What's the Difference Between 15CM and 30CM Stay Spacing?

It's a question we get asked several times a week: "Do I need 15cm or 30cm stay spacing?" It's a fair question because the price difference is real and you want to make sure you're spending your money where it actually matters.

WHAT IS STAY SPACING?

The "stay" wires are the vertical wires in hinged joint mesh — the ones that run up and down between the horizontal line wires. Stay spacing is the distance between these vertical wires.

In 30cm stay spacing mesh, the vertical wires are 300mm apart. In 15cm mesh, they're 150mm apart. That means 15cm mesh has exactly twice as many vertical wires per metre of fence.

WHAT 15CM SPACING GIVES YOU

Tighter gaps: The spaces in the mesh are physically smaller. A 30cm mesh might have an opening of 300mm wide by (say) 100mm tall at the bottom. A 15cm mesh cuts that width in half. This matters when you're trying to stop small animals — lambs, goat kids, piglets, fox cubs, or wild dog pups — from pushing through.

More rigidity: Twice as many vertical wires makes the mesh panel more rigid. It holds its shape better, resists being pushed out of shape by stock, and is harder for predators to deform.

Better pest exclusion: Any fencing designed to keep wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs, or rabbits out needs 15cm spacing at minimum. These animals will exploit any gap in 30cm mesh.

More wire per roll: This means the roll is heavier but also more durable. More wire equals more structural material working for you.

WHAT 30CM SPACING GIVES YOU

Lower cost per roll: Fewer vertical wires means less steel, means lower price. The saving varies by mesh type but is typically 15-25%.

Lighter rolls: Easier to handle, especially if you're a one or two-person team doing the fencing.

More flexibility: The wider stay spacing makes the mesh more flexible, which is helpful on undulating terrain. It conforms to hills and dips more easily.

Adequate containment for adult stock: Adult sheep, cattle, and horses are not getting through the gap in 30cm mesh. The horizontal wire spacing is what matters for these animals, not the vertical.

THE PRACTICAL DECISION

Here's a simple way to think about it:

Choose 30cm if:

  • You're fencing adult sheep, cattle, or horses
  • Predator control is not a primary concern
  • You're on a budget and fencing a large area
  • The terrain is hilly and you need the mesh to flex
  • This is an internal paddock fence, not a boundary

Choose 15cm if:

  • You run breeding stock (lambs, kids at foot)
  • Wild dogs, foxes, or feral pigs are a problem in your area
  • You need a predator-proof or pest-proof fence
  • You want the most rigid, durable mesh available
  • You're building a boundary fence you want to last decades

THE COST REALITY

Let's compare two popular options for a 1km fence:

7/90/30 (200m rolls at $285): You need 5 rolls = $1,425

8/90/15 (assume similar pricing per 100m roll): You'll spend roughly 40-60% more for the tighter mesh

That's a meaningful difference on a large property fencing job. But if you lose even a handful of lambs to wild dogs because you went with 30cm instead of 15cm, the "saving" disappears fast.

CAN YOU MIX AND MATCH?

Absolutely. Many properties use 30cm mesh for internal paddock fences and 15cm mesh for external boundaries where predator exclusion matters. This is a practical, budget-conscious approach that puts the tighter mesh where it works hardest.

You can also use 30cm mesh on higher fence sections (above 60cm) where small animals can't reach, and 15cm on the lower section. But this adds complexity to installation and isn't usually worth the hassle — it's simpler to just run one type of mesh per fence.

OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CENTRAL WEST

In the Orange, Bathurst, and Mudgee areas, 30cm mesh is the standard for most cattle and sheep operations on internal fences. For boundary fences — especially on the western side where wild dogs are more common — 15cm is the smart investment.

If you're around Dubbo, Wellington, or further west, we'd strongly recommend 15cm on all external boundaries. The wild dog pressure out there is serious, and cutting corners on mesh stay spacing is a false economy.

Come in and talk through your options with us. Outback Fencing Supplies, 76 Astill Drive, Orange. Call 0434 093 077.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR PROJECT

The decision between 15cm and 30cm stay spacing ultimately comes down to what you're trying to achieve. If you're building perimeter fencing for a cattle property where the main concern is keeping adult stock contained, 30cm spacing will do the job at a lower cost. However, if you're dealing with lambing paddocks, goat enclosures, or areas where wild dogs are a problem, the extra investment in 15cm spacing pays for itself quickly.

Consider your long-term needs as well. Many farmers start with cattle and later introduce sheep or goats. Installing 15cm mesh from the beginning can save you from expensive re-fencing down the track. Similarly, if you're in an area where wild dog activity is increasing, 15cm spacing provides insurance against future problems.

Don't forget about the interaction with your Outback Pickets and line posts either. Closer stay spacing can sometimes allow you to use slightly wider post spacing, as the mesh itself provides more structural support. However, this depends on your specific terrain and stock pressure.

Weather conditions in our region also play a role. The freeze-thaw cycles and temperature variations around Orange can cause fencing materials to expand and contract. The additional rigidity of 15cm spacing helps maintain fence integrity through these seasonal changes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I mix 15cm and 30cm spacing on the same property?

Absolutely. Many of our customers use 15cm spacing for high-risk areas like boundary fences, lambing paddocks, or sections near bushland where predators are more likely. They'll use 30cm spacing for internal paddocks where adult stock containment is the only concern. Just make sure your gateways and connections between different mesh types are properly planned.

Will 30cm mesh work if I add extra line wire at the bottom?

Adding barbed wire or plain wire at ground level can help with larger predators, but it won't solve the fundamental gap size issue. Small animals like fox cubs or rabbit kits will still find ways through 30cm mesh. If pest exclusion is your goal, start with 15cm spacing rather than trying to modify 30cm mesh.

How much more does 15cm spacing typically cost?

The price difference varies by mesh height and wire gauge, but expect to pay roughly 20-30% more for 15cm spacing. When you factor in the longer lifespan and better performance, the cost per year over the fence's lifetime often works out quite similar.

Use our free fencing calculator to estimate your project, or give Jess a call on 0434 093 077 for expert advice.

Back to blog