We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
DIY

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Stucco Wire?

By R.Chin
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 18,282
Share

Stucco wire is a type of metal mesh used to help give support and strength to stucco walls and other structures. It can be thought of as a sort of industrial-strength chicken wire, and it sometimes is mistaken as such. Although it is commonly used in construction, it has found popularity in other fields for its structural properties.

This type of wire is characterized by holes that are 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) wide in a metal mesh. It usually is made of wire that has either been twisted together, similar to the construction of a chain link fence, or laid in a weave pattern and then welded at the joints. The strength and malleability of the mesh will vary, depending both on how it is constructed and the gauge of the wire used to make it — wire that is twisted will tend to be bent more easily than that which has been welded. In addition, most modern stucco wire is galvanized in order to resist corrosion from the stucco material.

One common misconception about stucco wire is that it is the same material as chicken wire. The two are indeed similar in appearance and have some common uses, but there are a few key differences. Chicken wire is generally used for fencing small animals or crops and small-scale construction projects that require flexibility but not excessive strength. Stucco wire, on the other hand, is intended for industrial construction and needs to be more robust and big enough to cover entire walls. It therefore is usually made of a heavier-gauge wire and sold in much larger rolls than chicken wire.

The primary application of stucco wire is in the construction of stucco-covered walls and siding. The wire mesh is usually attached to a wooden frame with special nails or screws that suspend the stucco wire slightly offset from the wall. This configuration allows the stucco to bond with the stone or other material through the holes in the mesh while also providing structural support during the drying process. After the stucco has hardened, the wire structure inside it will help prevent cracking.

Outside of construction, stucco wire is popular among many set designers and sculpture artists because it holds its shape well and is relatively light. These qualities make it useful for constructing the framework for large-scale pieces that might otherwise be too heavy to handle. The mesh is also sometimes used for household purposes, such as protecting gardens from pests.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon249350 — On Feb 20, 2012

You guys are living in the dark ages! 17 and 20 gauge stucco netting has been "self furred" for many years now.

It is crimped or scored every 6" to stand away from the wall, eliminating the need for special screws. By the way, it is almost always attached to the studs with wide crown staples, every 5'6" on center.

Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-stucco-wire.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.