How to Install an Aluminum Fence on a Slope

So you’ve decided to install an aluminum fence on your property. Congratulations! This is going to be one of the most rewarding things you can do to improve the value of your property. Improving landscape (including fencing) has the biggest return on investment of any improvement you could make on your home.

But building a fence isn’t just about resale value: you want to live here, right? Your aluminum fence is something that you’re going to be looking at day in and day out for years–given the lifespan of an aluminum fence, it’s going to outlive most of the trees, bushes, paint jobs, and even the asphalt on your driveway. So you’ve got to be happy with the fence; it’s got to look good, and it’s got to either keep things in or keep things out. In other words, it’s got to do its job as a fence.

But you’ve got a curveball. Your yard has a slope to it, and the thought of installing a fence–a relatively simple, straight-forward job–has now become complicated (or so it seems). How do you install an aluminum fence–a straight aluminum fence!–on a slope?

Make a Plan

The first thing you need to do, before you even buy your fencing, is make a plan for where you’re going to install it. This is nothing special, normally, because you simply measure the distance with a tape measure and write down the dimensions of your yard. It’s a little bit trickier than that with a fence on a slope, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.

Remember algebra class in middle school when you were taught about slopes? Don’t worry; we’re not going to make you do any difficult equations. But the gist of finding a slope is to figure out the “rise over the run”. In other words, how much does your fence rise vertically over how far it runs horizontally? 

This might seem an impossible task when you’re looking at your entire slope–how do you judge the rise from the bottom of your property to the top? Don’t worry. We can do it in increments, and we only need three simple tools: a stiff board that is the length of your fence (so, if you’re buying a 6’ long fence panel, you need a 6’ long board), a level, and a tape measure. 

Lay your board where the fence panel will be. At the lower end of the board (the bottom of the slope) place your level on top of the board. Then lift the board from that end until the level measures even. You should now have a board perfectly level above the slope. Then, with the tape measure, find the distance between the ground and the board. (This may require a helper–one person to hold the board level and the other person to measure.)

So the length of your board (typically 6 feet) will be the “run” and the distance between the ground and the board will be the “rise”. So let’s say that the rise is one foot. The slope then is rise over run: 1’ over 6’, or 1/6. 

Good news! An aluminum fence can go down that slope! Typically, our standard 6’ panels can go up as much as a 19” rise.

Racking or Raking

Following a slope like this is called racking (or, alternately, raking) It allows your fence to have a slope to it where all of the pickets and posts remain vertical, but the rails slope. 

Now our algebra lovers will remind us that by sloping the fence, you’re not quite going the full 6’ anymore. The Pythagorean theorem comes back to haunt us. But never mind. If you know the distance your fence needs to travel, and you know the slope (the rise over run), then call us and we’ll do all the calculations to make sure that you have enough fencing to cover the distance.

And odds are your entire yard isn’t on a slope–just parts of it. And some of the slopes are minor, and would look odd to have your fence going up and down like a wave. So let’s talk about the second way of handling a sloping yard: stepping.

Stepping

Stepping refers to the way an aluminum fence looks when the rail across the top is horizontal, and each panel “steps” down to follow the slope of the yard. This can be done because the yard is too steep to fence with racking (remember, it can only go 19” rise) or it can be done for aesthetics. (It also can be done because some styles of fence don’t allow racking, including the Cathedral and Elegant Arch.)

In this case, you simply measure the posts as you would normally, and install the fence as you would normally, keeping the rail level, but you lower each panel, stepping them down with the slope of the fence.

As this will leave an open space beneath the lower end of the fence, many people see fit to put paving stones, bricks, or cinder blocks beneath these stepped fences. After all, if you have a fence to keep the dog inside the yard (or the neighbor’s dog outside) then you don’t want a gaping hole in your fence line.

These can be done very scenically with stones and pavers, which will not only block the gaps but also hide the cement post hole of each post.

So you see there’s not much trouble at all to the idea of installing a fence on a slope, either through racking or stepping. All that is required is making a plan of your yard, determining the slope, and deciding whether your home would be best suited with a racked or stepped fence. And if you have any questions about the process, our experts can walk you through it (and do the hard math for you.)

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Why Vinyl is The Right Fence Material For Hot Summers

We know that vinyl is a great choice for your home, ranch, or farm. It looks good, it’s easy to take care of, it’s something that you can install on your own and then forget about. But did you know that vinyl is also the best fencing material for the brutal summer heat? It’s true.

It may be counterintuitive. Don’t you remember all those vinyl LPs melting into slag when you left them in the sun? Well, it’s a different kind of vinyl (and vinyl has probably evolved substantially since you were listening to records). 

So how is it that vinyl is the best fencing for the summer sun?

Vinyl Fencing Doesn’t Fade or Discolor in Summer Sun

For starters, vinyl fencing, whether it’s black or white, is not going to fade in the summer sun. White fencing is not going to turn yellow, or brown, or some other weird color, because vinyl simply doesn’t change colors in the heat. It can withstand any temperature (in North America, at least) and never lose its factory white look.

