Posts in category: Blog

Sierra Fencing and Floridian Fencing are similar in a lot of ways and can be used in some of the same applications, but they also have many distinct differences. A Sierra aluminum fence is a very different fence from a Floridian aluminum fence. First we’re going to talk about their similarities, and then we’ll talk about what makes the two fence styles so different from each other. 

How Are Sierra Fences and Floridian Fences similar?

Both Floridian and Sierra aluminum fences use strong powder-coated aluminum, which means that both of these fences will be strong barriers, require little maintenance, and look great. 

The strength is important because both the Sierra Fence and the Floridian Fence are used in making sure that your property is secure. These fences are meant to keep your yard private and safe, and that’s something that a strong aluminum fence provides.

The strength is also important when it comes to wear and tear–a soccer ball that is kicked at an aluminum fence will not damage it, though the same cannot necessarily be said of a wood fence or a vinyl fence. Also, should someone hoist themselves up and over the fence (your teenagers, for instance) the fence will strongly stand firm in its position. 

Sierra and Floridian fences are also great for kids, as the distance between pickets (3-13/16”) is too small for a baby to crawl through, making these fences not only good for keeping people from going over them but they’re good for keeping children from going through them. (This is all the more important on something like the Sierra fence if it is used as a pool fence, or the Floridian fence used to block off a water feature or line a path.

And finally, the strength of the Sierra and Floridian fences is important in that neither of them will need any substantial maintenance. There’s never a need to repaint an aluminum fence, they don’t rust (the chemistry of aluminum means that it absolutely cannot rust). They stand up to the hot sun and the cold winter, and they never require more maintenance than possibly hosing them down after a muddy rainstorm, or to wash away lawn clippings. 

How Are Sierra Fences and Floridian Fences Different?

Different Styles

On a very basic level, the Floridian Fence and the Sierra Fence look different. A Floridian Fence is one of the least ornamented fences that we sell, making it a great look that fits into virtually any design scheme. It doesn’t draw attention to itself–it merely has a rail at the top and a rail at at the bottom, and pickets in-between. Like the Sierra Fence, the Floridian comes in 6’ wide sections. 

The Sierra, on the other hand, gives you more design options. The Sierra Fence, in its most basic form is a fence with a top rail, and then a secondary rail 6” below the top. This gives it some interesting architectural detail (and more room to play with extras, which we’ll explain further down). The bottom rail of the fence can be all the way down at ground level, or it can be 5” above the ground, with the pickets extending through the bottom rail and reaching to the ground.

Overall, this gives th e two top rails can be decked out in a variety of architectural flairs. One of the most common is the Sierra with Optional Rings–circular aluminum rings that fill the space between the pickets and top two rails and gives a rather generic-looking fence a sudden pop of character and design. Another popular addition to the Sierra is the Small Scrolls which is a pair of curling aluminum brackets placed on every picket. Suddenly your standard Sierra Fence looks exotic and expensive (though we know the truth–that aluminum fences from Aluminum Fences Direct cost a fraction of what you’d spend to pay a fence installer to install your fence.)

Different Heights

Another big difference between the Sierra fence and the Floridian fence is that the Floridian is a low fence–it only comes in heights of 36” or 48”. This makes it an ideal fence for things like fencing off gardens, around pools, lining paths, and keeping people off the grass. 

The Sierra Fence, on the other hand, comes in 36”, 48”, 54”, 60” and 72” heights. So, the Sierra fence can be used in all of the same applications where you would use a Floridian–to mark a path, around a pool, the enclose a garden, etc, or it could be the tall six foot fence that keeps your property free from burglars who would try to scale and jump over the fence in the night. It is a good-looking landscape fence, but also a great security fence. 

Conclusion

There’s a lot to the Sierra Fences and Floridian Fences that are very similar. They are both very strong, as are all of Aluminum Fences Direct’s fences, and they can withstand the weather, impacts, and climbers–all without ever needing maintenance like painting, sanding or scraping.

And they can be used in similar circumstances as a good do-it-all low fence. 

But the big differences between Sierra Fences and Floridian Fences comes in the ornamentation that is available–the Sierra Fences offer much more custom options to make them look anything but generic–and the height difference is a big change as the Sierra Fence can either match the low profile of the Floridian, or go up to twice its height at a full six feet.

Whichever fence you choose from Aluminum Fences Direct, you will know that you will be getting the best aluminum fencing available at a terrific price. 

Contact us if you have any questions!

Deciding which kind of fencing for you is an important question, but it gets more complicated when it comes to areas that see a lot of cold and snow. Harsh winter conditions can be bad on many materials, and when you’re making the investment into a fence to beautify and secure your house, you want to make sure that it can stand up to the elements. 

We’re going to look at three different situations: the cold, the wet, and the weight of snow, and compare them to the four primary fencing materials: wood, vinyl, steel and aluminum. And, spoiler alert–aluminum fares the best. 

How Do Fences Handle Cold Weather?

Cold weather is more than just freezing temperatures. It’s also the changing of the temperatures from below freezing to above freezing, which makes things expand and contract–expanding when things are warmer and contracting when things are colder. And this expansion and contraction is an important thing to consider when you’re building a fence around your property if you’re in a region that gets a cold winter. 

Where expansion and contraction becomes most notable and most important is at the joints and hardware. Something that fits snugly one warm day might be loose on a cold day, or vice versa. And the type of material that you’re using to build your fence in the wintertime is going to make a big difference.

Wood

Wood makes for a very attractive fence–the iconic white picket fence comes to mind–but there are problems with wooden fences during cold weather and those problems come with the expansion and contraction of wood and nails. The wood and nails expand at different rate (this is a problem even if you use wood screws) so during the winter the attachment points between the rails and slats will get loose. It might not be much at first, but over time those gaps will grow, and the fence will begin to show its age. 

And this is to say nothing of the fact that the expansion and contraction of the wood itself separates the grain, leading to splitting and splintering. 

Vinyl

Vinyl fences handle cold in a different way than wood, in that it is not the expansion and contraction of the vinyl that becomes a problem. Rather, the problem is that the colder things get, the less flexible and more fragile vinyl gets. A fence that might take the impact of a soccer ball easily, flexing and bending, in the summer, might crack or break by the same impact in the winter months during a hard freeze. 

Steel

Steel does well in the winter cold, as the expansion and contraction are not an issue (or only a minimal issue at the anchor points). Also, steel’s brittleness in the cold months doesn’t become a problem as it takes much more cold than a regular winter to render steel ready to crack.

Aluminum

The same that can be said about steel can be said about aluminum: it withstands the cold very well. While there is expansion and contraction, that is accommodated well by the fasteners and hardware that are supplied for installation. And it would take a cold that is more severe than almost any winter storm to make aluminum brittle.

