Not all fence panels are created equal. Understanding the structural and security differences between panel types is essential before placing a wholesale order.
Introduction
Fence panels are one of the most volume-driven product categories in the hardware wholesale market. Yet buyers frequently encounter confusion when comparing specifications — particularly when suppliers use inconsistent terminology or when the same product is described differently across regions. This guide provides a clear, practical comparison of the three most common steel fence panel types: welded wire mesh panels, security steel fence panels, and palisade fencing.
Type 1: Welded Wire Mesh Panels
Welded wire mesh panels are manufactured by resistance-welding a grid of steel wires at each intersection point. The result is a rigid, flat panel with uniform apertures (openings) across its surface.
Construction
Wire diameter typically ranges from 3 mm to 6 mm, and aperture sizes commonly range from 50×50 mm to 100×200 mm. The panel frame is either formed from the same wire or from a heavier-gauge border wire. Surface treatment options include PVC coating (the most popular for colour options and corrosion resistance), hot-dip galvanizing (HDG), and electro-galvanizing.
Applications
Welded wire mesh panels are the go-to choice for residential garden fencing, sports courts, animal enclosures, and temporary construction site perimeters. Their relatively open structure provides good visibility and airflow, and the PVC coating allows colour matching to landscape designs.
Limitations
The open aperture structure means welded wire panels offer limited anti-climb resistance. A determined intruder can use the mesh as a foothold. For high-security perimeters, a smaller aperture (e.g., 358 mesh, also known as "prison mesh") is required.
Type 2: Security Steel Fence Panels
Security steel fence panels, such as HST's SF2421-N series, are constructed from heavier steel tubes welded into a rigid frame, with vertical pickets (often with spear or arrow tops) welded at regular intervals. The panel is designed to resist cutting, climbing, and impact.
Construction
The horizontal rails are typically 40×40 mm or 60×40 mm square tubes with a wall thickness of 1.5–2.0 mm. Vertical pickets are 25×25 mm or 30×30 mm square tubes, spaced 100–150 mm apart. The entire assembly is powder-coated after welding, providing a uniform finish and corrosion protection rated for 10+ years in outdoor environments.
Applications
Security panels are widely used for commercial property boundaries, school perimeters, public parks, and industrial facilities. The spear-top picket design is a strong visual deterrent and makes climbing significantly more difficult than a flat-top panel.
Key Specifications to Compare
| Specification | Standard | Heavy Duty |
|---|
| Rail tube size | 40×40 mm | 60×40 mm |
| Rail wall thickness | 1.5 mm | 2.0 mm |
| Picket spacing | 150 mm | 100 mm |
| Panel height | 1.2–1.8 m | 1.8–2.4 m |
| Surface treatment | Powder coat | HDG + powder coat |
Type 3: Palisade Fencing
Palisade fencing consists of vertical steel pales (D-section, W-section, or flat-section profiles) bolted or welded to horizontal rails. It is the traditional high-security fencing solution in the UK and Commonwealth countries, and is increasingly specified in infrastructure projects worldwide.
Construction
The pales are typically formed from 3 mm thick steel strip rolled into a D or W profile, which gives them significant resistance to bending. The tops are triple-pointed or round-topped depending on the security rating required. Rails are typically 65×65 mm angle iron or 40×40 mm square tube.
Security Ratings
Palisade fencing is classified under the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) LPS 1175 standard in the UK. Ratings range from SR1 (basic deterrent) to SR5 (high-security, tested against power tools). For most commercial applications, SR2 or SR3 is specified.
Applications
Palisade fencing is the preferred choice for utilities infrastructure (substations, water treatment plants), transport hubs (rail depots, ports), and government facilities. Its bolt-together construction makes it easy to transport and install on site.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Welded Wire Mesh | Security Panel | Palisade |
|---|
| Anti-climb | Low (standard) / High (358 mesh) | Medium–High | High |
| Visibility | High | Medium | Medium |
| Installation | Easy | Medium | Medium |
| Typical MOQ | 100–200 panels | 100–150 panels | 200+ panels |
| Lead time (ex-factory) | 15–25 days | 20–30 days | 25–35 days |
| Price range (USD/panel) | $8–$25 | $18–$55 | $22–$60 |
HST supplies all three panel types with OEM options available for custom sizes, colours, and branding. Request a quote for your next project.