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The Coating War
Walk into any fencing supplier and you will quickly find yourself staring at two main options: plain galvanized fence netting and PVC coated fence netting. They look different, sure. The galvanized one has that familiar metallic silver sheen. The PVC coated version comes in green, black, or sometimes other colors. But the real differences run deeper than appearance. The choice between these two coatings affects how long your fence lasts, how it looks over time, and how much maintenance you will be doing five or ten years down the road.
Galvanized Has Earned Its Reputation
Galvanized fence netting has been the workhorse of the fencing world for decades, and for good reason. The hot dip galvanizing process bonds a layer of zinc to the steel wire, creating a protective barrier that resists rust. It is tough, it is relatively affordable, and it handles a wide range of weather conditions. In dry or moderate climates, a good quality galvanized fence can easily last 10 to 15 years. The zinc layer sacrifices itself to protect the steel underneath, which is a simple and effective form of corrosion protection. For agricultural fencing on a budget, galvanized is often the default choice.
PVC Adds a Second Layer of Defense
PVC coated fence netting takes the galvanized foundation and adds another protective layer on top. The wire starts with a zinc coating, just like standard galvanized mesh, and then a layer of PVC, polyvinyl chloride, is extruded or bonded over that. This creates a dual layer protection system. The zinc guards the steel core, and the PVC guards the zinc. The PVC layer is thick, flexible, and impervious to moisture. Rain, sprinklers, morning dew, none of these things can reach the metal underneath because the PVC coating seals everything away. In coastal environments where salt spray eats through regular galvanized coatings in just a few years, PVC coated fence netting holds up significantly better because the salt never touches the metal at all.
UV Resistance and Color Retention
One concern people sometimes raise about PVC coatings is what happens after years of sun exposure. Cheap PVC can become brittle, crack, and peel away. But quality PVC coated fence netting uses UV stabilized compounds that resist sun damage. The color might fade slightly over a decade, but the coating itself stays intact and functional. The color options also serve a practical purpose. Green PVC coated netting blends into garden and rural landscapes, making the fence visually disappear into the background. Black coating offers a similar effect in modern or urban settings. This is not just about looks. A fence that blends in is less obtrusive and can even meet local regulations or homeowner association requirements that restrict the appearance of fencing.
Handling and Safety Benefits
There is a less obvious advantage to PVC coated fence netting that anyone who has installed fencing will appreciate: it is easier on the hands. Galvanized wire can have sharp edges, burrs, or rough spots that catch gloves and skin. The PVC coating smooths everything over. The wire becomes slightly thicker, slightly more flexible, and much more pleasant to handle during installation. For DIY installers or anyone spending a long day wrestling with rolls of mesh, this is not a minor detail. The coating also helps dampen the metallic ringing sound when the mesh is cut or moved, which is a small but noticeable benefit on a quiet rural property.
Weighing the Cost Against the Lifespan
PVC coated fence netting costs more upfront than plain galvanized. Nobody disputes that. But the real question is whether that extra cost pays for itself over the life of the fence. In harsh environments, coastal areas, regions with heavy rainfall, or places with aggressive soil chemistry, it almost certainly does. A PVC coated fence that lasts 15 to 20 years versus a galvanized fence that needs replacement after 10 years changes the math considerably. Factor in the labor of replacing a fence, and the initial price difference starts to look like a bargain. For long term installations where the fence is meant to be permanent rather than temporary, the investment in PVC coating makes financial sense.