Types of Metal Security Fencing: A UK Buyer's Guide
Metal security fencing comes in several distinct types — palisade, anti-climb 358 mesh, welded mesh panels, vertical bar railings, expanded metal and chain link — each with its own strengths, look and price. Choosing the right one depends on the level of security you need, the site, and the standards you must meet. This guide explains the main types of metal security fencing used in the UK, the standards that govern them, and how to pick the right system.
How Security Fencing Is Rated
Two sets of standards matter. BS 1722 is the British Standard for fencing, with parts covering each type — for example Part 12 for palisade, Part 14 for open-mesh steel panels, Part 9 for vertical bar (railings) and Part 10 for chain link. BS 1722 sets out durability and construction for everyday use. For genuine high-security applications, LPS 1175 (and NPSA/CPNI ratings) go further: products are subjected to live physical attack with defined tool sets and rated by how long they resist forced entry. If you need certified resistance to intrusion, look for an LPS 1175 rating; for standard perimeters, BS 1722 compliance is the benchmark.
1. Palisade Fencing
Steel palisade is the classic UK security fence: vertical pales (W or D section) bolted to horizontal rails, with triple-pointed tops to deter climbing. It is strong, hard to cut, offers good visibility through the fence, and is built to BS 1722 Part 12. Galvanised palisade lasts decades outdoors and is one of the best value security options. Heights from 1.8m to 3.0m suit everything from yard boundaries to high-security perimeters. See our palisade fencing cost guide for pricing.
2. 358 Anti-Climb Mesh
So-called 358 mesh (named from its 3" × 0.5" × 8-gauge aperture) is a rigid welded mesh with very small openings — too tight to get fingers or tools into, making it extremely difficult to climb or cut. It gives near-transparent surveillance, a clean modern look, and is the go-to for prisons, utilities, data centres and other high-security sites. Many 358 systems carry an LPS 1175 rating. It costs more than palisade but offers the highest anti-climb, anti-cut performance.
3. Welded Mesh Panels and Twin-Wire
Standard welded mesh panel fencing (and heavier twin-wire "868" systems) is rigid, durable and cost-effective for general perimeter security around schools, parks, sports facilities and commercial sites, built to BS 1722 Part 14. It is less attack-resistant than 358 or palisade but neat, see-through and economical. Rackerman stocks galvanised welded mesh panels in several aperture sizes.
4. Vertical Bar Railings
Vertical bar fencing (bow-top, flat-top or spear-top railings) to BS 1722 Part 9 combines security with an attractive, traditional appearance — common for schools, public buildings, parks and residential developments. Spear-top and "rivet-free" designs raise the security level while keeping the decorative look. Strong and long-lasting, but generally pricier than mesh for the same height.
5. Expanded Metal
Expanded metal security fencing uses a sheet of steel slit and stretched into a rigid diamond mesh. Like 358, the small apertures resist climbing and cutting, and it provides a degree of screening as well as security. It is used where a solid-looking, hard-to-breach barrier is wanted.
6. Chain Link
Galvanised chain link to BS 1722 Part 10 is the most economical metal fencing — a flexible woven wire mesh on posts and straining wires. It marks a boundary and provides basic deterrence at low cost, but is easily cut or climbed, so it suits demarcation and low-risk sites rather than genuine security.
Security Fencing Compared
| Type | Security level | Standard | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palisade | High | BS 1722-12 | Yards, industrial, perimeters |
| 358 anti-climb mesh | Very high | BS 1722-14 / LPS 1175 | Prisons, utilities, data centres |
| Welded mesh panel | Medium | BS 1722-14 | Schools, parks, commercial |
| Vertical bar railing | Medium–High | BS 1722-9 | Public buildings, residential |
| Expanded metal | High | — | Screening + security |
| Chain link | Low | BS 1722-10 | Boundary demarcation |
How to Choose Security Fencing
Start with the threat level: basic demarcation (chain link), general perimeter (welded mesh or railings), strong deterrence (palisade), or certified high security (358 mesh or LPS 1175-rated systems). Then weigh appearance (railings and mesh look neater than palisade), budget (chain link cheapest, 358 and LPS-rated dearest), height (and any planning limits over 2m), and finish — galvanised for durability, with optional powder-coat colour. For certified sites, specify the LPS 1175 rating your insurer or risk assessment requires.
Buy Security Fencing at Rackerman
Rackerman supplies galvanised steel security fencing including palisade fencing (1.8m–3.0m, W and D section), galvanised welded mesh panels, and the wider fencing and wire mesh range, plus gabion baskets for boundary walls. All hot-dip galvanised for long outdoor life. Not sure on cost? See our palisade fencing cost guide.
Browse security fencing at Rackerman →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of metal security fencing?
The main types are palisade, 358 anti-climb mesh, welded mesh panels (and twin-wire), vertical bar railings, expanded metal, and chain link. They range from low-cost boundary demarcation (chain link) to certified high-security systems (358 mesh and LPS 1175-rated fencing).
What is the most secure type of fencing?
For certified high security, 358 anti-climb mesh and other LPS 1175-rated systems offer the best resistance to climbing, cutting and forced entry. Palisade is a strong, cost-effective high-security option for most commercial and industrial perimeters.
What is 358 mesh fencing?
358 mesh is a rigid welded mesh named after its 3" × 0.5" aperture and 8-gauge wire. The very small openings stop fingers and tools getting a hold, making it extremely difficult to climb or cut — ideal for prisons, utilities and data centres, often with an LPS 1175 rating.
What standards apply to security fencing?
BS 1722 covers fencing types and durability — Part 12 (palisade), Part 14 (mesh panels), Part 9 (vertical bar), Part 10 (chain link). For certified attack resistance, LPS 1175 and NPSA ratings test products against live physical attack with defined tools and time ratings.
Is palisade or mesh fencing better for security?
Both are strong. Palisade is hard to cut and climb and very cost-effective; 358 anti-climb mesh offers higher certified resistance and a cleaner look at higher cost. Standard welded mesh is neat and economical but less attack-resistant. Choose by required security level and budget.
What is LPS 1175?
LPS 1175 is a security rating from the Loss Prevention Certification Board. Products are attacked with defined tool sets and rated by how long they delay forced entry. It is the benchmark for genuine high-security fencing where insurers or risk assessments demand certified performance.
Should security fencing be galvanised?
Yes. Hot-dip galvanising protects the steel for decades outdoors with no maintenance, which is why nearly all metal security fencing is galvanised. A polyester powder-coat colour finish can be added over the galvanising for appearance and extra (duplex) protection.
How tall should a security fence be?
Security fences are commonly 1.8m to 3.0m tall — higher for higher-risk sites. Remember that fences over 2m generally need planning permission (1m next to a highway), so check with your local authority before installing taller security fencing.