How Do Fences Handle Wet and Freezing Snow?

There is more to winter than the cold–there’s also the wetness that comes from snow, ice, and sleet. How a fencing product stands up to the wet makes a big difference in how it will handle the winter weather.

Wood

Wood is going to be a big victim of water damage. Even sealed wood is going to take a beating, even if the sealant puts it off for a few years. There will be a constant battle with a wood fence to deal with cracking, chipping, splintering, cupping, and the inevitability of paint flaking off. Wood may be very attractive, but it is also very high maintenance. If you’re looking to get a wood fence, know that you are going to spend all of the warm seasons sanding, repainting, and reattaching the wood slats to make sure it stays in pristine condition. 

Vinyl

Vinyl actually does very well dealing with the wetness of snow and sleet. Vinyl is waterproof, as you’ll know from running the sprinklers in your yard during the summer months. There’s very little water damage that can come to a vinyl fence that wouldn’t also plague other fences. 

Steel

Steel is a problem in the snow. While steel doesn’t rot, it definitely rusts. And while most steel comes with a coating, such as a powder coating, the smallest scratch in a steel fence will begin to corrode–and right away, too. It doesn’t take a prolonged period of exposure, with your fence buried under feet of snow for months, for your steel fence to begin to rust. Exposed steel will actually begin to rust the first time it comes into contact with moisture and oxygen–it may not even require rain, just humidity. 

So while a coated steel fence looks good and is very sturdy, you’d better make sure that there are no nick, scratches, or dings in that steel coating or else you could have corroded metal on your hands.

Aluminum

One of the beauties of aluminum is that it is a non-corrosive metal. It literally cannot rust, even if there is a scrape of the coating that exposes the bare aluminum. So snow, sleet, rain, and moisture will all run harmlessly off aluminum and never corrode or rust.

How Do Fences Handle the Weight of Snow?

Snow may look fluffy as the big flakes fall, but when it accumulates–especially wet snow–it can be very heavy. So how do the fencing materials handle heavy snow? Bear in mind that not a lot of snow usually lands on top of a fence (as the top of a fence can’t hold much snow) but a lot of heavy snow can get shoveled or plowed into a fence. That’s where the trouble lies.

Wood

Wooden fences will vary in strength depending very much on the strength of the specific wood that you’ve used. And when we’re talking about the strength of a fence in snow, we’re talking about sideways forces, not top-down forces, so a wooden fence with lots of room between the slats will fare better than a wooden privacy fence that is flat wood all the way across. If a snow plow pushes a snow bank into a privacy fence, there could be real damage.

Vinyl

Just as the large flat walls of a wooden privacy fence are problematic if there is snow pushed into their sides, the same is true of vinyl fences. If you have a vinyl fence with rails and posts, then you’re likely just fine, but a vinyl privacy fence could easily topple if too much snow gets pushed into it.

Steel

Steel fences are the strongest type of this bunch, and there are no common steel fences that are large flat surfaces. If a snow plow pushed snow into a steel fence then the snow would merely pass through the pickets and the fence would be fine.

Aluminum

Just as with steel, an aluminum fence can withstand the sideways force of snow being pushed into it, because the snow will merely pass through the fence, leaving the fence standing firm.

Conclusion

As we can see, all of these fences can withstand some elements of the winter cold and snow, but only one of these fencing materials can withstand the cold, the wet, and the weight of the snow, and that is aluminum fencing. It doesn’t have problems with expansion and contraction from the cold, it will not corrode, even if the coating is scuffed, and snow will merely pass through it instead of pile up against it. 

There are a lot of reasons why someone would want to erect a fence around their home and property, but why would you want to install a black aluminum fence? The truth is that there are many reasons why a black aluminum fence is the perfect fence for you, your house and your family. Let’s look at several.

#1. Black Aluminum Fences Have Great Curb Appeal

Let’s just come right out and say it: black aluminum fences look great. A properly installed aluminum fence will really set off your house, giving it instant curb appeal and making it the talk of the neighborhood–and making everyone on the street jealous and wanting to install their own black aluminum fence. 

The sleek lines of the black aluminum fence come more than a dozen designs, from the stoic and sturdy Floridian to the finial-topped and architectural Castle Fence, to the regal nature of the Cathedral Fence, there is a fence to match the style of your home, your landscaping, your neighborhood, and your lifestyle. 

A good black aluminum fence will look great winter, spring, summer, and fall (we’ll talk about maintenance in a minute) and you will never have to worry about the summer heat baking it too much or the winter snows bending it or corroding it. A black aluminum fence is a great-looking piece to add to your yard. And you know what that translates into? We’re going to talk about it next: value.

#2. Black Aluminum Fences Increase the Value of Your Home

A black aluminum fence increases the value of your home. Studies have been done that show that if you’re trying to sell a home and have a limited budget, the money that could be spent on renovating a bathroom or kitchen will actually bring you a higher selling price for your home if you spend it on the landscaping. Yes, improving the landscaping of your home–that curb appeal–will do more to sell your home than new carpet or windows. 

The reasons for this are simple: when potential buyers come into contact with your home, you have three chances to impress them: when they see the online listing, the moment they step out of their car, and the moment they walk in the front door. Realtors say that many homebuyers will make a purchasing decision–or at least have their purchasing decision swayed–within the first fifteen seconds of looking at a home. It kind of makes you want to spend more time on your yard and a little less on making sure that stain on the bedroom carpet is gone. 

But more than curb appeal, one thing that adds value to your home is the protection that you get from a black aluminum fence’s security. Whether it’s surrounding a pool and keeping out wandering children, or whether its surrounding your backyard and keeping out burglars, a black aluminum fence is an investment in safety and that adds value. We’ll talk more about security next. 

#3. Black Aluminum Fences Increase the Security of Your Property

An aluminum fence increases the security of your property, and not only because it may have spikes on top that keep teenagers from trying to hop over it. The very presence of a tall black aluminum fence gives the feeling of security and privacy, negating burglars and vandals who may have had their eye on it–now they won’t even bother with your house but go elsewhere for their criminal behavior. 

And it goes for more than people: there may be animals that you don’t want wandering into your yard. There are many people who purchase and install black aluminum fences because they have gardens that they take great care of and are always fighting off the deer from eating the vegetables.

And, of course, most municipalities and HOAs have rules about putting fences around your pool to make sure that there could never be the potential for an accidental drowning. Stop that terrible tragedy before it ever has the chance to happen by installing an aluminum pool fence and making sure that your yard is completely under your control.

