A superior, multi-purpose expanded steel substrate for Portland cement or widely used for interior and exterior gypsum plaster and stucco & stone reinforcement. Applications include ceilings, soffits, and fascia surfaces, and under ceramic tile in wall, ceiling, and floor applications. Metal lath is useful in general purpose applications and is the best lath available for ornamental work and for flat or contoured surfaces as well as for use as a reinforcing underlay for spray-applied fireproofing. Expanded metal lath is formed from sheet steel that has been slit and expanded to form hundreds of "keys" per square yard. It is proven over time to possess exceptional strength and flexibility, making it the preferred metal base requested by contractors and design professionals.