Choosing between aluminum vs steel fence is an important decision. Both are excellent options for selecting a fencing material for design, durability, and minimum maintenance.
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Both aluminum and steel fences are virtually maintenance-free, meaning you’ll spend more time enjoying the yard — not working in it. And, at a fraction of the cost of wrought iron, aluminum and steel fencing provide style and security without breaking the bank.
That said, there are some essential differences between steel and aluminum fences to consider when deciding on the suitable fence material for your home. This guide discusses the three top things to consider when choosing an aluminum vs. steel fence.
Table of Contents
1) Aluminum vs Steel – Durability
Compared to traditional fencing materials like wood and chain link, aluminum and steel offer exceptional durability.
Both are made to last. Aluminum, in particular, is impervious to the elements and will not corrode or rust. Steel can rust, but it is well-protected and virtually maintenance-free when treated with a protective coating (such as that found on Ameristar ornamental steel fencing).
If security is a top priority (or you have particularly “adventurous” kids or pets), you may be better served with a steel fence. Unlike aluminum, a high-strength material, steel fences are manufactured using a welded construction process, reinforcing an already solid material.
You may also want to use more durable materials like aluminum or steel when building protective pool fencing.
2) Aluminum vs Steel – The Style
Both aluminum and ornamental steel fences come in various styles, but it’s worth noting that aluminum fencing offers a broader range of color options.
If complementing the style and color of your home is most important to you, consider an aluminum fence. Elite Ornamental Aluminum Fencing, for example, is available in seven standard colors — and custom colors can be created, as well. Steel fences are typically offered in fewer colors (black and bronze are standard).
Keep in mind that no matter which material you choose, various styling options and accessories are available for steel and aluminum fences. From pressed pear pickets to ball caps, tri, and quad finials to arched loops, steel and aluminum can bring all the sophistication and elegance of wrought iron to your home — without all the cost and maintenance.
3) Aluminum vs Steel – The Cost
What about aluminum vs. steel fence cost?
Compared to expensive wrought iron fences, maintenance-intensive options like wood, aluminum, and steel fences offer incredible value. But steel is a bit more costly than aluminum due to its more resilient welded construction.
However, keep in mind that extra money spent up-front on either a steel or aluminum fence will doubtlessly save significant costs over time.
The ornamental steel and aluminum fences available from Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions feature protective coatings designed to minimize maintenance and protect your investment from the elements.
Minimum maintenance, along with aesthetic appeal, can additionally increase the resale value of your home, as well, significantly upping the long-term return on your investment in an aluminum or steel fence.
Protecting your investment is essential, which is why reputable manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties on their fences. Make sure when shopping for a fence you consider this important factor, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are just a few of the most frequently asked questions homeowners have when deciding whether to purchase aluminum vs. steel fences.
Are Aluminum Fences Strong?
They are stronger than most people might think.
While not as strong as steel or wrought iron fencing, residential-grade aluminum fence rails can usually support about 350 lbs. of pressure.
And if you’re using industrial-grade fence models, you can expect them to stand up to even higher pressure ratings.
Will an Aluminum Fence Rust?
Aluminum fencing will not rust, making it an excellent maintenance-free fencing option.
Since it does not contain iron or steel, it doesn’t react to oxygen or water to the same degree as other metal fencing.
However, it should be noted that quality iron and steel fencing is usually coated with a protective material to prevent rusting and maintain the fence’s structural integrity.
Is Aluminum Fencing Expensive?
Aluminum fencing does tend to cost a bit more than other fence types.
According to HomeAdvisor, aluminum fences cost about $26 per linear foot. Compare that to vinyl ($17/sq ft) and wood ($12/sq ft).
That being said, there is a lot more to consider here than simple upfront costs.
For instance, aluminum fencing upkeep is significantly less costly than traditional wood fencing. With wood, you’re cleaning, scraping, and repainting your fence every three years if you want to keep it in good shape.
On top of that, a well-built wood fence will typically last about 15 years.
On the other hand, an aluminum fence requires little to no maintenance throughout its lifetime. Typically, spraying it down with the hose every once in a while is all it takes to keep it clean.
Plus, you can expect a solid aluminum fence to last anywhere from 30 to 40 years—at least 2X as long as wood.
As you can see, paying a bit more upfront for an aluminum fence is the wiser financial choice in the long run.
For a more detailed breakdown of the expenses, be sure to check out our guide to aluminum fence costs.
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Aluminum vs Steel Fence – Which is Better?
So, steel or aluminum fence—which is better?
Simply put, it depends on what you’re looking for in a fence.
When it comes to durability, a steel fence can take more of a beating than an aluminum fence, thanks to its welded construction process.
However, aluminum resists oxidation and will not succumb to rust like steel (unless it’s coated with protective materials).