#4. Black Aluminum Fences Are Easy to Maintain

One of the greatest things about black aluminum fences is that they are really a miracle to maintain. Let’s begin with the biggest thing: aluminum doesn’t rust. It cannot rust. It can get dinged and chipped and the coating scratched away with a wire brush, but the chemical properties of aluminum are such that it literally can never rust. That’s something that can’t be said about a steel fence. 

And what about painting? An aluminum fence will never need a new paint job. That hypothetical we mentioned above with the wire brush? That’s seriously what it would take to remove the powder coating from a black aluminum fence, and the job wouldn’t be easy even then. Compare that to a wooden fence, and the weather alone–seasons changing, rain, snow, cold, hot–will make the paint begin to chip and flake away and you’ll be out in the yard sanding and scraping that wood fence at least every other year if not every single year so it can get a coat of paint. Not so with a black aluminum.

And will it discolor in the sun? Vinyl might yellow in the heat, but a black aluminum fence will never discolor, never fade, never need to be refinished.

The truth about the maintenance of a black aluminum fence is that all you’re going to need to do is they may need to be hosed down after you trim the lawn and grass clippings accumulate on the pickets. Seriously, that’s all the maintenance an aluminum fence is ever going to need.

#5. Black Aluminum Fences Are Simple to Install

Black aluminum fences are simple to install when you get them from Aluminum Fences Direct, and that’s because we do all the hard stuff for you. You make some measurements in your yard, you deliver those measurements to our skilled team of designers, let them know what particular style and ornamentation you want on our aluminum fence, and they’ll take it from there delivering you a complete list of all the parts and pieces that you’re going to need. 

From there, we offer comprehensive installation guides to make sure that the installation is a breeze. As long as you can dig a post hole and run a tape measure, you can install an aluminum fence around your yard. And yes, that includes if you have slopes and curves and bends–we’ve seen it all before and we know how to handle it, and our directions will guide you step-by-step. 

And, of course, if you want to put in an aluminum fence and don’t want to install it yourself, buying through Aluminum Fences Direct and then hiring a local contractor to do the install is still cheaper than paying a fencing company to raise a fence in your yard. Which brings us to price:

#6. Black Aluminum Fences Are The Most Economical Option

A black aluminum fence is going to be your most economical choice, both in the short term and in the long term.

In the short term, installing an aluminum fence in your yard is going to save you money because Aluminum Fences Direct sells directly to the consumer at wholesale prices, and you can’t beat that. Aluminum fencing is also a much cheaper option than steel fencing, which is the most common comparison as they often look the same to the casual viewer. Add into that the amount of money that you save by installing the fence yourself–we’re talking in the $4,000-$10,000 range in savings–and installing an aluminum fence yourself is definitely cheaper than the alternatives.

And in the long term, an aluminum fence is the most economical option as well: it lasts longer than wood (and, once you pay for aluminum you don’t have to pay for upkeep which you can’t say about wood). It also lasts longer than vinyl. It doesn’t corrode or rust like steel. All around, if it comes down to price for you, then installing a black aluminum fence is the way to go.

Conclusion

From start to finish, a black aluminum fence is going to be the best fence that you can install on your property. It makes your property look good and it protects your property, and both of those things mean that the value of your home goes up. It’s easy to maintain, it withstands the weather, and you can’t beat the price. All in all, an aluminum fence is a winner.

Your Guide To Investing In a Fence That Adds Home Value

Have you always dreamed of owning a beautiful home with a fenced-in yard, but it just so happened that when you found your perfect home, it had everything you wanted besides the fence? If adding a fence to your home has been on your to-do list, now is the time as there are many great benefits. Not only will you be able to enjoy your new fenced-in yard, but you can increase the value of your home as well.

Choose a Fence Style That Will Last

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a fence. Think about the purpose of the fence, the size, as well as durability. You can choose from a variety of materials for your fence. If you are looking for something that is long-lasting and requires low maintenance, an aluminum fence is a great option. If you are not sure what you are looking for, understanding each style of aluminum fencing will help. In addition, you can customize colors and accessories. If you have a dog, you will also want to consider a style that is tall enough and keeps them safe and secure in the yard.

Focus on Design & Functionality

When choosing to add a fence to your home, make sure that it’s both functional and visually appealing. In addition, if you decide to sell your home later on, the fence will be a great additional selling point to potential buyers. Take a walk around your neighborhood and see what style of fencing is common and what aspects you like. Remember that you want the fence to offer curb appeal and match the style of your home.

A fence that provides privacy, allows dogs and children to run freely and matches the home’s aesthetic will help boost the value of your home. With your new fence, you can entertain guests, enjoy your lawn space, and feel safer. Part of choosing your fence style will be selecting the perfect color. This will play an important role in the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. Consider the style and color of your home when choosing your fence color.

Plan a Fencing Budget

Once you pick a style of fencing, the next step is coming up with a budget plan so you can get started with the building process. Although budgeting is the least fun part, once your fence is done, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of having a fence! Since adding a fence to your home can be a costly project, knowing that you will have a return on investment can help in the decision-making process. Once you pick your fencing type and style, you will need to know the size of the fence you need to build. If you have a large yard, the fence will most likely come with a larger price tag. To help finance your project, you may consider tapping into savings. Another potential option is refinancing your mortgage. By refinancing, you could get a better interest rate and a lower monthly payment. With a lower payment, you will be saving money consistently that you can use to help finance the fencing project. The great thing about adding a fence is knowing you are adding value to your home in both the form of function and fashion.

Think About Curb Appeal

Adding a fence to your home also gives you the opportunity to re-landscape. This is a good time to focus on getting the grass in its best shape, mulching where needed and maybe even planting some new trees. In fact, according to a UTA study, curb appeal can increase the perceived value by 7%-14%. To find out how much your home is worth, go online and use a home value estimator to compare and contrast financial values before and after your fence addition. There are many other benefits to upping your home’s curb appeal, including selling it faster. A house that is well landscaped with a quality fence will be valued higher than a home that lacks those features.

By adding a fence to your home, you are able to enjoy more privacy while increasing the value of your home. If you have dogs and children, they will enjoy being able to run in the yard without worries. Plus, with more security, you will rest knowing your home not only looks great but is safer too!

A beachfront home can be the culmination of a lifelong dream. The sun, the ocean air and all that water is good for the body and the soul, but many beachfront homeowners may neglect to really think about what they’ll need to close in that property boundary and help secure their property. Not only are there the snooping eyes of others, but innocent trespassing and the more nefarious ideas of passersby can represent a legitimate security risk, as well as continued annoyances whether you’re home or not.

Indeed, before you can settle in for the long haul in that new abode, you’ll need the best fencing material for beach homes. Fences come in many different shapes, colors and materials, though beach house fence ideas are just about as numerous. From the simplicity of a white picket fence to coastal fencing ideas that utilize alternative fencing materials, there’s a lot to consider. The best fence material in one instance may be wholly inadequate in another, so it pays to spend some time thinking about your fencing up front.

