EXPANDED METAL LATH
Expanded metal lath is widely applied on wall, ceiling and other building plastering works, including the reinforcement and renovation of joints and cracks as it offers better plaster bonding property and enhanced crack resistance.
We offer a wide range of expanded metal lath products from diamond mesh flat lath, self-furring lath, paper-backed lath and corner mesh to meet your specific demands.
Made of galvanized steel sheet or stainless steel sheet, galvanized steel expanded metal lath is generally for internal uses while stainless steel expanded metal lath is typically for external uses.
It provides an excellent key for finishing materials on masonry, ceilings, suspended ceilings and timber frame buildings. This material is designed mainly as a background plaster reinforcement to minimize cracking.
Plasterwork on metal lathing offers a smooth, hygienic, monolithic surface giving it complete access to decorating. It also provides sound insulation and fire protection.
Commercial applications include partitioning, suspended ceilings and encasement of steelwork.
| Ref No |
Material Thickness (mm) |
Weight kg/m2 |
Mesh Size
SW x LW (mm) |
Maximum Fixing Centres (mm) |
| MML 263 |
0.500 |
1.11 |
10 x 20 |
300 |
| MML 264 |
0.700 |
1.61 |
10 x 20 |
350 |
| MML 265 |
0.400 |
0.90 |
10 x 20 |
300 |
| MML 94 |
0.900 |
2.62 |
9 x 29 |
450 |
| MML 95 |
0.400 |
1.15 |
9 x 29 |
350 |
| MML 583 |
0.500 |
1.92 |
9 x 29 |
N/A |
Metal lath provides a lightweight and easily attachable base for plaster application. Made from expanded steel, the lath generally is applied flat across the stud plane and attached with staples, nails, or wafer head lath screws. The openings in the lath enable plaster to key around the metal to assure a secure bond and a flat, smooth surface plane upon completion of the plaster application.
Installation of Metal Lathing and Mesh
- Fixing of Expanded Metal Lathing Sheets
Fix with the long way of mesh running from support to support, with all strands sloping downwards and inwards from the face of the coating. Always ensure when fixing that allowance is made for overlapping sheets by 50 mm length ways and 25 mm width ways.
- Timber Support
To connect to timber use 40 mm plasterer's nails or staples at 100 mm centers. Start at the center of the sheet and work out towards the edges. Always fix at an angle to allow lath to be pulled tight. Ensure that compatible corrosion resistant fixings are used. do not use galvanized fixings with stainless products.
- Metal Support
To fix to steel channels, tie with 1.2 mm tying wire at 100 mm centers. Tie by creating a "hairpin" shape with the wire, then pull tight and twist. Take care that cut wire ends are not close to plaster surface.
- To Solid Background
Expanded Metal Lath can be fixed to a solid background using a suitable fixing with an integral spacer/washer and large diameter headed screw/nail that will keep the sheets firmly in place.
Audited Supplier 
){kind=link}
){kind=link}