ERW tube is one of the most dynamic products in the world. You can use it for an ever-expanding list of applications in different industries. For example, it’s useful for construction, infrastructure, transport, manufacturing, and more. There are plenty of uses in the agricultural industry too, including fencing, housing, and cattle grids. We want to have a closer look at the latter here, then if you need to order tubing, you can rely on us.
What are they?
You’ve probably seen a cattle grid before if you’ve been in rural areas in the UK. They are typically grids of steel tubes embedded in concrete. You see them most often at access points, including country lanes and entrances to fields.
The science behind the grids is actually really interesting. Cattle have quite poor depth perception. Therefore, they tend to perceive a grid as bars over a bottomless hole. This makes them hesitant to try to walk over. It can be an effective way to prevent them from leaving fields and wandering into the road.
Benefits
Cattle grids have been popular in the UK for over a century, first appearing in the 1920s. With over 9 million cows here (according to a Defra survey from June 2025), they are still very important. Crucially, they can effectively prevent animals from wandering. This can reduce losses and prevent accidents. Speak to us about ERW tube if you need any.
One of the most significant cattle grid benefits is they don’t compromise accessibility. While they deter cattle, people and vehicles can easily cross them. This makes them a great alternative to gates and other barriers; people don’t need to stop to open them, preventing disruption and delays.
Farmers benefit the most from cattle grids. It makes it easier to manage animals and ensure they don’t go where they shouldn’t. Additionally, it prevents accidents and injuries, avoiding the need for costly vet treatments. Plus, they are long lasting and don’t require a great deal of maintenance.
Key things to think about
Before committing to a cattle grid, it is important to consider a number of factors. Most importantly, decide which materials you want to use. As we said, ERW tube is a very good choice. It’s strong, durable, and versatile. However, you need to account for wear and tear, including corrosion. You may need galvanised or plated tubing.
Another thing to mull over is safety. The designs need to deter cattle but should not put them in harm’s way. Plus, there should be no danger to the public, including people on foot, cyclists, and drivers.
It’s also important to estimate the weight cattle grids need to support. Will heavy vehicles such as tractors, trailers, and delivery vehicles be driving over them? If so, they need to be able to support the loads.
Finally, make sure you consider drainage and debris. As we said, the idea with grids is that cattle perceive them as bars over a bottomless hole. You need to ensure they will remain clear, avoiding a build-up of water and rubbish. This will also help to make them last longer and reduce the chance of issues developing.
Talk to us if you need to order ERW tube
If you’re looking for high quality tubing for any application, you can rely on Union Steel Tubes. We have a great range, so you can select the shape, diameter, and wall thickness you need. On top of that, we can arrange galvanisation or other finishes to improve corrosion resistance.
You’re welcome to contact us if you need any help choosing ERW tube for different applications. We’ll work with you to ensure you’re ordering the best products. Plus, we can arrange rapid delivery from our base in the West Midlands.
