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Exterior Lath

Stucco Wire Lath

Exterior Lath

$243.99


FREE SHIPPING
SKU SM17G

The 20-gauge Exterior Lath is ideal for one-coat stucco applications, offering excellent coverage with dimensions of 150' long and 37" wide (51.4 sq yds). Designed with furring points every 4 inches, it ensures consistent and reliable installation. The soft-weave process keeps the lath flat and pliable, preventing common issues such as rust, broken wires, wavy edges, warps, and bubbles. The increased width ensures complete coverage from the weep screed to the window sill.

The 17-gauge Exterior Lath is perfect for three-coat stucco applications, providing extensive coverage and durability with dimensions of 150' long and 36" wide (50 sq yds). It features eight rows of 'Channel Furr' across the width, offering a standard 3/8" furr. The soft-weave process keeps the lath flat and pliable, avoiding common problems such as rust, broken wires, wavy edges, warps, and bubbles.

Both products meet industry standards as specified in ICC Report No. ESR-2055. Manufactured with proprietary machinery and a commitment to quality, this lath is straight and flat-lying, reducing labor costs and minimizing claims and returns, ensuring superior performance and aesthetics.

PRODUCT SPECS

  • Model: Galvanized Stucco Mesh
  • Brand: Preferred Wire Products
  • Size Options:
    - 17 Gauge - 36" x 150' (50 SY) - 74 lbs per roll
    - 20 Gauge - 37" x 150' (51.38 SY) - 43 lbs per roll
  • ICC-ES Evaluation Report: Download PDF
  • Spec Sheet/Install Guide: Download PDF
  • SDS: Download PDF
  • Free Shipping
  • Need a written quote? Request Online
  • Questions?  Call (800) 604-5537

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Innovative ‘SOFT-WEAVE’ process keeps the netting FLAT and PLIABLE
  • ICC Certified under Report No. ESR-2055
  • Made in America

SHIPPING TIME

  • All items ship for free (standard ground, see map)
  • Call: (800) 604-5537 for pricing and shipping questions.



    Shipping estimates shown on the map pertain to this specific product only. Orders typically ship in 1-2 business days. Transit times displayed in the map are listed in business days, and are approximate. The day that the order is shipped is not counted as a transit day.
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Exterior Lath: The Complete Pro Guide to One-Coat & Three-Coat Stucco

Exterior Lath delivers flat-lying, easy-install performance that saves time and elevates finishes. Choose our 20-gauge lath for one-coat stucco or 17-gauge lath for traditional three-coat systems. Both are manufactured with a soft-weave process that keeps the lath flat and pliable—minimizing waves, warps, bubbles, broken wires, and rust—and both meet industry standards per ICC Report No. ESR-2055.

Exterior lath installed on a building under construction prior to stucco application
Flat, pliable lath helps deliver a smooth, high-quality stucco finish.

Overview: When to Choose 20-Gauge vs 17-Gauge Lath

20-Gauge (One-Coat Stucco): Ideal for one-coat systems where speed and coverage are critical. Furring points every 4 inches create consistent stand-off for embedment. Plain talk: it builds the right “space” behind the lath so the one-coat mix keys in evenly.

17-Gauge (Three-Coat Stucco): Built for traditional scratch, brown, and finish. Features eight rows of Channel Furr across the width for a standard 3/8" furr. Plain talk: the extra stiffness and furring support heavier, multi-layer applications.

Soft-weave advantage: The proprietary soft-weave keeps rolls straight and flat-lying, reducing labor, minimizing call-backs, and helping avoid wavy edges, warps, and bubbles.

Product Selector & Coverage

Application Gauge Dimensions Coverage Furring Best For
One-Coat Stucco 20-ga 150' L × 37" W 51.4 sq yds Furring points every 4" Fast installs, weep screed to sill coverage, consistent embedment
Three-Coat Stucco 17-ga 150' L × 36" W 50 sq yds Eight rows of Channel Furr, 3/8" stand-off Scratch/brown/finish durability and rigidity

Installer tip: The increased 37" width on 20-ga helps ensure complete coverage from the weep screed to the window sill, reducing piece-work and seams.

