Wire Mesh Philippines: 25 Most Asked Questions Answered

1 What is wire mesh called in the Philippines?

Wire mesh for concrete reinforcement is called steel matting or wire matting locally. Chain-link fencing is cyclone wire. Hexagonal mesh is chicken wire. Galvanized iron binding wire is GI wire or tie wire.

2 What is the difference between steel matting and welded wire mesh?

They are the same product. Steel matting is the Philippine trade term; welded wire mesh (or welded wire fabric, WWF) is the engineering term. Both refer to factory-welded wire grids sold in sheets. When your engineer's plan calls for WWF, they mean steel matting.

3 What is cyclone wire?

Cyclone wire is the Philippine name for chain-link fencing — woven galvanized steel wire in a diamond pattern, used for perimeter boundaries. Standard gauge is #12 GI, available in 4 ft, 5 ft, and 6 ft heights.

4 What is GI wire used for in construction?

GI wire (galvanized iron tie wire) is used to bind and secure rebar at joints before concrete pouring, to lash formwork, and for general binding on job sites. The standard gauge for rebar binding in the Philippines is #16 (1.6 mm).

5 What is chicken wire used for?

Chicken wire (hexagonal mesh) is used for poultry pens, garden fencing, and plaster lath. It is lightweight and flexible — not suitable for concrete reinforcement or load-bearing applications.

6 What are the standard steel matting sizes in the Philippines?

Standard sheet sizes: 4 ft × 8 ft (1.22 m × 2.44 m) and 6 ft × 20 ft (1.83 m × 6.10 m). Standard mesh openings: 1×1, 2×2, 4×4, 6×6 inches. Wire gauge range: 2.6 mm – 6.0 mm. Custom sizes are available from manufacturers like Una Wire Products.

7 What does wire gauge mean for steel matting?

Wire gauge refers to the diameter of the individual wires in the mesh. In the Philippines, gauge is stated in millimeters (e.g., 3.5 mm). A larger mm value = thicker wire = stronger and heavier mesh = higher cost. A smaller value = thinner wire = lighter and less expensive.

8 What gauge steel matting is used for residential slabs?

The standard spec for residential concrete floor slabs in the Philippines is 3.2 mm to 3.5 mm wire gauge, with 2×2 inch mesh opening, in 4×8 or 6×20 ft sheets. For driveways, 3.5–4.0 mm is typical. Always confirm with your structural engineer.

9 What is the standard overlap for steel matting sheets?

The minimum overlap between adjacent steel matting sheets is one full mesh opening — typically 150 mm (6 inches). This ensures structural continuity. Joints in adjacent rows should be staggered.

10 What is the standard cyclone wire height and gauge in the Philippines?

Standard heights: 4 ft, 5 ft, and 6 ft. Standard gauge: #12 GI wire. Standard roll lengths: 10 m and 50 m. Diamond mesh opening is typically 2 inches. Una Wire Products supplies all standard heights and gauges.

11 Can steel matting replace rebar in a concrete slab?

Steel matting can replace rebar in slab-on-grade applications (floor slabs, driveways, walkways) where it provides temperature/shrinkage control. It cannot replace structural rebar in elevated slabs, beams, columns, or foundations — those require engineered bar sizes and placement.

12 How high should a cyclone wire fence be for residential security in the Philippines?

For residential perimeter security in the Philippines, a 6 ft cyclone wire fence is standard. Many homeowners add 2–3 strands of barbed wire on top for additional deterrence. A 4 ft fence is adequate for boundary marking only.

13 When should I use stainless steel matting instead of galvanized?

Use stainless steel matting when the application requires high corrosion resistance or strict hygiene standards — specifically food processing facilities, pharmaceutical plants, marine environments, and chemical areas. It costs several times more than galvanized and is only warranted when galvanized is insufficient.

14 Is wire mesh suitable for retaining walls?

Wire mesh has limited structural use in retaining walls, but is often used as drainage filter fabric backing and for gabion-type walls. Structural retaining walls typically require engineered reinforced concrete with designed rebar. Consult your structural engineer before specifying mesh for retaining wall applications.

15 What wire mesh is used for plastering in the Philippines?

Chicken wire (hexagonal mesh, #22 or #24 gauge) is used as plaster lath over concrete hollow blocks (CHB) or older wall surfaces before applying stucco. It helps the plaster adhere and resist cracking. Some builders use welded wire mesh for heavier plaster applications.

16 What is the difference between black iron and galvanized steel matting?

Black iron is uncoated carbon steel — most affordable, used when embedded in concrete indoors. Galvanized has a zinc coating applied by hot-dipping — costs 20–50% more, lasts 15–25 years outdoors. Use black iron for embedded concrete work; galvanized for outdoor or moisture-exposed applications.

17 Why do steel matting prices change frequently in the Philippines?

Steel matting prices are tied to global steel wire rod commodity prices, which fluctuate with international demand (especially from China), raw material costs, shipping rates, and domestic fuel prices. Prices can shift 10–20% within a single quarter. Buying early or in bulk when prices are favorable can protect your budget.

18 Is it cheaper to buy steel matting from a manufacturer or a hardware store?

Buying direct from a manufacturer like Una Wire Products eliminates distributor and retailer markups, typically saving 10–20% vs. retail hardware prices. For large projects (hundreds of sheets), the savings are significant. Manufacturers also offer bulk pricing tiers and custom specifications that hardware stores cannot provide.

19 Does Una Wire Products offer bulk or volume pricing?

Yes. Una Wire Products offers tiered volume pricing — the higher the quantity, the lower the per-sheet price. Contractors, developers, and hardware resellers can request a volume quotation. Delivery to Metro Manila and nearby provinces is available for qualifying orders.

20 Can I order custom steel matting sizes in the Philippines?

Yes. Una Wire Products manufactures custom steel matting to non-standard sheet dimensions, mesh openings, and wire gauges. Minimum order quantities apply for custom runs. Contact the sales team with your full specification for a custom quotation.

21 Where is Una Wire Products located and do they deliver?

Una Wire Products Inc. is located at 11-B Harmony St., Brgy. Balingasa, Quezon City, Metro Manila. They deliver to Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Call (02) 8260-0181 or email hello@unawires.com to inquire about delivery to your location.

22 How quickly can I get a price quotation from Una Wire Products?

Una Wire Products responds to quotation requests within one business day. To receive an accurate quote, provide: sheet size, wire gauge, mesh opening, material type (black iron, galvanized, or stainless), quantity, and delivery location. Submit your request via the contact form.

23 What information do I need before ordering steel matting?

Before ordering, confirm: (1) total area in sq m; (2) sheet size (4×8 or 6×20); (3) wire gauge in mm; (4) mesh opening (e.g., 2×2 inches); (5) material type; (6) single or double layer; (7) delivery address. Your structural engineer's plans will specify the gauge and mesh.

24 How do I calculate how many sheets of steel matting I need?

Formula: (Total area ÷ net coverage per sheet) × 1.10, rounded up. Net coverage: 2.68 sq m per 4×8 sheet; 10.59 sq m per 6×20 sheet (with standard 150mm overlap). See the full guide: Steel Matting Calculator Philippines.

25 What is the best wire mesh for a concrete driveway in the Philippines?

For a concrete driveway in the Philippines, the recommended spec is 4.0 mm wire gauge, 2×2 inch mesh opening, black iron, in 4×8 or 6×20 ft sheets. The thicker 4.0 mm gauge handles vehicle loads better than the 3.2–3.5 mm used for foot-traffic slabs. Place the mesh at mid-depth on bar chairs before pouring.