Made by slitting and stretching a single sheet of metal, expanded mesh creates minimal waste and will not fray or unravel when cut to size. Our range includes aluminium, steel, brass and copper expanded mesh for applications such as ceilings, room dividers, cladding and more.

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Frequently asked questions.

Here are some commonly asked questions for our Expanded Mesh products. If you don’t find the answers that you’re looking for here, just reach out to one of our experts and we’ll be happy to help.

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Yes, expanded mesh can be used externally when the right material, finish and fixing method are specified. It is often used for façades, plant screens, gates, cladding and external feature panels.

Yes, expanded mesh panels can be manufactured to suit specific project requirements. This can include different mesh patterns, sheet sizes, thicknesses, cutting, framing and finishing options.

Expanded mesh is specified using five measurements:

  • LWD (long way of diamond): the aperture across its longest axis
  • SWD (short way of diamond): the aperture across its shortest axis
  • Strand width: the width of the metal between apertures
  • Thickness: the gauge of the original sheet
  • Open area: how much of the sheet is aperture rather than metal

Open area is usually the figure that matters most on architectural projects, as it sets light transmission, airflow and how much the mesh screens the view behind it.

Expanded metal mesh is a single sheet of metal that has been slit and stretched to create a pattern of openings, usually in a diamond shape. Because no material is removed during the process, it remains strong, lightweight and durable while allowing light, air and heat to pass through.

Available in materials including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper, expanded metal mesh is widely used for architectural features, screening, cladding, security, walkways, ceilings and industrial applications.

Expanded metal mesh is made by simultaneously slitting and stretching a solid sheet of metal into a uniform diamond or hexagonal pattern. Unlike woven or welded mesh, no material is removed during the process, creating very little waste while maintaining the sheet’s strength and integrity.

The result is a lightweight yet durable mesh with excellent airflow, visibility and structural performance. Expanded metal mesh can be manufactured from materials including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper, and is available in a range of mesh sizes and finishes to suit architectural, industrial and commercial applications.

The right open area depends on your application. Open area is the percentage of empty space within the mesh, affecting airflow, visibility, light transmission and strength.

  • 20 to 40% open area offers greater strength and security, making it suitable for flooring, walkways and machine guards.
  • 40 to 60% open area provides a balance of strength, airflow and visibility, making it a popular choice for cladding, screening and architectural features.
  • 60%+ open area maximises light, ventilation and visibility while reducing weight, making it ideal for ceilings, partitions and decorative applications.

If you’re unsure which open area is right for your project, our team can help you choose the most suitable expanded mesh based on your application, material and performance requirements.

The best material depends on your project’s location, budget and design requirements.

  • Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion resistant and easy to fabricate, making it a popular choice for façades, screening and architectural cladding.
  • Stainless steel offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for coastal environments and demanding external applications.
  • Mild steel is a cost-effective option for external use when finished with hot dip galvanising or powder coating to protect against corrosion.
  • Brass and copper are often chosen for premium architectural projects where a distinctive appearance and natural ageing are desired.

If you’re unsure which material is best, we can help you select the right expanded mesh based on your environment, performance requirements and finish.

Yes. Expanded mesh can be curved, folded and fabricated to suit a wide range of architectural and industrial applications. Depending on the material, mesh pattern and thickness, it can be formed into panels, angles, cylinders and other custom shapes without compromising its strength.

Our fabrication services include folding, rolling, welding and cutting to size, allowing us to produce bespoke expanded mesh components ready for installation.

A building covered in an expanded mesh facade with shapes woven together to create an intricate pattern

Raised or flattened

Raised mesh keeps the natural angle it forms during expansion, which gives it depth, shadow and extra rigidity. Flattened mesh is rolled after expansion for a smooth, level sheet that takes powder coating evenly and sits flush against a substrate.

As a rule, choose raised where texture or strength matters most, and flattened where the surface finish does.

Expanded mesh materials

Aluminium: Light and corrosion resistant, expanded aluminium mesh is the usual choice for external facades and large ceiling spans. It can be anodised or powder coated to any RAL colour.

Steel: Expanded steel mesh gives you the most strength for the money, so it tends to be specified for walkways, security screening, balustrade infill and industrial work. Available in mild, galvanised and stainless.

Brass and copper: For decorative interiors where you want a warmer metallic tone. Both develop a natural patina over time, or can be lacquered to hold their original finish.

Bright room with expanded mesh dividers between seating areas.

Finishes

Anodising, powder coating in any RAL or BS colour, PVD and mill finish. Powder coating sits more evenly on flattened mesh, while anodising suits aluminium where you want to keep a metallic look. Fire rated options are available where the specification calls for them.

Our latest projects

Our Metal Mesh products and systems are trusted by architects and designers across a wide range of sectors. Explore recent projects that showcase how our technical precision, and attention to detail translate into real-world applications.

A spiral mesh balustrade in stainless steel. As a balustrade in a residential garden.

Pigment House

A games room in a bar venue. A red room with an AC100 bespoke laser cut metal ceiling system. Red furniture and a whole red theme running through the room.

The Pool House

A kitchen area with tall worktops and chairs. Behind is a cabinet with brass woven mesh.

The Vawdrey House

An image of a building with mannequins in and a large sofa. With a black expanded mesh ceiling system.

Authentic Brands Group

A large office space with plants in the background and the bottom half of a big stainless steel rocket.

Flight Story

A high vaulted ceiling with stunning gold metal drapery

Imperial Riding School, Vienna

A school building with a large staircase with red wellTEC balustrade.

Spark Building, Cardiff University

AC400 gold metal mesh ceiling systems suspended above a white office desk with people working.

Orega

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