Expanded metal guide
Expanded metal open area and weight calculator
Enter the diamond size and strand to get the open area and weight, and see the closest meshes we keep in stock.
Flattened mesh is usually sized by aperture, raised mesh by pitch. Changing the finish switches this for you.
Closest stock meshes
| Mesh | Diamond | Strand | Open | In stock |
|---|
Flattened meshes are sized by aperture, raised by pitch. MS mild steel, PG pre-galvanised, AL aluminium, 304 stainless. Other materials are made to order, usually in 5 to 7 days.
- Pitch (centre to centre)–
- 2440 x 1220mm sheet–
- 2500 x 1250mm sheet–
- Diamonds per m²–
How to read expanded metal sizes (LWD, SWD and strand)
Expanded metal is described by the size of its diamond and the width of the strand. A 20 x 10 x 2mm mesh breaks down like this:
Long way of the diamond, in mm.
Short way of the diamond, in mm.
Width of the metal between openings.
Thickness of the strand, in mm.
How the LWD and SWD are measured depends on the finish. Raised mesh is sized by its pitch, from one knuckle (where the strands join) to the next. Flattened mesh is sized by its aperture, the opening inside the strands.
On our product codes, a final F means flattened; without it the mesh is raised. The letter before it is the metal: M mild steel, A aluminium, G pre-galvanised, S stainless.
Flattened and raised expanded metal
Expanded metal comes off the press raised, with the strands set at an angle, which gives the sheet depth, grip and stiffness. Flattened mesh is passed through rollers afterwards to give a smooth, level surface.
Because the two are measured differently, a raised and a flattened mesh quoted with the same figures are not the same size. Tell us which you have when you ask for a price.
Open area and weight
A wider strand or a smaller diamond means less open area and a heavier sheet. A thicker strand adds weight without changing the open area. Aluminium mesh weighs about a third as much as the same mesh in steel.
Expanded metal sheet sizes
Stock meshes come in 2500 x 1250mm or 2440 x 1220mm (8 x 4ft) sheets, depending on the mesh; each product page lists its sizes. Made-to-order meshes come in 2000 x 1000, 2500 x 1250 and 3000 x 1500mm, usually in 5 to 7 days.
We cut part sheets and exact sizes from any of them. View the full expanded metal range, or browse by material: mild steel, aluminium, pre-galvanised and stainless steel.
Frequently asked questions
What do LWD and SWD mean on expanded metal?
LWD is the long way of the diamond and SWD the short way, in millimetres. Raised mesh is measured by pitch, centre to centre between knuckles; flattened mesh is measured by aperture, the opening inside the strands.
What’s the difference between flattened and raised expanded metal?
Raised mesh is left as it comes off the press, with the strands at an angle, so it has more depth and grip. Flattened mesh is rolled afterwards to give a smooth, level surface.
Can you cut expanded metal to size?
Yes. We cut part sheets and exact sizes from any of our sheets. Give us the sizes and quantities when you ask for a price.
Can you get a mesh that isn’t listed?
Often, yes. Send us the LWD, SWD, strand, thickness and material and we’ll check whether it can be made. Made-to-order mesh usually takes 5 to 7 days.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
No, we deliver to UK addresses only.