5 Things to Know Before Buying interior finishing metal mesh

What should I know about metal cladding?

1. Types of metal cladding
2. Beneficial properties
3. Installation options
4. Finish options
5. Additional characteristics
6. Maintenance needs

Cladding is used in numerous projects — from agricultural to high-end commercial buildings, you’re likely to see cladding materials along the exterior of the structure. This offers sturdy and durable protection against weather conditions, abrasions, UV rays, and more environmental factors.

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While a variety of materials are used to create cladding, metal cladding is the top option for many homeowners and business owners due to its form, functions, and advantages.

But what is metal cladding, and what should you know about it? This article discusses the fundamentals. Read on!

What is Metal Cladding?

Metal cladding is a product made of layered metal. It performs the same function as other cladding options — protecting the exterior walls (or the interior) of a building. Metal cladding may also be used for roofing material.

Aside from structural protection, the metal cladding also has aesthetic and design purposes, adding versatility to any structure.

Types of Metal Cladding

Compared to other types, — such as stone, concrete, and wood — metal cladding strikes an optimal balance between function and aesthetic. Various metals can be made into cladding, offering versatility and other mechanical properties:

Aluminum

Some projects opt for aluminum cladding, as aluminum offers more resistance against rust and corrosion. It is often used for homes, commercial centers, and other buildings in humid climates.

Aluminum cladding offers other benefits, such as being lightweight and highly versatile when it comes to coating and painting. However, it is not as strong as other metals, so it may not be applicable in harsher environments.

Steel

Steel cladding’s most important advantage is its high strength. When it comes to rust resistance, steel may not be the best option — but certain grades of steel offer good protection.

As it is extremely durable, it is popular for exterior and interior cladding. This type is best applied in buildings where long-lasting strength is required, such as in industrial settings.

Copper

Copper cladding offers adequate protection against the elements but oxidizes quickly — turning from shiny orange to light green — unless a protective coating is applied. Thus, it is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal rather than any protective advantage it may offer. It is typically used for roofing and other finishing work.

Beneficial Properties

All metal cladding systems offer more or less the same properties:

Protection and Strength

Metal cladding can protect and shield a structure from ever-changing and harsh elements that may damage it — such as rain, winds, pollution, and temperatures. They’re strong and durable enough that they improve the stability and lifespan of a structure. Often, metal cladding products are long-lasting and manufacturers sell them with warranties as long as 30 years or more.

Weight

Metal cladding can be quite lightweight, reducing the load of the building, and also making this material much easier to transport, install, and repair.

Non-Combustible

All metal building materials must be resistant to fire. This puts metal cladding above other materials — such as wood panels — in terms of protective advantages.

Aesthetics

Metal cladding is often used for architectural and design purposes. While there are many practical benefits to using this product, it offers many aesthetic benefits as well. Installing cladding can change the overall look of a building. Both material and installation choices may be used in such a way that it creates varying styles.

Environmentally-Friendly

As it is made from common materials, metal cladding can easily be recycled at the end of its life. As a result, you can reduce your building’s carbon footprint.

Installation Options

There are two main ways to install metal cladding:

• Single-skin — The cladding alone is applied to the building, and acts as the protective barrier to external elements.
• Double-skin — Insulation is installed in between two layers of metal cladding, improving ventilation and energy efficiency.

Aside from that, there are many different ways to configure metal cladding. Configuration is important as it affects the overall look of the building.

Common setups include panel, strip, brickwork, mesh, cassette, textile, tube, shingle. Some configurations offer better thermal insulation, protection, and durability.

Finish Options

Aside from configuration, there are multiple finishes to choose from that will affect the aesthetics of your building. The most popular options are: polished, smooth, natural, textured, ribbed, perforated, matte, oxidized, and lacquered. The best choice for your building will depend largely on your personal preference and budget.

Other kinds of finishes a manufacturer may offer are: grooved, patina, painted, high-gloss, brushed, sandblasted, 3D-printed, aged, oiled, brush-hammered, metalized, lozenge-patterned, and mirror.

Additional Characteristics

There are options for metal manufacturers to add additional characteristics to metal cladding projects. Aside from offering non-combustible, sturdy, and weather-resistant protection, your metal cladding may have other characteristics.

Common additions include LED lighting, backlighting, and planters (to grow plants like moss, ferns, vines, etc.). These additional characteristics improve the aesthetic appeal and help create better-looking facades and environments.

Maintenance Needs

Depending on the material, configuration, finish, and additional characteristics you choose for your building, your metal cladding will have different maintenance needs.

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Here are a few pointers for taking care of metal cladding to extend its lifespan:

• Remove dirt and stains — Using metal cleaning products, remove any traces of dirt from your cladding to prevent rust or pollutant build-up.
• Apply to coat or paint — When the surface is completely clean, apply a new coat of protective paint to keep your metal cladding looking good as new. You may also treat it with weather protection coatings, such as sealant or glue, to keep it intact in harsh weather conditions.
• Replace broken pieces immediately — When you spot damage, have the cladding replaced immediately.