The same can’t be said about other styles of fencing–especially wood. Wood definitely takes a beating from the summer heat. Plain, untreated wood will discolor, but even painted wood will change into something unrecognizable. The pigments in paint are not made to withstand the temperatures that the sun can dish out through the middle of August–plus they’ll start to peel. It’s true. Painted wood will very soon start to lose its good look because that paint is going to flake away and chip, and soon you’ll be left with a fence that looks very much different from the fence you started with.

This goes the same with any painted fence. Iron? It’s very susceptible to heat, as the metal expands and contracts and the paint fades, chips, and flakes away. And with no paint on the iron, a little summer rainstorm comes by and–poof!–rust.  

Vinyl Fencing Comes in a Variety of Styles

And really, what do you need a different kind of fence for? Our vinyl can do everything that a wooden fence can do. Just look at the styles of fence we have: Vinyl Ranch Fencing, which is the iconic look and feel of a ranch that is both beautiful and practical; the Vinyl Ranch Rail – Crossbuck, which looks right at home lining the road up to the ranch house–or turning your suburban home into a ranch house; the Vinyl Privacy Fencing is far better than iron, aluminum or chain link at keeping your neighbors out of your business, and the Vinyl Privacy Fencing Lattice does all of that with a little flair of style; the Vinyl Picket Fence can do everything a wooden picket fence can do–except it won’t chip or buckle or rot–and the Vinyl Scalloped Picket Fence is a fence that looks like it stepped out of movie from a more refined time.

Whatever you’re looking for in fencing, you’ll find it in vinyl, not wood.

Vinyl Fencing Won’t Buckle or Warp in the Heat

Vinyl is made from plastics, and it’s resilient. It’s made to stay its shape, and that means it’s going to stay its shape. Wood fences buckle under the summer sun, or warp in the heat. And that means you’re out in the summer sun replacing boards and rehammering nails because everything has come loose. That’s not what you want; that’s not what anybody wants.

Vinyl Fencing is Low Maintenance

Aside from not buckling and warping, vinyl doesn’t rust like metal, doesn’t chip and flake like wood, doesn’t rot, doesn’t bend, doesn’t sag. To prevent all of those things on an iron or wooden fence you’ve got to repaint them at least once a year, and that can get old quick. There’s a reason that wooden fencing is going out of style–it’s so labor intensive. 

First it starts to peel, then exposed wood starts to weather. Then the wood starts to splinter and buckle. So you go out with a scraper and a sander, maybe rope your kids or spouse into the back breaking process. You sand and sand till your arm is sore and you can barely lift it. Then you have to paint it–and painting it one time is no good, you’ve got to give it a second coat. And you have to go through this process year after year after year as long as you own the house (until you finally break down and buy vinyl.)

Vinyl Fencing is Even Good in the Winter

One beauty of vinyl is that it doesn’t expand in the summer sun, but it doesn’t shrink in the winter cold either. Vinyl keeps its shape, no matter the weather, no matter the season. 

So when you’re looking to make that good purchase on fencing–something that will last, that you won’t have to constantly maintain–look no further than vinyl.

For some, fences represent the American dream. To others, a fence is a great way to outline your property or to add some curb appeal. But it’s undeniable that a fence around your yard is a safety feature if you have small children, pets or animals. With the right fence, you can keep your kids safe in the yard without worrying about them wandering off into the street or into your neighbor’s space. 

Unlike a fence that’s primarily used for how it looks or to signify a property line, the best yard fence for kids serves two primary functions. On the one hand, it keeps your kids from trespassing beyond the safe area of your yard. On the other, it prevents the outside world from intruding in on the safety and sanctity of your yard. And when it comes to the fence that you use to protect your children, everything matters — from the material used to the design and even its dimensions.

Consideration One: Fence Materials

While a nice, solid wooden fence is likely what most people have in mind when they picture a typical home, the best yard fence for kids is actually not a wood fence at all. Wood can splinter, chip and break, and, if it spends any significant amount of time water-logged, it rots. Wooden fences are also made with nails and other objects that can come undone as the wood around them deteriorates, creating safety hazards for curious kids that won’t know to leave the dangerous stuff alone.

A metal fence can be a great alternative to wood, as it won’t degrade over time, and different metals can give a dramatically different feel. Aluminum fences are smooth, strong and won’t rust, and they can be painted a dark black to give an inconspicuous look, making them one of the best yard fences for kids. Wrought iron is a heavier, more complicated fence, but it’s traditional and stately look is unmistakable. However, iron and other similar metals require preventative measures to keep them from rusting, making them an improper choice for kids.

Vinyl fences are another popular option, and they’re both stronger and more flexible than wood. But they cost significantly more, even though they’re build to last and are basically maintenance free like aluminum. Many styles have a sort of faux-wood grain or texture on the surface, which can leave them feeling cheap, but it’s one of the few ways to get a wood style without the problems of real wood. Composite fences are also available that mix wood fibers with plastic, giving the look of wood and the strength and durability of plastic, though quality varies wildly from “Wow, that looks real!” to “eh,” so be sure to inspect samples if you’re considering a composite fence.

Consideration Two: The Railing

When it comes to kids, it’s best to go with a fence that doesn’t have any spikes, protrusions or anything that can snag clothes or parts of the body like hands, arms, legs and feet. While the spikes or decorative tips of more traditional fences may sound like a great idea to discourage trespassers or by making it more difficult to jump the fence, kids are kids, and they’ll be all over that fence the day it’s installed. To help avoid unnecessary injuries, we say skip the decorative barbs and go with a flat rail for the best yard fence for kids.

