Types of Metal Fences
Metal fence systems are certainly popular around the world. You will see metal fences in every city and every country. But unless you’re in the fence business, you might not know just how many metal fence options there are out there.
In this article, we will look at different types of metal that are used for fences, as well as different fence types that are made from metal. But first, let’s look at why people choose metal fences.
The Benefits of Metal Fences
Before we look at all of the different types of metal fences out there, it’s worth understanding why metal fences are so popular. There are many benefits to choosing a metal fence for your home or commercial property, including the following:
- Metal fences don’t rot
- They are fire and chemical resistant
- They’re insect resistant
- Most metal fences are very durable
- Because they last a long time, they tend to have a lower lifetime cost, even if they might cost a little more upfront
- Depending on the type of metal fence, they can be very strong
- They’re harder to cut and damage
These are just a few of the reasons why metal fences are still the number one fence choice in the world – with no sign of slowing down.
Metals Used for Metal Fences
The next thing we need to discuss about metal fences is the types of materials that are used to manufacture them.
Most people are familiar with mild steel fence systems, but they are also available in various other metals, including several types of aluminum and various grades of stainless steel.
All of these different types of metal have different pros and cons, so be sure to consider your project when deciding which one is right for your fence.
Metal Fence Finishes
Choosing the metal for your metal fence is the first step, but you also need to choose the type of finish you want on that fence.
Many mild steel fences are hot dip galvanized, but they can also be metalized or coated with a combination of zinc and aluminum, which is sometimes known as zincalume or Bezinal.
Many fence systems are also color coated. When this is done over galvanizing or another metal coating, it’s known as duplex coating, and it can dramatically extend the corrosion-free lifespan of the fence.
There are several options for color coating too. You could choose factory-applied paint systems or paint the fence yourself. You could also choose powder or PVC coating, which are popular options for many types of fence.
Color coatings not only improve the lifespan of metal fences but they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the fence system.
Types of Metal Fences
The next thing we need to look at is the different types of metal fences that are available. These will vary slightly depending on where in the world you are, so we’ve stuck with broad descriptions of the more popular options.
Chain Link Fence
Chain link fences, also known as diamond mesh fences in some parts of the world, is probably the most prevalent types of metal fence in the world.
This fence ranges in height from 3 or 4 feet to 12 or even 14 feet and can be designed to be used for everything from playgrounds and backyards to prisons and commercial properties.
Chain link fence or diamond mesh fence usually uses a metal fence structure that is clad with the famous woven wire mesh.
Welded wire Mesh Fence
Another mesh fence option is welded wire mesh fencing, and like chain link, this ranges from simple metal fence posts with rolled welded wire mesh to ultra-high security 358 prison mesh fences.
Like chain link fences, welded wire mesh fences are usually installed on a metal structure, but in this case, it is more likely to use different metal components like angle iron posts, flat bar cover strips or even I beam posts.
Welded wire mesh is made by electrically welding wire to create a strong and uniform fabric or panel, and there are a huge variety of aperture sizes, wire diameters and other specification options available.
Ornamental Fence
Ornamental fence is also known as bar fencing in some parts of the world. It is manufactured from steel or aluminum that is usually welded together to create uniform size panels. This type of fence is usually installed on square tubing posts and can be anything from about 4 feet tall to 12 foot high or more.
Ornamental fences are often used for commercial properties and public spaces, where a combination of security and style are required.
Because there are so many ways to manufacture fence systems, you should always read the specification of any ornamental fence or bar fence quote carefully. Pay attention not only to the diameter and size of the components but also the metal wall thickness, which is a primary determinant of the fence strength.
Palisade Fence
Palisade fence is another fence system that is constructed from solid steel or metal components, and it looks very similar.
While palisade panels can also be welded together like ornamental fences, they are also often bolted or even riveted, which allows the panels to be angled to follow slopes.
Palisade fences systems can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including D and W section pales, angle iron pales, angle iron or channel iron horizontal rails, and square tubing or I beam posts.
As with ornamental fences, the thickness of the steel that is used for palisade fence systems is key to the strength and security of the system, so examine specifications carefully before choosing your palisade fence!
Wrought Iron Fence
Wrought iron fence (sometimes incorrectly referred to as rod iron), is an old-fashioned type of fence that is made from solid metal bars, heated in a forge, and shaped by skilled metal workers.
This type of fence is almost always custom-made and is usually considerably more expensive than other kinds of fence. However, because it is handmade from solid steel, it’s beautiful and very durable.
Ornamental fence will give a similar look without the big price tag.
Expanded Metal Fence
Expanded metal fence is another type of fence that is often used for security applications.
This type of fence uses industrial expanded metal sheets that are bolted or welded onto a fence structure or frame. It comes in a variety of finishes, and the thickness of the metal, aperture size, and other features are all adjustable to your needs.
Solid Metal Panel Fences
As the demand for privacy fences has grown, so has the popularity of solid metal panel fences.
These fences usually have steel posts and are clad with materials that are very similar to what would be used for metal roofing.
Solid metal panel fences are available in various profiles and in many different finishes and colors, and it’s a good alternative to vinyl fences or wood fences.
Many Other Options
In addition to the metal fences we’ve already mentioned here, there are many other kinds of metal fences out there, from custom welded systems to razor mesh and wire and everything in between.
Choosing the Right Metal Fence
As you can imagine, with so many metal fence options out there, choosing the right one for your project can be a little tricky.
Spend some time thinking about your design needs, security requirements, and budget, and then speak to some local fence pros to ask for quotes and proposals that meet those requirements.
Keep an open mind and remember to always ask questions and read specifications carefully. You should also consider the warranty on the materials you choose for your metal fence and look for something that is easy to maintain and repair – and that you can get replacement parts for if necessary.
