Not Just for Chickens: 7 Clever Uses for Mesh, Chicken Wire, and Hardware Cloth

When most people think of chicken wire, they picture it wrapped around a coop or fluttering in a barnyard breeze. And yes — it’s great for keeping the hens happy. But chicken wire, hardware cloth, and wire mesh fencing are far more versatile than you might think.

At Haney Builders Supplies, we carry a full selection of galvanized wire mesh, poultry netting, hardware cloth, and utility fencing that can be used for a wide range of creative, practical, and downright clever home and garden projects.

Here are 7 surprising ways you can use chicken wire, mesh, and hardware cloth around your property — and yes, we’ve got all the materials you need to make them happen.

1.  Protect Your Garden (Without Hiding It)

Chicken wire and hardware cloth are excellent for keeping out rabbits, raccoons, and curious pets — all without blocking sunlight or airflow. While chicken wire works for most garden beds, hardware cloth (with its tighter square grid) is perfect for protecting young seedlings or covering raised beds to prevent digging.

Pro tip: Use hardware cloth around the base of sheds or garden boxes to stop burrowing animals from sneaking in.

Shop chicken wire, mesh, and hardware cloth on sale now.

2. Build a Climbing Wall for Vines

Want more green space without expanding your garden beds? Attach mesh fencing to a wooden frame or an exterior wall and you've got a custom vertical trellis — perfect for climbing plants like peas, beans, clematis, or even roses.

Bonus: A wire trellis creates instant curb appeal and helps keep your plants off the ground (and away from pests).

3. Quick Repairs & Temporary Fixes

These wire materials are your best friend in a pinch. They're strong, flexible, and easy to cut — making them perfect for:

• Patching broken fencing
• Reinforcing animal pens
• Blocking holes under the deck or shed
• Creating quick covers for vents, drains, or eaves

Hardware cloth, in particular, is ideal for rodent-proofing around the home due to its stronger metal and finer grid.

4. Rustic Decor Projects

Yes — chicken wire can be pretty. Creative homeowners use it in:

• Cabinet door inserts
• Photo boards
• Farmhouse-style pantry screens
• Earring holders and DIY wall art

Tip: Hardware cloth works well when you need more structure and a cleaner finish. It’s especially great for drawer organizers or craft frames that need to hold their shape.

5. Create Pet Barriers

Need to keep the dog out of the flower bed or separate a small area of your yard? Mesh and chicken wire make excellent temporary pet fences. For smaller pets or added durability, hardware cloth offers extra strength and security — especially in enclosures for rabbits, guinea pigs, or chickens.

Tip: Use U-posts or rebar to secure it in the ground, and zip ties or fencing clips for easy setup.

6. Leaf and Debris Screens

Keep fall leaves and garden debris where they belong with a simple chicken wire or hardware cloth screen over storm drains, ponds, or garden bins. These materials also work great as DIY compost bins or breathable barriers for mulch piles.

Bonus use: Line the inside of raised garden beds with hardware cloth before filling them — it prevents moles and rodents from tunneling up through your soil.

7. Home & Workshop Protection

One of the lesser-known but most valuable uses of hardware cloth is safety and security. Because it’s made from stronger, rigid metal with smaller openings, it’s ideal for:

• Covering crawl space vents
• Reinforcing basement window wells
• Building storage cage doors
• Creating secure covers for fan or AC vents in sheds

Choose the Right Wire for the Job — We’ll Help

At Haney Builders Supplies, we carry:

• Galvanized chicken wire in multiple heights and gauges
• Utility mesh rolls for general fencing and gardening
• Hardware cloth in fine, medium, and heavy-duty options
• All the accessories — fence posts, wire cutters, staples, zip ties, fasteners, and more

Not sure which one is best for your project? Just ask. Our team will guide you through choosing the right material based on strength, flexibility, and weather resistance.

Ready to build smarter?
Shop online now or visit us in-store to get your project off the ground.