Consideration Three: The Gate

With any fence, you’ll inevitably have some sort of access gate in front, off to the side or at the rear of your property. Because they’re often hidden from view, a gate isn’t something that’s typically front of mind when it comes to the best yard fence for kids, but it’s an important consideration nonetheless. Obviously, the worst type of gate here is an opening in the fence itself, which provides no barrier between your yard and the outside world. If your yard sits up against a busy street or is adjacent to a dark, wooded area, this could be a problem.

Ideally, the best yard fence for kids has a gate with a strong auto-latching and auto-closing mechanism that keeps the gate closed and locked at all times. With a higher-than-you’d-think latching mechanism, preferably at the top of a five-foot or taller gate, you’ll prevent small children from being able to operate the gate, which keeps them safe and in the yard.

Consideration Four: Fence Style

Another priority when it comes to the best yard fence for kids is to have a fence that’s hard to climb. Kids will be kids, and you know that when the fence comes in they’ll be scheming ways to climb it. A smooth, flat fence is the best way to prevent the Spiderman shenanigans you can bet will take place the second the fence goes up. Without anything to grab hold of or step onto, children will quickly give up when they realize this fence isn’t climbable.

While there are many fence styles on the market, you’ll want to look for styles that are simple and don’t have much ornamentation. Something like a privacy fence that has no visible views into or out of the yard is one of the best yard fences for kids due to the fact that it’s basically a glorified outdoor wall. Privacy fences often come in 6-foot-high panels, and they’re great when you want to maximize security and keep the outside world at bay.

Lattice fences are a nice alternative to the vastness of a privacy fence, and they provide a partial, head-height view with a decorative checkered pattern at the top of each panel. Think of a privacy fence with limited views up top and you’ve got the right idea.

A spaced picket fence is arguably the quintessential American fence, but beyond its timeless looks it won’t do much to protect the safety of your children as they tend to run short and people can step over them with relative ease, and they also won’t do much to keep children above the age of five or six from climbing them.

A dog-eared fence is another option, which uses alternating front and back slats to give a half-open, half-closed feel that is opaque from far away yet more open close up or at an angle.

Squared, metal fences round out the style options, and these give a modern, decorative appeal in a very strong and rigid frame. But because each bar is placed a few inches apart and you can see through them, they may not provide the right level of privacy when considering the safety of small children. They are, however, incredibly strong, so if durability is the main concern, it’s a good option, and you can always stack some trees or shrubbery right in front of the fence to increase privacy.

Consideration Four: Fence Height

In general, you’ll want a fence that’s at least five or six feet tall. At that level, no small child would even think about trying to scale such a wall, and the increased height also gives you some additional privacy from nosey neighbors and makes it difficult for even adults to scale. Square aluminum fences, privacy fences, lattice fences and dog-eared fences meet this requirement, but picket fences and other decorative, smaller fences are just not tall enough to keep the little ones safely inside and the outside world at bay.

Consideration Five: What About the Pool?

If you have a pool, you might just have the most dangerous thing your kids could be exposed to right in your own backyard. Drowning is a leading cause of young children dying at home, and often it comes down to unsupervised time at the pool or unauthorized access such as when a child gains access to a pool without an adult knowing. In fact, many states have now passed pool fencing laws that dictate the type of fencing required around any pool, as well as how access to the pool should work.

As a homeowner and parent, it’s your responsibility to prevent your kids or any other kids in the area from having unauthorized access to your pool. According to international regulations, you’ll need a proper fence with slats that are no more four inches apart and the fence is no more than four inches from the ground (two in some municipalities and states). The fence itself must be 48 inches high or taller, and it can’t have any protrusions or indentations that would make it easy to climb. The gate must also open out and have an auto-locking, auto-closing mechanism that sits at the top of the fence, out of reach from the hands of small children.

Consideration Six: Don’t Forget Your Kids

While a fence is a great way to increase the privacy and security of your kids when they’re out playing in the yard, it’s not an excuse to abdicate your duties as a parent. When they’re outside, an adult or supervisor should be with them at all times. When they’re playing, it’s not the time to head into the home office to get some work done or to go start the family dinner if you can’t keep an eye on them from inside. That small window view probably won’t cut it, and what happens when they wander off or a call comes in and they lose your attention completely?

Sure, the best yard fence for kids can help keep them safer than without, but it’s not a substitute for real parenting. Even with a safe fence made from aluminum that won’t chip, crack, rust, splinter or rot, you’ve still got to keep an eye on your kids whenever they’re outside. If you have a pool, spa or any water in your yard, you should be extra vigilant, as a split-second of inattention can be disastrous.

From Your Friends at Aluminum Fences Direct

Here at Aluminum Fences Direct, we make beautiful aluminum fences that stand the test of time and look great doing it. Sturdy, secure and affordable, our fences can help make any yard a secure, safe place for your kids, your pets and your entire home. Reclaim your yard by replacing your old, unsafe fence with a beautiful, new aluminum fence from Aluminum Fences Direct and see how a new fence can transform the time you and your family share outdoors. Contact us today to get a quote.

