Complete Guide to Hinged Joint Mesh — All Configurations Explained

Hinged joint mesh is the most common type of rural fencing mesh in Australia. It's called "hinged joint" because of the way the horizontal and vertical wires are joined — with a hinge knot that allows the mesh to flex and move with stock pressure and terrain without the joints breaking.

If you've ever looked at the range and felt overwhelmed by the numbers, this guide will clear things up.

HOW TO READ THE MESH CODE

Every hinged joint mesh is identified by a three-number code: for example, 7/90/30.

First number = horizontal line wires. These run along the length of the fence and carry the tension. More wires means a denser mesh.

Second number = height in centimetres. The total height of the mesh when installed.

Third number = vertical stay wire spacing in centimetres. The distance between the vertical wires. This determines how "tight" the mesh is against small animals.

HORIZONTAL WIRE SPACING

The horizontal wires aren't evenly spaced from top to bottom. They're graduated — closer together at the bottom (where small stock and predators try to push through) and wider apart at the top. This design puts the most wire where you need it most.

For example, in a 7/90/30 mesh, the bottom wire gaps might be 50mm, 65mm, 80mm, and so on, increasing toward the top. The exact spacing varies by manufacturer and mesh type.

THE CONFIGURATIONS WE STOCK

6/70/30 — Sheep Mesh

  • 6 horizontal wires, 70cm tall, 30cm vertical stays
  • The budget sheep mesh. Economical and effective for flat country
  • Best for: Adult sheep on gentle terrain

7/90/30 — Mixed Stock ($285 per 200m roll)

  • 7 horizontal wires, 90cm tall, 30cm vertical stays
  • Our most popular mesh. Handles sheep and cattle
  • Best for: Mixed stock operations, general boundary fencing
  • This is the one we recommend if you can only buy one type of mesh

8/90/30 — Heavy Cattle ($310 per 200m roll)

  • 8 horizontal wires, 90cm tall, 30cm vertical stays
  • More wires than 7/90/30 for heavier stock pressure
  • Best for: Cattle properties, bull paddocks, heavy stock areas

8/80/15 — Lamb Mesh

  • 8 horizontal wires, 80cm tall, 15cm vertical stays
  • Tight vertical spacing stops young lambs pushing through
  • Best for: Breeding operations, lambing paddocks

8/90/15 — Breeding Mesh

  • 8 horizontal wires, 90cm tall, 15cm vertical stays
  • Combines the height of 8/90/30 with the tight stay spacing for lamb containment
  • Best for: Properties that rotate breeding and general stock

8/115/15 — Exclusion Mesh ($250 per 100m roll)

  • 8 horizontal wires, 115cm tall, 15cm vertical stays
  • The go-to for predator and pest exclusion fencing
  • Best for: Dog-proof fences, fox exclusion, wild pig barriers

8/115/30 — Horse Mesh

  • 8 horizontal wires, 115cm tall, 30cm vertical stays
  • Tall enough for horses to respect, wide stays reduce hoof entanglement risk
  • Best for: Horse properties, equine facilities

11/142/15 — Full Exclusion ($330 per 100m roll)

  • 11 horizontal wires, 142cm tall, 15cm vertical stays
  • The most comprehensive exclusion mesh available
  • Best for: Maximum predator protection, pest animal exclusion, properties with serious wild dog problems

ROLL LENGTHS

Most mesh comes in 100m and 200m rolls. Longer rolls mean fewer joins in your fence (every join is a potential weak point) and less time spent terminating and re-starting. But 200m rolls are heavy — budget for machinery to handle them on site.

For exclusion mesh (8/115/15 and 11/142/15), 100m rolls are standard. The heavier wire count and tighter spacing make these rolls very heavy even at 100m.

STAY SPACING: THE 15CM VS 30CM DECISION

This is the single biggest decision after choosing your wire count and height.

30cm spacing is:

  • Lighter and easier to handle
  • Cheaper per roll
  • More flexible (follows terrain better)
  • Adequate for adult stock
  • Fine for most general fencing

15cm spacing is:

  • Heavier and more rigid
  • More expensive per roll
  • Better at containing small stock (lambs, kids)
  • Essential for predator exclusion
  • More durable (the closer stays provide more structural rigidity)

If you run sheep with lambs at foot, or if wild dogs are a concern, 15cm is worth the extra cost.

WIRE GAUGE

The horizontal and vertical wires in hinged joint mesh are typically different gauges. The horizontal (line) wires are usually 2.5mm high tensile, while the vertical (stay) wires are lighter — around 2.0mm. Some economy mesh uses lighter wire throughout, which is fine for lighter applications but won't stand up to heavy stock pressure.

Always check the wire gauge when comparing mesh from different suppliers. A cheaper roll might be using thinner wire, which false-economies you in the long run.

We stock all these configurations at Outback Fencing Supplies. If you're not sure which mesh suits your property, bring us a description of your stock, your terrain, and what you're trying to achieve, and we'll point you in the right direction. 76 Astill Drive, Orange, or call 0434 093 077.

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