Aluminum costs less than iron, so if you're on a budget and like a low-maintenance lifestyle, it may be a better fit. But if you need a strong fence for frequent use and cost is not a problem, go with wrought iron.
When comparing the prices, Aluminium is more expensive than Iron. This is because extraction of Aluminium from its ore is quite expensive than extraction of Iron from its ore. However, Aluminium is the most abundant metal available in the earth. Aluminium is a better conductor of electricity than Iron.
When it comes to durability, however, wrought iron definitely has aluminum beat. Wrought iron is much stronger than aluminum, which reduces damage. Even though an aluminum fence won't rust, scratches and dents can make it lose its beauty. Similarly, thanks to its durability, wrought iron lasts longer than aluminum.
Aluminum or Steel Fence CostsThe national average to install an aluminum or steel fence is about $3,861. Most homeowners pay between $2,203 and $5,585, with high-end expenses reaching up to $8,000. Average material costs fall between $7 to $32 per foot, while labor averages $15 to $40 per foot.
WROUGHT IRON FENCINGIt requires little maintenance and works well for creative, decorative designs. Due to its extreme strength and resilience, you can expect wrought iron to last for many years to come. Tremendously hard to break, it makes an excellent security fence for those seeking a high level of protection.
Aluminum fences are not made with iron or steel, so they do not rust in the traditional sense of the word. Moisture or wetness does cause a reaction in aluminum, but this reaction is not as detrimental to the metal as rust is to iron or steel.
The benefits of steel fencing by far outweigh aluminium because of the strength and security it offers that aluminium can't. Steel fencing is super durable and provides a long lasting barrier that offers maximum security for your property.
Aluminum fences have both pros and cons in our area. On the one hand, it's extremely sturdy– you won't have to worry about high winds blowing over your wrought-iron fence during a storm. On the other hand, after sitting in the heat of the day for several hours, the material does become hot enough to burn if touched.
Aluminum fencing is cheaper than materials like steel or wrought iron. Think about it this way: You won't have to pay for professional cleaning or repair, and you can also install aluminum fencing yourself without having to pay a professional.
Aluminum is the perfect fence material of choice for dog lovers. It is a durable material that can hold up even in the worst weather. The durability of aluminum also means that, unlike with a wooden or wire fence, your dog won't be able to easily dig their way underneath it.
It is easy to install the fence panels to posts. For level runs, you usually have pre-punched posts, and we include self-tapping screws to make the connections. At the end of a run, you may have to trim a panel down to fit. It's easy to do this with a hacksaw or electric saw.
Price. Aluminum fencing materials are cheaper than iron and vinyl. Like vinyl, the initial costs are higher than wood. The typical cost of building an aluminum fence is around $3,700.
Verdict: Is Aluminum Fencing Cheaper Than Wood? Overall, aluminum fence costs vs.wood, long term, are about equal. Indeed, maintenance costs for wood can make the long-term cost up to 40% higher!
Aluminum fence can be cut down to fit into almost any dimension you need. Thankfully, your aluminum fence section can be trimmed down with a hacksaw (or any metal blade saw) to just about any width needed.
One way to make your aluminum fence more private is to install shrubs that will grow tall and dense along the edge of your aluminum fence. Once the shrubs are planted, you'll need to water them regularly until they're fully established, and then they should need less supplemental watering to survive.
Disadvantages
- Can create a mess! Aluminium fabrication isn't for the faint-hearted, as using low melting heat and melting process means that aluminium does tend to create a mess as it can build up in the wheels during the grinding process.
- Sensitive to heat.
- The conductor of heat and electricity.
Aluminum fence installation labor is usually charged by the foot. The labor prices range from $15 to $40 per foot, depending on where you live. The national average cost for installing an aluminum fence ranges between $3,000 to $8,500, with most homeowners spending around $7,150 for a 100-foot fence.
Masonry wall fencing is the most durable fence material. This includes brick, concrete, stone, block, and even stucco. It's known for its longevity and can last over 100 years without any issues.
Residential Aluminum FenceA residential fence is typical for around a home or a light commercial property. This grade of fence can support 350 lbs of pressure on the top horizontal rail.
A fence itself does not add as much value to the home when compared to material and construction costs. It will enhance the value of the home only if there is a true need for such an outdoor structure.
Cedar, teak and redwood are popular fencing material types for their durable and long-lasting properties. Bamboo fencing has become an eco-trend option since it grows so fast. You can also look into pressure-treated woods to increase durability and resistance to rot and bugs.
Though yard fencing can be expensive, we've rounded up some cheap fence ideas to fit nearly any budget.
- Concrete fencing.
- Barbed wire.
- Recycle leftovers.
- Living fences.
- Lattice fencing.
- Hog wire.
- Wattle fencing.
- Chicken wire. A chicken wire garden fence is likely the best-known affordable fencing.
When it comes to fences, wood is less expensive than vinyl, but of course entails far more maintenance and upkeep. Treated pine tends to be the most affordable, and also durable wood option. Cedar tends to be a pricier wood for fencing, and redwood and teak at the top end.
How long do they last? Protect the finish and you can get 20 years or more from hollow steel. A solid-steel, cast-iron, or tubular-aluminum fence can last a lifetime.
Call Before You DigMost fence posts need to have one third of their height underground; gate posts on aluminum fences should be a minimum of 30 inches deep. You don't want to run the risk of hitting pipes or wires underground, so always make this one important call—cannot stress it enough!
Cost of Materials
| MATERIALS | AVERAGE COST *per item | APPROXIMATE TOTAL COST |
|---|
| Aluminum gate posts | $54 | $108 |
| Aluminum fence panels | $119 | $2,975 |
| Aluminum gate | $291 | |
| Gravel | $400 for large bag | |
