Correction: In Subject line should be 1/8", not 1/8'.

I have found 1/4" mesh hardware cloth to be fine for compost bins and to keep out animals and birds from my seedlings.

Would be interested in stainless steel hardware cloth though, probably quite expensive.

robertz6,

304 SS hardware cloth is available from McMaster-Carr online
part no. 85385T354 at just over 1/4" is $56.00 for a 24" x 24"; part no. 85385T358 at just under 1/4" is also $56.00 for 24" x 24".
The better 316 SS is about $15 more. Yes, expensive, I've used it only where necessary, a fine Gritty Mix screen.

Doug