Benefits of Having a Double Gate Aluminum Fence

What Use Cases Are There For a Double Gate Fence?

From a strictly practical sense, double-gate fences are most commonly used when you need a wider entrance to your yard. This is most common in driveways, where a single-gate would need to be very big, or where an automatic, mechanized gate may be used, but the standard option for a driveway is the double gate. It is easy to use, easy to maintain, and easy to secure. 

Likewise, if you live in an area where you are using large equipment, such as riding lawnmowers or small tractors, you may want a double gate to be used as a backyard gate, a gate that can connect your fenced-in yard to a larger portion of your property. Double gate fences offer wide openings while maintaining the security of a standard fence, and can give you peace of mind when you have a large double-gated backyard entrance to your property.

Double gated fences are also very secure, as they’re made from the same strong, resilient aluminum that makes up the rest of the fence surrounding your yard. Depending on the fence you choose, the top of the gate may be peaked with finials which will deter trespassers from attempting to cross the gate and enter the property, and the sturdy construction prevents vandals from pushing their way through a properly-locked with a sealed double gated fence. 

From a welcoming standpoint, a double gated fence is a fine way to open your yard to welcome neighbors and friends. Opening a gate wide and allowing party guests and family to come and go is more inviting than a simple single gate, which is narrower and will usually come with an automatic spring loaded hinges. Not needing to prop your fence open, but simply allowing it as a passage into the block party barbeque is a great way to tell people that you’re friendly and that you welcome visitors to your home.

How Can a Double Gate Fence Add Value to My Property?

The best way to add value to your property, if we’re speaking purely on Return on Investment, is to invest in your yard. Curb appeal is everything when evaluating a home, and especially selling it. Having a beautiful aluminum fence surrounding your yard–and then having a wide-open grand double gated entrance, whether it be at your driveway or your front walk, is a stunning way to showcase your home–it is your castle, after all.

A properly fenced yard, done in classy aluminum fencing in any style–Floridian, Sierra, Outback, Carolina, Appalachian, Manhattan, Puppy, XP, Castle, Elegant Arch, or Cathedral–makes a dignified statement about your home. It is not cheap chain-link, maintenance-heavy wood, or vinyl: it’s aluminum and ornate, and it exudes charm and an architectural detail that catches the eye of passersby and encourages them to get a closer look and admire your entire estate. Whether you’re encompassing the front yard of a condo, the perimeter of a suburban home, or the full extent of an expensive estate, an aluminum fence gives off a look of confidence, charm, and security that other fences lack. 

There is something regal that comes from a double gate driveway that you don’t get from a single-gate. The double gates have an arched architectural flair that transforms a standard driveway into a sophisticated and enchanting entrance. It sets your home apart from the other houses on the street. These fences arch up and above the surrounding fence, giving a regal feel to an otherwise plain road. It truly feels like an entrance out of a movie.

And when it comes to security, there’s nothing that can beat an aluminum double gate. They are strong and sturdy, topped with finials that will deter even the most determined trespasser, and they protect your home from intruders, both human and animal. There’s no putting a price on the security you feel knowing that you have an extra added protection surrounding your house and keeping the unwanted away from you and your family. Even if it didn’t raise your property value, even if it didn’t increase curb appeal, even if it didn’t make a statement about who you are, it gives you piece of mind that you’re safe–and there’s nothing better than that.

Why Choose Aluminum Fencing Over Vinyl Fencing?

Aluminum fencing looks better than vinyl, plain and simple. Oh sure, there are vinyl fences that fit in with a certain style of house, and they’re not an ugly fence, but an aluminum fence just looks more secure, more stately, more expensive (though the prices are truly comparable). 

Aluminum fencing is also more resilient than vinyl. A strong windstorm can damage a vinyl fence, tearing it down or punching holes in it. A rambunctious teen can try climbing over a vinyl fence only to find it crumple down around him–when he wouldn’t even try to climb an aluminum (and if he did, he’d meet the pointy end of a finial, and not be able to damage the strong aluminum).

Vinyl also discolors in the sun and heat, and can gather hard water stains from repeated hits from sprinklers, but aluminum fences are maintenance free. The powder coating is tough and resilient and doesn’t take damage from weather–no rust, wind damage, sun damage, or staining. Vinyl can’t say that. Even a new vinyl fence will need washing after a storm that kicks up mud in the flower beds, and you have to go spray it down with a hose, but you’ll never find those kinds of problems with an aluminum fence. It looks clean from day one and stays clean throughout its life.

And that’s why we give a lifetime warranty to our aluminum fences. We are confident in the strength, resilience, and long-term survival of our product and we’re willing to back it up with the promise of our good name. They will be free from defects in workmanship and the coating will not crack, chip or peel for as long as you own the home.

Aluminum Fencing for Commercial Properties

One of the main benefits about aluminum fencing is that it has a clean, finished look that makes it attractive not just around yards, but also around businesses, apartment buildings, pools, and many other commercial locations. Aluminum fencing looks good, is strong, requires little maintenance, and is a relatively inexpensive option for a company that is looking to enclose a space, increase curb appeal, and secure a lot. And aside from all of that it raises the value of the property. We offer six styles of aluminum fence, the Carolina, Sierra and Outback Style Commercial Fences, the Floridian Pool Fence, and the Appalachian and Manhattan Commercial Fences.

