If you're ordering steel matting for the first time — or you've ordered before but want to make sure you're getting the right spec — this guide covers everything you need to know. We'll walk through standard sheet sizes, mesh opening options, wire gauge ranges, and how each of these choices affects your project.
What is Steel Matting?
Steel matting (also called wire mesh or welded wire fabric) is a grid of steel wires welded at regular intervals to form a rigid, flat sheet. It's used extensively in construction for concrete reinforcement, fencing, flooring support, and a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
In the Philippines, steel matting is one of the most widely used materials in residential and commercial construction. Understanding the different sizes and specifications will help you order exactly what your project needs — and avoid paying for more (or less) than you require.
Standard Sheet Sizes in the Philippines
Steel matting in the Philippines comes in two standard sheet dimensions:
| Sheet Size | Dimensions | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4′ × 8′ | Approx. 1.2m × 2.4m | Residential slabs, smaller projects, easy to handle and transport |
| 6′ × 20′ | Approx. 1.8m × 6.1m | Commercial and industrial slabs, road construction, large-scale projects |
The 4′×8′ size is the most common choice for residential projects and smaller contractors — it's easier to transport in a standard truck and can be cut to size on site. The 6′×20′ sheet is preferred for larger pours where you want fewer seams and faster coverage.
If neither of these sizes works for your project, Una Wire Products also manufactures custom-size matting to any dimension you specify.
Mesh Opening Sizes
The "mesh opening" refers to the spacing between wires in the grid — for example, a 2×2 mesh has wires spaced 2 inches apart in both directions. A smaller mesh opening means more wires per sheet (heavier, stronger), while a larger opening uses fewer wires (lighter, more economical).
| Mesh Opening | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 1×1 | Fine reinforcement, decorative, security grilles, animal enclosures |
| 1×2 | Chicken wire alternative, garden fencing, lightweight reinforcement |
| 2×2 | Concrete slab reinforcement (most common in residential construction) |
| 4×4 | Road construction, thicker slabs, moderate reinforcement |
| 6×6 | Heavy-duty industrial slabs, perimeter fencing, retaining wall support |
For most residential concrete work in the Philippines, a 2×2 mesh is the standard specification. For commercial flooring and road applications, engineers often specify 4×4 or 6×6 depending on load requirements.
Wire Gauge (Thickness)
Wire gauge refers to the diameter of each individual wire in the mesh. Thicker wire means a stronger, heavier sheet — and a higher price per sheet. Una Wire Products manufactures matting in the following wire thicknesses:
| Wire Thickness | Strength Category | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2.6mm · 2.8mm | Light | Fencing, light-duty reinforcement, decorative applications |
| 3.2mm · 3.5mm | Medium | Residential slabs, general construction reinforcement |
| 4.0mm · 4.5mm | Heavy | Commercial floors, driveways, industrial reinforcement |
| 5.0mm · 5.5mm · 6.0mm | Very Heavy | Road construction, heavy-duty industrial, structural support |
When in doubt about which gauge to specify, consult your structural engineer — they will typically indicate the required wire diameter in the project drawings.
Material Types
Steel matting comes in several material types, each suited to different environments:
- Steel Matting Sizes in the Philippines: Complete Buyer's Guide
- Galvanized vs. Black Iron Steel Matting: Which One Do You Need?
- Steel Matting Price Guide in the Philippines (2025)
- What is Wire Mesh Used For? 10 Common Applications in Construction
- How to Choose the Right Wire Mesh for Your Construction Project
- Understanding Wire Mesh Gauge: What the Numbers Mean
- Stainless Steel Matting in the Philippines: When to Upgrade
- Black Iron Wire in the Philippines: Gauges, Uses, and Where to Buy
- Custom Steel Matting: How Made-to-Order Wire Mesh Works
- How Steel Matting is Made: Behind the Scenes at Una Wire Products
- Cyclone Wire in the Philippines: Uses, Sizes, and Buying Guide
- Welded Wire Mesh in the Philippines: Gauges, Sizes, and Applications
- Chicken Wire in the Philippines: What It Is and When to Use It
- G.I. Wire (Tie Wire) in the Philippines: Gauges and Construction Uses
- Galvanized Barbed Wire in the Philippines: Fencing Guide and Specs
- Tombo Shovel in the Philippines: Classic, Economy, and All Steel Compared
How to Choose the Right Size
When placing an order, you'll need to specify four things:
- Sheet size — 4×8, 6×20, or custom dimensions
- Mesh opening — 1×1, 1×2, 2×2, 4×4, or 6×6
- Wire gauge — 2.6mm through 6.0mm
- Material — Black iron, galvanized, stainless, or chrome-plated
If you have project drawings or specifications from your engineer, those will typically spell out all four of these. If you're working without drawings, a practical starting point for most residential concrete reinforcement is: 4×8 sheet, 2×2 mesh, 3.2mm gauge, black iron.
Need Help Choosing the Right Spec?
Our team at Una Wire Products is happy to help you match the right steel matting to your project requirements. Send us your project details and we'll recommend the right product and provide a free quotation.
Contact Us for a Free Quote →Summary
Steel matting in the Philippines comes in two standard sheet sizes (4×8 and 6×20), five mesh opening options (1×1 through 6×6), and wire gauges from 2.6mm to 6.0mm. Custom sizes are also available from manufacturers like Una Wire Products. Match your choice to the load requirements, environment, and engineer specifications of your project — and when in doubt, ask your supplier.
Una Wire Products Inc. manufactures steel matting to any specification at our Quezon City facility. Call us at (02) 8260-0181 or email hello@unawires.com to get started.