The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Aluminum Fence

Your home deserves security and personality—style and protection. Aluminum fencing balances form and function, enhancing your home in a way that’s uniquely you.

But here’s the double-edged sword: aluminum fencing comes in so many diverse styles, forms, and types. How do you choose the right fencing for your property?

In this guide, we’ll break the decision down into some key considerations. You won’t just find the right fencing; you’ll pick out the perfect fencing.

Purpose

Fencing can add protection, privacy, and aesthetics to your outdoor space. What’s your primary goal? Do you want to deter would-be intruders? Do you want some privacy in your crowded neighborhood? Want to surround your pristine garden with something decorative?

Do you want your pets to enjoy your backyard without worrying about their safety? Do you want to follow pool safety guidelines but in your style?

Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice one function for the others!

Height

Your fencing’s purpose will inform its height. We have an entire blog on this subject, but here’s the rundown.

• 3-4 feet is good for marking property lines and containing pets and children. Serves more as a decorative barrier; however, it can be added to a short rock wall for protection.
• 4-5 feet balances security and visibility while containing most pets and children.
• 5-6 feet deters intruders and adds privacy. However, it may block some views. 5-6 feet is the most practical option for most residents.
• 6-8 feet is the tallest most HOAs will let you go. We’ll touch on this later, but you should check in with your HOA and local ordinances. They might have regulations on your fencing. 8 feet certainly provides maximum security but could appear imposing to neighbors. It is more practical for private properties like warehouses and businesses.

Style and Design

You probably have an idea of what you want your fencing to look like, but you’re not sure what it’s called. We have ten fence panel styles (the repeated segments between posts) to choose from. Here’s a brief list of those styles. Use this link to see pictures and get more information.

1. Floridian: A clean, classical, and neutral design; complements any decor.
2. Sierra: A clean design, distinguished by three horizontal rails.
3. Outback: Lends an air of authority, security, and class.
4. Carolina: Formal yet clean, boosting both modern and traditional homes.
5. Appalachian: Study and secure; each picket is topped with a pressed-point spear (finial) to deter those who might try to climb it.
6. Manhattan: Provides both security and aesthetics. Similar to the Appalachian, each pick is topped with a finial, but at alternating heights.
7. Castle: Evokes the triumphant and regality of medieval architecture.
8. Commercial: Plain and simple but thicker than other fences, making it perfect for businesses, apartment complexes, and office parks.
9. EXtra Picket (XP): Pickets are packed tightly together and extend to the full height of the fence. Deters intruders and adds privacy.
10. Puppy: There are tightly packed pickets at the bottom with wider gaps across the middle and top. Keeps your pet in without blocking your natural view. Puppy style is flexible because you can blend with any of the above styles (except XP). You could have a puppy-style fence with the alternating finials of the Manhattan.

Gates also come in various styles, sizes, and designs. Some gate styles perfectly match fence panel styles. For example, an arched pedestrian gate would match castle panels. Some are more attractive with a bit of contrast. A rainbow-style vehicle gate might complement a flat-top floridian fence. It’s your fence; you have the freedom to make it your own.

Finally, there is color. 85% of all aluminum fences are the classic black. However, white aluminum fencing is more inviting in many suburbs. Bronze is also available for an ornamental look. Both of these colors come in powder-coated finishes.

Powder-coating is an extra, optional layer of durability and beauty. If you live in a coastal region, powder-coating will protect your fence from the salty winds.

Finishing touches:

You have a lot of power when choosing your aluminum fence. These finishing touches are optional but add a lot of personality.

Finials:

Pickets can end at a flat top, horizontal rail, or in a finial. The default finial is the pressed-point spear, but you could choose:

Monarch Finials: a simple fleur-de-lis design. Traditional and elegant.
Victorian Finials: a taste of British splendor, formal but not ostentatious.
Imperial Finials: classic, sleek, never goes out of style.

Caps:

Similarly, most posts end in a flat-topped cap. You could elevate the design with ball caps for a more traditional, sophisticated, and decorative look.

Or you could enhance the functionality with solar post caps. These are eco-friendly and energy-efficient lights that don’t require additional wiring. They add a charming glow, improving visibility and security.

Scrolls:

Scrolls are optional architectural details that can complement any fence style. They are intricate patterns of curves that add artistry and flair. Small scrolls go along the top of panels, enhancing style and aesthetic. Large scrolls are more elaborate, becoming eye-catching focal points.

Local regulations:

Your HOA or local ordinances might have certain regulations. You might have to obtain a permit to avoid a fine. Rules differ from place to place, so check in with your local authority.

For example, most of Virginia’s residential and commercial areas can have aluminum fencing ranging from 3 to 8 feet. However, Richmond, Virginia (the state’s capital), imposes maximum height restrictions based on zoning. So, a commercial zone can have an aluminum fence that is taller than a residential zone.

Budget:

Aluminum fence prices are competitive, and the easy, DIY installation saves you money, but prices can vary. Pricing varies depending on style, design, and quantity.

However, Aluminium fences are cost-effective in the long run. They can last over 50 years with minimal maintenance, compared to wooden fences, which only last around 20 years and require routine upkeep.

Luckily, there are various financing options that will allow you to enjoy your perfect fence at an affordable rate.

Final thoughts:

If your primary purpose is protection, you could opt for a tall, eXtra-Picket-style (XP) fence. If that sounds imposing, you could break up the panels with scrolls and top off the posts with ball caps.

Say you wanted to encase your pool area and keep your dog in the yard while enhancing the outdoor entertainment. We might suggest a 4-6 foot tall puppy fence in a Carolina style with solar post caps to illuminate your outdoor space.

There are endless options, and you’re free to choose! If you have something specific in mind, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to work with you to bring your vision to life.