length, wire diameter, tensile grade, coating and the gaps between horizontal wires must be checked separately.
Count lines and gaps separately
Eight horizontal lines create seven spaces between them. That is why dividing the mesh height by eight does not give the opening height. Even dividing by seven only gives an average: the gaps may be graduated, with closer horizontal wires lower in the mesh.
For 8 lines there are 7 gaps. For 6 lines there are 5 gaps. To know the actual openings, read the line-spacing chart.
Cyclone’s official hinged joint explanation uses the same three-part code convention. The convention helps read a label; the manufacturer’s complete specification tells you what that exact roll contains.
Compare codes one change at a time
| Code | Read it as | Difference to check |
|---|---|---|
| 8/90/30 | 8 lines ·90cm ·30cm stays | Same line count and nominal height as 8/90/15; wider stay spacing |
| 8/90/15 | 8 lines ·90cm ·15cm stays | Closer upright mesh stays; not closer steel posts |
| 11/142/15 | 11 lines ·142cm ·15cm stays | More lines and greater nominal height; obtain the horizontal-gap chart |
| 6/51/15 | 6 lines ·51cm ·15cm stays | A narrower strip pattern; roll length remains separate |
These examples explain notation. They are not a promise that every code is currently offered in every roll length, nor that one code is suitable for all animals.
The roll length is a fourth, separate number
A label saying 8/90/15—200m describes the mesh pattern and then its supplied length. A 100m and a 200m roll with the same complete specification can make the same type of fence, but you may need different quantities and joins. Read the full listing rather than inferring length from the code.
For 500m of net mesh before allowances, three 200m rolls supply 600m. Five 100m rolls supply 500m, leaving no joining or end allowance in that simple comparison. Availability, handling, joins and the actual layout determine which combination is practical; the arithmetic alone does not finish the order.
Ask for the missing parts of the specification
A complete mesh specification card
Print this page and fill in the blanks. Keep it with your photos and quote.
- Three-part mesh code
- ________________________________
- Roll length
- ________________________________
- Horizontal-gap sequence / dimensioned chart
- ________________________________
- Top, intermediate, vertical and knot-wire details
- ________________________________
- Wire diameter and tensile grade by component
- ________________________________
- Coating specification
- ________________________________
- Installation instructions and handling information
- ________________________________
Before you leave this guide
The code tells you count, height and stay spacing. A good buying decision also needs the opening chart and the full wire specification.
Read the specification beside the price
Compare mesh code, wire specification and roll length together. If a detail is missing, get it confirmed before ordering.
See the hinged joint rangeSources & scope
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Cyclone — hinged joint code explanation
Source for the three-part code convention. -
Waratah — Stocktite hinged joint specifications
An example of a manufacturer publishing separate pattern, length and wire details; not an Outback specification.
This is an Outback planning guide, not a site-specific installation specification. Manufacturer references explain the subject; their branded product dimensions and methods are not automatically specifications for Outback products.
Editorial review: September 2026. Outback links identify our own product information. External sources are independent references, not endorsements. Product prices, availability and order quantities are shown on the current listings or your written quote.