Wire Mesh FAQ
Straight answers to the questions we hear most — how to order, how cut-to-size works, and how to pick the right mesh and material. Family-owned in Hayward, California since 1938. When in doubt, call us at (510) 887-8787 and we'll walk you through it.
How Ordering Works
Howard Wire is a quote-only distributor. You won't see a shopping cart or list prices on our product pages — instead you tell us what you need, and we quote it. Pricing depends on material, mesh, size, quantity, and any fabrication, so a custom quote is almost always more accurate (and often better) than a fixed shelf price.
Not sure of the exact spec? Send a sketch, a sample, or a photo — we'll help you nail it down.
Mesh, Micron & Material — Quick Reference
Two of the most common points of confusion are "mesh count vs. micron" and "304 vs. 316." Here's the short version; the deeper dives are linked below.
| Term | What it means | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh count | Number of openings per linear inch | Higher mesh = finer openings. How woven wire is spec'd. |
| Micron | Opening size measured in microns (µm) | Filtration specs. Depends on both mesh and wire diameter. |
| Wire diameter | Thickness of the wire itself | Two "40 mesh" cloths can have different openings if wire diameter differs. |
| 304 SS | General-purpose stainless | Great all-around corrosion resistance, indoor/outdoor. |
| 316 SS | Marine / chemical grade stainless | Added molybdenum for salt, chlorides, harsh chemicals. |
Mesh count alone does not equal micron rating — use the conversion chart to translate between them.
Mesh-to-Micron Guide
See how mesh count and wire diameter combine to give an actual micron opening in our mesh-to-micron conversion chart.
Woven vs. Welded
Woven wire mesh is interlaced strands — precise openings, common for filtration and sifting. Welded mesh has wires fused at each intersection for a rigid, structural grid. Browse woven or welded.
Roll vs. Sheet
Many meshes come as either continuous rolls or flat-cut sheets. We cut both to size. Tell us your dimensions and we'll advise which format fits your job and budget best.
Ready for a quote?
Send your specs and we'll cut it to size and ship nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does quote-only ordering work — why are there no prices?
Because nearly everything we sell is cut to size and often fabricated, a single shelf price rarely fits. Wire mesh pricing depends on material, mesh count, wire diameter, dimensions, quantity, and any fabrication. You browse our collections, send us your specs through the quote request form or call (510) 887-8787, and we reply with accurate pricing and options. It usually gets you a better, more precise number than a generic list price.
Do you cut to size?
Yes. Cut-to-size is what we do — that's why there's no fixed cart pricing. Give us the width and length (or diameter) you need and we'll cut woven mesh, welded mesh, perforated metal, expanded metal, hardware cloth, and screen to your dimensions. We also handle custom fabrication like discs, panels, frames, and rolled or formed shapes. Just include your finished sizes when you request a quote.
What's the difference between mesh count and micron?
Mesh count is the number of openings per linear inch; micron is the actual size of each opening in micrometers. They're related but not interchangeable, because the opening size also depends on wire diameter — two cloths of the same mesh count can have different micron openings. If you have a filtration or particle-size target, use our mesh-to-micron conversion chart to translate, or send us the micron rating and we'll match a mesh.
Should I choose 304 or 316 stainless?
304 (and 304L) is a versatile, cost-effective stainless with strong corrosion resistance for most indoor and outdoor uses. 316 (and 316L) adds molybdenum, which improves resistance to salt, chlorides, and harsher chemicals — the usual pick for marine, coastal, or chemical environments. When in doubt, tell us the environment and we'll recommend a grade. Browse our 316 stainless woven mesh or the full woven wire collection.
Do you ship nationwide? What about minimums and lead time?
Yes — we ship across the U.S. from Hayward, California, and also offer local pickup. Minimum order and lead time vary with the material, size, and any fabrication involved, so we don't quote a one-size-fits-all number. The fastest way to get exact figures is to contact us or call (510) 887-8787 with your specs, and we'll confirm minimums, lead time, and shipping for your order. Ask about samples too — availability depends on the material.