How Can Aluminum Fencing Add Value to Property?

Aluminum fencing adds value to commercial properties for many reasons. For starters, aluminum fences look good. That’s just a fact. An aluminum fence has the clean, finished appeal that cannot be said about a vinyl or wooden fence. Aluminum increases curb appeal, drawing eyes to a property, and our three different styles of commercial fencing present different looks that each is appealing and attractive. When you think of a commercial property and the prospect of securing it, the first thing that comes to mind is chain link, which may be inexpensive and easy to install, but almost makes a property look worse and cheapened when you put it up. Chain link makes you think of industrial yards and the inner city, whereas aluminum fencing gives an air of architectural significance and sturdy resilience. A pool surrounded by an aluminum fence is a pool that would fit in at a country club, where a pool surrounded by chain link looks like a backyard.
It’s no secret that aluminum fencing is the choice of businesses, because everything about a business’s image contributes to their overall brand. If a business shows a cheap fence it looks cheap; if it shows a damaged fence it looks shoddy; if it shows a discolored or rusted fence it looks old and in need of work. Aluminum fences and their classy, sophisticated look, which is not easily damaged and in no need of maintenance display a look to clients and customers that you are a company committed to excellence and that you care about your appearance.

Increasing curb appeal is also one of the best, if not the best, thing you can invest in to increase the value of your property. It has been estimated that a modification that you make to your exterior can have as much as five times the return on investment for your property as you if you invested in the interior of your commercial property–so the next time you’re wondering if you should redo your landscaping or your cabinetry or carpet, remember that buyers are going to be making their first impressions when they step out of their car in the parking lot. If it doesn’t look good on the outside, you’re fighting an uphill battle when you get them inside. 

How Can Aluminum Fencing Keep Property Safe?

One of the biggest benefits of aluminum fencing is that not only does it look strong–and it definitely does, which we’ll talk about below–but it is strong. A broad vinyl fence might be blown down in a windstorm, and a wooden fence will begin to deteriorate after a few years. Nails get loose, boards warp, and vinyl grows soft and slumps in the heat. But an aluminum fence will stand strong in any weather, wind, hail, rain, and heat.

And an aluminum fence can’t just be knocked down by vandals and burglars, whereas wood and vinyl can be broken and abused. Aluminum is strong and doesn’t bend without severe pressure. It relies on metal joiners, not plastic or nails. It is strengthened by its crossbars and cement foundations. It stands up to any damage you can throw at it.

And there is something about an aluminum fence that makes it look strong. Without the price of wrought iron or steel, it can deter burglars just by its sturdy look and appearance. No one will even try to knock down an aluminum fence, because it’s imposing and secure. And if you select a style like the Appalachian Commercial Fencing with its spiky finials, it will look to an uncertain vandal as imposing as barbed wire–no one will dare to try to climb over it and enter your property for fear of hurting themselves. And that’s the best kind of security: the kind that never has to be tested because it looks so impenetrable. You’ll never need to worry about the strength of the aluminum because no one will ever try to scale it.

Why is Aluminum Fencing the Best Choice for a Fence Solution?

Aluminum, as we’ve discussed above, just looks better–both for aesthetics and security. There’s no comparison to vinyl or wood or chain-link. But that’s not the only reason that aluminum fencing is the best solution for commercial fencing. The ultimate reason is that it is affordable, strong, and requires zero maintenance. You won’t have to hire painters every few years to spruce it up and make it look good again. You won’t have to hire workers to scrape rust away. You won’t have to worry about the hard water stains from your sprinklers that can discolor vinyl. Aluminum is sturdy and something that you can be confident in for years, decades, even a lifetime! Yes, our aluminum fences come with a lifetime warranty because we are so confident that it will never need to be fixed, touched up, or repaired. There are no defects in our aluminum, and the coating will not crack, chip or peel. 

Commercial Fencing Styles

Our commercial fencing comes in six styles, the Carolina, Outback & Sierra Style Commercial Fences, the Floridian Commercial Pool Fence, and the Appalachian & Manhattan Commercial Fences. Each of these fences comes in 6’ or 8’ panel lengths, and range between 36” to 72” in height.

Carolina, Sierra & Carolina Styles

These fencing designs offers a clean, distinguished look that would be appropriate from the suburbs to the house on the hill. Each panel has tall verticals with three rails crossing horizontally. The lowest is just above the ground, providing stability to the well-made aluminum fence. It is topped cleanly by two rails, one riding along the cap of the fence and the other just below, creating an elegant, secure appearance that says that this fence is strong and dignified.

The Sierra can be built with optional rings between the top rails, giving the fence an altogether different look that shows class and sophistication. It gives off a vibe of sturdiness, combined with the ornamental detailing that sets it apart from other fencing styles.

Floridian Pool Fencing

The Floridian Style Fencing looks great around a pool. It’s a basic, clean look that gives security to a pool, keeping children and pets away from danger. The Floridian is a simple but strong fence that will give you peace of mind, whether your property has a pool, or is just looking to line a walkway. 

