The core structural difference
Invisible grills use individually tensioned stainless steel cables spaced 2-4 inches apart, anchored at end posts. Safety nets use a continuous woven mesh (often nylon or HDPE) with a much smaller, more consistent gap size across the entire opening, anchored at multiple points around the perimeter.
Side-by-side comparison
Nets generally stop small pets and objects more reliably than wider-spaced cable grills, since the woven mesh has no gap larger than its knot spacing. Invisible grills, particularly at 2-inch cable spacing, close most of this gap while keeping a cleaner, more architectural look than a visible net pattern — especially for larger openings like floor-to-ceiling glass balconies where a net's grid would look visually heavier.
Cable grills are also generally easier to keep clean (a wipe versus a full mesh surface collecting dust) and don't sag the way a net can if not re-tensioned.
Which homes suit which option
Homes prioritising a completely unobstructed, architectural look with glass balustrades or minimal facades often prefer invisible grills. Homes with very small pets or where the absolute tightest possible gap matters most may prefer a net's continuous mesh. We assess this per-opening during your free site visit rather than assuming one solution fits every situation.
Need this done at your property?
Free site visit and written quote, usually scheduled within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for small pets, grills or nets?+
Nets generally offer a more consistent small gap across the whole opening; 2-inch invisible grill spacing closes most of this gap while keeping a cleaner look.
Which looks better on a modern glass facade?+
Invisible grills are generally preferred for glass-facade properties, since a net's visible grid pattern is heavier against floor-to-ceiling glass.
Can both be used on the same property?+
Yes, some properties use grills on architectural glass openings and nets on utility areas like duct shafts, assessed per opening.