Newsletter: February 2010

<- Go back to Newsletter Archives.


The Truth: Crosshatch vs. Mesh Gridwork for Ventilated Horse Stalls


Ventilation and safety are two major concerns for every horse stall. Although it's not one of the most exciting parts of a horse stall, gridwork options play a key factor in both ventilation and safety.

In fact, when Penn State University published a recommendation on horse stable ventilation, they stated the number one thing you could do to improve horse stall ventilation is use open grillwork or grids on front and side stall partitions when possible.

Likewise, if you've ever had a horse that loves to find a way to cause trouble, you know or have heard of the damage that can be done (to your stalls or your animal) if the wrong type of grid is chosen.

Today, I'll just focus on the types of ventilated designs that feature intersecting bars or wire. This type of material sometimes comes in the following forms:

In our industry, these terms are often used interchangeably to describe drastically different products. It's important to know what type of gridwork is appropriate for your animals and your application. You also have to ask the right questions to make sure the product you're getting includes the true material you want.

Welded crosshatch.

I start with this type because it's the most durable, strongest and safest. And, it's the design that Lucas Equine Equipment recommends for the majority of applications. Lucas Equine Equipment crosshatch is built with 5/16-inch solid steel rods. These rods are not woven. Instead, they are solidly welded (using arc welding processes) at every single joint.

Then, the grid is also solidly welded to the frame at every point. A proper crosshatch design will keep the vertical rods turned toward the inside of the stall. This creates a consistent and catch-free design, so horses that paw and scrape don't get beat-up knees or hooves from raking down the door.

Note: Some lower-end designs may include "skip welds" where the intersecting rods are only welded at every few junctions. This design does not offer the same level of strength and safety as true welded crosshatch.

Electrically welded mesh.

In any welded product, both the strength of the material and the strength of the weld determine the overall durability of welded steel. Electrically welded (also known as "electric resistance welding") wire mesh is a common product used by several stall manufacturers. The wire used in this type of mesh is usually 1/4-inch steel.

Electric welds are created by passing electric current between two or more metal surfaces. While the process of electric welding is efficient and cheap, it does not provide the same level of strength as traditional arc welding.

Woven mesh or woven wire mesh.

This gridwork generally features 1/4-inch wire, woven over and under to create a grid/mesh. This type of mesh uses only the weaving design to provide any stability for the intersections, rather than welding the junctions.

While woven mesh can be less expensive than welded crosshatch, the lack of solidly welded joints allows movement, separation and rattling of the gridwork. In addition, the process of bending the metal wire to create the mesh can create points of weakness, as well as raised edges that horses can scrape against.

Expanded metal.

While expanded metal is typically not used inside horse stalls, it can be used in paddock gates and some stall screens. This gridwork isn't made up of intersecting grills, but rather a solid piece of sheet steel that has been expanded to create a pattern of openings for ventilation.

Expanded metal is typically the least expensive option of the ones mentioned in this article, as well as the lightest in terms of weight. When used in paddock gates or stall screens, it can offer strength and durability against wear and tear and a certain level of pressure.

In addition, installing paddock gates filled with expanded metal (versus pipe gates) provides a visual blockade to animals, helping to keep horses from running into the gate.

Key points.

Because this terminology is used so interchangeably, it's vital to ask the right questions when purchasing new ventilated stalls and doors or replacing your current ones.

1. What is the thickness of the steel used to create the grid? Lucas Equine Equipment uses 5/16-inch steel rods in our crosshatch, but some manufacturers may use 1/4-inch steel wire.

2. Is the grid welded? If so, is it welded at every joint?

3. What is the method used for welding the grid joints? Arc welding or electric welding?

4. Can I see a sample? This, perhaps, the most important question.

Don't be afraid to ask your builder or stall manufacturer for a sample of the gridwork.

You'll be able to see a difference right away in each of these designs. Be sure and choose the design and specs that are right for the strength and temperament of your horse, as well as one that will stand up to the wear and tear of a working horse barn for many years to come.


Arc Welded Crosshatch Grid with 5/16 steel rods from Lucas Equine Equipment.