What Type of Mesh to Use in a Straw House Build?
Choosing the Right Type of Mesh to Use Your Straw House Project
If you're planning to build a straw house, one of the construction detail decisions you'll face is: What type of mesh should I use on my bale walls?
Mesh plays a critical role in shaping corners, supporting plaster, and (in some designs) even providing structural shear resistance. But like anything in construction, your choice should match the goals, materials, and performance expectations of your specific build. Let’s bale into the details…
🔍 Why Mesh Matters in Straw Bale Construction
The right mesh can:
Hold corners cleanly
Provide structure during plaster application
Simplify finishing
Contribute to the wall’s lateral shear strength (in some systems)
The wrong mesh? It’ll slow you down, waste materials, and leave you fighting to achieve the finished look you want.
Top Mesh Options for a Straw House Build
Let’s break down the most common choices:
🔩 1. Welded Wire Mesh (14-Gauge)
The standard in many of our how-to videos is this mesh:
Holds its shape beautifully (ideal for smooth corners)
Doubles as a shear-resisting element in some wall systems
Staples cleanly and creates consistent plaster planes
Pros:
Strong, rigid, long-lasting
Excellent for DIYers who want pro results
Great for use with lime, or earthen plaster
Cons:
Expensive
Steel-heavy (less eco-friendly)
Still a solid option—especially if you want precision and strength in your build. Note - the gauge size may vary, be sure to reference what is spec’d on your specific design as called out in the detail notes.
♻️ 2. Jute Netting
An eco-friendly option that pairs well with lime or earthen plasters.
Pros:
Biodegradable and sustainable
Lightweight and easy to work with
Lower environmental impact
Cons:
Hard to shape around corners
Less rigid than steel options
May be difficult to source in some regions
Can be challenging to work with
🔧 3. Plastic Mesh (e.g., Tenax)
Flexible, easy to cut, and simple to install—especially for light-duty applications.
Pros:
Cuts with a utility knife
Lightweight
Safer edges compared to wire
Cons:
Stretches under tension, making corners harder to manage
May degrade over time with UV if left exposed, such as in outdoor storage
Doesn’t offer structural shear support
It is worth noting that some lime plaster suppliers recommend its use in maritime environments over metal mesh.
🚫 4. Stucco Netting (similar in shape to chicken wire, but heavy-duty)
While commonly available, we rarely recommend these options anymore.
Cons:
Too flexible—makes shaping difficult
Prone to sharp edges
Labor-intensive to install
Not worth the effort if you're already working with steel
If you're going with metal, it’s better to step up to welded wire mesh and skip the frustration.
What About No Mesh at All?
In some designs—especially those using earthen or lime plasters—it’s possible to skip mesh altogether.
But there’s a caveat:
If you’re using cement-based plaster, you’ll need structural mesh to comply with most codes.
And even in no-mesh walls, we still recommend:
Reinforcing corners and openings with stiff wire or localized mesh
Planning your plaster thickness and mix with the wall’s flexibility in mind
🧱 Advanced Builds: Structural Shear Panels
While some used to use welded wire mesh as the shear system in their straw house builds, they now rely more on engineered components like HardyFrames or other structural shear panels.
Why?
Labor savings
Faster installation
Less site mess
Tradeoff?
Higher material cost—but often worth it for professionals balancing time and budget.
🎯 Mesh Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Your mesh choice depends on:
What plaster you use
Your wall design and desired finish
Whether your straw house build includes structural shear requirements
Your environmental priorities and budget
No matter what you choose, plan early and match the system to your goals. Your future self (and your plaster team) will thank you.
Want to See Welded Wire Mesh Installation in Action?
🎓 Learn for free with our 16-Day Straw Bale Building eCourse or
📽️ Watch our How-To Bale Building Video Series for step-by-step mesh installation guidance.
Or join us for a hands-on workshop to learn new skills and have a blast with this incredible community at the same time!
Updated: May 23, 2025