How to Install Exterior Lath (Step-by-Step)

Exterior lath applied over building paper with proper furring for stucco
Align furring outward; keep lath flat, taut, and well-tied at seams.
  1. Prep the substrate: Install code-approved weather-resistive barrier (WRB), flashings, and weep screed at the base. Why: creates drainage and protects the wall assembly.
  2. Start straight: Snap a line and roll out lath flat and tensioned. Orient furring points/Channel Furr outward.
  3. Fasten correctly: Use corrosion-resistant fasteners to framing or approved substrate per spacing; avoid crushing the furr.
  4. Overlap: Maintain manufacturer overlaps at sides and ends; stagger seams. Tie corners and openings cleanly.
  5. Accessory integration: Tie into casing beads, corner aids, and control joints to ensure continuous reinforcement.
  6. Inspection pass: Check for plumb lines, flatness, and secure ties before plaster goes on.
Pro tip: The soft-weave roll lies flatter and cuts cleaner, speeding layout and helping eliminate “telegraphed” waves in the finished coat.

Best Practices for Flat, Crack-Resistant Stucco

  • Keep it flat: Tension the lath; replace damaged sections. Soft-weave helps avoid wrinkles and bubbles.
  • Mind moisture: Use proper WRB laps and flashings; maintain drainage at weep screed.
  • Respect furring: Don’t over-drive fasteners—maintain the 3/8" stand-off (17-ga) or 4" furring grid (20-ga) for even keying.
  • Control joints: Place per plan to manage movement and reduce random cracking.
  • Openings & corners: Lace seams, add reinforcement where needed, and keep edges tight to trims.
Commercial building with uniform stucco finish achieved using quality exterior lath
Consistent furring and flat-lying lath show up as a smoother finish.

Case Study: Mixed-Use Facade — Faster Install, Better Finish

Project: 38,000-sq-ft mixed-use building; multifamily over retail; combination of one-coat panels and traditional three-coat accents.

Challenge: Aggressive schedule with multiple window lines and deep sills. Previous projects suffered from wavy finishes and call-backs at control joints.

Solution: The stucco contractor selected 20-ga Exterior Lath (37") for one-coat areas—leveraging the wider roll to span from weep screed to sill—and 17-ga Exterior Lath with Channel Furr 3/8" for three-coat accent bands and columns. The soft-weave process kept rolls straight and flat-lying. Seams were staggered; accessories were tied in before plaster.

  • Install speed: Field crews reported quicker rolling and fewer re-ties—saving crew hours across elevations.
  • Finish quality: Reduction in “telegraphed” waves; cleaner arrises at trims and corners.
  • Fewer issues: No returns for wavy edges or broken wires; punch-list shortened.

Takeaway: Matching 20-ga to one-coat zones and 17-ga to three-coat details—combined with soft-weave flatness—delivered a tighter schedule and a better-looking facade.

Specs at a Glance

20-ga Lath (One-Coat) 150' L × 37" W (51.4 sq yds); furring points every 4"; increased width helps cover from weep screed to window sill.
17-ga Lath (Three-Coat) 150' L × 36" W (50 sq yds); eight rows of Channel Furr across width; standard 3/8" furr.
Manufacturing Proprietary soft-weave process; straight, flat-lying rolls to reduce labor and claims.
Quality Designed to avoid rust, broken wires, wavy edges, warps, and bubbles.
Standards Meets industry standards as specified in ICC Report No. ESR-2055.
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FAQs

What’s the practical difference between 20-ga and 17-ga lath?
Use 20-ga for one-coat stucco where coverage and speed matter; its 4" furring pattern supports uniform embedment. Use 17-ga for three-coat systems; Channel Furr provides a standard 3/8" stand-off and added rigidity.
How does the soft-weave process help installers?
It keeps rolls flat, pliable, and straight—reducing waves, warps, and bubbles so the finished stucco looks smoother and crews work faster.
Do these products meet recognized standards?
Yes. Both products meet industry standards as specified in ICC Report No. ESR-2055.
Any layout tips around windows and weep screed?
Start from the base at the weep screed and use the 37" width (20-ga) to reach the sill where possible. Stagger seams, tie into trims, and maintain correct overlaps.