As for what you’ll need, the best fencing material for beach homes can be tricky. Beach homes are not quite like their compatriots in other parts of the country since all that moisture in the air can quickly do a number on, say, a standard wooden fence. While that fence may look great for a year or so, the salty ocean air will quickly turn that wooden fence into rot, and it’ll also make short work of that metal fence if you end up purchasing one that is prone to rust.

In fact, you’ll need a fence that is impervious to the weather and moisture, and that can significantly narrow down your options for you. However, you’ll have to do something as you won’t be able to go without a reliable fence for very long. Beachfront properties tend to have lots of foot traffic in the area, and that can be a concern especially if you spend much of your time away from your home.

Let’s take a look at each of your options and eventually identify the best fencing material for your beach home.

Wooden Fencing

When most people think of fencing, they’re probably picturing that quintessential wooden picket fence. But while a wooden fence may look the part, it doesn’t provide much protection since they’re largely much too small and weak to provide much of a deterrent. They’re also easily damaged and prone to rot from precipitation and the beachy air, and that means a considerable amount of maintenance to ensure that your wooden fence doesn’t fall into disrepair shortly after it goes up.

That maintenance may sound negligible, but if the thought of repainting a wooden fence each year is the last thing you want to do, it’s hardly the best fencing material for beachfront homes. Aside from hiring someone to maintain the fence, you’ll also need to conduct periodic inspections of your wooden fence so that you can get in front of any issues before that fence presents some kind of problem — though the one thing that a wooden fence has going for it is that the panels are relatively straightforward to replace.

Glass Fencing

Some of those that own beachfront homes may opt for frameless glass fencing because it maintains those excellent views of the beach and the ocean. However, glass fencing provides little privacy and, unless you’re cleaning the glass daily, it’ll start to develop unsightly spots that will start to detract from the stunning look. Cheaper glass fencing may also easily break during storms and other precipitous events, creating a hazard for yourself, your family and your pets.

While perimeters can be maintained with glass fencing, it’s hardly the best fencing material for beach homes because anyone can easily see in. Combined with the windows on your home, that can create a significant privacy issue, especially at night when the lights inside makes it easy to see everything that’s happening inside, as well as when you may not be home.

Metal Fencing

Since wood and glass are hardly ideal for beach homes, some homeowners will shift their attention to metal fences that can provide more of a rigid and maintenance-free barrier to the outside world. But if you’ve ever spent time with an old wrought iron fence, you know that most metal can rust. That means expensive and complicated paints and other finishes that can help keep moisture and precipitation away from settling in, not to mention nearly year-round maintenance concerns if that protective paint gives way.

Some types of metal fencing doesn’t need protective coating — such as chain link fencing — though for the most part they’re hardly appropriate for homes. While metal may be the best fencing material for beach homes due to its strength and longevity, you’ll have to match the right kind of metal fence with your needs.

Aluminum Fencing

A maintenance-free fencing option that closely matches the iconic look of old wrought iron fencing, an aluminum fence gives the best of both worlds. It’s strong like other metals, which means that you’ll get years of faithful protection from your humble aluminum fence, but it’s also impervious to moisture since it simply can’t rust, even without a paint covering. Aluminum is also incredibly lightweight for its strength, and that means it’s easier to ship, install and work with, and that’ll help reduce the cost of getting that new fence around your beach home in the first place.

Even if you don’t have a beachfront home, aluminum fencing is ideal for homes with backyard pools and other moisture concerns as you’ll never have to worry about your fencing rusting out. Forget about painting or otherwise taking care of your fence year after year — aluminum is one of the best fencing materials for beach homes or homes of all types since it’s pretty much set and forget. Once the fencing goes in, they’ll provide continued security while lesser fences will have long since given up. The best part is that aluminum fencing comes in many different styles and finishes so that you can choose the right fencing for your tastes and needs.

If you’re ready to upgrade to an aluminum fence, give the aluminum fencing experts at Aluminum Fences Direct a call. We ship aluminum fencing anywhere in the country for you to get a local installer or some friends together to finish the job on site. Buy fencing today!

Did you know that the return on investment of refurbishing your home’s exterior and landscape is between 200-400%? This is because curb appeal is so vital to a home’s selling price: when someone pulls up in front of your house looking to buy, they’re going to start judging it immediately–and if you have the wrong fencing material, it’s going to immediately turn off potential buyers (or home appraisers).

The truth is that the best fencing material enhances the beauty of the home, can provide privacy for the home, can make your home more secure, and will increase the value of your home. But these things don’t happen with just any old fence. It needs to be the best kind of fence, made from the best fencing material. So, the question is: what makes fencing material “the best”?

What should you consider when choosing your fence material?

When you are selecting your fencing material, there are going to be a lot of choices. And while nearly every type of fence can be right in the right application, only certain fencing materials will be right for your home. So how do you choose which fencing material is the best for your home?

The Best Fencing Material Should Offer Beauty

You want your fence to be beautiful, and we’re going to talk about specific styles of fences a little later on, but a few things need to be looked at up front. For example, will your fence get dirty and how difficult is it to clean? Will your fence discolor in the sunlight? Will your fence be in constant need of repainting? How about wood chipping and splitting? Can your fence withstand damage

The best fencing material will be fencing that will be easy to clean, will maintain its color, will never need a paint job, and won’t get wood rot. This is why, in almost every situation, an aluminum fence will be the most attractive fence for your home. They are stylish, sturdy and sophisticated.

The Best Fencing Material Should Offer Privacy

Privacy of a fence can come in two different forms: it can be the privacy that comes from a fence that isn’t see-through, in which case you would want a good solid vinyl privacy fence, or the type of privacy that comes from simply keeping people out of your yard. An aluminum fence stands sturdy and strong and is not something that the neighbor kids will simply hop over to grab their baseball, and the narrow slats will keep most animals from running in and out of your yard.

The Best Fencing Material Should Offer Safety

A strong fence is a safe fence. There are all too many sad stories of neighbor children wandering into someone else’s yard and falling into their pool with dire consequences. A strong fence is essential in these situations. But a strong, safe fence is also a fence that will keep out intruders, the type of fence that no burglar will want to scale and no hooligan will want to break and vandalize.

Nothing looks more imposing to a potential burglar than a tall aluminum fence with a pressed point spear top, or some other form of pointed finial. These fences are attractive during the day–some of our most beautiful and ornate fences–but when a burglar comes around in the middle of the night they will not see an attractive fence, but a row of spikes that they definitely do not want to scale.

What is the architectural style of your home?

