I have just bought a new property and are in the process of designing new kennels. All the companies now seem to be marketing the bars (5cm gap) rather than mesh. Anyone had any experience ? (we have borders if you have not guessed) . P/s before you all say it my dogs only go in the kennels when I am out at work, I have tried leaving them in the house & they just whine yet outside they sit and watch the horses & if the weather is good enough sit in the sun !!

As long as they are kept in and are safe it doesn't matter. Bars are very very attractive if the kennel is designed well. Mesh is cheap and nasty.

Mesh is far better than bars, my Borders can get through some bars I have seen demonstrating kennels at shows.
Dawn.

Bars look really good, but I wouldn't have them with a small breed. Mesh is cheap & nasty? Weldmesh certainly isn't cheap. Mine's been in use for 17yrs & still looks as good as new (apart from the bit which was hit by a JCB!!)

we have both mesh and bars on our kennels, i find that they both are as suitable as each other the only problem with the bars is that the bowls cant be hooked on, and a downside to mesh is that when the mesh gets 'dirty' its harder to clean than the bars all though a pressure washer does help to soften the 'dirt' so it scrubs off easier
try here for both mesh and bar panels for kennels
http://www.kingstown.net/frames1.htm
tanya

I get my Panels from Hextons Ltd they offer Bars or mesh, standard or made to measure runs. I think you will find them cheaper than Kingstown as I have checked both web sites, their number is 01746 767292

Is there any chance that your dogs could get their paws caught between the bars if they jump up.

Christine

I've had a dog sprain her leg (twice) on a kennel with mesh sides. If there was a choice, I would opt for bars.

Stacey

be careful if you use the bars, today i put the jack russell from her kennel (mesh) into a kennel with bars whilst i was cleaning her kennel out, she has been in the kennel with bars before but today decided that she wasnt staying put, while i was cleaning her kennel out i heard her scream and found her trying to escape but she had got her head and shoulders thru but had got her hips stuck i had to turn her on her side in order to free her, as you can imagine it isnt easy trying to turn a frightened struggling JRT onto its side, maybe it would be better if you use mesh for your borders to avoid something like this whilst you are out the consequences dont bear thinking about