Tension Wire for Fencing

The right tension wire depends mainly on the wire diameter of your mesh and the type of fence you’re installing. For standard lightweight mesh fencing, a 2.4 mm wire is usually sufficient. For heavy-duty mesh or fences exposed to strong winds, choose a thicker wire—between 2.7 mm and 3.8 mm—to ensure the fence stays secure.

For standard flexible mesh fencing with 2 mm wire, use a tension wire with a 2.4 mm diameter. Mesh fences with 2.5 mm wire work best with a 2.7 mm tension wire. For heavy-duty fencing or reinforced installations, choose a tension wire between 3.5 mm and 3.8 mm for maximum strength.

The number of tension wires you'll need depends on the height of your mesh fence. For fences between 39" and 47" high, use 3 wires. For heights between 55" and 59", use 4 wires. For 79" fences, plan on 5 wires. Space the wires about every 20" from the ground up, making sure to place one at the top and one at the bottom of your fence.

For a flexible mesh fence that's 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) high, use 4 tension wires spaced evenly: one at ground level, one at 20 inches, another at 40 inches, and the last one at the top of the fence. This setup keeps your fence properly tensioned and helps prevent sagging.

For a mesh fence that's 1.80 m high, 4 tension wires are recommended. Space them evenly: place the first wire about 4 inches from the ground, the second at 24 inches, the third at 48 inches, and the last one at the top of your flexible mesh fence. This setup helps keep your fence structure stable and prevents the mesh from sagging along your fencing system.

Start by securing the tension wire to the first end post. Thread the wire through the designated holes in each intermediate post, then connect it to a turnbuckle about 8 inches from the last post. Use a wrench to tighten the turnbuckle until your wire mesh fence is properly tensioned.