The style of your home will lead to natural decisions about the best fencing materials you’ll want to use. Different home styles call for different aesthetic choices. So which are the best fencing materials for your home?

Ce Cod

This is a good place to start because anyone who is familiar with a Cape Cod style house–a low, single-story home with a gabled roof and very little ornamentation–the most traditional form of fence for this style is a wooden picket fence. In fact, a Cape Cod house would look strange to have anything but a wooden picket fence. So why do we bring it up when we’re talking about aluminum fences? Because the type of fence you use in the front of the house to match the aesthetics isn’t necessarily the type you’d use in the back to keep your yard and pool safe. So, for a Cape Cod house, the best fencing materials would be wood in front, and aluminum in back.

Ranch

A ranch home, which makes up almost 70% of all the homes built in suburban America, is a remarkable architectural style because it can really accommodate a variety of styles. Fifty years ago a ranch style home would be surrounded with wood or chain link, but nowadays, aluminum is becoming far more common. And it’s because aluminum fences look so good, are easy to maintain–which is important to the suburban homekeeper–and are secure.

Colonial

Now this is a style of home that is meant to have a metal fence. A colonial home, which is marked by its two or three stories, its gabled roof, its brick facing, and its iconic silhouette, was originally made (in colonial times) with wrought iron fences. In modern times, we know that wrought iron rusts, is expensive, is hard to install (because it’s so heavy) and is in constant need of maintenance. So, get the exact same look as the wrought iron of two hundred years ago with aluminum fences. They can be stately and plain, or ornate and decorated.

Neoclassical

A neoclassical style house is crying out for a metal fence. Classical architecture relates to Rome and Greece, and neoclassical architecture is the modern take on that look. (Think: most buildings in Washington DC.) A neoclassical house almost always has a metal fence surrounding the entire thing, typically black, with the intent of looking strong and powerful.)

Spanish Revival

Found all throughout the Southwest, Spanish Revival homes have arched windows, stucco walls, and terracotta roofs. This style hearkens back to times of Spanish colonization, and those homes were surrounded by adobe walls. Today, the adobe walls are replaced with aluminum fences.

What other factors should you consider when choosing a fence?

But there’s more to picking the best fencing material than just the aesthetics, the safety and the privacy. There’s also the price, HOA guidelines, and making sure you match your other trim and structures.

Price

When it comes to fencing–especially metal fencing–there is nothing that beats aluminum. And when it comes to aluminum fencing, there is no one who beats Aluminum Fences Direct. We cut out the middleman–you won’t be buying our fences at the big box home stores, you’ll be buying it directly from us. The fencing itself is inexpensive, the installation is far cheaper than what you’re going to get paying someone else to install your fence, and the lifespan of the fence (which definitely involves price) is much longer than what you’ll get with the alternatives.

HOA Guidelines

Now, we can’t speak for every HOA. All of them have their own rules and HOAs are known for being persnickety. But in our experience, the clean and safe look of a good aluminum fence is almost never rejected by an HOA’s committee. If the HOA balks at the idea of the aluminum fence, give them our website and let them look through the galleries of fine-looking fences. They may very well change their minds.

Matching Your Other Structures

When picking a fence you want it to match the trim of the other structures in your yard. You don’t want the fence to look out of place. For this we simply say: black and clean goes with everything. Your home’s fixtures (rain gutters, mail boxes, ornamentation) all fit in well with the black finish of an aluminum fence.

Conclusion

The best fencing material should be chosen to accommodate the beauty of your home (including the architectural style), the privacy of your yard, the safety and security of your property, and it should come at a terrific price.

Aluminum Fences Direct makes more than a dozen designs of fencing, with additions of fixtures, finials and caps. They can be made to match any style of home, and they will last a lifetime. And you can’t get a fence for a better price.

Buy Fencing Today!

There’s nothing quite like an old-world wrought iron fence. They’ve been used for centuries to protect and create an imposing look that says, “keep out!” For many property owners and homeowners, wrought iron is one of the best ways to secure a property — and it also looks great. But did you know that black aluminum fences provide much of the look and style of a wrought iron fence without much of the cost, weight and difficulty in installation and maintenance?

In a sense, they’re basically aluminum wrought iron fences, and they’re every bit the heavy duty aluminum fence that you’ll need to adequately secure a property. They also look the part, too, with finials and all the right decorative pieces to give your home that great wrought iron look without the headache of actually owning and taking care of a wrought iron fence. 

Here are some more reasons why you may want to consider aluminum fencing vs a wrought iron fence.

Wrought Iron vs Aluminum Fence Cost

First and foremost, black aluminum fences are much more affordable than their wrought iron counterparts. While wrought iron is roughly the same cost per square foot — though it can easily be significantly more if you opt for more ornate wrought iron fencing — you’ll lose your shirt on shipping because they’re significantly heavier than the light weight of black aluminum fences.

The weight also makes wrought iron fencing much more difficult to work with, meaning that your installation costs will shoot up significantly. Whereas you might be able to get by with some limited labor to install a black aluminum fence, you’ll need significantly more resources at your disposal to manage and see that heavy wrought iron fence installed on your property. 

Wrought Iron vs Aluminum Railings Maintenance Costs

Even once your wrought iron fence is installed and securely in the ground, your cost concerns aren’t over. That’s because wrought iron is much less durable than aluminum fencing that won’t rust or corrode out in the weather all day, every day. Sure, wrought iron is tough, but iron is subject to rust, and years of being out in Mother Nature will take its toll on your new wrought iron fence if you don’t keep up with maintenance.

To protect against this, wrought iron fences are covered with special protective paints, helping to shield the welds, joints and the material itself from corroding over time. Unfortunately, the paint won’t last forever and has to be reapplied every few years, leading to considerable maintenance concerns. 

On the other hand, black aluminum fences hardly need any maintenance at all. Black paint can make them look more like old wrought iron fencing, but it’s more of an aesthetic concern, not a requirement to keep that fence from degrading under precipitation, weather and the other dangers of being left out in the open. 

Aluminum Fencing vs Wrought Iron Color Options

If you’re interested in a wrought iron fence, you basically have one color option. Wrought iron fences are typically black because that was the color of the paint used to protect them. While you could change the paint, you’ll have a lot of work ahead of you. After scraping and removing all the existing paint, you’ll have to apply a new paint layer and ensure that it’s able to provide protection against wear.

Beyond that, you’ll have to keep up on maintenance with a wrought iron fence in a way that you wouldn’t with an aluminum fence. A black aluminum fence won’t require any of those maintenance concerns, and aside from being able to repaint it in any color you’d like, you can also order them in black, white or bronze to fit your precise need and aesthetic tastes before it ever gets to you.

