Plenty of metal plaster base options are on the market, be it diamond mesh, woven wire or welded wire lath. But, which is best? Innovations in welded wire are making the decision more clear. Many contractors who work frequently with such substrates or laths say that self-furred welded wire laths that meet ASTM C933, Standard Specification for Welded Wire Lath, are the safe bet for long-term performance.
Self-furred welded wire laths are produced in various styles; designed for vertical and horizontal, heavy duty as well as light duty applications. These welded wire plaster bases offer a more installer-friendly method for applying stucco than alternative metal plaster bases, such as faster installation or lath, stucco job site efficiencies, green contribution and installed cost reductions. These wire laths’ self-furring characteristics create the necessary foundation for long lasting stucco walls by allowing full embedment of the plaster scratch coat. Plus, they are industry approved as an alternative product¹ wherever traditional diamond mesh lath and woven wire (i.e., “chicken wire”) are currently used.