When concrete is poured, a reinforcing material must be used to enhance the strength and durability of the setting concrete. Only certain types of steel can be used to make welded wire mesh. 

Metal rebar has been used for such purposes in the past, but using welded wire mesh cuts down on time and cost, as well as installation efforts. It is inexpensive and easy to cut to length and work into place.

Low-carbon steel or stainless steel are most commonly used to make this product, since these types of steel tend to be resistant to water damage and corrosion. Steel is used because it is inexpensive and easy to bend, cut, and otherwise work into position. Vertical strips of steel are laid first, then horizontal strips of steel are lain across the vertical ones, and they are welded into place, usually by a machine that can make a precision weld quickly and efficiently. 

When used for concrete applications, the welded wire mesh is put into place before the concrete is poured, and it is held off the ground by plastic feet so the welded wire mesh will sit in the middle of the setting concrete rather than at the top or bottom. The wire can be cut to specific sizes to fit the shape of the concrete slab being poured.