Older style houses with lots of greenery may look best with a black aluminum fence, though desert landscapes and more modern designs may be a better fit with white or bronze. It all depends on whether you want your fence to stand out or blend in, though if you’re interested in the traditional wrought iron look you’d do best to stick with classic black.

The Benefits of Aluminum Fencing

For all the differences between wrought iron or steel vs aluminum fence panels, it’s clear that a black aluminum fence gives you the look of a wrought iron fence without the cost, weight and maintenance concerns of wrought iron. Aluminum fencing is also much easier to install and work with, which can greatly reduce your up-front installation costs. Add to that the back-end of maintenance that you’ll need for a traditional wrought iron fence and a modern aluminum fence comes out the clear winner.

All in, aluminum fencing is cheaper, easier to install and comes with negligible maintenance concerns or costs. And with the countless style options you have with black aluminum fences, you can get much of the same look with aluminum that you get with wrought iron with virtually none of the trade-offs. Furthermore, the various color options allow you to fit your new fencing to the needs of your property as well as your aesthetic tastes, which can help that fencing fade into the background or call attention to itself as a stunning example of what’s possible with aluminum today.

The best part is that black aluminum fencing can be made in a variety of styles from the classic and simple Floridian to the imposing Sierra and other various designs including Outback fencing, Carolina fencing, Appalachian fencing, Manhattan fencing, Puppy fencing, XP fencing, Castle fencing, Commercial fencing, Elegant Arch fencing, Cathederal fencing, as well as Gates, Accessories and more! If you can think it up, you can likely get a black aluminum fence that fits your need.

Black Aluminum Fences From Aluminum Fences Direct

Helping to empower the DIYers of the world, here at Aluminum Fences Direct we sell aluminum fencing to contractors, property owners and homeowners that want great fencing at affordable wholesale prices. We’ll ship everything you need to install your fence (minus the basic tools you’ll need) direct to you so that you can build a fence for a fraction of the cost of hiring a company to come out and install one for you. With just two people, you can install a professional looking black aluminum fence of your own. Get started by browsing our aluminum fencing options today.

Houses and properties typically need a fence to keep people out and secure the things, people and pets inside. But no fence is complete without a functional gate that allows you and your family easy access in and out while maintaining a protective barrier at all other times. For some, a simple latch and gate that opens and closes is all you’ll need to make your fencing functional. For others, gates are an opportunity to impress, or at least to enhance your home’s curb appeal in a way that flatters the design of your home or the landscaping out front.

The reality is that there are many types of gates for houses and properties, and selecting the right one is almost as important as the fence you have in the first place. After all, if a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a fence is only as protective as its gate, or where you and your family gain access to your property. With a poor choice when it comes to the types of fence gates at your disposal, you could be left with a protective barrier around your home that may not protect much at all.

The good news is that no matter what kind of fence you have or what it’s made of, you can find many types of entrance gates that can complete the look, as well as helping you get in and out of your property without leaving a gaping hole in that fencing. More than anything, a stunning gate can elevate the impression of your entire home, and the best part is that it can also help you secure your home and prevent unauthorized access in the times that you’re at home or far away from it.

Typically, when starting out with front gate design ideas, you’ll want to mimic or match the general style of your existing fence. That means largely sticking with the materials that make up your home’s fencing. Indeed, the types of gates you use for your fence may look the best when matching; a wood fence would be suited best by a wood gate in the same way that an aluminum gate would best suit an aluminum fence. 

However, you may also want to consider upping your game when it comes to the types of gates used for homes. A gate is a large moving part and typically must be stronger and more robust than fencing that will likely see lower use than a gate that is opened each day to enter and exit the property. In that sense, you may be able to get away with mismatching fences and gates, though the gate design itself should suit your fencing as well as the rest of your home in some way.

Wooden Gates

With all the types of gates for houses available out there, much of the distinction between gates does come down to what the gate is made out of. And no gate material is more popular than wood. Not only does a wood gate create a classic look, but it can add a comforting feeling to those that think that there’s nothing better than a white picket fence with a matching gate out front. Wood is also easy to work with, which is great for DIYers, and it’s also easy to up the privacy with solid wood pickets that can prevent others from seeing into your property.

However, wood gates and fences are a fickle beast. They often rot and otherwise deteriorate under the weather, and that means continuous maintenance concerns, as well as a need to paint every nook and cranny of the wood in a special kind of protective paint. Wood is also very heavy if you want a gate that can add security, and that can make it difficult to obtain or to work with as your wooden gate and fence will generally only be as strong as the weight of the wood you use.

Vinyl Gates

For those that want the look of wood without the weight and maintenance concerns, vinyl is one of those up and coming types of gates for houses that can give a rigid outdoor barrier. Today’s vinyl gates won’t collect water or rot, nor will they show marks like painted wood gates. That can make them a better option than wooden gates that look basically the same but are much less protective and aren’t really able to sit out in the elements. In fact, vinyl gates are often made to actually mimic the look of wood, even down to flourishes such as faux wood grain.

That said, a vinyl gate isn’t perfect, and one of the most common criticisms of vinyl gates is that they can fade under the sun’s rays, especially after a few years. That’s why most vinyl gates require sealant like a traditional wood gate, and that means a vinyl gate isn’t quite the fix when it comes to Mother Nature — though some vinyl gates will come with this protective barrier installed from the factory. When in doubt, ask the seller if such a coating is supplied with the gate you’re interested in.

Composite Gates

Along with the uptick in usage of vinyl gates and fencing, another possible type of gate for your home is a composite gate. They can be made to mimic just about any type of building material such as wood, metal or stone, and many people won’t be able to tell the difference between a composite gate and the real thing. That can make a composite gate much more affordable than, for example, going with a real stone gate, and the savings in weight may also make some types of gates possible that wouldn’t be feasible otherwise.

However, if you’re trying to closely match an existing stone wall or another fencing material, you may find that composite gates will come up short. Sure, from faraway you may be able to get by with a composite gate that doesn’t really match up, but upon closer inspection it’ll be easy to determine if that composite gate is a facsimile. Whether that’s important is up to you, but it would be a concern to anyone that wants a perfect match between their gate and fence.

Chain Link Gates

While it won’t win any design awards, a chain link gate is one of those types of gates for houses that simply does the job. They can be rather unsightly, but they’re also strong and robust because they’re made from metal. It’s why schools, parks and other places opt for chain link gates — they’re much more affordable than other types of fencing materials and they can be erected with minimal effort in a short amount of time.

Unfortunately, chain link gates — and fences — aren’t ideal for homes not only because they’re ugly but because they can be easily climbed by anyone from kids to adults. To truly prove protection, you’d need an obscenely high fence, and that can do a number on the curb appeal of your home — and so can a more reasonable height chain link gate or fence. Furthermore, chain link fences must be washed and coated frequently to prevent rusting and other damage that can make that gate look even worse over time.