For style, aluminum offers more colors to choose from. This allows for more opportunities to match home styles and surrounding décor. Beyond that, custom colors can be created in some instances.
On the other hand, steel tends to only be available in a few shades.
Finally, aluminum beats out steel in terms of cost, but not much.
So, when comparing aluminum vs. steel fencing, it depends on which of these factors is more important to you.
Whether Aluminum or Steel, Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions Is Your Best Choice
Need help deciding whether an aluminum or ornamental steel fence is suitable for you? Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions has been installing maintenance-free fences around the entire St. Louis area since 1994.
Family-based with decades in the industry, we offer the best in American-made fencing in the St. Louis area as a fencing contractor.
And if you are weighing the pros and cons of purchasing an aluminum vs. steel fence, we can help.
For more information on aluminum and steel fencing options from Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions, visit our showroom or request a free, full-service estimate.
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Fence options—there are so many! Wood, vinyl, and chainlink are some of the names many people recognize, but today we’re talking about one of our favorite choices at Montana Fence: our wood and metal fence. This unique fence style is made of wood paneling paired with a sturdy metal post called a PostMaster. The wood and metal privacy fence is known for many benefits, including longevity, simple maintenance, enhanced property value, excellent return on investment, looks, and—last but not least—privacy. Below we’ll review how a wood and metal privacy fence can withstand Montana weather, add privacy to your home, and complement your home’s aesthetic.
Longevity and Maintenance
Everyone loves the classic wood fence look, but what people don’t love about wood is the rot, breakage, and shorter lifespan of wood fencing. That’s where combining wood with a metal post comes in and saves the day! A wood fence with metal posts helps to increase the life of your fence and lowers the amount of maintenance required each year to keep your fence looking fresh and performing well.
Many of our homeowners chose a wood and metal fence for their home due to its ability to stand up against harsh Montana weather, like snow, hail, sleet, and wind. Here are a few examples of why wood and metal fences are a durable choice for your Montana home:
Wood and metal fences use galvanized steel for the posts, eliminating the threat of rot in winter and spring.
There’s a decreased chance of wood warping due to the extra stability provided by the metal posts.
Depending on the soil and moisture level of the ground, selecting metal posts for your wood fence could help extend the fence’s life by 15-30 more years.
Very little maintenance is needed to upkeep a wood and metal fence. Usually, only a bit of staining and painting is needed to keep the fence looking new, and rust control is only required when the need arises.
Increased Property Value
Adding a fence to any property will increase the property value, but adding a wood and metal fence will enhance the value more than some other types of fence. The durability of this style makes the property more valuable, as the fence will not require as much maintenance compared to a barbed wire or wood-only fence. Wood and metal fences typically cost more than other materials, but the overall return on investment makes it all worthwhile.
Worth the Cost
Although the cost of privacy fencing is more than other fencing options, it is very affordable when weighing the cost against the overall benefits. The lifespan of a privacy fence like this is very long compared to other types of fencing. PostMaster posts do not rot and their custom shape, which includes pre-drilled holes along the length of the post, accommodates any layout. This also makes small repairs, like swapping out a picket, super easy. This means that there are few recurring costs, making a wood and metal fence worth the initial up-front investment.
Like other types of fences, the initial cost for the fence itself will depend on a number of factors. At Montana Fence, we offer free fencing estimates, so reach out to us today for a free estimate. Below are a few of the general factors that contribute to the overall cost of a new fence:
Wonderful Aesthetic Appeal
Here’s the deal with a wood fence with metal posts: they just look great! The custom shape of a PostMaster allows the post to be covered by wood so you get the look of a classic wood fence with the added longevity that metal provides. The finished posts are slimmer than a traditional 4”x4” post adding a modern touch to a classic style. We offer a range of wood privacy fence styles, including traditional dog-ear cedar, cap and trim, horizontal privacy, and more! All of these can include a steel post as an alternative as it can adapt to almost every wood fence style.
Tons of Privacy
If you love having a fence that offers you a lot of privacy, a wood and metal fence is for you! These fences decrease the visibility in and out of your yard, making them a great choice for families, couples, or anyone wanting to have their own uninterrupted space. Wood and metal fence material will also add safety to your property by reducing the risk of theft, vandalism, and outside pests, like rodents.
Have Questions? Touch Base Today!
Adding a fence to your property can be a stressful process to tackle on your own. At Montana Fence, we’re here to help you through the ins and outs of installing a new fence so your stress is minimal and the experience goes smoothly. Having a durable fence that provides you ample protection and privacy is crucial, so we’d love to discuss any and all questions you may have about adding a wood and metal fence to your property. Give us a call at one of our Montana or Idaho locations today or visit our website to start your fence journey!
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