Appalachian & Manhattan Fencing

These fencing designs offer a secure, distinguished look that looks both sturdy and secure. Each panel has tall verticals with three rails crossing horizontally. The lowest is just above the ground, providing stability to the well-made aluminum fence. It is topped by two rails, with press point tops rising from each picket. The fence is inviting to guests and friends with its clean, distinguished look, but deters those who would try to climb and enter a backyard or pool area.

The Appalachian & Manhattan can have their pickets go all the way to the ground, through the bottom rail, or the pickets can terminate at the bottom rail, giving a clean look.

The Differences Between Vinyl vs Aluminum Fencing

When installing a fence you have many options, and manufacturers will be quick to tell you the benefits of their products, but we thought that we’d put them in a head-to-head competition and see how two of the most common fence types stand up against each other: aluminum vs vinyl. Both are popular, both are common, but they each have their pros and cons and while we are obviously biased–we make aluminum fences, after all–we want to give you the most balanced analysis of your fencing options that we can offer. 

So here are some of the biggest factors that homeowners will weigh when determining which type of fence to buy, and we’ll look at how each fence stacks up in each category.

Privacy

When it comes to privacy, an aluminum fence is not going to offer you the same kind of blank-wall privacy protection that you can get from the flat, unbroken surface of a vinyl fence. While there are vinyl fences that come in slats rather than flat panels, most vinyl fences block the view into the yard entirely, and they keep nosy neighbors (and nefarious ne’er-do-wells) from peeking into your property. The same can be said about wooden fencing or brick walls: when you have a big flat surface instead of a slatted, rail-style fence.

Typically, when you have an aluminum fence and are looking for privacy, you tend to obscure sight lines with shrubbery or trees. Depending on the tightness of the rails and the age of the aluminum fence you can even get a good vine system growing on it, but it will never match the straightforward sight-blocking obscurity of a vinyl, wood, or brick wall. 

Durability

This category has a winner as clear as the privacy category: vinyl can stand up to standard wear and tear, but when push comes to shove–literally!–aluminum will beat vinyl every time. Vinyl fences are made from material that is lighter, hollow, and grows brittle with time and age. A stray baseball can punch a hole through a vinyl fence, and the very thing that makes a vinyl fence so private–that big flat surface–makes it particularly susceptible to wind damage. A good windstorm can take down a wide, flat wall when it would instead just fly right through an aluminum rail fence. 

Vinyl also will discolor with time, especially where it comes into contact with constant water–think how many times you’ve driven through a neighborhood with predominantly-vinyl fences and picture all the discoloration and mildew on the white vinyl that comes from constant, repeated sprinkler spray. Hard water on a white vinyl surface can leave unsightly arcs of tarnishing hard mineral deposits. 

Aluminum fences are strong and sturdy, and virtually immune to weather damage–either wind or water. The only durability issues that arise with aluminum fences are direct hard impacts–cars backing up without looking, or something similar–but that would damage both aluminum and vinyl fences alike.

Appearance

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, and there are some people who will always love the simple beauty of a blank white wall, but when it comes to options and pure architectural design aesthetics, you can’t beat an aluminum fence. Aluminum fences come in a wide variety of styles that match every design style, from southern gothic to French royal to Imperial, aluminum fences offer style and features that are simply more varied than the run-of-the-mill white walls with square caps that are common to almost all standard vinyl fences.

An aluminum fence can match most any design aesthetic, whether your home is old or new, brick, shingle, or wood, modern or old-world. Aluminum also has the benefit of mimicking wrought-iron for a fraction of the cost, giving your home an old-school charm that you simply can’t get from vinyl.

Property Value

When installing vinyl or aluminum fencing, the initial installation and purchasing prices are not dramatically different, so you would think that they would add equal amounts to your property value. But as we’ve already discussed, aluminum is a more long-term investment, as it is more durable and will last longer–often years longer, especially in areas of high use or bad weather. So an aluminum fence will be better for your property value in the long run, even though a nice vinyl fence may look great when it’s first installed.

There’s also a lot to be said about the look of the neighborhood. Vinyl is the fence of choice in the suburbs, in cookie-cutter house after cookie-cutter house. But aluminum fencing adds a unique flair to a house, both in the city and the country, and raíses the property value of not only your house but the surrounding neighbors’ homes, through its excellent appearance and unique design elements. Your neighbors will thank you for installing an aluminum fence that will elevate your entire street.

Strength

When it comes to strength, there are many ways to gauge the strength of a fence, but an aluminum one beats a vinyl in almost all respects. First, there’s the example we gave above about a windstorm: a vinyl fence can get battered and an aluminum will not bat an eye. But there’s also a question of wear-and-tear, particularly from kids and teens who have a tendency to climb and jump. A vinyl fence is strong–there’s no getting around that–but an aluminum one will not buckle if you get a group of teenagers scaling it. You may not want them jumping your fence, but if you have rowdy kids at home–or rowdy kids in the neighborhood–you can avoid steep repair costs by going with a stronger fence from the very start. 

Cost

You can shop around and get fairly even prices when it comes to vinyl vs aluminum and there’s no clear winner, but there are more things to consider than just the initial purchase and installation costs: there’s replacement costs and repairs. If an aluminum fence is going to last longer, then it’s going to be a better deal in the long run.

