Expanded Metal Lath Sheet

Expanded metal lath sheets provide a strong mechanical key for plaster and render, helping improve adhesion and reinforce finishes across walls, ceilings and difficult backgrounds. Available in galvanised and stainless steel, EML is widely used in plastering, rendering and refurbishment work.

Expanded Metal Lath Sheets at a Glance

What is expanded metal lath sheet used for?

Expanded metal lath, commonly known as EML, creates a mechanical key that helps plaster or render grip to the background. The expanded mesh construction allows the applied material to work through and around the lath, supporting a strong and consistent finish.

Where should you use expanded metal lath?

EML sheets are commonly used where the existing background does not provide a suitable key for plaster or render, or where additional reinforcement is required.

• Walls and ceilings
• Masonry backgrounds
• Uneven or challenging surfaces
• Refurbishment and repair work
• Plaster and render reinforcement
• Junctions between different backgrounds where additional reinforcement is required

Always follow the relevant product and system guidance when selecting and installing expanded metal lath.

Galvanised vs stainless steel EML

Galvanised expanded metal lath is commonly used for internal and sheltered plastering applications in dry conditions. It provides a strong, rigid background for plaster and render while offering a practical option for general construction work.

Stainless steel expanded metal lath provides greater corrosion resistance and is better suited to external, damp or exposed environments where additional protection against moisture is required.

EML sheet vs EML coil

Although both products are made from expanded metal, EML sheets and EML coils are intended for different applications.

Expanded metal lath sheets are used primarily to create a mechanical key and reinforce backgrounds before plastering or rendering.

Expanded metal lath coils are used as masonry reinforcement within brick and blockwork, helping reinforce mortar joints and reduce the risk of cracking.

Choosing between sheet and coil therefore depends on whether you need to reinforce the plaster or render background, or the masonry construction itself.

EML sheet vs rib lath

Expanded metal lath and rib lath can both be used as backgrounds for plaster and render, but their construction and applications differ.

Expanded metal lath provides a versatile mechanical key across walls, ceilings, masonry and difficult backgrounds.

Rib lath incorporates longitudinal ribs for additional rigidity and is commonly used where greater support is required across the plastering or rendering background.

The correct option will depend on the substrate, application and project specification.

Supplied for trade plastering and rendering

Our expanded metal lath sheets are suited to plastering, rendering, refurbishment and construction work where reliable reinforcement is required. With galvanised and stainless steel options available, you can choose the appropriate material for the environment and application.

Related Plastering & Reinforcement Products

If you're preparing backgrounds for plaster or render, you may also need other reinforcement products for different parts of the job.

• Rib Lath Sheets – for plaster and render applications where additional rigidity and support are required.
• Alkaline Resistant Render Mesh – for reinforcing plaster and render systems and helping control surface cracking.
• Expanded Metal Lath Coil – for reinforcing brick and blockwork within mortar joints.

Not sure whether you need expanded metal lath, rib lath, render mesh or another plastering profile? Read our Complete Guide to Plasterboard Beading for help comparing the different reinforcement products, bead types, materials and applications.

Expanded Metal Lath FAQs

What is expanded metal lath used for?
Expanded metal lath is used to create a mechanical key for plaster and render while providing additional reinforcement across the finished surface.

Can EML be used on walls and ceilings?
Yes. Expanded metal lath sheets can be used across a range of wall and ceiling applications where a suitable mechanical key or additional reinforcement is required.

What is the difference between galvanised and stainless steel EML?
Galvanised EML is commonly used for internal and sheltered applications in dry conditions. Stainless steel offers greater corrosion resistance for applications where exposure to moisture requires a more resistant material.

What is the difference between EML sheet and EML coil?
EML sheets are primarily used to create a mechanical key and reinforce backgrounds for plaster and render. EML coils are primarily used as masonry reinforcement within mortar joints in brick and blockwork.

What is the difference between EML and rib lath?
Both provide a background for plaster or render, but rib lath incorporates reinforcing ribs for additional rigidity. The correct product depends on the background, application and project specification.

Need help choosing the right expanded metal lath?

If you're unsure whether you need galvanised or stainless steel EML, or whether expanded metal lath is right for your application, get in touch and our team will help point you in the right direction.