Wrought Iron Gates

As one of the original types of gates for houses and other properties where a touch of elegance and refinement is needed, a wrought iron gate is heavy and robust, and it also looks great. Having been used for hundreds of years, wrought iron can bring an old world feel to any home or property. They’re commonly painted black to complete the look and to provide a protective barrier against the world, and wrought iron designs are some of the most intricate and interesting designs you can get in a gate or fence today. 

But a wrought iron gate is also incredibly heavy, which can make it difficult to work with and ship, and that can drive up prices significantly. Wrought iron gates are also not immune to the elements as they can rust or degrade over time, and that means having to constantly maintain them, reapplying the protective paint and dealing with all those paint chips. You’ll also need to sand your gate every couple years, which can dramatically drive up your maintenance concerns and costs.

Aluminum Gates

For those that want a strong metal fence without all the weight and maintenance concerns, one of the best types of gates for houses is made from aluminum. Available in traditional black to mimic wrought iron fencing, white for a more modern look or bronze for a more regal impression, an aluminum gate is lighter than most metal options and is stronger than wood and other faux gates. Not only that, but aluminum is often recycled, meaning that you can do your part for Mother Nature while helping your home look and feel its best.

Aluminum also won’t rust or degrade out in the elements, which makes it an ideal gate and fencing material when it comes to maintenance. Furthermore, aluminum gates come in many styles to match just about any taste or home, with classic looks such as the Floridian, the Sierra or Appalachian style. Look for your next aluminum gate from Aluminum Fences Direct!

Whether your existing fence needs replacing or you’re looking for a way to define a property line and add some much needed security without breaking the bank, it’s common to decide between an aluminum vs wood fence. Not surprisingly, traditional wood fences are incredibly common. They’re cheap and easy to install, but that’s not the entire picture. 

While it may be possible to set up a wood fence in a day or two, that wood fence has very real maintenance issues that must be evaluated to understand the true total cost. Wood fences are also much less durable and represent a significant reduction in security and protection, especially as they deteriorate over time and allow just about anything through their barriers. 

On the other hand, an aluminum fence may actually be the better choice when it comes to the true cost of ownership, both in a financial sense and in a recurring time commitment. After all, just because you can erect a cheap wood fence today doesn’t mean that it won’t come back to haunt you tomorrow, next season or next year.

Let’s take a look at aluminum vs wood fences and see which one really comes out on top.

The Cost of a Wood Fence vs Aluminum

Regardless of the material you choose for your next fence, the cost to you doesn’t end once you’ve obtained the materials. There’s also labor, how difficult it is to build and install the fence and ongoing costs. To truly evaluate the difference between aluminum vs wood fences, all these extra costs need to be considered. If you also need to purchase tools to fabricate or install the fence, you’ll also want to take that into account.

Unfortunately, wood is right now getting extremely expensive and hard to find. Not only will that significantly raise the price of a wood fence, but you also need to consider maintenance and repairs. Given a long enough time frame, you may have to completely replace that fence once it wears away after a few years.

However, an aluminum fence won’t cost you much of anything once it goes up, which can represent significant savings over a traditional wood fence. Furthermore, once the fence goes in, an aluminum fence doesn’t need to be painted, stained or have boards replaced, which keeps those long-term costs down.

That said, the overall cost of an aluminum vs wood fence is actually rather similar over the long haul. But if you can get a great aluminum fence for the equivalent cost of a wood fence, why wouldn’t you? The aluminum fence requires less maintenance and attention, which helps you save time and eventual replacement down the line.

Aluminum and Wood Fence Maintenance

As we already mentioned, a wood fence has to be meticulously maintained if you want to get more than a year or two out of it. If you live in an area with inclement weather, you may not even make it through the bad seasons before that wood fence starts disintegrating in front of your eyes. Not only does wood warp, rot and chip, but they can also be a haven for pests such as termites and other bugs that could end up jeopardizing your home.

Compared to wood, an aluminum fence is incredibly durable, especially for its light weight. That can make it easier to install, but it’ll also stand the test of time because aluminum can’t rust, rot or disintegrate. Bugs and mold can’t set in, and they also hold their color much better than comparable wood fences. When it’s all said and done, an aluminum vs wood fence is ideal because it needs no extra maintenance, touch-ups or any work at all. Add to that the long life and an aluminum fence is the much better option vs a wood fence.

A wood fence needs to be inspected, cleaned and repainted or re-stained frequently. And if you have no interest in taking care of that fence year after year, you may want to opt for an aluminum fence instead.

Installing a Wood vs Aluminum Fence

In addition to higher maintenance costs, the true cost of a wood fence vs aluminum should also take into account the installation itself. Unless your time is free or you can find someone to work for you at no cost, the price of a given fence does not stop after you buy the materials. 

It’s even more of an issue if you hire a contractor to create a wood fence for you from scratch. Sure, it can be a standard-looking fence, but each wood fence must be built to suit the unique property it sits on, and many things can go wrong with even the simplest of builds.

On the other hand, an aluminum fence will arrive to you in premade panels that are easy to set up and work with. Instead of building a fence plank by plank, an aluminum fence needs only to be attached to each other and stuck in the ground. That can make for a much faster installation with aluminum vs a wood fence, which greatly reduces the installation costs as well as the annoyance of getting that fence up and done.

Additionally, the smaller 2×2 post holes needed for an aluminum fence are easier to manage than the larger 4×4 holes needed for a wooden post, which means less concrete and less dirt removal during the job.

Retain Your Views With an Aluminum Fence

Since an aluminum fence lacks boards that can form a solid barrier like with a wooden fence, they’re also ideal for those that want to retain sight lines out of their property. If you have a great view out back and you don’t necessarily want to cover it all up with a solid wood fence, an aluminum fence is a great option to preserve those views while also preventing unauthorized access. 

That said, it’s not like all wood fences provide a solid barrier against sightlines and privacy. Most have openings that can be easily seen through, making it a poor privacy option if that’s important to you.

The Looks of an Aluminum vs Wood Fence

While most property owners may focus on the functional aspects of a new fence, you can’t deny that a fence has a lot to say about how your property looks. Whether from the outside or the inside, a fence is a large barrier that can disrupt sight lines and give your property a much different feel. 

Sure, most people like the look of a wooden fence, but how that wooden fence looks on day one is hardly what it may look like next season or next year. Without proper maintenance, a wood fence could actually start to detract from your property, and it can also make it difficult to see in and out. Things such as chipping, fading and peeling paint will set in over time, as well as rotting and other damage if you live in a high-precipitation area.

