Does Aluminum Fence Cost More?
If you’re considering a metal fence and an aluminum fence is one of the options on your list, you might be wondering if an aluminum fence costs more.
Let’s take a closer look at what an aluminum fence might cost, how it compares to steel fences, and what you can do to keep your costs lower.
Is aluminum Fence Cheaper Than Iron Fence?
The first thing most people want to know when they’re comparing the costs of iron fences and aluminum fences is whether aluminum fences are cheaper than iron fences.
While many people will say yes, that’s actually not true.
That’s because if you are comparing the price panel to panel, you’re probably not taking panel widths into account.
Iron fences, or steel fences as they are also known, are usually sold in 8’ wide panels. aluminum fence panels, on the other hand, are usually sold in 6’ wide panels. There are several reasons for this, but one of the biggest ones is the difference in the strength of steel and aluminum.
Simply put, steel fences can be wider without starting to sag in the middle than aluminum fences.
This means that to get the true price comparison between an aluminum fence and an iron fence or steel fence, you actually need to divide the price per panel by the width of the panel, and when you do that, the materials themselves are very close.
Differences In Aluminum Fence Installation Costs
Another big factor when comparing aluminum fences to iron fences or steel fences is the installation cost of each fence system.
Because aluminum fence panels are usually shorter than a similar fence in steel, your fence posts will have to be installed closer together. That means you will need more labor to dig extra holes, more concrete for fence post bases, and more bolts, nuts, brackets, and other fittings.
Installing a fence post takes longer than hanging a fence panel, so it’s more expensive in terms of labor and materials.
That means that the cost to install an aluminum fence with 6’ wide panels will be higher than the cost to install a steel fence with 8’ wide panels, even if the fence line is identical for both options.
So Does Aluminum Fence Cost More Than Steel?
When you calculate the materials and labor to install an aluminum fence and then a steel fence with the same layout, the cost for similar styles and types of fence will be fairly close for both fence systems.
Usually, the difference between a steel fence or an iron fence and an aluminum fence will be within a couple of percent of each other, so the difference really isn’t that much.
One exception might be on a fence line that is sloped or has lots of corners, where the shorter fence panels typical of aluminum fences might actually be a benefit for the cost of your project.
However, even if you do want an aluminum fence, you should always get a price on both options, preferably from multiple fence companies in your area. It’s always a good idea to have all the information before you make any final decisions.
Lifecycle Costs of Aluminum Fence Versus Iron Fence
The last thing you need to consider when you are comparing the cost of an aluminum fence to a steel fence is the lifecycle cost of each fence.
If you live in a place that has highly corrosive elements in the air, like close to the ocean, a steel fence, even with galvanizing and duplex coating (paint or powder coating) might only last a few years.
On the other hand, an aluminum fence with paint or powder coating might have an anticipated lifespan that could be double that of a steel fence. This means that the cost per year for an aluminum fence, for the duration of its service life, could be much lower than a steel fence or iron fence.
As you can see, there’s no simple answer to the question of whether aluminum fence costs more than steel fence or iron fence, and a lot depends on your site layout, site features, and where the fence is being installed. So, always consider every aspect of your project before you make a final decision.
