Take a stroll along any residential street and you’re almost certain to see a number of different types of metal fences. Steel palisade fencing is probably the most common type of metal fencing. You know, the type with the spikey points on the top? You’ll usually find this type of fencing around commercial properties and schools.

The first thing to think about when it comes to metal fencing is the cost. This is naturally a factor in any decision. While it is true that metal fencing can be expensive, it is also true that it can last for a very long time. This means that the overall cost per year is favourable. Timber fencing, on the other hand, needs to be replaced every few years. This can get expensive. Additionally, it is important to hire professionals for the job. This can be expensive as well. This ensures that the job is done well and that the fence will last for a very long time.

The maintenance requirements also vary depending on the material. Galvanised steel requires almost no maintenance, whereas painted ones require touching up when chips appear. Aluminium is superbly low maintenance, requiring only an occasional washing with soapy water. Old wrought iron requires the most maintenance, with frequent checks for rusting, which requires painting every 10 years or so.

Making the Right Choice

You need to think seriously about your basic needs and what you want from your fence. Do you want security to be your top priority? How about aesthetics? Maybe you need privacy, or perhaps you want the fence to be low maintenance? These are the factors that will help you make the right choice regarding the type of metal fencing you need.

Also, you need to consider the style of your property. Maybe you have a modern home and want to match your aluminium or powder-coated steel fence with the style of your home. Perhaps you have an older home and would like to incorporate the traditional look of wrought iron into your fence design. What’s the point of having a fence that functions well but doesn’t look right for your property?

Another factor to consider is the local planning restrictions that may affect your front boundary fence, which is subject to height restrictions, and the style of fence that you can have if you have a listed property. A simple query to your local planning office can prevent a great deal of trouble later on.

The Bottom Line

Metal fencing is not the most fascinating subject in the world, but like many things, getting the right choice the first time can save you a great deal of trouble later on. Once you’ve made the right choice, you can expect to forget all about your fence, apart from perhaps hearing your neighbours comment on what a great job you’ve done and how well the fence is holding up to the weather. So choosing the right one id crucial from the off.