Should I Attach Mesh to Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing? 

Selecting the right fencing system for your property is more than just a practical choice; it’s a matter of ensuring the safety of your animals and the security of your property. Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing, commonly known as Buckley, has earned its reputation as a top-tier choice for horse owners and property managers. 

While you must’ve already learnt what makes Buckley a worthwhile investment, when it comes to adding mesh to this steel fencing the question lingers: Is it necessary to attach mesh to this premium fencing system? 

At Stock & Noble, we specialise in high-quality fencing solutions for property owners in Australia and New Zealand. Our products include Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing as well as a wide range of equine mesh. With our expertise gained from years in the field, we’re here to provide you with useful insights on adding mesh to your Premium Steel post and rail fencing. 

So, if you are considering buying the world’s only engineered Steel Post and Rail Fencing System and adding mesh to it, keep reading. 

In this comprehensive blog, we’ll delve deeper into the reasons why mesh might not always be needed with Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing and the specific scenarios where it could prove invaluable. 

You will have all the knowledge to make a well-informed decision about choosing the right fencing on your property. 

5 Reasons Why Mesh Isn’t Needed on Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing. 

Reason #1: Multiple Rails Provide Limited Gaps 

Buckley fencing is typically available with either three or four rails. The presence of these multiple rails significantly reduces the gaps between them, rendering the addition of mesh unnecessary. The inherent design already offers excellent containment. 

Reason #2: Visual and Safety Barrier 

Horses, being large animals, are effectively contained by the sheer presence of the robust, sizeable rails. These rails create both a visual and safety barrier, ensuring the animals remain enclosed without the need for supplementary mesh. 

Reason #3: Engineered System 

One of Buckley’s distinguishing features is its engineered construction, devoid of welding, bracing, or fixings. While this design ensures stability and durability, it also makes attaching mesh a technical challenge. Traditional wire-based mesh requires a substantial amount of tensioning and structural support at the fence’s start and endpoints.  As Buckley’s post and rail system relies on friction fits and rail locking spacers it does not readily accommodate mesh tensioning. 

Reason #4: Safety Considerations 

The most important consideration for an equine property is horse safety. The Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing is meticulously designed to allow the rails to bend, buckle, and release upon heavy impact. This design feature enhances safety by minimising the risk of injury to the animals. When mesh is added, it interferes with this safety mechanism and this might pose a potential tripping hazard, as it restricts the horse’s ability to move freely through the fence opening. 

Reason #5: Aesthetic Impact 

Beyond its functional attributes, Buckley is favoured for its beautiful, minimalistic aesthetic. The addition of mesh can compromise the fence’s appearance, detracting from its overall visual appeal. 

3 Scenarios Where Mesh Is Needed with Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing 

1. Smaller Animals

 If your property accommodates smaller animals such as dogs, rabbits, sheep or chickens that require containment, mesh may be a practical addition. To balance an effective enclosure while maintaining visibility, it’s advisable to install mesh from the middle rail down, ensuring you still have a clear view of your property. 

However, the height of the mesh typically depends on the kind of animals you have on the property.  

2. Boundary Protection

When safeguarding your property from intruders like wombats, feral rabbits, or foxes, adding mesh becomes a viable option. You can opt for an exclusion fence along the boundary and position your horse fencing a few meters inside it. The choice of mesh height (middle, down, or full height) depends on the specific animal you aim to keep out. 

3. Foal Safety

For horse owners with foals, there may be concerns about foal safety. In such cases, mesh can be considered to prevent foals from getting their legs entangled through the rails.  

Does the Design of Buckley Steel Fencing Support Mesh? 

It depends. 

The standard design of Buckley does not inherently support the attachment of traditional horse-safe mesh due to its friction fit and rail locking spacer design.  

However, this doesn’t mean you cannot find viable solutions. Depending on the vision and needs of our clients, we’ve helped create several properties using a combination of Buckley and mesh fencing. 

If you are committed to adding mesh to your Premium Steel Post and Rail fence, we recommend using PVC-Coated chain link mesh for several compelling reasons: 

Easier to Attach: Chain link mesh requires less tension to hold it straight, making it more compatible with the Buckley system. Its flexibility ensures a smoother installation process. 

Aesthetic Match: Chain wire mesh is available in black, a colour that seamlessly blends with the prevailing aesthetic of most Australian properties using Buckley fencing. This ensures that the mesh doesn’t disrupt the overall visual harmony of your fence. 

Durability: The powder-coated finish on chain wire mesh closely resembles the finish of Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing, guaranteeing longevity that aligns with the lifespan of your fence. 

Are you clear on whether your Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing needs mesh? 

You have weighed all the pros and cons of Buckley Steel Post and Rail fencing and wanted to know if adding mesh to this fencing is a good idea or not. 

Now you know before adding mesh to your Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing, carefully consider the number of rails required and the type of animals you need to contain. Keep in mind that Buckley’s design prioritizes safety, aesthetics, and functionality, and mesh may not always align seamlessly with these objectives. 

Overall, in most cases, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid attaching mesh to your Buckley fencing. Doing so will preserve the fence’s appearance, safety features, and overall functionality. If, however, the mesh is required to meet the needs of your property, animals and their safety, opt for PVC-coated chain link mesh for optimal results. 

It’ll be worth digging deeper and learning a step-by-step guide on how to attach the mesh to your Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing.

While the choice to attach mesh to Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing is not one-size-fits-all, it should always be approached with consideration and thoughtfulness. If you have more questions on the compatibility of Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing with different types of solutions, feel free to reach out to our fencing experts. They will help and guide you at every step to create a safe and beautiful property.