Aluminum or Stainless Wire Mesh for Outdoor DIY Projects?

When it comes to outdoor projects, wire mesh is like the Swiss army knife of DIY materials. From rodent control and insect screens to chimney caps and gutter guards, it's ideal for a wide range of do-it-yourself applications. Each metal mesh material comes with its own unique features and uses, which makes it ideal for myriad projects.

DIYers tackling exterior home improvements and those wanting to prep yards and landscaping during the fall and winter months often rely on aluminum and stainless mesh for their projects. However, it’s a common question as to whether or not there's a notable difference between aluminum wire mesh and stainless steel. Both can be used outside, but that doesn't mean they're interchangeable. Here's what you should know.

Are Aluminum Wire Mesh and Stainless Steel Wire Mesh the Same?

The primary differences between aluminum and stainless steel mesh have to do with weight and strength. Aluminum is substantially lighter than stainless steel. Some aluminum wire mesh materials can weigh 65% less than their stainless steel counterparts. Not surprisingly, it's also not as strong.

Aside from its undeniable durability, heavy-duty stainless steel wire mesh is known for being resistant to corrosion, abrasion, rust, UV damage, and discoloration. Though the strength of stainless steel makes it a top choice for many projects, lightweight aluminum is more flexible. This malleability can be highly useful in a number of applications as well.

Stainless Steel Wire Mesh vs. Aluminum Wire Mesh for Outdoor Projects

So, is stainless steel mesh or aluminum mesh better for outdoor use? The answer to this question depends on the project.

Stainless steel wire mesh can be used for:

- Chimney caps
- Foundation vents
- Gutter guards
- Pest control
- Soffit screens
- And more

Aluminum wire mesh can be used for:

- Fan guards
- Insect screens
- Pest control
- And more

As you can see, stainless steel is the more versatile of the two, but aluminum also has its place in DIY outdoor projects. Both stainless steel and aluminum mesh can be used for pest control and insect screens on doors and windows. Though stainless steel is suitable for most pest-control projects, flexible aluminum mesh can be crucial in keeping snakes, birds, and bats out of pipes, tubes, and other small openings.

If you have questions regarding the best mesh material for your next outdoor project, get in touch with our team. Our experts are on hand to help you with materials, weave sizes, measurement and cutting best practices, and more. We’d love to hear from you!

Covering an area of 20,000 square meters, Hebei Jiushen Wire Weaving Co., Ltd. is located in Anping County, where is 200km away from Shijiazhuang International Airport and Tianjin port with superior concentrated industry & convenient transportation. Having nearly 100 sets of manufacturing equipment mainly imported weaving looms, Jiushen has the leading weaving technology and equipment upgrading ability in wire mesh industry. After independent innovation & upgrading, Jiushen mesh holes are uniform with flat surface, and production efficiency is greatly improved with yearly output of 8 million . The single weaving width can reach 2,700 mm.