Maintenance

Fortunately, both aluminum and vinyl fences don’t require much maintenance–certainly nothing like a wooden fence that requires sanding and repainting from time to time (over and over again). A vinyl fence can get dirty, as we’ve mentioned before, chiefly from hard water stains and mildew, but that can be cleaned with a power washer and some manufacturer approved chemicals. An aluminum fence, on the other hand, requires next to no maintenance. You’ll never need to repaint or pressure wash. All that’s required is the occasional hose-down.

Installation

You can install both aluminum and vinyl siding on your own, or hire installers to do it for you, depending on your budget. Because vinyl is typically unassembled and more of a snap-fit product (and therefore weaker) it’s not too hard to assemble. Aluminum fencing has pre-assembled sections, requiring less work and it produces a stronger end result. So, in this case, aluminum is the clear winner. But ultimately, it’s all about what you prefer. 

For more information about our aluminum fencing, check out our product line.

Why Install Your Aluminum Fence Yourself?

Aluminum fences add security, curb appeal, and value to your home and yard. They are sturdier than vinyl fences and don’t require the upkeep of a wooden fence, and overall they are an incredible investment in what may be the biggest asset you’ll ever own—your home. 

So, you want to get an aluminum fence installed, and while there are plenty of companies and contractors who will install it for you, there are definitely benefits to doing it yourself (or maybe even with the help of your family and friends). It can be an enjoyable experience for all involved, it adds value to your home, and when you accomplish something like that on your own, you’re engaging in an activity that will tie you to your property, giving you confidence in your abilities and pride in your property.

Below are a few reasons why installing a custom aluminum fence yourself is a good idea:

#1. You’re Saving Money

It’s no secret that any home improvement has the potential to overrun costs and send your budget into the red. When you hire a contractor you have to deal with their workers, their time schedule, and their exorbitant prices. Even if the contractor buys products from Aluminum Fences Direct, they may make you pay through the nose for work that you could just have easily accomplished on your own with a little sweat and hard work.

Aluminum Fences Direct offers aluminum fences at a low price, even when considering adding accents and accessories. Our prices are straightforward and plain: you know up front exactly how much you’ll be paying and when, and there are no surprises or hidden fees. You know that we have the best prices for the best products because we are constantly undercutting our competitors and outselling them despite our high quality. Our philosophy is that if you can do the work yourself, you owe it to yourself to buy the very best and create something that you will be proud of.

#2. It’s Much Easier Than You Might Think

A contractor might blow a lot of smoke about the difficulties of installing the fence and all the extra labor and cost it’s going to take, but with few exceptions, if you have a moderate ability with tools and an understanding of directions, you can build your own aluminum fence without the price and hassle. 

The process is relatively simple. Detailed instructions can be found here, and a more detailed list of instructions will also be provided after your order is place… but these are the basics:

1. Layout the entire fence—end posts, corner posts, and gate posts—with wooden stakes, and then mark the position of the fence sections with taut string. This will guide you where to dig holes.
2. Check with your home plans, or by calling your utility company, to make sure that you’re digging post holes in safe places and not cutting into gas lines, drainage, or sewage. This is essential! Most utility companies will perform this service for free, and if you fail to do so you could end up with a very costly repair bill.
3. Using a post-hole digger, dig down between 24-48” per hole, depending on the frost line in your part of the country.
4. Attach one section of fence into your post. Repeat this post and section placement for the length of your property.
5. Post the first hole and mix concrete to pour into the hole. Install one panel and one post at a time. Fill each hole with concrete, leaving a gap between the concrete level and the ground level, and then, when dried, cover the concrete with dirt and grass.  Another option is to pour the concrete after a short run of 4-5 sections are in place and pouring the concrete for all 5 posts at one time.
6. Continue the process all the way around your yard until it is complete. Make sure you’re staying level and plumb in all of your posts and sections.

And that’s about it! There’s really not much to it, and once again, more detailed instructions can be found at this link.

#3. What Tools Do I Need to Install a Fence?

Materials

• Cement/Concrete mix: This is essential to ensuring the longevity of your aluminum fencing to make sure the posts are securely fit into the ground.
• Gravel (optional): If you dig a really deep hole, you’ll probably want a little gravel to help fill them in.
• Water: You’ll need this for mixing the cement, and you’ll need buckets on hand or a garden hose.

Tips for the Best DIY Aluminum Fence Kit

Why to Install an Aluminum Fence

Any work that you do to your yard will be returned to you many fold for years to come. Improving the landscape of your yard is one of the very best ways to increase the value of your property. One study estimates that a well-landscaped yard has a significant price advantage over a poorly-landscaped one, with an average increase between 5.5 to 12.7% in the value of the home. For a $300,000 home, that translates to an increase of value between $16,500 to $38,100. And while planted flowers and well-manicured grass is important, it is the more permanent features—like a DIY aluminum fence—that will add the most value to a home. 

Remember: when a potential buyer comes to look at your home, the first thing they’re going to do is look at the exterior. Before they even get out of their car, they’re already making judgments about the quality of the home, and having a perfectly maintained and landscaped yard is the first impression they’ll ever have.