Key Takeaway

Now that you know what metal cladding is and the structural and aesthetic benefits it offers, you may be interested in learning more about this product and how it may be applied to your construction project.

Features & Uses

Looking for a simple and affordable solution to upgrade, accent, or transform your space? Consider crafting decorative cabinets with mesh doors. TWP Inc. carries myriad styles in various alloys, finishes, weaves, and sizes. Browse the selection and learn why more homeowners are choosing decorative wire mesh panels for cabinets. 

Benefits of Wire Mesh Inserts for Cabinet Doors

Decorative mesh is a go-to for cabinetry because it's visually appealing, semi-transparent, light-permeable, and DIY-friendly.

Mesh Panels are Visually Appealing

Mesh comes in many designer-approved patterns and finishes. Whether you use it for kitchen cabinetry, a standalone dining room buffet, a media console, a sideboard, or bathroom cabinets, this metallic accent is sure to enhance the aesthetic of the space.

Check out these 7 Beautiful Decorative Wire Mesh Inserts for Cabinet Doors for inspiration.

Semi-Transparent & Light-Permeable

Decorative mesh comes in a medley of weave styles and opening sizes with varying levels of transparency. Some allow you to see the contents of the cabinets without opening them, and most are light-permeable, meaning illumination can pass through. With this in mind, you can install battery-powered puck lights or strips inside the frames to enhance your existing lighting with an upscale appeal.

DIY-Friendly

Metal mesh is generally easy to work with, making it a top choice for do-it-yourself home upgrades. It can be cut to size with tin snips or heavy-duty scissors. Once the existing façades are removed from your cabinet doors, attaching the mesh with glue or industrial staples is a relatively simple process.

Choosing the Best Metal Mesh for Cabinet Doors

Since cabinets are located inside the home, you won't have to worry about weather damage and other outdoor factors, which gives you more design choices. When browsing options, you'll want to consider the metal alloy, finish, wire size and shape, and weave style.

Metal Alloy & Finish

TWP Inc. supplies decorative mesh in various metals, including brass, bronze, nickel, and stainless steel.

• Brass is a strong, heat-resistant copper-zinc alloy. It's available in a pure (true-to-color) form or with a warm, darkened antique finish.
• Bronze is a copper-tin alloy that's slightly stronger than brass with a darker brownish-yellow hue. You can buy it in pure form or with a reddish-black antique finish.
• Nickel is a pure metal with a somewhat deep gray tone. The unfinished material is similar to chrome in appearance. It's also available in a darker tarnished finish.
• Stainless steel is an iron-chromium alloy with exceptional durability and rust resistance. It comes in a simple mill finish or plated with a hand-rubbed, blackened hue.

The choice is ultimately a matter of preference. However, you might consider getting wire mesh in a similar color or finish as other fixtures in the space, such as your faucet, door knobs, and drawer pulls.

Learn more in our blog, Top 4 Decorative Wire Mesh Materials for Cabinet Inserts.

Wire Opening Size & Shape

You can also choose from several wire diameter sizes. In addition to traditional round wires, some decorative styles have flat strands. Others feature crimps or bunched-twill metal wires.

Weave Style

TWP Inc. carries cabinet mesh in various weave patterns. In addition to a plain square weave, there are double-wired designs reminiscent of plaid, Oxford-style looming techniques, diagonal patterns, and basket-inspired weaves.

Need help deciding? Order a decorative mesh sample kit to see and feel the metals, finishes, and weaves in person.

Other Uses for Decorative Wire Mesh

In the past century, woven wire mesh has transformed from a basic manufacturing staple to a versatile material with endless creative applications. Beyond cabinetry, decorative mesh is used for innovative furniture designs, architectural accents, room dividers, lamps, candle sconces, and fireplace screens—to name just a few.

Wire Mesh for Gardens & Landscaping

Mesh is a must for gardening and landscaping enthusiasts. The material is used to protect plants and encourage growth in a variety of ways, including cloches, vegetable cages, arches, trellises, gabion planter walls, and more. It’s also a go-to choice for pest and rodent control solutions.

Learn more about features and uses as well as browse and shop online.

Mesh Used for Building, DIY Projects & More

Indoors or out, decorative wire mesh is a perfect choice for any home decor, craft, DIY, or building project. It can be used in a variety of unexpected ways. DIYers use it for stair railings, custom light fixtures, partition walls, and more.

Visit our DIY & Home page for project ideas and the best wire mesh to use for the job.

Shop Wire Mesh for Cabinet Doors & More From TWP Inc.

TWP Inc. is a leading supplier of cabinet wire mesh and decorative styles for other DIY projects. No matter how you plan to use the material, our experienced team is here to assist.

Our women-owned, ISO : certified company has been the first choice for high-quality woven mesh products and expert laser cutting services since . 

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