When homeowners consider a new bar, many can only imagine a classic wood privacy fence.
If you want something a little more decorative and traditional, some homeowners consider a white picket fence.
But many must recognize one of the most classic and decorative styles, the aluminum ornamental fence.
What Is an Ornamental Fence?
Ornamental fences have been used for centuries; you’ve likely seen them everywhere.
The most common ornamental fence is a black metal fence made of thin pickets about a foot apart.
The pickets often have decorative finials such as spears or flowers that look good and make climbing over the fence challenging.
Fancier fences may include scrolling and other designs between the pickets.
These classic ornamental fences are often found in older US and European neighborhoods.
Traditionally, ornamental fences were made of wrought iron.
Wrought iron is a pure iron that has been worked by hand—wrought means worked. A blacksmith heats the iron until it glows red hot, then hammers it to shape it and remove any traces of carbon.
The more the iron is hammered, the more carbon is removed, and the more malleable it becomes.
Wrought iron is solid, and many wrought iron fences have existed for centuries.
For example, much of the wrought iron fencing in New Orleans Orleans French Quarter dates from the 1700s.
Wrought iron is also so strong that it was used to construct the Eiffel Tower!
One significant drawback of wrought iron for residential use is its high cost.
Because it is so labor-intensive, wrought iron is the most expensive fencing material.
So, although many homeowners adore the look of wrought iron, the price tag must be lowered to be practical.
Aluminum ornamental fencing was introduced in the US by Jerith Mfg Co. over 50 years ago.
Today, it has become the ornamental fencing of choice for most homeowners.
The Advantages of Aluminum Ornamental Fencing
The price is the most significant advantage of aluminum over wrought iron decorative fencing.
Aluminum is the most economical ornamental fence, at as little as half the price of wrought iron.
Steel fence, another ornamental option, is a little more expensive but still less than wrought iron.
Absolute Elegance
One reason why many homeowners choose an aluminum ornamental fence is for its absolute elegance.
Ornamental fencing is classic and can be dressed with various finials and decorative scrolls. One benefit of ornamental fencing is how it adds to curb appeal and home value.
Ornamental fencing is the first thing visitors and potential homebuyers see when they arrive at your home.
It makes a first impression of elegance and beauty, unlike any other type of fence.
Ornamental fencing isn’t just for classical homes.
While highly decorated ornamental fencing can be found around many classic buildings, aluminum decorative fencing is available in various styles.
From highly ornate classical styles to sleek, clean, modern designs, ornamental fencing can adapt to improve any home.
Ornamental fences can also compliment your home in a way that a privacy fence cannot. Because you can see right through most ornamental fences, the wall won’t block your landscaping and the facade of your home, so if you want to show off all the hard work you have put into your home, an ornamental fence provides security without blocking the view.
Added Security
In addition to beautifying your home, an aluminum ornamental fence protects it.
While aluminum is not as strong as wrought iron, it is much stronger than wood, allowing a view into and out of your property.
Ornamental fences come in four standard sizes: 3-foot, 4-foot, 5-foot, and 6-foot.
The shorter 3-foot fences are used as decorative features in gardens and along walkways or to create a taller fence on top of masonry walls.
4-foot and 5-foot fences are popular for residences, including pool security fences.
A 6-foot fence provides the most security, as it is tough to climb over.
In most cases, just the appearance of a 6-foot ornamental fence is enough to scare off potential intruders.
If you’re looking for even more security, you can opt for thicker pickets that are harder to bend or cut through.
One feature usually reserved for commercial fences is pickets that curve outward toward the top, making it harder to scale the wall.
If you have pets that you need to contain, a 5-foot fence is too tall for most dogs to jump over.
If you have smaller pets or children who can slip between the pickets, you can use mesh to increase the security of your fence.
Low Maintenance
One of the most significant advantages of an aluminum ornamental fence is the low maintenance requirements.
Wrought iron and steel both have one major weakness: rust. While paint and coatings can help protect iron and steel, some rust is inevitable.
To keep an iron or steel fence in good condition, it must be monitored for rust and bubbling paint.
And about once a year, you must sand and repaint any rust spots.
Aluminum, by definition, cannot rust.
That’s because rust is defined as the oxidation of iron, and aluminum has almost no iron in it.
Aluminum can, in theory, corrode, which would be a chemical process similar to rust minus the iron.
However, when aluminum corrodes, it creates a chalky powder that protects it from further corrosion.
To make the material even more resilient, aluminum ornamental fences are treated with a powder coating that protects them from corrosion.
Unlike paint, a powder coating is completely bonded with the metal, which can crack and bubble.
For a powder coating, a dry powder containing pigments, polymer resins, curatives, and other additives is applied to the aluminum surface in electrostatic spray deposition.
The powder transforms into a smooth, hard coating when the aluminum is put in a curing oven.
A powder-treated aluminum fence needs almost no maintenance and is almost entirely impervious to corrosion.
An Environmentally Friendly Option
Besides its valuable qualities, aluminum ornamental fencing is also one of the most environmentally friendly fence materials.
Aluminum is highly recyclable since it does not degrade when melted down and used to create something new.
Aluminum can be recycled many times over without losing any of its qualities.
Your aluminum fence is most likely made from recycled scrap. In the fencing industry, the standard is to use at least 70% recycled material to make new aluminum fencing.
And when your fence is eventually taken down, it will most likely be scrapped and used again for something new.
Ornamental Aluminum Fences from Bravo Fence Company
Bravo Fence Company has been installing custom aluminum ornamental fences for over a decade, with hundreds of satisfied customers.
Our skilled team comprises builders and installers with decades of experience who can make your ornamental fence dreams come true.
Whether you want a traditional wrought iron-look fence or something modern and sleek, we can create an aluminum decorative fence to meet your style and functional goals.
Contact us today for your free estimate.
Conclusion
When homeowners consider a new fence, many can only imagine a classic wood privacy fence or a white picket fence.
However, an aluminum ornamental fence a lesser-known but equally classic and decorative option.
FAQs
How does the cost of aluminum ornamental fencing compare to wrought iron?
Aluminum ornamental fencing is typically around half the cost of wrought iron, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Are there design options for aluminum ornamental fencing besides the classic black metal look?
Yes, aluminum ornamental fencing has various styles, including modern and sleek designs, to suit different home aesthetics.
Can aluminum ornamental fencing be used for both security and aesthetic purposes?
Absolutely. Aluminum ornamental fencing offers both security and an elegant appearance.
Is aluminum ornamental fencing strong enough to deter intruders?
While not as strong as wrought iron, a 6-foot aluminum ornamental fence is difficult to climb and often deters potential intruders.
How does the maintenance of aluminum ornamental fencing compare to wrought iron or steel?
Aluminum ornamental fencing is virtually maintenance-free, as it doesn’t rust like iron or steel and is protected by a durable powder coating.
Is aluminum ornamental fencing environmentally friendly?
Yes, aluminum is highly recyclable, and most aluminum fences are made from recycled material, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Can aluminum ornamental fencing be customized to match the style of my home?
Yes, aluminum ornamental fencing is highly customizable and can be adapted to complement various architectural styles.
What is the typical lifespan of an aluminum ornamental fence?
With proper maintenance, aluminum ornamental fences can last for decades, making them a long-term investment for your home.
