Pet-Secure Mesh Fencing for Side Returns

When your dog’s figured out the side return, every bin-night becomes a chase. We get it. Mesh fencing gives you a neat, secure way to stop escapes without blocking airflow or light, perfect for Melbourne’s side paths and tight access areas. Built in our Hallam workshop, we custom-make panels and gates to suit your space, your pet, and your home.

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Mesh Fencing

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Narre Warren “escape artist” solved

A family in Narre Warren had a terrier slipping through old pickets and digging under the gate. We designed a steel diamond mesh fencing infill with a matching gate, extended the gate frame to ground level, and added a concrete nib to deter digging. Result: airflow kept, side path tidy, and the pup’s backyard-only privileges restored.

Why mesh fencing works so well on side returns

• Pet-secure without bulk. Small aperture mesh stops noses and paws getting through, while keeping breezes and light.

• Tidy and tough. Welded or tensioned mesh with SHS posts looks sharp next to brickwork, cladding or Colorbond.

• Made to measure. We template awkward falls, gas meters, hot-water units and bins so everything clears and locks properly.

• Future-proof. If you ever upgrade the front fence, the mesh side return still matches in black powder-coat.

What to consider before you choose

1) Aperture & wire gauge For small breeds and cats, tighter mesh (smaller diamonds/squares) is best. Larger dogs often need heavier wire or a solid kickplate to prevent bending.

2) Bottom gap & digging We usually drop the gate to within millimetres of finished ground and can add a concrete nib or sleeper to stop digging.

3) Gate hardware Child-safe, self-closing latches are worth it on side returns. Ask about soft-close hinges for quieter use.

4) Finish & look Black powder-coated steel (often called fence black mesh) disappears visually and suits most façades. We also galvanise for a raw, utilitarian look.

How we build it on site

1. Measure & plan – We visit, confirm levels, services and clearances.

2. Fabricate – Frames, mesh fencing panels and the gate are custom-built for a snug fit.

3. Footings & posts – SHS posts set in concrete, aligned to your brick line or boundary.

4. Fit-off – Mesh fixed/tensioned, latches and hinges adjusted, stops added to remove any toe-holds.

5. Clean-up & handover – We test latches, walk you through care, and leave the path ready to use.

Options: picking the right mesh style

• Diamond mesh (chain/diamond) – Classic look with small openings that are great for little dogs and airflow.

• Cyclone mesh – A robust, tensioned style many people call cyclone mesh fencing or cyclone fence mesh; excellent where strength and visibility matter.

• Roll-top mesh fence panels – Framed panels with rolled top and bottom edges for a clean, safe finish—ideal where hands regularly touch the top rail.

We also do temporary mesh fencing for short-term containment during renovations, and steel mesh fencing for permanent, high-durability installs.

Quick comparison

Option	Pet security	Airflow	Typical use
Diamond mesh	High (small openings)	Excellent	Side returns, narrow paths
Cyclone mesh	High/Heavy-duty	Excellent	Long runs, utility areas
Roll-top panels	High + safer edges	Very good	Family paths, hand-contact areas

Maintenance & longevity

• Powder-coated steel loves a simple hose-down to remove dust and coastal salts after windy weeks.

• Check hinges and latches seasonally—Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-a-day can shift timber and pavers slightly.

• If your dog’s a chewer or climber, we can upsize wire gauge or add an anti-dig edge later.

Spec box (typical, tailored per site)

• Posts: 50–65mm SHS, hot-dip galvanised, powder-coated black

• Mesh: diamond/cyclone or welded, aperture selected to pet size

• Frames: RHS with ground-level kickplate option for diggers

• Gate: self-closing hinges, lockable latch, privacy stopper if needed

• Finishes: galvanised or powder-coated (e.g., Black / Monument)

• Integration: bin access, metre box, AC condenser, hot-water unit clearances

Local proof points

We build and finish everything from our Hallam workshop, servicing Narre Warren, Doveton, Hampton Park and surrounding South-East suburbs. Our installs are sized for Melbourne’s wind, rain and heat swings, so your side path stays secure and easy to use year-round.

Ready to stop the escapes? Call our Hallam workshop on (03) 8764 5929 or send us your plans/photos and we’ll book a free measure & practical advice visit. Prefer a call-back? Tell us your suburb and a time that suits, we’ll do the rest.