But more than resale value, you’ve got to think about what kind of home you want to live in. Whether you have little kids that you want to keep from running into the street, a dog you need to contain, a pool you want to keep children out of, or simply want the peace of mind that comes from having a quality barrier between you and the outside world. A proper fence is all about peace of mind, aside from whether you ever plan on selling your home. 

Besides, just like a potential home buyer will be wowed by your beautiful yard, you too will be pleased with the look and feel of a quality DIY aluminum fence in your yard. 

DIY Aluminum Fences

There is nothing wrong with paying a company to install your aluminum fence for you, but this investment into your property can be made with relative ease and effort. If you know your way around a few home improvement tools, you can tackle this project for a fraction of the cost that it would take for professional contractors to install it. 

At Aluminum Fences Direct, we have a full online installation guide that is detailed enough for even the most unskilled person to follow in their path toward home improvement.  We also send more detailed instructions at time of order…. but the process, overall, is very straightforward. The first step is to layout your fence in the place where you’re going to want it, and then dig holes for posts. The guide explains how to measure the size and depth of the post holes. Then, later in the process and with a little concrete and some leveling guides to make sure you’re straight and plumb, you’ll be able to tackle the fence posts with relative ease.

The next step is to install the fence gates. This shouldn’t be difficult at all if you’ve properly measured the fence post widths and the concrete has hardened. It’s simply a matter of installing hinges and hanging the gate.

The installation guide breaks down a hypothetical project in detail, with diagrams and measurements, that you can use to understand the process and mirror as you create your own yard and fence map and plan. It takes a little digging, a little measuring, and some patience, but the process is straightforward and totally accessible to the layman.

And, if you have any issues installing, we have access to installation teams to help you if you are in the areas of Cincinnati, OH; Georgetown, SC; Lexington, KY; Louisville, KY; Myrtle Beach, SC; Nashville, TN; Raleigh, NC & Roanoke, VA.

Why Do I Want to Go with an Aluminum Fence?

Aluminum fences are a stunning look that will enhance any home in a way that a wooden fence never could. There is something regal and sophisticated about an aluminum fence that indicates that you are a homeowner who cares about your castle. With a wealth of fencing styles, each of which offers a different bit of architectural character and cultural feel, along with a wide selection of accessories to customize your fence—such as finials, caps, scrollwork, and latches—your fence is truly a one-of-a-kind that will look like nothing else in your neighborhood. It will stand out as a home that cares about aesthetics and security.

Another great reason for going with an aluminum fence is its durability. A vinyl or wooden fence will often have a difficult time with windstorms, and break or fall over easily during a storm. Vinyl is also prone to vandalism, as it can break with the strike of a well-thrown rock or a vandal’s kick. Wooden fences are always in need of repainting, refinishing, restaining, and otherwise taking care of the wood repeatedly. Plus vinyl and wooden fences are much more likely to be the targets of graffiti than their aluminum counterparts, as a large flat surface is more attractive to a tagger than the slats of an aluminum fence.

Besides, if you care about your yard as much as you care about your fence, then why would you want to hide it behind a vinyl or wooden fence where it can’t be seen? Aluminum fences are unobtrusive and allow people to see your full house, lawn, flowers, and garden. It adds to the curb appeal to be able to see into your yard and get a feeling of what it’s like on the other side of the fence. An aluminum fence is both an attractive highlight and a window through which to look at other aspects of your home.

Additional Features of a DIY Aluminum Fence

Sustainability

An aluminum fence is a great option if you’re concerned about the environment and the long term impact of your landscape decisions. Aluminum is very sturdy and is easily recyclable, so an aluminum fence is a good investment for the environment. In fact, aluminum fences are often made from recycled materials, so you’re helping the environment before you even get started.

Versatility

Because there are so many styles and options with an aluminum fence, you can really customize it to however you want it. If you’re looking for something to contain a dog, we have styles that reach all the way down to ground level and keep pets from escaping a yard (or, if you’re concerned, they stop animals from getting in your yard). There are spear topped fences that add that extra degree of security to prevent someone from jumping the fence and entering your yard. There are all manner of latches to make your gates secure from one side, both sides, with magnets or latches. And, of course, there are a wealth of aesthetic styles to match your home, neighborhood, and yard plan. Each fence is custom to you.

Price

If you’re looking for a bargain-basement fence, then chain link is the way to go, but that won’t do anything for the curb appeal of your yard. A wooden fence can look good, but you’re pumping money into it year after year in maintenance costs as you paint and refinish. An aluminum fence is a perfect solution, as it is a one-time cost with every bit as much security (if not more so) than chain link, and is far longer lasting than wood or vinyl. 

Rust-Free

Another option when buying a nice metal fence is wrought iron. It gives much the same look as aluminum, often with finials and scroll work, but it has the drawback of being very susceptible to rust. Wrought iron will need scraping and repainting every few years to maintain, which an aluminum fence never will.

Lasts a Lifetime

An aluminum fence is in it for the long haul. Aluminum Fences Direct offers a lifetime warranty for your aluminum fence, which states that your fence is covered against cracking, chipping, and peeling for as long as you own your home. Needless to say, this kind of warranty can never come from other types of maintenance-heavy fences.