An aluminum fence can give a sophisticated and old-world look that is as timeless as it is classic. In fact, many aluminum fences are designed to look just like wrought iron fences that are incredibly heavy, hard to work with and deteriorate easily over time. An aluminum fence is basically the opposite with no ongoing maintenance issues to worry about. Aluminum can’t rust or corrode, so you could be looking at decades of faithful service with an aluminum fence vs a wood fence.

Is an Aluminum Fence Better Than Wood?

In the debate of aluminum vs wood fences, aluminum is actually the clear winner in most instances. While the total ownership cost may be similar over the lifetime of the fence once you factor in labor, maintenance and other concerns, an aluminum fence requires no extra work once it goes up. Compared to a wooden fence that needs constant attention and maintenance, that can make an aluminum fence a much better option.

Generally, aluminum fences last decades — averaging about 30 years — before needing to be replaced. As mentioned, a wood fence may only last a season or a couple years before needing comprehensive maintenance or replacement. Furthermore, if a couple strong storms come through, that wood fence may end up significantly damaged.

When considering how long an aluminum vs wood fence takes to install, the aluminum fence comes out on top again. Much of the work is actually done for you at the factory, and once you take delivery of your new aluminum fence all that’s left is to line up the panels and anchor them to each other and the ground. A wood fence requires a lot more work along the way, which can dramatically increase your associated costs, not to mention the time it all takes.

Given that costs are equivalent and may even be cheaper with an aluminum fence, it’s truly up to you to make a decision based on maintenance concerns and looks. Sure, there’s nothing quite like a white picket fence, but there are better options if you’re willing to reevaluate what a fence goes best with your needs. 

Get started today by browsing our aluminum fence styles and pricing.

A great new fence around your property can be as beautiful as it is protective. Not only can it help keep the riff-raff out and children and animals in, but it can also be a striking feature that enhances the look and feel of your home. But if you’re just getting started with the selection process, it’s true that there are a lot of options out there. However, if you want robust fencing that will stand the test of time, wood is hardly the answer. For that, you’ll need something stronger.

Two of the most popular and long-lasting fencing materials are aluminum and steel. But aluminum fencing vs steel fencing isn’t just about the hardness of the material — steel would surely win every time out. In fact, both are excellent fencing materials that can look remarkably similar to each other, making it difficult to see the difference between true value and what could cost you significantly more over time.

Steel vs Aluminum Fence

When it comes to aluminum fencing vs steel fencing, it’s true that from a pure strength standpoint, steel is both stronger and more secure. That’s not to say that an aluminum fence will fall down in the next storm or give you problems years into ownership — it won’t — but it is an undeniable fact that steel is simply stronger than aluminum.

However, that strength comes at a cost, and steel is incredibly heavy as a fencing material, which can make it difficult and expensive to ship, install and work with. If there’s ever a problem with your steel fencing, it may also cause damage to your property if it comes into contact with any landscaping, fixtures or walls.

Like aluminum, steel fencing comes in different designs and types, such as pickets, colourbond and tubular, all with their own advantages and disadvantages. That said, steel fencing does require significantly more maintenance and attention over time as steel can rust, corrode and otherwise fail due to weather, especially if maintenance needs are not addressed.

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Fencing

Compared to steel fencing, aluminum fencing provides much of the same security and strength without any need to maintain or give much thought to your aluminum fencing at all. Aluminum is more durable since it literally cannot corrode or rust, even if it’s not treated or painted to keep the elements out. On the other hand, steel needs to be protected to give years or decades of faithful service while aluminum is innately impervious to the worst that Mother Nature can do.

Over time, that can represent significant savings since an aluminum fence never needs to be touched-up or repainted to prevent damage. Unlike steel, aluminum doesn’t need some kind of protective coating to hold off corrosion over time, and that makes it much cheaper from both a time and financial commitment over the years.

The best part is that aluminum fencing can be made to look like other types of fencing. If you’ve ever considered the cost of wrought iron vs an aluminum fence, you’ve likely seen how expensive beautiful wrought iron fencing can be. From the considerable maintenance costs to expensive shipping and installation due to their sheer weight, it’s often the case that a wrought iron fence will cost you a small fortune when it’s all said and done.

However, aluminum fencing can give you the very same look and feel as old wrought iron fencing with none of the maintenance or other issues. Painted black, an aluminum fence with finials and other decorative elements can highlight the best of wrought iron fencing with none of the drawbacks. And because aluminum won’t corrode or rust, you won’t have to worry about repainting all those nooks and crannies every season just to prevent your fence from falling apart.

From closely packed pickets to ball caps, finials and arched loops, the decision between aluminum fencing vs steel fencing doesn’t need to be made based on looks or appearance alone. Aluminum fencing can actually look indistinguishable from wrought iron fencing, as well as being cheaper to ship, install and maintain. And if you want to try other looks, there are dozens of aluminum fencing styles ranging from simple to elegant and ornate, as well as everything in between. Even if you need a robust commercial fence, aluminum can fit the bill, too.

Evaluating Steel vs Aluminum Fences

Considering the wide disparity in aluminum vs steel fence costs, aluminum offers incredible value for the price. Not only is it cheaper than a comparable steel fence, but it comes with none of the downsides such as extensive maintenance concerns and a much heavier weight that’s hard to ship and work with. A steel fence is also much more expensive than a comparable aluminum fence while providing no real benefit in security beyond what an aluminum fence provides.

Alternatively, aluminum fencing gives you all the protection of a steel fence without the ownership headache. That means you don’t need to choose between aluminum fencing vs steel fencing because aluminum retains much of the strength and look of traditional steel fencing without the associated installation and maintenance costs.

Indeed, an aluminum fence can be simply cleaned with water and soap, and even if you have it surrounding a pool area or a place where the weather turns frequently, you won’t have to worry about corrosion like you would with steel or another kind of fencing material.

Its light weight is also great for DIY projects since everything comes pre-installed with easy-to-work-with panels that need to just be fastened to each other and into the ground. Compared to traditional wood fencing that needs large, 4-inch holes to secure it, an aluminum fence can easily be installed with smaller, 2-inch holes that require less concrete and work, making the entire installation project that much easier.

Buy Your Next Aluminum Fence Wholesale

To save even more money on a fence around your property, consider buying your next fence from a wholesaler. With more than a dozen styles and looks to better match your tastes and your home, Aluminum Fences Direct works directly with homeowners and small and medium sized contractors as one of the premier aluminum fence distributors in the U.S.

Our aluminum fences are made right here in the U.S.A. to our exacting standards, and our convenient instructions allows homeowners and other DIYers to equip their home with a robust and beautiful aluminum fence with minimal work. Buy fencing today!