How to install hardware cloth?

[Ridgerunner]

As you can see, there are different kinds of staples. Some are better than others. It also makes a difference what you are stapling them into and how you attach them. Those 3/4" poultry staples work well if you put them into thick wood and you get them seated well. If the wood splits or the wood is thin, they can be pulled out. Which staples you use and how you attach them both make a huge difference.

There are a lot of different techniques for attaching hardware cloth. On wooden fence posts or surfaces that are round, I use the 3/4" poultry staples. Where the surface is flat, I use strips of wood about 1/2" to 3/4" thick to cover the edges, drill pilot holes to keep the wood from splitting, and use screws to attach the wood. The screws go through holes in the hardware cloth and into relatively thick wood.

 

[JeffOeuf]

I'll add to the chorus suggesting boards over the seams. It looks better, protects you, the birds and others from scratches, and adds a level of security that you can't get from any gauge or number of staples. Tack the screen in place with a few staples, then screw or nail a "batten" over the screen. If you have a table saw, cedar fence pickets are cheap, rot resistant, and are just 5/8" thick. They make a good batten, but are only available in 6 inch width, so you'll need to rip them.

 

[redhotchick]

I don't use staples at all. They are weak and will pull out in small areas. The best way is to get boards and sandwich the wire between your frame and the board. Put wood screws every 10inches. That way the wire is secured all the way across. I use Steel flatbar with holes drilled in it then wood screwed.