Stem, Stub, Paddle, Bouillon: Wire Terms by Market
Product names vary between suppliers and markets. Use the name to find a family, then confirm its dimensions, material and format.
Names used in floral supplies
| Product name | What to check |
|---|---|
| Stem wire or stub wire | Straight cut lengths; diameter, length and finish |
| Spool wire or reel wire | Continuous wire on a spool; diameter and net wire length or weight |
| Paddle wire | Wire wound on a flat card or paddle; diameter and finish |
| Wire on a wooden stick | Wire wound around a stick; the wire specification and presentation |
| Bullion or bouillon wire | Decorative wavy wire; pictured profile and core material |
| Chicken wire or hexagonal wire netting | Mesh opening, wire diameter, roll size and finish |
| Aluminium or aluminum wire | Two English spellings for the same metal; profile and dimensions |
These names are not technical standards and are not exclusive to one country. A photograph, sample or drawing helps when a name could describe more than one product.
Avoid gauge assumptions
Do not infer SWG or AWG from the buyer's country. Ask for the gauge system or a metric diameter. The gauge chart explains the difference.
Match the format
A spool, a paddle and a cut stem are different supply formats, even if the diameter is the same. Browse Floral Wire and Decorative Wire, then include the product and selected option in your enquiry.